Chase Essentials

[Mikel Shively]

1. Vehicle
2. Laptop w/ GPS & GR3
3. Cell Phone
4. Cable to connect laptop to cell phone (which i forgot last chase) DOH!
5. camcorder
6. digital camera (& batteries)
7. Scanner
8. Weather radio
9. make sure spare tire is OK
10. paper maps
11. jump bag (hope I never need to use it on a chase, but just in case)

 

[Jason Boggs]

Lisa, I just got the information off the internet. I really don't use maps for the info, I just create lists. I looked for towns in the "alley" with information on libraries and WIFI hotspots. I then copied and pasted the information in Microsoft word and printed the info out for TX, CO, NM, OK, NE and KS.

something like this in alphabetical order:

TEXAS WIFI HOTSPOTS
AMARILLO
Schlotzsky's Deli - 1619 Kentucky, Ste 1350
Schlotzsky's Deli - 3440 Bell St., Ste 322
Hooters - I-40 near Westgate Mall
Big Texan Steak Ranch - 7701 East I-40 - 800.657.7177

CHILDRESS
Kettle Restaurant - 1902 Ave F NW - 940-937-8496

and so on and so on...

 

[Robbie Cox]

also several websites for doing WiFi search
http://mobile.yahoo.com/wifi

 

[Tim Johnson]

Things I need for a chase:

Permission from the Mrs B)


Things I want on a chase:

Permission to return home :lol:


sorry couldn't resist

 

[Bryce Stone]

After reading through several equipment and gear posts, I have compiled a fairly comprehensive list of storm chasing gear that may come in handy on storm chase days. I used many of the suggestions already posted and added a few of my own. According to my very, very rough estimate, this list would run about $8,000. I did not factor in or add software for the laptop.

I am a minimalist chaser, and don't have even 1/8th of this equipment. However, if I win the lottery (hard to do since I don't play ) or happen across eight Gs I am going out immediately and getting all this stuff. I figure I could get a nice police package Crown Vic for around $6,000, so the total cost for my preferred chase vehicle would be about $14,000 to $15,000.

Did I leave anything out? Feedback welcome.


1. Portable battery jumper pack _____
2. First aid bag _____
3. Handheld rechargeable spotlight _____
4. Corded spotlight _____
5. Handheld rechargeable flashlight _____
6. Binoculars _____
7. Extra set of clothing _____
8. Extra shoes _____
9. Jacket _____
10. Raingear _____
11. Reflective vest _____
12. Gloves _____
13. Spare cash _____
14. County maps _____
15. Scanner frequency book _____
16. NWS reporting numbers _____
17. Spotter frequencies list _____
18. Regional and state maps _____
19. Spare batteries _____
20. Power inverter _____
21. Video camera _____
22. Digital still camera and USB card reader _____
23. Spare recording media for cameras _____
24. Cellular telephone _____
25. Laptop _____
26. Scanners _____
27. Vehicle alarm system _____
28. Cooler _____
29. Rope _____
30. Duct and electrical tape _____
31. Fire extinguishers _____
32. Hand tools kit _____
33. Blankets and pillow _____
34. Fuses _____
35. Spare wire _____
36. Spare bulbs _____
37. Prepaid calling cards _____
38. Essential OTC medicines (motion sickness, pain medication, etc.) _____
39. Tow strap and come-alongs _____
40. Insect repellant _____
41. Spare door and ignition keys for pocket _____
42. Door key hidden on vehicle _____
43. Floor jack _____
44. Jack stands _____
45. Four-way and impact wrench _____
46. CB radio _____
47. Power strip and extension cord _____
48. Extra Velcro strips and cable ties _____
49. Extra essential vehicle fluids (brake fluid, oil, gas, etc.) _____
50. Spare wiper blades _____
51. CD changer, aftermarket speaker system, and XM radio _____
52. Second vehicle battery and aftermarket alternator _____
53. Gas can _____
54. Compass _____
55. Anemometer _____
56. Exterior and interior temperature sensors _____
57. Air horn/PA and external speaker _____
58. Portable TV _____
59. Watertight containers to store items _____
60. Portable carpet vacuum _____
61. Walkie-talkies _____
62. Antennas for cell phone, scanners, etc. _____
63. Hidden strobes for front and back of vehicle _____
64. Wig-wags _____
65. Back-up flasher _____
66. Directional arrow – rear deck _____
67. Amber front-facing interior LED lightbar _____
68. Pushbumper _____
69. Fog/driving lights _____
70. Two full-size spare tires _____
71. Paper towels and toilet paper _____
72. Prepackaged food/snacks _____
73. Bottled water _____
74. Air compressor _____
75. Tire chains _____
76. Flares _____
77. Clear plastic sheeting _____
78. Fix-a-flat _____
79. Video camera tripod _____
80. Coin holder with spare change _____
81. Ruler _____
82. Window cleaner _____
83. Jumper cables _____
84. Tire pressure gauge _____
85. Trash bags _____
86. AAA membership _____
87. Spare essential vehicle belts and hoses _____
88. Notebook and pens _____


EDIT: Could you actually fit all this crap in one vehicle?

 

[Dan Robinson]

You would be surprised at all the odds and ends you can cram into a car. I've got to the point where I keep stuff like tools and medicine in the car rather than in my house. Even I'm surprised sometimes when there is some obscure thing we need on a chase and somehow I have it!

Last week in Kentucky, we needed something to break up the bagged ice we bought. Sure enough, I had a hammer.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Typing that last post reminded me of something I didn't see on anyone's list that is absolutely essential - a good selection of OTC medicines (and a first aid kit) for any type of ailment that might suddenly hit you or anyone in your car. These can be chase-savers. Most important are pain relievers and remedies for all manner of digestive distress. In fact, on big chase days I'll take a small dose as preemptive insurance against possible problems that would make the day very complicated to say the least. It's also nice to have things for cuts and scrapes, mouth sores, cold and flu medication, allergy medicine, cortizone/calamine (for mosquitos and poison ivy), cough drops, and the list can go on and on.

 

[Bob Schafer]

Bryce, I actually have most of that stuff in my little sports car ready to go attm! A few of the larger things I don't, such as Portable TV, floor jack, and second vehicle battery, but like Dan says, you'd be amazed what you can get into even a small car.

I still have room for a co-pilot, and I can see out the back window, too, LOL!

I always have an assortment of medicine, too.... I never list that stuff because it sort of just goes without saying, I guess. Like toothbrush. But it is worth mentioning for the newbies. No doubt.

Bob