Go Bags for kids

[kindredspirit]

I search thru every thread on here and can't find anything for prepping for kids. I dont know about you guys but when tshtf, I plan on taking my kids with me.   I want to make my kids thier own go bags and this is what I came up so far. (ages 12, 10, 7, 5)  I also want to keep them light weight so that the girls can carry them.  I was thinking of getting the backpacks with wheels on them, so in case they get tired of having them on their backs, they can pull them...if it's feasible. These BOBs are set up more for the need for a quick evacuation.  Anyone have any thoughts? Whats in your kids go bags?

My thoughts so far:

List with their names, our names, contact info, medical history, allergies, family contacts etc (maybe laminate this?)
hand sanitizer gel
small 1st aid kit (really nothing more than bandaids and some ointment)
lip balm
tooth brush and tooth paste
3 bottles of water
3 juice bags
gold fish crackers (in hard container)
trail mix in hard container
carnation instant breakfast mix
6 granola bars each
small jars of peanut butter and spoon (they love it and I fiqure some protien)
2 chocolate bars and some lolly pops
2 packages of ramen noodles each
some wet wipes
A towel (they are light weight and thin.)
extra pair of shoes (tied on to the outside of the BOB)
rain poncho
small bottle of sun screen /insect repellent)
ball cap (attached to the outside of the BOB)
small package of tissue
3 changes of clothing (seasonal appropriate)
roll of toilet paper
comb
small stuffed beanie baby in their favorite animals
copy of 1 of their favorite books each
Tablet of drawing paper and set of short colored pencils (for entertainment... nothing like a whiney bored kid who doesnt understand whats going on)
flash light (or head lamp with extra batteries)
those little light sticks - chem sticks?
whistle (in case of seperation)

Cool to help get the kids involved:

http://atv.disney.go.com/playhouse/media/safetypatrol/adults/pdf/LL-Emergency.pdf   (great print out from disney for your kids to help prepare a emergency kit)

[NOLA556]

my daughter is only 2, so she won't be "helping out" with anything, but you do make a good point. Even if she can't carry her own bag, I could very well put something together specifically for here and maybe hang it from my bag. great post kindred.

[kindredspirit]

my daughter is only 2, so she won't be "helping out" with anything, but you do make a good point. Even if she can't carry her own bag, I could very well put something together specifically for here and maybe hang it from my bag. great post kindred.

Thanks!!!  I had one these when my kids were smaller so I could take them on hikes with me.  Its holds up to 50 pounds... which is a pretty big kid.  It has  a changing pad
Under-seat storage, height adjustable seat, and toy loops.  You can pack diapers, food, sippy cup ect in there.  Great if you need to carry her.... leaves your hands free.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11596167&cp=4406646.4413874.4414973

[Reaver]

I just let my kid carry one of the AID bags, got some Bandages and some antibiotics, & some whiskey.

Its pretty light and hugs is body close. Its actually a fanny pack, but if you turn it sideways across the back it works like a single cross shoulder bag.

[XArmySpook]

Noticed that many on this site tend to use several different or popular brands of insect repellent.  I live in a subtropical part of the USA ( Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas >land of 3 summers< ), we have more than our share of stinging and biting/blood sucking insects and while many living in this region are not aware or know of a good/better alternative to spray-on insect repellents that contain DEET, which tends to be greasy & oily attracting dirt, there is something much less expensive, smells helluva lot better, and does not stain clothing.  Some may have heard of using Bounce fabric softener sheets, hung on belt loops, hat band, shirt pocket(s) et. al.  to help repel mosquitos and pesky insects,  then discovered the sheets performed rather poorly at keeping away pesky insects a short time later after they had dried out, decreasing their repellent power.  Those in my 'group'- plus a few others I'm acquainted with- have discovered a better & much less expensive alternative to Bounce fabric softener sheets    by mixing a small quantity of (favorite brand) liquid fabric softener with water in a spray bottle.  In many cases, it is superior to and more effective than the fabric softener sheets and performs better than some of the readily available brands of insect sprays.. Mix liquid fabric softener (your choice) with water to an approx. ratio of 1 part softener to 3 parts water, in a small spray bottle (available at any dollar store or Wal Mart), shake well to mix and spray on clothing and/or skin previous to going outdoors when the bugs are out looking for victims.  You will (1) Smell fresh & nice, (2) Won't stain clothing (3) Kids and wife/GF won't complain or whine about 'greasy' or oily feel after application...Smelling fresh & nice goes a long way after you have become sweaty and/or developed a case of BO  Popularity wanes or fades rather quickly in a mixed-gender campsite when you stink.   

I keep a spray bottle of inexpensive liquid softener/water mix in my BOV, UTV and farm tractor.  I've also added a small container(4 oz or more) of softener to my BOB, then mix & reload when necessary.      

[JohnyMac]

Great idea Spook!

I wonder if there is any none scented fabric softener. I hate the smell of bug spray, clothing soap, deodorant, shave cream and fat ladies covered in perfume when sitting next to me in the middle seat of a packed SW airplane flying from MDW to LAX. 
   

[special-k]

Great idea Spook!

I wonder if there is any none scented fabric softener. I hate the smell of bug spray, clothing soap, deodorant, shave cream and fat ladies covered in perfume when sitting next to me in the middle seat of a packed SW airplane flying from MDW to LAX. 
 

It's interesting to hear that works...  But similar to what JM wrote, I'd rather deal with the bugs than spray that soup of liquid chemical hell on or around me.  Scented laundry products, especially fabric softeners, play hell on some folks' skin, sinuses & lungs... to the point where bug bites would be preferred.

[DMCakhunter]

Kindredspirit,
Great topic. You have a pretty good list there.
Some observations:
You should size the bag and it's contents to the size of who it belongs too. If you put too big a bag on a child, wheels or not, you will end up carrying it or leaving it on the road.
Hard candies pack better than any chocolate.
3 changes of clothes is too much, say one change and a few undies.
Nuts/trail mix is good but heavy. Do they like jerky?
I agree with others, I do not like bug spray on my skin, unless I have no other choice. Most times a bug bracelet or two will keep most of them away and not ruin my clothes or burn my eyes.

[DMCakhunter]

My kids are 15 & 17 and have minimal packs that they keep in their car.
Each contains:
1-20 pack of unscented wet wipes
1 roll of TP in a ziploc freezer bag
1 set of rain gear (packs small set from sportsman's warehouse) reasonable duty but not for the Bearing Sea
1-32oz nalgene bottle
1 katadyn my bottle purifier
1 complete change of clothes
1 pair protected toe sandals
3 to 4 bags of their favorite Jack Links product
Some hard candies
tooth brush and paste
small med kit (bandaids-all sizes, neosporin, alcohol wipes, tweezer, needle & thread)
set of hiking poles with some feet of duct tape on them
some para cord
Icon headlamp
Energizer flashlight plus 4 AA lithium batteries
2 50 gallon trash bags
Fire starter of their choice
SOL escape bivy
1 pliers
1 crescent wrench
They each have some other stuff they put in here but the camelback pack is reasonably sized and they can use the water reservoir if they want.