Let's design a basic, compact, TSA-compliant carry-on "survival kit"

[Lugsalot]

In light of the continuing drama-rama that is the TSA (see this (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=17300.0) thread), I propose a project: let's design a basic carry-on kit that complies with TSA rules while granting the bearer the most comprehensive array of essentials possible in the event of an emergency (delayed/lost luggage, etc). Think of it as a BOB for air-travel that one can add other trip-specific items to (space permitting). The more compact the "core" essentials, the more space is left over for items you don't want to check (read: "donate," provided they're legal to carry onto the plane).

My motivation for proposing this product isn't borne of necessity (I don't often fly). Rather, my main motivation is a fascination with collecting and assembling kit, as well as an admitted love for meeting challenges (and I do consider the iron-shod, hare-brained "policies" of the TSA an open challenge!).

So let's stick it to the Man! Let's counter Big Brother's efforts to hamstring the intelligent, tool-using human animal with a compact, comprehensive, versatile kit that will allow a traveler to cope with adverse developments during their scheduled trip, and help others who are likewise inconvenienced by "policy" and plain old bad luck.

To start with, here's (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm) the TSA's list of permitted/prohibited carry-on items. Below is a quick-and-dirty rundown of what I think such a kit ought to include. This is just a basic idea, so I welcome and encourage your thoughts, suggestions and criticism (besides, group projects are more fun!).

I'm thinking the core kit would break down something like this:

Hygiene Group
no-rinse soap/shampoo
toothpaste
toothbrush
floss

Tool Group
flashlight
small scissors/EMT shears
knifeless tool of some kind (should at least be able to pry, drive screws)

First Aid Group
bandages
antiseptic
OTC painkillers

Emergency Food/Water Group
I can't find any bottled water that comes in a 3oz-or-less container; perhaps PET preform bottles might be the way to go, though convincing TSA agents that your unusual, unlabeled bottles of clear fluid are actually water may be an issue. For emergency food, the TSA site doesn't say whether a few energy bars are allowed or not. However, they do mention that "Yogurt or other gel-like food substances" in sub-3oz containers are permissible, which may mean that the only option here may be those pouches of ostensibly-nutritious goop marketed towards cyclists and marathon runners (hey, this is supposed to be emergency food, not a treat).

Extra Clothing
Spare, minimalist clothing (full set, packed as compactly as possible), in the event that one is deprived of their wardrobe for longer than anticipated.

It's getting late and I've got to turn in, but I'd really like to see if this goes anywhere. I guess I'll find out after I hit the post button...

[parnass]

I don't fly often either. However, I stopped packing some toiletry items, e.g., toothpaste, talc, etc. and buy small small containers of them when I reach destination. The motels/hotels I stay in provide soap, shampoo,. Some will provide you free. individual servings of toothpaste and shaving cream if you ask the desk clerk.

[Pete_Kenney]

Re: 3oz water bottles: I think it was Chris Kavanaugh, a moderator at http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm (home page at http://www.equipped.org/home.htm ) , once posted about needing water to take a painkiller for a headache in an urban environment. Since that time, I began looking for a rugged, easy-to-carry, less-than-3oz water container. For now I have been satisfied with the bottle containing Sunlight® Dishwashing Liquid (3oz) offered at mimimus.biz (http://www.minimus.biz/detail.aspx?ID=7488 ) for $1.19. I have been carrying one filled with tap water for at least 3 months with no problems in the thigh pocket of cargo pants. This easy-gripping, contoured bottle will not slip out of hand. By squeezing the bottle, a stream can be directed to irrigate as wound. If one were to redesign the bottle (actually the cap), make it such that the irrigation stream is smaller and thus faster.

[inthedark]

I don't have a detailed list of the stuff i carry one, but from memory it's something like this

Hygene Group
A few wetnaps. They're great if there's no place to washup. I also keep any extras that I get on the plane for my next trip. I can't express how useful they are
Travel packs of tissue paper
Floss
I don't carry toothbrush, soap or shampoo because usually you can almost always find them at your destination or the airline will give you a small travel kit if flying internationally. Plus they're not essential in my opinion, you can survive without it.
Occasionally I have a small bottle of hand sanitizer

Tool
Flashlight
Keychain screwdriver
Maybe nail clippers
That's about it - anything else can possibly get confiscated or just delay the security screening.
Multi-tool and knife get checked in

First Aid
I have a small first aid kit with
-Bandaids
-knuckle Bandages
-Mirror
-Pills
-Antiseptic
-Eyedrops
-Lip Balm
-Gauze
-Small sewing kit? (Just happens to fit in the container)
-Some other stuff

Food and water
I usually have some snacks in my bag, but for water I'll just buy it after the security checkpoint. Not worth the hassle to carry a 3oz container, that's not even a full drink

Spare Clothing
Bandana
At the very least i always have a long sleeve shirt and a spare pair of wool socks, sometimes sweatshirt/jacket and beanie. It can get really cold in an airplane or at the airport.
If it's a longer trip I'll have a full change of clothes (minus pants). I can always wear pants over again, but not undergarments or socks.

