THE HAM NOTEBOOK
Just like being prepared for a communications emergency or drill, a Swap Meet Go Bag is essential for a successful mission.
In this case, the mission is to find and purchase a desired item and transport it home. The mission includes taking steps to avoid disappointment, in several ways.
This Go Bag idea started after I lost money on a bad deal on a big and heavy 1-kilowatt dummy load (it turned out to be “open”–WY). I decided I would take steps to avoid buying something that really should have been scrapped by the seller.
First is the bag itself. I use either a big duffel bag or a backpack-style sack. Both bags feature shoulder straps as well as a carrying handle. The shoulder straps free my hands, which makes browsing easier. The handles provide an alternative carrying method to shift the load and avoid fatigue or pain. Sometimes I bring a folding luggage dolly, if I am shopping for something really heavy or big.
