What do you carry in your 4R all the time and why?

That is right on target - Stay hydrated and do not go out in the desert alone.

 

I carry a small aluminum BB bat for crazy Tucson meth heads. Usually a hand gun as well. I've been threatened a number of times while minding my own business.

 

I lived in MT and WY for many years and learned to always have water, food and a sleeping bag. In AZ ample water is a must.
Great and sad story above.
Several years ago a guy froze to death while drunk and changing a tire in a blizzard off the beaten path out side of Cody, WY.

 

Yes....the crazies out there who have managed to survive are everywhere. Be prepared.

 

I second that, maybe I'm overloaded. Better safe then sorry.

 

Mainly in the cities. I go into a city, I carry a handgun, K-Bar (10 years as a Marine. Great tool for everything!), a modern styled combat tomahawk, A short aluminum bat, like a tire thumper, a backup handgun on one ankle, and my Sykes-Fairbairn (great combat dagger!) on the other. Under the seat, I carry a Kukri. Awesome tool for survival OR self defense.
"Crazies" just doesn't describe what's crawling around in the cities these days, and most of the time, the police won't do anything if a problem occurs.

Anywho, be safe, all!. It's getting tougher all the time.
Pat☺

 

I wish it wasn't so but we do live in a different reality now than 30-40 years ago. I like watching re-runs of the Johnny Carson show - he's probably turning in his grave with all the changes that have taken place since he was entertaining us. I remember back in the day when parents hated the up & coming Rock n Roll music, Elvis, the Beatles, etc and now here I am perplexed by some of today's music. Scotty , find that control button & send me back to the 50s!

 

I just added a a cheapo MOLLE panel for a seat back that also has two rifle pouches. Added a trauma kit ( tourniquets, wound seals, etc.) My girlfriend flicks me shit for having tourniquets/med kits in all our vehicles but I feel like if your going to carry a firearm you should have means and know how to use them to keep yourself alive if you end up catching a round, getting stabbed etc.

 

Whoa. That’s a lot of heavy hardware to carry around on your person. I keep my father’s WWII Ka-Bar handy in the 4R. Gotta get a kukri.

 

I have a mag light for protection.

Never had to use it.

 

I echo your sentiments. I am usually watching old re-runs myself. You are spot on regarding the criminal element - criminals are so bold today. Being a criminal has become too accepted in many areas of the country and the police are completely out numbered. It used to be that if you were a crook, you were shamed. You're almost celebrated now. It's all fine and good until you're the victim and no one cares.

 

"Mainly in the cities. I go into a city, I carry a handgun, K-Bar (10 years as a Marine. Great tool for everything!), a modern styled combat tomahawk, A short aluminum bat, like a tire thumper, a backup handgun on one ankle, and my Sykes-Fairbairn (great combat dagger!) on the other. Under the seat, I carry a Kukri. Awesome tool for survival OR self defense.
"Crazies" just doesn't describe what's crawling around in the cities these days, and most of the time, the police won't do anything if a problem occurs.

Anywho, be safe, all!. It's getting tougher all the time.
Pat☺"


Bit paranoid? I grew up in L.A., lived in some of the rougher parts and never carried anything more than a pistol and/or a folding knife! We'll be going on a 4000 mile trip through the SW soon, across desert, mountains, more desert, more mountains. Through Reno, Apple Valley, L.A./Orange County. Flagstaff, Gallup, and Denver. We will have: shovel, Hi-Lift, traction mats, multi-tool, snatch strap, and Hudson Bay ax (all carried 100% of the time!). Besides clothing & meds, we will have two EDC (both wife and I), a ice chest, snacks, warm clothing, gifts, and surplus Army blankets.



Planning on staying on road this trip (although I did the Mojave Trail in my first FJ40 when it first opened!)

PS: Get new tires on my current FJ40 today!

PS: Forgot the CB radio.

 

Sounds like a really cool trip - take lots of pictures & share with your 4runner friends..

 

Unfortunately, not the best of situations: One friend (for 50+ years=all through jr. high, high school & the Army) has Stage IV cancer and my SIL has ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). I'm 70+ with a heart condition. Figure, might be our last trip!

 

That is a sad situation for sure - I pray that the “last trip” is a good experience despite the personal obstacles. At 77 every trip I take anymore is potentially my “last trip”. We are planning for a trip in April for my first (and likely last) trip to Moab. I think half the fun is just planning the trip - fortunately for me there is another forum member who may join up with us and he is well versed in Moab experience. I sincerely hope that you and I are both able to successfully complete that “last” trip…

 

Bought an FJ40 in April and started down south to pick it up=Ended up in the ER in Redmond, OR==Horrible ER (I'm getting to be an expert on ER's)

 

That's something I hope to never have expertise in. I did live in Bend for awhile in 1975 - it was already beginning to get Californycated (can't imagine how it is now)...

