I Stopped and You Should To

[@KM4ACK]

Checklist App - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWqzeXRur85lfbs Tool Kit - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH24Y2ugh7mVopI Mesh Zipper Pouch - amzn.to/49ngScm BUBM Organizer - amzn.to/41peuj8 Maxpedition Pouches - amzn.to/3B3x1ai Mega 1 Power Station - amzn.to/3OC5sYL Peak Design Sling - amzn.to/3CZYWZ8

[@dougbas3980]

This s the best approach I have seen. I will be doing this. So, time to empty my go bags and sort into category bags. Thank you very much. Stuff like this is why I am a Patreon supporter.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I learned the modular approach when I was in the military. Works great!

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks

[@verdexj160]

I found out you need more stuff than can fit in a little bag. This modular approach is good.

[@danaborgman8526]

Very clever! I like this idea. It makes a lot of sense.

[@hallen4094]

Great advice there.... dont duplicate but do overlap / integrate. That is dont duplicate unless really necessary i.e your gonna NEED a spare of something maybe a consumable item like insulation tape / spare sharpie etc..... great content as always

[@thebnbaldwin]

I have done similar. Master checklist for off grid camping. Go bag for each radio with a checklist for each radio on a spreadsheet (ic705, FT817, FT857, (duplicates of digirig, etc. in each), with options at the bottom for antenna masts, solar, etc. I have a bag for wire & connectors, and a Milwaukee Packout for test equipment, another Packout for RF connectors. Plastic "shoeboxes" for DC adapters, etc., another for all the USB stuff. I always carry a small "get home" comms+ bag and IFAK in the truck. A 72 hour bug out bag with checklist is at the ready in the house, along with small lightweight shelter, sleeping bag and mini cookware. It works for me.

[@Indigenous_Patriot_1175]

would love to a video series on your various kits. GREAT video Jason!

[@ralphnunn3]

Man, there are some fabulous ideas! I've always struggled with how to handle my go kit. THIS just might be the answer. Thanks for the video Jason!

[@c.k.hanson]

Great go bag set up. Tested mine by carrying it to the driveway and attempting a POTA hunt. North Face Base Camp Duffle - XSmall - opens at the top, heavy duty zippers, adds water resistance. But - the "solution's kit" is genius, but added my digirig/HT setup for winlink.

[@Steven_VE9SY]

I have a basic HF kit and a VHF/UHF kit along with a tool bag. That has adapters, coax, and assorted ends, USB cables and converters, soldering iron (USB/PD). Then I have other kits with whatever. Tablet. And from there I make use of your list generator. My Mac book pro running Mint, And a USB stick with Ventoy and several persistent volumes with other Linux flavors. One is Zorin OS and I use that when I need to program a radio that I need a Windows only program for. It works quite well installing windows programs easily ( most of the time anyway )!

[@davejackson5969]

As always, awesome content Jason. Been heading in this direction since your first “stop the go bag” post. Please do a part 2 on this regarding the same modular approach and ordering of your antenna resources. Thanks for sharing your ideas and lessons learned my friend.

[@BeeHamGuy]

Something I noticed is how most of your bags look different. That is probably a big help, too, when assembling your trip kit. I'm wondering if a photographer backpack, configured to hold these little bags, would be a good way to pack them. Thanks as always for the helpful videos!

[@KM4ACK]

Photographer's backpack? Been down that road :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4Gadap4hp6ie7cfeature=shared

[@pilotguyo540]

I wish I was 1/10th as organized as you are.

[@chrissewell1608]

I love a good check list!

[@thequarantinecatholic]

Me too, I have check lists for all my "modular gear" such a reality check!!!!!!!!

[@ConsolidatedPBY]

I come here for this man's enunciation.

[@macnottsuk]

A go-bag is a portable kit containing essential items you might need in an emergency situation where you have to evacuate quickly. It's designed to provide you with basic necessities for a short period, typically 72 hours.