Entertainment/electronics
Ipod and book are the most used items in an airport.
Cell phone for emergencies
Laptop if on business
Chargers

Random Items
Superglue
Matches
Paracord
napkins from a fast food restaurant
Coin purse
Pen and sharpie
Spare batteries
headlamp


I'm missing a few items, I'll have to go home and actually look at what i pack.

[Blackheart]

I don't have a detailed list of the stuff i carry one, but from memory it's something like this


Seems like a pretty complete list, inthedark. I can't think of anything to add. That's pretty much everything I carry in my EDC bag (aside from a prybar (bigun'), sunscreen, insect repellent, lock de-icer, (in winter), a couple of pill towels, earplugs...).

Ooo, ooo. How about adding a pair or two of earplugs?

I like those napkins from fast-food places. I use them in place of tissues (little hard on the nose, though).

I'm curious, what does everyone carry in the way of snacks?

I just recently added a baggie with (2) granola bars, (2) power bars, (2) bags of peanuts, some hard candy, (2) coffee bags and a couple of those "lemonade-to-go" packets.

[Blackheart]

Umbrella? Packable, self-storing rain parka?

I picked up one of those Totes auto-open/auto-close travel umbrellas (with titanium, mind you) recently. Not bad. Collapses to around 11" in length, opens to 42", comes with a lifetime warranty.

[Brangdon]

Water shouldn't be a problem. Just take a container you can empty before going through security and refill it afterwards. I've done that the last few times.

[inthedark]

Actually, this topic seemed really familiar, it's because I already listed my stuff here (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=12636.0). :laugh: Hasn't really changed much during that time, might have added a couple of things or two, and I've stopped carrying the portable power.

[Blackheart]

Actually, this topic seemed really familiar, it's because I already listed my stuff here (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=12636.0). :laugh:


Darn. I must have missed that thread.

Anyhoo, 2 things you mentioned I thought would be relevent here would be 1) a small compass 2) toilet paper.

I haven't found any travel rolls of t.p. that weren't what I consider to be "bulky". I thinking of just winding some around a piece of cardboard and stuffing in a baggie. Smooshing a partial regular roll flat doesn't seem to work well.

[Lugsalot]

Welcome to EDCF, Pete_Kenney! :)
That 3oz dish-soap bottle not only meets the TSA requirements perfectly, it's also multi-purpose (irrigates wounds and facilitates the taking of medication). Excellent idea! O0

In retrospect, carrying a bunch of little bottles of water seems impractical. Brangdon's suggestion to empty and fill a larger container as required makes much more sense.



Darn. I must have missed that thread.


Same here! And I thought I'd searched thoroughly enough to justify a new topic! :doh:

Still, I think it would be fun to see just how small a kit we can imagine while keeping it as practical as possible. Inthedark's thread reminds me that each individual will have different needs, and thus our lists of carry-on goods will vary. However, our basic needs are the same, and it is with this in mind that I proposed the idea for a comprehensive kit that helps travelers minimize the discomforts of travel (and perhaps even handle emergencies) while:

A.) Being as compact as possible without decreasing effectiveness

and

B.) Meeting the TSA's guidelines, so that the traveler does not come under increased scrutiny or experience delays just because he's prepared.

The more compact the basic kit is, the more room there is for an individual's other gear.

This is only an idea, mind you, and I fully expect this to go in directions I hadn't considered as I was posting it. So far I'm liking the ideas that have come up.

[inthedark]

Darn. I must have missed that thread.

Anyhoo, 2 things you mentioned I thought would be relevent here would be 1) a small compass 2) toilet paper.

I haven't found any travel rolls of t.p. that weren't what I consider to be "bulky". I thinking of just winding some around a piece of cardboard and stuffing in a baggie. Smooshing a partial regular roll flat doesn't seem to work well.


That's the reason I carry two packs of tissue. There are a lot of bathrooms in this world that aren't stocked. :laugh: It's not as space efficient as toilet paper, but it's a lot more suave than pulling out a wrinkled roll of toilet paper from a ziploc when someone has to sneeze. I used to just fold up some length TP and carry that, the indiviual packs of tissue are just easier and neater to use, not to mention a little more discreet if someone has to borrow it. If I'm on an extended trip and two packs aren't enough, I usually borrow some TP from the last bathroom I visit.

