Carrying the Load

[Ryder]

Much has been discussed about BOB weight and trimming weight from it.

What about tackling the problem from a different angle. Learn from our enemies. The Vietcong used bicycles to transport supplies and equipment down the Ho Chi Minh trail very effectively.

Anyone consider using a bike to transport your pack and other gear this way? I've got a $100 Wally world special that I'm considering modifying to carry some gear. I'm thinking 2 five gallon water cans along with a minimalist pack with other comfort gear strapped to the bike(tent, sleeping bag ect.).

[Goldenspurholderx2]

It's a good idea. Some have kicked around the idea of using a lawn cart to help them with the supply load. Once I get some land and get established I would like to look into some horses, it would be an easy sell for the wife and if all else failed I'd at least have some fresh meat for a while.

[archy]

It's a good idea. Some have kicked around the idea of using a lawn cart to help them with the supply load.


The Swiss military developed the idea a good bit further. Remember that in the event of invasion, they planned on blowing as many of their bridges and mountain passes as possible, though the roads connecting them might still be usable. Accordingly, bicycles and wheeled carts were a reasonable solution to many of their problems.

At circa $400, the Swiss carts might not be all that bad a deal, and certainly are better built than most lawn 'n garden rollaways.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=259512

[SwampFox320]

I had been wondering but kinda nervous about asking on kinda it being a stupid question but I was going to ask about horses and their usefulness. I've been TRYING to train my Siberian Husky to pull a cart (not for SHTF stuff, just cause he likes it but he's still got a lot of puppy in him and likes to go off course) but I was thinking why couldn't animals be used in a bug out situation? I know they might be another mouth to feed so to speak but could they be worth it? If I could get Beowulf (that's the dog's name btw) to pull and listen to commands, I think he could be useful in a bug out on foot.

Horses would be the ultimate, I'm guessing, useful form of transportation. Could use them for a lot of useful things I'm guessing and again I'm guessing, if you have them at your retreat. At least you don't have to worry about gas I guess.

Jason

[Dr. X]

Horses would be the ultimate, I'm guessing, useful form of transportation...

I agree, as long as a man could feed them. A working dog is a good idea as well. Indians frequently used dog-hauled travois in their migrations. Annnnnd...uh, if worse ever come to worse, well, a man can't eat a bicycle! :eek: :D

as ever,
Dr. X

[SwampFox320]

Hahahaha! And can't make a nice fur coat from one either... dang... now I feel bad... dang you X... lol

Jason

[Bidah]

I suppose that I could train my goats to pull carts (a lot of people do). Eating them isn't a problem, and they give milk if you are inclined. They can also eat darn near anything out there, so food isn't much of a problem. Heck, one of the bucks is near 250 pounds, so I am pretty sure he could haul a bit..

-Bidah

[Ryder]

A dog would be good if it had some good training. Would be an exelent companion during a bug out.

Problem is with horses, you gotta be a full time horse person. They require alot of constant care and upkeep. I'll be the first to admit, I dont have the time or space to take care of a horse.

[FN74]

Bicycles can be excellent for use as a portage vehicle. Tie two together with about 2 feet between them with several rigid poles, and one person can carry 150+ lbs 10-15 miles per day easy. Just strap the packs to the bike, and use it like a large wagon. Less weight, larger wheels make it easier to move over rough terrain too.

[witchdoctor]

Nothing says prepared like a self-reproducing mode of transportation!!! Horses are the best way to go. I have been wanting to take some riding classes and learn some more about horses. I have rode a few times before, but I do not know a ton about them. Even if you can acquire horses from a predetermined location, that would be a plus. For us suburbanites I am seriously thinking about a bicycle to keep here at my apartment. I can throw it in the Avalanche and take off along wit all my other gear. But like anything, you have to practice riding!!!