AZ Preparedness Discussion

Always be prepared! With much talk on other threads, I figured I’d create a new one so folks can highlight how you’re preparing your Tacos for whatever may come your way. To include but not limited to medical supplies and trauma kits, survival gear, tools and parts, EDC, specialty items, etc.

 

My taco is woefully unprepared. Most of my stuff is in storage, including my ifak, BLS, and gigantic 5.11 bag with oxygen etc.

Currently my taco has hand tools, ratchet straps and napkins.

 

Awesome thread idea!

Let's go ahead and start with fire extinguishers because I have a little bit of knowledge to share here. I'll have to defer to others on the first aid.

First off, if you don't know how to use one google it! There's plenty of videos out there and it is very simple. Aim at the base of the fire, sweep back and forth.

Generally speaking, you always want an ABC extinguisher to cover your bases. Luckily this is what a lot of places sell anyways.
A BC is better than nothing, especially for cars and trucks, but keep in mind that here in AZ you might find yourself in a situation where you can stop a small brush fire from getting out of hand. In which case, BC isn't rated for that.
I can't say I have a lot of experience with "Purple K" extinguishers, but supposedly they are much better at halting any sort of petroleum fire. Be aware they are only BC though.
Never go to questionably cheap brands, but fortunately even the good brands aren't going to hit your wallet too hard.
A

$24 First Alert Auto5 Car Fire Extinguisher, FESA5, UL RATED 5-B:C, Red, 1-Pack

First Alert Auto5 is like 20 bucks, and is a small BC that can save your ass. It isn't rechargeable though.
A 2.5lb extinguisher is probably the optimal size, not enough to really get in your way but enough to save a bad situation from going worse. They've got about 10 seconds of charge in them.

Be aware that the powder in the extinguisher can also irritate the shit out of your eyes and nose.
If the fire is really out of hand (where 10 seconds of shooting isn't gonna cut it) just get people to a safe distance and upwind of the fire.

Mounting:
ALWAYS mount it to something, don't let it go flying around in an accident.
Mount it horizontal and change it sooner than you would the one in your house. (You DO have one in your house, right?? If not, get one!!)
Probably a good idea to take it off it's mount every oil change and tap it against something- the powder compacts down in a vehicle from the vibration.
I have never heard of one popping in a hot car but probably best to mount it out of sunlight regardless.
Bed mounts look cool but are ultimately very limited because you'd have to climb in the bed to use it.
Think about needing to grab it at a moment's notice. Heaven forbid, think about needing to grab it from the driver's seat because you have no other options. This is why I usually say front of driver's seat or front of passenger's seat.


Now, finally- anybody wanna start up a group buy for Tacoma seat rail extinguisher mounts? I'm sure we have some local fab person with access to CNC and a press brake.

 

Currently a first aid kit in glove box, tool set and jumper cables behind rear seat. When I go out wheeling, pistol on door panel and I throw a shovel and a floor jack in a case with 18" breaker bar and socket that fit the lugs better, in the bed. Also a CB in the door panel.

 

I could do a rough fab of a mount that attaches to the front of the seat mounts. I don’t think feet would interfere with it if it’s directly in front of the seat rail. I know some second gen guys used mounts for land cruisers that worked well.

 

I'm not in az, but I can offer a few ideas. Always carry drinking water, a few mre's or mountain house. Just use the food stuff or donate to homeless guys on corners at end of the year. Flashlight with spare batteries. Ifak, fire extinguisher, jumper box., tools, etc. More to come as I think what's in my truck..lol

 

Oh a big one...a pair of broke in shoes in case you gotta hoof it home..worth the space they take..trust me.

 

I’ll post pics when I have it finished but working on installing the rear bumper and a bed drawer system this weekend. Figure the drawers will provide good storage and organization for things that I don’t need quick access to. Also keeps gear hidden from thieves and out of direct sunlight. Something basic and simple like this, secured with turnbuckles on the bed tie downs.

 

Not ideal by any means but it is a start. Currently just toss my backpacking kit in the ride when I go anywhere. Contains basic first aid supplies, sam splint, emergency blanket that can be used to create a shelter. Paracord, firestarter and fire source water proof matches, headlamp, bandana, a buff, and knife. Usually wear my hiking shoes when going wheeling too just in case. Once I start hiking again and reactivate it my garmin in reach will always be with me in the backcountry too. Things that are always left in the truck, flashlight, extra gloves 2 pair, hatchet, TP, air compressor, recovery strap and hitch.

 

I want in on the group buy

 

How do you like the garmin inreach? I’m thinking of picking one up here soon. I’ve only heard great things about them.

 

I really like it, it was a big help when I was out on the AZT before my ankle went out. I was able to message family and check in where there was no cell service. Thankfully when my ankle went out I was in an area I could self rescue and limp out 1.5 miles to safety. Had I been in a worse spot it was very calming knowing that if things really went downhill I had the oh shit button at my disposal. My only knock is if it had better mapping and route planning functionality like a regular Garmin GPS, but if they did that then they could not sell you multiple devices lol

 

Nice! I think you just sold me on it. I’m planning on doing some of the AZT soon, GC rim to rim in the fall, and Mt Whitney next year. This seems like a no brainer to have. I may just wait until REI has a 20% off sale or when cabelas has their deals. I’m always down for a good hike too. Trying to train for the 62 mile 1 day hike in DC next year and need to get off my butt.

 

The ACR ResQLink calls in the military to bail you out in an SOS.

 

We are planning another Rim to Rim this fall too! We did not score permits for May so hopefully will luck out for fall. It's an awesome hike, we started at the North Rim last year. Enjoy!

 

It's definitely a good idea to be prepared for anything. That's why I keep a go bag with water, snacks, a change of clothes, toys, wipes, and diapers. It really sucks having to smell your boys poopy diaper when driving around town.

Just in case of the unexpected, I keep a surefire light and Kershaw multi tool in my driver side door. There's a few ratchet straps and bungee cords under the back seat too.

 

fire extinguisher: which is the driver's compartment suggested unit?

i'm thinking 2 1/2# size for starters.

thanks

 

I would think a 2.5 lb as well. I’m trying to work on a rough fab for a mount to get dimensions. Then I’ll bring it to someone who actually knows how to fab lol

 

I'm surprised no one has suggested a small spool of baling wire and a pliers. You can McGyver lots of things with this.

+1 on the inReach Garmin, a real butt saver. I know the Forest Service / BLM people use them around us.

 

Anybody used water filtration devices here with any results? I’ve always just used tablets and boiling, but curious if anyone carries a filter on them for extended backcountry trips.