[@bpsengineer_AC7PB]

A budget friendly alternative is to use gallon and quart ziplock bags to group or kit gear and parts. The gallon bags also work great to keep coax coils from intertwining. I like that I can view the contents without opening. (No criticism of the video intended. Just sharing my personal approach)

[@gfodale]

I'm building for EmComm, so I'm building a 'go truck'. :) Still building the bows for the bed cover. It'll be similar to the cover for a deuce and a half, but for my pickup truck. Still high enough to stand in when it's done. It will work for EmComm, or simple POTA. I keep a manifest to check before deploying, as I'm prone to brain farts at this point. It's still a year off before being done. I'm old and slow, but keep chugging along. Backpacking and probably SOTA are not an option anymore. I've already built the main power box for solar, and have the first battery in it. Charge controller is due in today. (I messed up the first one, mounting it on the lid, then the lid slammed shut in the wind.) I have a small crane for loading the generator, as well as the solar battery box once it's loaded with batteries and controller, etc. 3 to 4 batteries will be in the box, at 100 Amp Hour each. More later as I get further along.

[@behindthespotlight7983]

Modular is the way to go. From different bags or crates in a vehicle all the way down to cross loading tools and calories into each pocket of one’s clothing. The only arena when modular does not work is on a specific mission oriented task. When embarking on a 3 day recon or a rescue/SAR mission or a hunt stagger gear from ruck to a fanny pack or chest rig, to a battle belt and all the way down to a mini PSK carried in a securely fastened pocket on one’s person. It is this philosophy/mindset that’s always repelled me away from the INCH (I’m Never Coming Home) bag. It’s impractical to hump a 90 pound , 100 liter pack and it’s a great way to suffer everything from chaffing to blisters to a rolled/twisted ankle or worse.

[@DeputatKaktus]

Been going modular for years now. It is THE way to go. Before I had everything tossed into a backpack or messenger bag. And when looking for something (especially in a hurry), you always upend the pack eventually and dig through a pile of equipment and random junk like old receipts, loose change, candy wrappers, that book you’ve been looking for, etc. and then you pack everything back up. No structure here. Two ways I addressed this: One, limit yourself to the smallest bag you can get away with. Not so small that you need to cram and squeeze everything inside but small enough that you can load it comfortably. But no bigger. The more room you have, the quicker it gets filled with random junk. I used to use Messenger bags, but that wreaked havoc on my back and shoulders. YMMV. Two, use modules like here. I use those small food containers for some stuff, or Peli micro cases which has the benefit of being waterproof. Also, I use a relatively small pack, in my case the Hazard4 Plan C. There is just about enough room in there for my normal stuff and it doesn’t get too heavy.

[@goombakiwi]

After Grindstone Ministries had an immediate call for amatuer radio operators; i was convicted to send an application. With the potential that i may be accepted and could fly out within days, i scrambled to assemble what i felt i would need to operate. It revealed that i was not organized. I didn't end up going as a radio operator(they brought in AmRRon and i would attach with Aerial Recovery). I'm not looking for a "perfect" go bag, just something that makes me better at being ready to... "go".

[@off-trailseeking3965]

I have been using modular bags for a long time and some good pointers here! I was waiting to hear more about the Oupes power storage unit and what you use it for.

[@KM4ACK]

So far the Oupes has been used to power the coffee maker during a recent outing. 😂 Honestly I see more use for it RVing versus radio though I am sure there will be some radio use mixed in occasionally.

[@AG4KN]

Its always a balance between "wants" and "needs".

[@LarryTaylor-l5m]

I stopped GoBags and boxes. I built a Go Jeep. I took out the back seat of my 4-door JK and built a custom, slide in, system with pullout drawers and an operating table. Everything is always in the Jeep. If I can’t get all the way to the operating site with the Jeep (very rare), I have a sling bag with me that I can use to gather the items I’ll need right at the trailhead. I am always ready for anything, QRP to QRO.

[@KM4ACK]

Nice setup!