 

Maybe I is paranoid, but in my first career, The Corps, I determined that paranoia is a survival trait. After all, they really WERE out to get me. US, I should say. Does that mean it's not paranoia? I don't know, but it's served me well more than once.

It's just habits I'll never break.
Pat☺

 

Right there with you. "For lack of x, this happened!"-- old SGM

 

Full quote: “For want of a nail the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe the horse was lost. For want of a horse the rider was lost. For want of a rider the battle was lost. For want of a battle the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.”

As my First Sergeant told me: when the first shot is fired, the best plans go down the sh-----!,

Or, as Robert Browning said: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men. Gang aft a-gley”.

However, I do not look for trouble and carry only to allow me to escape it!

 

Amen!

 

OH, a couple of the most important: A way to start a fire and duct tape!

 

I live in the East Bay, I carry love, hugs, and stickers for the lowlifes because crime is legal here in California and legal firearm ownership is discouraged.

 

My wife says I carry too much gear, but I know I'm ready when the zombies show up:

Left Storage Tub:
small towel
leather gloves
MRE
hand warmers
electrical tape
kids gloves
tow strap
extra tow strap
tree strap
tire plug kit
10’ wire
power brick (2)
spray paint
toilet paper
mini hacksaw
come-along
tow hitch recovery D-ring

Right Storage Tub:
16oz water bottle
small bow saw
folding saw
fish permit
trash bags
small umbrella
tarp
reflective tacks
space blanket (x2)
poncho (x2)
lighter
D-ring
large knife
double-ziplock, with:
candle
sewing kit
matches
Benadryl
safety pin
neosporin
bandaids
toothbrush
ace bandage
ear plugs
spare fuses

Middle Storage Tub:
duct tape
cable ties, 16” and 6”
air compressor
carabiners
tape flagging
hose clamps, various

Truck Interior:
moving blanket
wool blanket
day pack
fanny pack
camera
spare key (hidden)
jumper cables
standard and metric tools
50’ climbing rope
fire extinguisher
chainsaw
shotgun & ammo
katana (bokken), because zombies
air blower
5 gal bucket, with:
Bricklayer hammer
Wedges
Safety glasses
Specimen bags
3lb hammer
Mechanic’s gloves
Leather gloves
ear muffs
paper towels
16oz water bottle
data backup (portable HDD’s)
bong, lighter, bud, poker
tin o' joints
gallon zip lock bags
plastic trash bag
duffel bag:
parka
wind shell, pants/shirt
rain pants
thermal shirt
wool shirt
fingerless gloves
snow gloves
ski mask
beenie
neck gaiter
snow gaiters
goggles
warm socks
boots
bathing suit
river shoes
mask & snorkel (weather really varies around here)
dice
cards
whistle
business cards
chain & padlock
comb
small pillow
LED inflatable light
chair
jumper cables
mirror
wide base board for hi-lift
surgical gloves
masks

Near Driver:
bottle coolers
USB music collection
Tablet (preloaded with maps)
feather duster
Swiss army knife
pocket knife
headlamp
tac light
lip balm
hand soap
12oz water bottle
air gauge, small scale
air gauge, large scale
registration & insurance info.
gate keys
lighter
sunblock & lip balm
USB charging cables
crystals, pyrite, obsidian
scissors
binoculars
windshield sun shade

Truck Exterior:
Hi-Lift jack
tie downs
spare key (hidden, no chip)
shovel (during wet conditions)

 

I feel completely unprepared now. Here I thought I was good with the few things I had and you have enough to save a village.

 

You gotta a spreadsheet for that?

 

I have been pondering adding a Katanaboy Tree Saw to my gear instead of gas chain saw, but they are expensive.
Quiet, no gas/oil needed, and, of course, good for 'zombie' eradication.

$350 Silky KATANABOY Professional 650mm Folding Saw XL Teeth (710-65)

https://www.amazon.com/Silky-Saws-7...tanaboy&qid=1632391696&sr=8-6#customerReviews

 

Very nice - but as stated, too much $$$

 

WHERE does the wife fit in?

 

For zombies, I have decided on a Cold Steel Hudson's Bay Ax (just the right weight & balance), an 18" machete (Lowe's garden shop) or my Dad's WWII Kukri from Burma.