Another item I added was a cheap watch clipped to my bag. At the airport, you're always checking the time to see when the next flight is or how much longer it is to your destination.

As far as water bottles, there are (or used to be) signs at the screening checkpoints which explicitly states that you can NOT carry a larger bottle with less than 3oz of liquid in it. For example, a partially filled Nalgene is not allowed, even if it's less than 3oz of liquid in it. I don't know why that is because it doesn't make sense, but it iis one of the rules. I'm not sure how that would apply to an empty bottle, I think it would probably fall to the discretion of the screener. It is for those reasons I dont' even bother trying, you can buy a bottle of water for a dollar or so at the snack shops.

[Blackheart]

...I proposed the idea for a comprehensive kit that helps travelers minimize the discomforts of travel (and perhaps even handle emergencies) while:
A.) Being as compact as possible without decreasing effectiveness
and
B.) Meeting the TSA's guidelines, so that the traveler does not come under increased scrutiny or experience delays just because he's prepared.
The more compact the basic kit is, the more room there is for an individual's other gear.


So you're thinking something along the lines of the AMK/Ritter Pocket Survival Pack, only for fliers (or would they be "the flown" :) )

Would putting everything in a nice, clear, heavy-duty, ziploc make it easier to get past the TSA? (obviously, I don't fly much)

[Lugsalot]

I'm not sure that it's possible to miniaturize all the basic necessities THAT dramatically while maintaining practical function, but it's a good comparison.

The TSA mandates that all liquids, gels and aerosols be stored in containers no larger than 3oz, and that those items be placed together in a clear, sealed (ie Ziploc) 1 quart plastic bag (must be 1 quart size). Storing your emergency Jello next to your emergency mouthwash and emergency contact-lens solution may create an organizational issue, but it's necessary to facilitate a fast, uninterrupted boarding.

I don't fly much either. I just despise the TSA's idiotic policies, and wish to deprive them of whatever sick pleasure they get from hassling people. Next time I am forced to fly, I want to slip through their network of inconvenience and humiliation with the alacrity and elusiveness of a greased piglet.

[Blackheart]

I'm not sure that it's possible to miniaturize all the basic necessities THAT dramatically while maintaining practical function, but it's a good comparison.

I just meant that general concept, a relatively small bag with all the essentials that can be stuffed almost anywhere. I believe one can get a roughly quart-sized Aloksak (they're sold by dimensions, not capacity) to stuff everything into. That alone might cause problems:

TSA: That's not a one quart ziploc bag. You have liquids, and they're not in a one quart ziploc bag.
Passenger: O.k. It's a little less than a quart, how's that a problem?
TSA: That's not a one quart ziploc bag.



...emergency Jello...


I LOLed.

[Lugsalot]

I just meant that general concept, a relatively small bag with all the essentials that can be stuffed almost anywhere. I believe one can get a roughly quart-sized Aloksak (they're sold by dimensions, not capacity) to stuff everything into. That alone might cause problems:

TSA: That's not a one quart ziploc bag. You have liquids, and they're not in a one quart ziploc bag.
Passenger: O.k. It's a little less than a quart, how's that a problem?
TSA: That's not a one quart ziploc bag.


True. Never underestimate the inflexibility of a bureaucrat.

An Aloksak would be an excellent means of keeping the kit together and dry, and in the meantime any gels/liquids/aerosols could be stored in the aforementioned 1 quart ziploc and put in the Aloksak. That way your little 3oz containers can all be quickly removed for inspection and quickly returned to the kit afterwards.



I LOLed.


I just thought it funny that the TSA mention certain gels and liquids by name (including Jello, yogurt, pudding, etc), and don't make any mention of solid stuff. I guess nobody's tried to down a plane with a granola bar yet. Apparently, MREs and their included heaters are perfectly okay to carry on, but your Jello poses a threat to Homeland Security. :shrug:

[lam396]

Last time I was on a plane (which was in Jan 08) I was talking to a screener and they were saying that the ziploc that liquids are put into can be larger than 1 quart. At the screening site they had a table laid out with tons of baggies out and my liquids were in a 1 gallon zip and when I asked if I should switch them and they said it was no big deal.

When traveling I also put a few of those shout-out wipes, not much bigger than wet naps and I always seem to get something on my shirt.

I'm interested in a good traveling umbrella cause I've been looking for one that would fit in my timbuk2 and not break the first time I used it. Does anybody have an ideas besides the totes brand?