[@JBryant1981]

I agree that a modular approach for certain activities is the best approach. Ham radio and camping are two activities that require a modular approach. The equipment you take with you when driving up to a spot to set up is going to be different than the equipment you take if you have to walk to the spot you will be setting up.

[@3vil3lvis]

I'm convinced KZbinrs have given up patting waitresses behinds and now practice patting bags for the first 15 minutes of any video as a precoital ritual to penetrating the kit. Next time you watch a gear video, drink every time the bag gets a pat.

[@ragheadand420roll]

The waitess s r not worth patting anymore. And theyre usu dudes. 😂 ✌️

[@nw42]

⁠​⁠@@ragheadand420roll You must spend a lot of time thinking about patting dudes.

[@WG5Xradio]

Jason, where did you get the little patches on the tool bags made? Thanks. Also, hope to see you at Hamcation. It will be my first time.

[@KM4ACK]

km4ack.square.site/shop/morale-patches/3?page=1&limit=30&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc

[@KD0MMF]

Love the Checklist Generator! Great idea, can we buy it for iphone?

[@KM4ACK]

It only runs on Linux

[@2e0wmghamradioandkayaking85]

Great video Jason. I operate 100% portable or mobile and my set up varies, different locations, rigs, antennas and battery depending on what I want to do. How far I am walking, cycling, kayaking etc, sometimes weight is important, sometimes space and sometimes both, sometimes neither. I like to keep things neat and tidy so I understand the appeal of a go box but see some that are massively over engineered with lots of built in redundancy turning a lightweight small radio set up into one massive box that would give me a hernia if I lifted it. Each to their own of course and that might suit those that always use the same set up and who walk 15 feet from their car to a picnic bench to do a POTA so I am not knocking it, but it’s not versatile enough for my MO. I share your approach and it works for me also. Subbed👍 73 Kevan 2E0WMG

[@slik560]

Great planning. Common sense prevails!!! 👍

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

I have a few go bags, but they aren't for me. Instead they are minimalist HT kits intended to be passed out to other, less prepared, operators or to quickly get those in my network on the same channels (useful for friends and family during emergencies). I can simply hand out a kit that has an HT, quick start guide, reference materials, batteries, chargers and other essential accessories rather than digging through my spare gear for what they may need.

[@KM4ACK]

You described what I call the "Community Module" kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWXdZa2oqcl2q5o

[@devinhedge]

I watched the pair of videos you made on this topic in reverse order: get out of trouble kit, this video. I had adopted the modular approach long ago as well, probably as a result of long-distance, wilderness backpacking, section hiking long trails (AT, PCT, AZT, etc.). The thing I haven't been able to land on yet is "what do I carry these kits in?" I have a small bag for POTA that the POTA modules go into, but I don't have a "one bag" that lets me swap modules (I call them kits). Do you have any recommendations for a vehicle-based "one bag"?

[@KM4ACK]

I was once an avid backpacker as well so I know what a quality, well designed, backpack looks like. Every backpack I've seen marketed toward hams is rubbish in one form or another. Either really poor/no waist belt or missing key components such as load stabilizing straps. I have one bag by Vanquest that I like excluding the fact it's heavy. store.vanquest.com/products/ibex-26-backpack/ MysteryRanch also has a few backpacks that might work for you. If you don't think you will carry it that far, check out the Explorer Backpack at GigaParts. Note that the strap padding isn't great and it doesn't have a waist belt. On a good note, they have lots of compatible modules for the bag.

[@MarkSpohr]

Great information!

[@DannyNF4J]

@KM4ACK, Hey Jason - What hardware are you using for your WIFI Router? Thanks!! Danny NF4J

[@KM4ACK]

amzn.to/3ZRMfsg Not the exact model but close. The exact model has been superseded by new models. (affiliate link)

[@DannyNF4J]

@, Thanks Brother - Much Appreciated!! Danny NF4J

[@AdamSWL]

Looks like your wife is also a great organizer. I bet you waited until she was out before setting up more equipment 😉 And it is so hard to stick to one particular setup for portable gear.

