Go Bag/Box?

[Adam Ploessl]

Do most of you leave the equipment/mounts permanently in your vehicle? Or do you set up prior to a chase? Just kind of curious of anyone has a go bag/box with equipment set up and ready to go. I switch between a few different vehicles so I have power ports and some wiring for antennas set up in each one, but then connect everything up night before or early on chase day.

I guess it would go kinda with the list of chase tools at the top, but what would just leave in vehicles and what would you swap in and out?

 

[rebelrage]

Craftsman toolbox all my junk starting to outgrow it I can't afford to have to of everything so I'm forced to make it mobile

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Stormtrack mobile app

 

[George Grant]

I have a duffel bag with cameras, cables, etc., that I grab and also grab the tripod off the closet shelf and the laptop and I'm out the door.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Stormtrack mobile app

 

[Todd Lemery]

For local stuff I have a "jump bag" with everything in it so I can just grab it and my wallet and be gone. Having my phone with is very important too, because I'll have to call my wife and explain why I won't be home for dinner....

 

[ScottCurry]

I have 4 different bags with equipment that I keep in my trunk depending upon the time of year.

YEAR ROUND
I keep a go bag for local last-minute chases. I keep it in my car year round. I have the following in it:

• Windshield mounts for equipment
• Android Tablet (for PYKL3)
• Chargers for Tablet, Cell Phone, Radios, GPS, Jetpack
  
• FRS/GPRS Radio with Weather Band (I really just use this for the Weather Bands)
• CB Radio
• GPS
• Verizon Jetpack
• Rain Jacket
• Paper (both regular and waterproof).
• Pens and Pencils
• Video Camera
• Amber Lights (magnetic mount; only use when I'm sitting on the side of a busy road, or warning drivers of a flooded or washed out road)

In addition, I have the following equipment in my trunk at all times in a separate bag:

• Tow Rope
• Medical Supplies
  
• Tools (for repairs)
• Emergency Water
• Emergency Food

In addition, I have the following equipment permanently installed in my car:

• Ham Radio
• Windshield mount for Cell Phone
• Cell Phone Charger
• Ham Radio Antenna
• CB Radio Antenna
• 120v Inverter

MARCH - AUGUST
During chase season, I keep a third bag in my car that includes:

• Chasing Laptop
• Laptop Charger
• Extra Radios (Handheld HAM, CB, and FRS/GPRS)
  
• Batteries (for laptop, radios, and flashlights)
  
• Warm Jacket or Sweatshirt
  
• Binder with Contact Information for NWS and what types of reports they are looking for; and a copy of Spotter Training Field Guide.
• Binder with Emergency Response Paperwork including Communication Guide, ICS forms, procedure manuals, and contact information for local Fire Departments, Police Departments, and EOCs / OEMs.

OCTOBER - MARCH
During the winter time, I keep a large dufel bag in my trunk with the following:

• Chains
• Blankets
• Snow Pants
• Hand Warmers
• Foot Warmers

Total time to set up for a chase is about 1 hour, including getting gas.

 

[Marc R. O'Leary]

During the active season, most of my gear lives in my car. I can leave at any time and chase locally or short "car camp" over-nighters. If I plan to go further out, I have other gear that rides along, namely clothing/hygiene items.

Aside from personal items like Cell Phone / Wallet / Glasses (+spares), etc...

Full time gear (year round):
Tools
Fluids (for car and for me)
Extra bulbs
First Aid Kit
Cell Booster
400w Inverter
Spare set of clothing / Sweatshirt
Paper Towels
Fix-a-flat
Space Saver Spare Tire
Paper Atlas

For Chase Season I add the following:
Roof rack w/ light bar (LED forward facing ORV Style - BFE wildlife avoidance)
Full Size Spare tire
Nikon D5200 + Nikon D60 with all accompanying lenses/chargers/extra batteries etc.
Chinese GoPro (I think it broke already actually)
Dash Mount (custom)
Tripod
Rain Gear
Portable Ham and GFRS Radios (WX only for time being)
Rain-X
Arkon Seat Bolt Tablet Mount (Customized for two tablets)
Gen 1 iPad
LG gPad 8.3
Small Cooler for food/drinks
Spare Shoes
Bug Spray / Bug Hood / Mesh Jacket
Hat
Sleeping Bag / Air Mattress

There is probably more I'm forgetting, and probably a lot of crap I carry and don't need. Plan to pare down this year so I'm not hauling more crap than I need aka wasting fuel in an already dismal MPG car.

Oh all all this crap is typically kept in plastic bins or bags, and strapped down securely with ratchets. Last thing I want is an emergency situation with this junk loose in the car.

 

[Mark Ellinwood]

Since I live out east, it's less crucial to have all of my picture/video gear with me, so I leave them out unless there's a decent storm chance for the day.

Things I keep in my car year-round:
- Tripods
- Lens cleaner
- Signal boosters
- Power Inverters
- A few extra chargers
- GoPro dash mount
- Laptop mount (unassembled in the back)
- Collapsible shovel (for snow or mud)


And then I have my camcorder bag + accessories, camera bag, and laptop bag + GPS all next to each other at home, ready to pick up and throw into the car.