[bpa]

I just thought it funny that the TSA mention certain gels and liquids by name (including Jello, yogurt, pudding, etc), and don't make any mention of solid stuff. I guess nobody's tried to down a plane with a granola bar yet. Apparently, MREs and their included heaters are perfectly okay to carry on, but your Jello poses a threat to Homeland Security. :shrug:


I have had my bag re-inspected a couple of times because of a granola bar. It makes their antennae vibrate.

[cptd]

I travel fairly frequently with a bunch of stuff in my bag that seems to give others problems.

No matter where I go I have the following things in my bag and I have never been told to remove them:

Granola/snack bars
Baby wipes
Flashlight (s)
Extra batteries (AA, and AAA)
2x laser pointers (1 green, 1 red)
Digital camera
Spare clothes (drawers, socks, t-shirt)
Toiletries (deodorant, electric shaver, toothbrush, toothpaste, after-shave lotion (in 3oz bottle), hotel shampoo)
sweater/fleece jacket/rain jacket
ear plugs
wall charger for cell phone
car charger for cell phone
wall charger for ipod
nail clipper
bandaids and neosporin
550 cord braided
Extra "TSA" approved ziplocs
Large cravat
Beanie hat
Prepaid padded envelopes in case I forget to put my knives in my checked luggage.

The one thing that always gets "inspected" is my sleeve of challenge coins. In the machine they look like a 4 lb cylinder of metal and they usually end up on top of or near the batteries. I usually take them out and put them in the tray next to my shoes.

I usually have an empty bottle in my bag that I fill on the far side of security. I have never had an issue with getting an empty bottle through.

Most of the above is separated into bags of similar sized or needed stuff to make sorting easier.

with the exception of a blade I have everything that could need to get into or out of pretty much anything. The bag has aluminum stays that are removable if I need a splint (along with the 550 cord and or the cravat). The shape of the bag lends itself well to a pillow if I get laid over at the airport.

I have to live out of my bag when I travel. I had to go 2 days with no luggage once, and many shorter trips my bag is all I take, especially if I fly in uniform. Boots are big so it sucks if I have to fly in civies and change into a uniform at the destination.

There seems to be much ******* and moaning about TSA's stupid rules but they are easy to work around. Most of the time I am going someplace where I know someone on the other end and I can have them show up at the airport with a knife or other form of protection so I don't even have to take mine.

CPTD

[jonny8642]

Lets see.

Electronics
-AA flashlight(TSA doesn't say anything about it and you can use it a weapon if need be) :laugh: MAG lite or similar
-extra AA and AAA batteries
-jump drives
-IPOD or MP3 player
-noise canceling headphones
-digital camera
-laptop
-cell phone
-charger for cell phone
-charger for laptop

hygiene or 311 kit
-hand sanitizer
-contact lenses solution the optifree brand has trial samples boxes were the solution is in a 3oz container that you can reuse, and has an extra lens holder
-chapstick
-ADVIL great for those long flights and while waiting through TSA
-small tube of toothpaste
-small bottle of mouth wash
Most hotels will give you a toothbrush for free

cloths. Since I check my cloths I don't carry much on the plane
-Baseball cap
-hoodie
-beenie
-cold weather glove (depending on the time of year it is)
-Sunglasses

extra I.D
-A paper copy of you DL and passport
-passport (find a pocket in your bag, were you can kind of hide it when you don't need it)
-I carry two forms of work ID it comes in handy on occasions

Tools.. Now much like a few people on here I have had good luck getting tools through and bad luck. My suggestions, keep them were they can be searched easily and bring the bare essentials
-cheap precision screwdrivers under 7" for glasses and electronic stuff
-a 5" adjustable wrench, it has the measurement on it, so they can't argue with you about the length
-small pair of needle nose pliers as long as its under 7"
-prybaby
-nite-ize s-biner #4
-rubberbands

Stationary
-notebook
-pens
-pencil

I think thats it. One thing i do suggest is if you get a backpack with head phone jack in the shoulder strap. Be expected to be stopped and asked were does it go and be able to prove it. Other then that I can't think of anything else. I'll probably remember more while I am trying to go to sleep tonight.

[Bolster]

Regarding clothing...please forgive my being morbid, but: you want to wear natural fibers on a plane: cotton, wool, silk, what have you. In the extremely rare event of a fire, you do not want to be wearing fleece or polyester or nylon or any other plastic-based man-made product. This was a lesson learned in the Faulklands war, IIRC, where a number of the ship's crew were badly burned because they were wearing some sort of synthetic/plasticy jumpsuit.