[@sarahmayfield5135]

Your mouth says “all business”. Your background screams “cookies!”

[@DrFredism]

Ill tell you gentleman this my wife is surprised and disappointed when I dont have the equipment to McGyver us out of any situation.

[@heiser_bill]

You referred a few times to “things I need on a day-to-day basis”, and that included radio(s). I’m curious how you use your radios day to day. I’ve been a ham for a little over a year and don’t use it very much. Aside from a handful of local club events each year, and speaking a few words to check into local nets each week, I don’t find a real use for the radios. Contesting and even rag chewing on HF can be fun but they’re way too time-consuming for anyone that has multiple other things to do. I have an HT and GMRS radio in a little bag in my truck but they haven’t been out of the bag in at least a couple months since I put them there. How do you use your radio stuff on a day to day basis? Anyway thanks for sharing this - I like your modular approach. As a Program and Project Manager I appreciate the organization. :-)

[@thedoobie1]

@KM4ACK future video idea?

[@KM4ACK]

I'll use various radios to communicate with friends in the area, check winlink, and use APRS. Sometimes it's a mobile, sometimes it's an HT. During inclement weather, the VX6 becomes my weather radio. My day job requires a lot of outside time during the spring. In the southeast, the VX6 is essential for early alerts of severe thunderstorms or tornado warnings. Because it lacks SAME (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_Area_Message_Encoding) technology, I usually get earlier warnings on the radio than on my phone. The small kit is designed to be easy enough to carry and not take up much room in my bag nor weigh enough that I don't want to grab it.

[@heiser_bill]

@ Thanks for sharing!

[@JBryant1981]

I use my radios almost daily. I will get on the local repeaters during my commute to and from work or when out running errands and chat with whomever is monitoring and willing to talk when I toss out my callsign. When doing anything outdoors on my property I will have my HT next to me, unless I am mowing the lawn. For the most part repeaters exist so that local hams can have conversations without worrying about the limitations their equipment might have on simplex. For example I am a mile and a half from my local repeater. I can use a handheld to have conversations with other hams 30 miles from my house over the repeater, but with that same handheld I can't talk to someone who is 6 miles away while using simplex. If your local repeaters are quiet start putting your call out on them once a day to try and get more traffic on them than the weekly nets.

[@JohnTarbox]

I love what you are doing - right on! Please keep refining this system as every ham can benefit from adopting it. A couple of thoughts: 1) The adapter pouch: For miscellaneous pouches like this, I would make a list of the contents and keep it in the pouch. That way, you can do a quick check, such as 13 items on the list- check, 13 items in the pouch. This helps if you loan someone an adapter in the field, but it doesn't get put back in the bag for some reason. 2) Many times either/or pouches can be helpful: for example, a winter pouch or a summer pouch - generally, you would not need to take both. In the case of an HF antenna pouch, a pouch for the desert (no trees) would need different contents for a pouch where you were planning on shooting a wire over a tree. DE WA1KLI

[@KM4ACK]

1. Don't loan out your gear 😂 All kidding aside, #1 is a fabulous idea!! You will likely see it in a future video.

[@BearIndependent]

We’ve got to get you an IFAK from Refuge Medical for your med module…

[@garyneville2495]

😆 bear speaks we listen!

[@KM4ACK]

If that's an offer.....I accept! :-)

[@caroleemoreno8086]

I never leave my house, I don't need a go-bag. LOL. JK, I have one. I take it camping.

