so after years of telling myself i'd get around to it, i actually started building a proper go-kit this weekend. got a pelican case, threw in my FT-857D, a small switching power supply, some coax jumpers, my logging notebook, extra fuses, a headlamp and some other random stuff. also grabbed a cheap 100ah lithium battery off amazon that i havent fully tested yet under load.

the thing is i dont really have a defined role in any ARES group or anything, im just trying to be ready in case something happens locally and they need operators, or honestly just for personal preparedness if the grid goes down for a few days. im in a suburban area so HF seems more useful than just relying on local repeaters that might be down.

anyone been through this process and look back and go 'man i wish i had included X' — like what are the things you forgot until you actually needed them during a real event or drill? i feel like im missing something obvious but cant quite put my finger on it

the thing that gets people most often is adapters and connectors. you show up somewhere and your coax connector doesnt match what they have, or you need a BNC to PL-259 and its sitting on your workbench at home. i basically have a whole small ziplock just stuffed with random adapters now and it has saved me probably three or four times at actual served agency events. also a short roll of electrical tape and some small zip ties weigh nothing and you'll use them constantly.

another one — write down your radio's basic programming steps on a laminated card and stick it in the case. sounds dumb but if someone else needs to operate your rig and youre busy or indisposed they shouldnt have to guess. ive been doing emcomm stuff for about 12 years and you'd be surprised how often that kind of low tech documentation matters more than the fancy gear.

honestly the battery thing is what i'd focus on first. i learned the hard way that a battery that tests fine sitting around doesn't necessarily hold up when you're actually running 50 watts on and off for six hours. worth doing a proper discharge test before you need it for real. other than that sounds like you're on the right track, way further ahead than most people who just say they'll do it someday