Mythbuster Bug Out Bag (sort of)

[TiminMishawaka]

Adam Savage put together a mock up of Jason Bourne's bug out bag. Kind of interesting what they have in there. Hadn't occurred to me that some Canadian dollars and Euros may not be a bad idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQbbtnTz1KE

 

[Dragon]

Why would foreign currency be a good idea on American soil? His was geared toward use in other countries where that currency could serve as tender and credibility. Here, none of which will apply.

 

[aclark]

I could maybe see Canadian, but I don't really see any use for Euro's. Hell, even Europe sees no use for the Euro.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

If you backpack to Europe when you bug out...you probably did it wrong.

 

[TiminMishawaka]

Ummm maybe because the Euro is the second most traded currency in the world after the US dollar?

 

[Dragon]

Ummm maybe because the Euro is the second most traded currency in the world after the US dollar?

I've never seen anyone pay with a Euro here in the states. As a matter of fact, can it even be used outside of a currency exchange? If SHTF, here in the states and the dollar fails, who in their right mind would accept the euro as tender? I know I wouldn't.

 

[Bunnykid68]

I've never seen anyone pay with a Euro here in the states. As a matter of fact, can it even be used outside of a currency exchange? If SHTF, here in the states and the dollar fails, who in their right mind would accept the euro as tender? I know I wouldn't.

In that scenario I do not think I would take US dollars

 

[CathyInBlue]

Worse comes to worst, the US $s, Canadian $s, and €s could always be used as firestarting tinder.

 

[Bunnykid68]

Worse comes to worst, the US $s, Canadian $s, and €s could always be used as firestarting tinder.

Or toilet paper

 

[TiminMishawaka]

I'm amused at how many think they'll be able exchange silver for currency but not currency for currency.

 

[Dragon]

In that scenario I do not think I would take US dollars

Exactly my point. It's not very often I say something is definitely a bad idea, but IMO this is. If you regularly traveled to Canada and Europe, sure it's a good idea. Here in the states, it's a waste especially considering you might need your last dollar and only have Euros left. How much would you regret that, especially if it were a substantial amount?

Looking at history as an example, inflation normally occurs. If inflation occurs the value of the dollar is less and the value of necessary items rises. Lets say gas hits $100 per gallon and you've only got $100 cash and $100 in Euros, you're screwed unless you can get to a currency exchange.

 

[Blackhawk2001]

Interesting video, but not, I fear, germane to most of us who have no need (nor desire) for globe-hopping to search for anything (or anyone). The STORY of how/why it was put together is interesting, but I don't see it any of it applying to most of us in our domestic situations.

 

[flatlander]

I'm amused at how many think they'll be able exchange silver for currency but not currency for currency.

If doo doo hits the fan you would need gunkids assault wheelborrow to carry enough cash to get ANYTHING if even then

Bob

 

[jordyman]

Dont forget condoms, **** tickets, and maybe even a multi spice dispenser. Then you can make a good dinner out of the family dog, clean up the aftermath, and maybe even get lucky without having to feed something else after. All these things I always see left out of a good kit.

 

[TiminMishawaka]

7 hours to Toronto. From there an easy trip to any of the 40 countries where it is accepted. Crack jokes; I give a rip. Anyone 5 Flags/PT savvy here, please PM me with input. Apparently I've disturbed the cognoscenti by distracting them from the discussions of $400,000 bug out vehicles for which they've apparently planned a gas budget of $100.

 

[Dragon]

 

[diablo750]

My take

I doubt that we would see very high inflation if there was a shtf scenario unless it's an economic one resulting from mass printing of money. It seems to me these days that most of the currency that exisits is digital. From the federal reserve website I found that "$1.13 trillion was in Federal Reserve notes" (FRB: How much U.S. currency is in circulation?). Assuming that it was spread across the a population of 300 million I calculate it to come out to $433 per man, woman, and child. With that being said most is likely locked up in bank vaults and will be hard to access. If cash remains a medium of exchange I think it will hold its value well. Infact if the digital dollar collapses (assuming it exisits) actual cash might even go up in value. Finally Canada isn't very far from here in distance, I think having Canadian currecny is a good idea and may even be a hedge in economic termoil.

 

[TiminMishawaka]

I'd tell you where to shove this comment but I can tell by the way you're leaning to the side it's already done.

 

[TiminMishawaka]

Finally Canada isn't very far from here in distance, I think having Canadian currecny is a good idea and may even be a hedge in economic termoil.

Another reason I suggested Euros is Canada is still a constitutional monarchy under Elizabeth and does a lot of trade with Europe. In fact, in my field you can get UK chartering by taking examinations that are only available in Europe and one other country - Canada. The euros are a lot more liquid in Canada than people think. Same trip and you can hedge on multiple economies rather than just one.

 

[Trigger Time]

In countries that have experienced economic crisis and super inflation we have seen them use foreign currencies. I think it's smart to have some foreign currency on hand. And as always gold and silver because they allow you to keep a low profile if you needed quick cash.

But let's not get this type of stash mixed up with a local or world wife shtf event type bag. These types of caches or bags are designed for a personal shtf event where you must get out of your AO quickly and undetected. I do think the average person should also be prepared for this too but the odds of needing this are slim to none.