Since it's fairly quiet around here at present, perhaps I could pick all your experienced brains about a problem totally unconnected with the Challenge.

Our eldest son lives and works in Tokyo, and has recently been home on a brief visit. He reckons one thing that may have got him some employment brownie-points in Japan was that he didn't abandon after the dreadful earthquake and tsunami. It did, however, give him pause for thought over the contents of his "earthquake-bag", which they all keep under their desks: before that, he had experienced many minor tremors and admits they all got a bit blase (sorry don't know how to do the accent on that).

Being now much more aware of the need for it - especially with North Korea now pointing big nasties at them - he asked me for advice about a new sleeping bag for the purpose. Bearing in mind that they normally have hot summers and pretty cold winters, but that conditions after a major disaster might be just about anything, what would you pack? It has to have reasonable warmth and preferably low weight and bulk, but it might well get wet, which makes down non-ideal (unless perhaps he included a simple waterproof bivvy bag, both rolled as one??). It also has to withstand NOT being stored loosely, as it has to be in a smallish bag kept always packed and ready.

I thought about asking the wonderful Chris Townsend, but having bothered him with an individual query last year, I don't want to turn into a regular pest. So - any suggestions gratefully received. It would make a good birthday present for him this summer.

If the sh*t hits the fan he will need something pretty robust - that won't collapse when soaked or dirty.

He could try a Buffalo outer bag and if it's cold wear clothes inside it - there's plenty of room:

LINK
And

LINK

It packs down small, too.

Sounds like an ideal situation for a Blizzard Survival Bag: http://www.blizzardsurvival.com/product.php/100/blizzard-survival-bag

Two brilliant suggestions - I'm ashamed I hadn't thought of either! And Alan, I even get a discount in Cotswold and there's a good new branch in Edinburgh. Might even be good for him to have both - the blizzard as a waterproof emergency extra. Thank you both very much for taking the time.

If anyone has any other thoughts on earthquake emergency bags, delighted to pass them on. (Anyone experienced this new cooking stove that generates enough electricity to charge your mobile phone??)

Jean