[@prokidsco]

Really good

[@slick8086]

Respectfully I disagree that any of the stuff you describe could replace a "Go Bag." To me a "Go Bag" is about emergency preparedness. I hope I never have to use it. Commo is part of it but it is about being able to evacuate an area and have the things I need. And by evacuate, I mean leave and not know when or if I am going to come back. For instance, yesterday there was an earthquake in California, and the NWS issued a tsunami warning. I live inland so the warning didn't apply to me, but I have friends and family that were in the warning area. They might have needed to evacuate. The south east of the US people have recently had this experience, and I think having dedicated emergency preparedness probably helped a bunch of people. My go bag has some of every "module" in your video, but its entire purpose is to stand ready, in reserve, in case of an emergency evacuation. I don't go into it to get something to do a task around the house. I don't take it with me camping (I take all my camping gear that does the same thing). Yes, there is some redundancy, but to me, it is worth it to maintain that level of emergency preparedness. That said your modular setup is great and useful, and probably saves lots of time!

[@KM4ACK]

Can't argue your logic. If that works for you, rock it. I have a predefined list if I need to get out the door in a hurry. Takes less than 10 minutes to assemble the backpack. Organization is another key component of operating on the modular approach. My backup is HF+2M/440 in the vehicles.

[@behindthespotlight7983]

One’s life support must also be tailored as to whether rule of law is being maintained at all. Partially maintained. Fallen apart completely. Slightly more dangerous: fallen apart completely but there are nuclei of the former LEO agencies who are still operating road closures, random searches et al. Or THE most dangerous; every man for himself while former first responders are forming up their own quasi-gang looting machines. Or the exact same problem with disbanded military

[@josephatnip2398]

I don't have a go bag I live in the backwoods I have a get home bag in my truck

[@Boneless_McGee]

Jeezus ..... 🤦 I thought this was going to be a concept demonstration about switching warmer gear into your Bugout system when cold weather comes around, taking out the bug spray and sunblock, switching in thicker blankets, etc.

[@angelscomputers]

You must be retired my friend to have so much time to create so much organization. The time I have is to just to throw everything on a bag haha

[@bill-2018]

I take what I need and no more. FT817, coax, mic, key, battery and lead, pen and paper, watch, aerial and tuner, SWR meter, and not forgetting myself. Why do you want a laptop? I take a pen and paper. I only have a motorbike and rucksack so very limited what I can take. Or I get on a bus and/or train, still limited what I can take. I've no room for tools and never needed any. Wi-Fi? Why? I can't take a load of cables. Coax adapters? I take what I need. It seems to me that's a lot of unnecessary stuff. G4GHB.

[@KM4ACK]

Laptop for JS8Call, FLDIGI, and Winlink.

[@bill-2018]

@@KM4ACK Why?

[@truckinguy92]

I’ve learned I have no use for any digital mode which has allowed me to leave an awful lot of junk at home. Cables, USB interface, a rather large laptop. Real hams pick up a mic or CW key, not let a computer make all of their contacts!

[@KM4ACK]

The computer is more for moving data instead of making contacts. We recently sent a CSV file containing 104 lines of entry over the air (VHF) in under 2 minutes. Something that is impossible to do in the same time with voice or CW. This data pertained to a local event that our club supports each year.

[@FranklySpeaking73]

All-or-nothing approach is rarely intelligent. Why are you so surprised? 😂😂😂😂

[@rrt08]

His wife let him mess up the kitchen!?

[@stitch94133]

It's "too"

[@johnlew5972]

I stopped building............ ham radio................. go bags

[@g4joe]

I never started. Didn't "GO" any where. 😄🇬🇧

[@tonsofguns850]

camera kit in a go bag. ok lol

[@johnorrells3797]

I could never see the point of go boxes, fitting so much weight into a small volume, making it difficult to lift.

[@Desert-edDave]

Wealthy LARPers are always amusing albeit a bit sad.

[@DEKINDY6065]

It is too bad that hams don't take advantage of that new invention called the wheel. I never considered a go kit that was not on wheels, you know, to negate the weight thing. Duh!

[@jargero8203]

Response based from Thumbnail title: dont tell others how to freedom... Pls and Thank you 😊

[@sean-sk]

This is the solution I have been looking for but didn't know it. My go bag is always missing something and not reliably organized. Thanks for sharing. kq4gdm