Remember, most planes land with everybody still alive. It's after the fires start onboard that things go south in a hurry. Again, sorry to bring up the spectre of grim death, but this is a forum that discusses preparedness.

[groovygypsy]

I recently flew and I checked in my Benchmade 520. Of course it was screened and when I arrived at my destination the knife was gone. I filed a complaint but I know I will never get it back. If you're going to check a knife make sure it's a cheap one, buy a new one at your destination or mail your knife ahead of time.

[icqcq]

iam396:

re/ your umbrella inquiry:

I have a BirdiePal that I got from SierraTradingPost:
BirdiePal (http://www.birdiepal.com/index.html)
and the Knirps also look good:
Knirps (http://www.european-umbrellas.com/knirps/knirps.php)

German-engineered umbrellas: that's gotta be worth some bragging rights, in the right crowd.

Haven't had a chance yet to Really test my BP, but it looks like a better piece of equipment than the Totes....

[jonny8642]

I recently flew and I checked in my Benchmade 520. Of course it was screened and when I arrived at my destination the knife was gone. I filed a complaint but I know I will never get it back. If you're going to check a knife make sure it's a cheap one, buy a new one at your destination or mail your knife ahead of time.


Usually I would agree with this type of action depending on were you are traveling to. But on domestic flights I have checkd a leatherman wave, Spyderco Delica 4 and a Kersha chive in my luggage before. I lost my kersha to a screener when I placed in an interior pocket of my suit case by itself. But since that incident I have checked my wave and my delica several times but now I usually hide them in my boots that are in my luggage or in a shock folded up. I haven't had any issue since, the only issue I have is theres more lint in my knifes now :laugh:

[EXCALIBUR]

But since that incident I have checked my wave and my delica several times but now I usually hide them in my boots that are in my luggage or in a shock folded up.Q: How does hiding a knife in boots or shocks (sic) in checked luggage protect it from getting stolen by TSA? :confused:

[jonny8642]

Q: How does hiding a knife in boots or shocks (sic) in checked luggage protect it from getting stolen by TSA? :confused:


It doesn't really stop them. But in order for them to get to it they would have to unfold you socks to get to it. Most TSA agent who are searching don't have that much time to do it. Who says its only the TSA that could have stolen things. I don't trust the baggage handlers personally. But put a TSA lock on your checked luggage and hide you knifes in a sock and it narrows the chances of it going missing. Plus if for some miracle that they find the knife in your socks and question you, you can say its fragile and you didn't want it to break from miss handling.

[myoptic1]

I rarely check my bag, which limits me to the TSA-acceptable items for carry-on.

At the screener, my pockets are empty. Keys, coins, cell phone, etc. go in Carry On or computer backpack. Usually my watch is on, I've never been asked to remove it. Belt only once.

In addition to what's already been mentioned in other posts, I carry a small, cheap (give away) plastic corkscrew in my toilet bag. In that also a UV Photon light for detecting hotel room nasties, along
with a small bottle or spritzer of disinfectant (or wipes).

I also carry a lexan spork and (sometimes) collapsable drinking cup.

[EXCALIBUR]

It doesn't really stop them. But in order for them to get to it they would have to unfold you socks to get to it. Most TSA agent who are searching don't have that much time to do it. Who says its only the TSA that could have stolen things. I don't trust the baggage handlers personally. But put a TSA lock on your checked luggage and hide you knifes in a sock and it narrows the chances of it going missing. Plus if for some miracle that they find the knife in your socks and question you, you can say its fragile and you didn't want it to break from miss handling.
Roger that.

[gw812]

My submissions:
First, advice to all: don't check ANYTHING. A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Best travel advice I can give. It is possible to go on even a long trip and carry everything you need on board with you. Check out http://www.onebag.com for details and a decent packing list.
Now, if you're getting set for a 2-3 day trip you can reference this: http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=18373.msg217873#msg217873
Everything on my normal list plus 1 change of clothes was verified TSA-compliant one day ago. Not even a second pass through the x-ray. I do plan on adding a few things to it, but not much. About the knives, I just plan on buying one locally if I must have one. Pretty much every domestic airport has the provisions to mail it to myself on the return trip.
@myoptic1: Dude! I thought I was the only one that carried a UV light for that! You ever taken linens to the desk, demanded clean ones, and then got to play CSI with your evidence? :evilgrin:

[kirbysdl]

So you're thinking something along the lines of the AMK/Ritter Pocket Survival Pack, only for fliers (or would they be "the flown" :) )


Speaking of which, has anyone been questioned about a Ritter PSP minus the scalpel blade? I believe everything else in there is TSA-friendly, and equipped.org also claims that it should be ok, but I was wondering about more real world experience.