Quick Run Bag (QRB) Planning Tips
Here are few tips and considerations to help you plan for QRB which is best suited for you:
* Purpose of the Quick Run Bag. Usually QRBs are intended to help survive for up to 72 hours of time, away from any services/ utilities, without external support. You will have to plan accordingly.
* Profile. Consider your profile when choosing the bag and contents itself. Civilians (such as humanitarian aid workers) should avoid anything that looks like military equipment and/or clothing. In high risk areas you also have to know and avoid any symbols that might be associated with one party of the conflict or another, such as flags, symbols or even certain colors, if they are strongly associated with any belligerent side. Avoid displaying wealth; “fancy stuff” can attract thieves or other criminals, as well as make you attractive target because of your perceived wealth.
* Cultural and local norms and traditions. Know what may get you in trouble, especially when it comes to clothing and alcohol.
* Legal requirements and restrictions. Some examples may include: need for permit to use equipment such as radios, satellite phones or even GPS. Knifes might be considered illegal in some contexts. Or you may need to carry documentary proof together with some of your prescribed medication, depending on local rules and regulations.
Note: This paragraph addresses legal requirements to QRB content only, not a person.
* Your skills and Training. Do you have skills and training for equipment/ supplies you are considering for QRB? If not, should you consider getting alternative equipment or getting training for what you need?
* Organizational procedures. If there are any items your organization requires you to carry (and maybe even provides). You may need to consider space for it, as well as compatibility with the rest of your QRB content.
* Geography, climate, weather conditions, and health hazards - of intended operational environment will determine what type of clothing you take with you (for hot or cold weather, rain, dust, etc.) and what type of protection you will need (from sun, from mosquitos, other insects). You will also have to consider specific environment when considering packing for: shelter, fire starters, medications, water.
As a general rule, waterproof or at least water resistant bags, pouches, and/or containers is good idea even for dry climates.
* Possible threat scenarios. What are possible threats and/or scenarios you will face, and what is your plan. Are you expected to move over long distances or survive in situ? Can you be highly visible (e.g. start fire at night) or will you be forced to hide. List of threats is a good check-list to measure your preparedness against.
* Medical conditions and special needs. This includes critical medications you might need, glasses/lenses, hearing aids, etc. Also consider packing medical alerts (tags, bracelets) in case you have special medical conditions.
* Power back-up. What is back-up power you need to keep survival equipment in your QRB functional for 72 hours? Consider taking power banks, rechargeable batteries, portable solar panels, etc. Hand-powered equipment might be part of solution.
* Weight. Once you complete the content list, think of total weight, to consider how practical the weight would be for you to carry around, especially if good portion of your movement is expected to be on foot.
* Survival Kit. Consider having a smaller kit within the QRB, which you can carry in your pocket, in case you are forced to abandon your QRB for whatever reason (mobility of criminal act). This should be waterproof pouch, 1-2 liters in volume, packed with absolute essentials for survival.
Here are few tips and considerations to help you plan for QRB which is best suited for you:
* Purpose of the Quick Run Bag. Usually QRBs are intended to help survive for up to 72 hours of time, away from any services/ utilities, without external support. You will have to plan accordingly.
* Profile. Consider your profile when choosing the bag and contents itself. Civilians (such as humanitarian aid workers) should avoid anything that looks like military equipment and/or clothing. In high risk areas you also have to know and avoid any symbols that might be associated with one party of the conflict or another, such as flags, symbols or even certain colors, if they are strongly associated with any belligerent side. Avoid displaying wealth; “fancy stuff” can attract thieves or other criminals, as well as make you attractive target because of your perceived wealth.
* Cultural and local norms and traditions. Know what may get you in trouble, especially when it comes to clothing and alcohol.
* Legal requirements and restrictions. Some examples may include: need for permit to use equipment such as radios, satellite phones or even GPS. Knifes might be considered illegal in some contexts. Or you may need to carry documentary proof together with some of your prescribed medication, depending on local rules and regulations.
Note: This paragraph addresses legal requirements to QRB content only, not a person.
* Your skills and Training. Do you have skills and training for equipment/ supplies you are considering for QRB? If not, should you consider getting alternative equipment or getting training for what you need?
* Organizational procedures. If there are any items your organization requires you to carry (and maybe even provides). You may need to consider space for it, as well as compatibility with the rest of your QRB content.
* Geography, climate, weather conditions, and health hazards - of intended operational environment will determine what type of clothing you take with you (for hot or cold weather, rain, dust, etc.) and what type of protection you will need (from sun, from mosquitos, other insects). You will also have to consider specific environment when considering packing for: shelter, fire starters, medications, water.
As a general rule, waterproof or at least water resistant bags, pouches, and/or containers is good idea even for dry climates.
* Possible threat scenarios. What are possible threats and/or scenarios you will face, and what is your plan. Are you expected to move over long distances or survive in situ? Can you be highly visible (e.g. start fire at night) or will you be forced to hide. List of threats is a good check-list to measure your preparedness against.
* Medical conditions and special needs. This includes critical medications you might need, glasses/lenses, hearing aids, etc. Also consider packing medical alerts (tags, bracelets) in case you have special medical conditions.
* Power back-up. What is back-up power you need to keep survival equipment in your QRB functional for 72 hours? Consider taking power banks, rechargeable batteries, portable solar panels, etc. Hand-powered equipment might be part of solution.
* Weight. Once you complete the content list, think of total weight, to consider how practical the weight would be for you to carry around, especially if good portion of your movement is expected to be on foot.
* Survival Kit. Consider having a smaller kit within the QRB, which you can carry in your pocket, in case you are forced to abandon your QRB for whatever reason (mobility of criminal act). This should be waterproof pouch, 1-2 liters in volume, packed with absolute essentials for survival.
