My "Be Prepared" Pack (links included)

[RIDE]

Let me first say that I have all of this "stuff" because I enjoy backcountry backpacking / camping... But.. all of my backpacking gear also doubles as great "SHTF" or "Bug-Out" gear. I don't do a lot of Backpacking in the Winter, so each Winter I organize and inventory my gear and pack into a pseudo "bug-out", or emergency Pack, to simply grab and go if need be.
I typed up an inventory of what is in my pack and a few things I am planning to add this week.

I thought posting the list here might be helpful to my THR friends. What would you add to your pack?

These are just what is in my pack ready to grab and go, it is NOT all that I would take (obviously I would take my firearms and ammo, and other essentials)... this is just the pack.

I added links to my specific gear in case anyone would like to take a closer look.

My Pack:

REI "Mars" Backpack Inventory

5.56 Ammo (20)
.40sw Ammo (27)

Triple LED Flashlight w/ 3 AAA Batteries
Extra AAA Batteries (12)

(3) LED Keychain Lights

(3) Omega Climbing Grade Carabiners

4" Pocket Knife

Black Electrical Tape

20+ Mummy Bag

(2) 2oz Bottles of Jungle Juice 100% Deet

(2) LightMyFire Utensils

Leatherman Juice SC2 Multitool

Brunton Classic Compass

(29) Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets

"BackPacker" First Aid Kit

(2) Petzl Tikka LED Headlamps w/ AAA Batteries

Outdoor Rafting Hat

(2) Large Black Trash Bags

Flint / Magnesium Stick

Small Zippo Lighter (Fuel dries up ...not much use other than the spark)

CamelBak unbottle 100oz Filled w/ water

(2) 30' Lengths of Climbing Rope/Cord

JetBoil 1.5 Liter Cooking Pot

(2) JetBoil Personal Cooking Systems

(4) JetBoil JetPower 100g Fuel Canisters (Isobutane/Propane)

Coleman F1 UltraLight Stove

Coleman F1 Lite Lantern w/ Extra Mantles

Marmot Aeolos 2 Person Tent

Marmot Tent Footprint

Marmot Rain Fly

High Powered Binoculars

MSR WaterWorks EX MicroFilter Water Purification Pump

Eton FR400 Emergency Hand Crank/AC/DC Radio, light, siren, Cell Charger, etc.

(12) Servings Freeze Dried Meals

STILL NEED TO ADD:

SunBlock
Cash
3 Topo Maps (Home state, and 2 neighboring States)
Machete
Rain Jacket
and a few other things....

 

[Intrepid Dad]

You've obviously put a lot of thought into your Bug Out Bag. Thanks for posting the contents. It looks like I've got some work to do.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Zippo Lighter

Yeah, the Zippo lighter fluid does evaporate, and it's wise to keep a small can handy.

However, there's a -- what's it called? -- Peanut?

It's a small flint-and-fluid lighter that doesn't have the evaporation problem.

I think it's been mentioned here before.

Guess I'll go look . . .

 

[BridgeWalker]

Ditch the zippo, get a Bic. See discussion in Conwict's thread on this forum.

I'm in a coffeshop, and don't want to freak out any nosy people by clicking on links with pics that might freak 'em out, so I dunno if this is included somewhere, but a spade.

Essential, especially for winter camping.

I know, after spending a couple cold hours digging out a tent pad from under a foot of snow with a piece of cardboard last winter....

I think you oughta go winter backpacking, just for fun and to see what you're missing from your pack.

 

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

I think too many of us (not saying the OP is like this) just put a bunch of cool survival/camping gear together and call is a SHTF kit. But I think it's far more wiser to decide what disasters you need to plan for, decide what you are going to do and where you'll go, and then decide what gear you need. It seems too many of us go for the gear first.

OP, if I were you I would have a fee 5gal jerry cans of gas and a few more of water stored up as well. You may also want to break down the "essentials" into a smaller group of things you can carry on your person, and the rest put in another larger bag that you can store in a vehicle. That way if you have to ditch the vehicle, you can grab your smaller bag and make a fast getaway.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Ahh, Found It

It was in Non-Firearms.

Dave Markowitz mentions the Peanut lighter here in [post=3717403]this post[/post].

He links to County Comm who actually sell them.

Interesting gadget.

 

[Javelin]

WoW you even have the Topo Maps! Dont forget to throw a Garmin in there w/ batteries. Best thing in the world. I have a nice one but you dont need a nice one, just one that is mapping. Good job with the list. I will be looking into building one myself!

 

[Trope]

I'd add a wind up flashlight, not just battery operated ones. I am also fond of the candle lanterns for how long they last.

And unless I'm missing something, the cooking stoves you have depend on fuel canisters. You might want to add a stove that is more flexible for fuel options.


I may be thinking of a longer-term situation than you are, though.

 

[Leanwolf]

I disagree with the above advice of "... ditch the Zippo."

I haven't smoked since 1976, but I still carry my old Zippo. I make it a point to keep it filled. Not really the hardest chore in the world.

I also ALWAYS carry in my hunting or trails walking day pack, two of the small, 1/8 ounce Tobasco sauce bottles, cleaned and filled with lighter fluid. They will make certain that my Zippo works every time I need it.

The reason I favor a Zippo over a BIC is because I have found the BIC to fail when there is much wind. My Zippo never fails, and still burns in wind and rain.

Also, if need be, you can light the Zippo and set it down where it can act as a small candle giving off some light. Try that with a BIC.

Therefore, my opinion on the utility of a Zippo. I'll keep carrying mine.

L.W.

 

[RIDE]

Ditch the zippo, get a Bic

lol... after posting, I went and bought a few things... 1 being a 3-pack of Bic lighters... I like the Zippo, but they simply (IMO) don't have the dependability of a bic.

I think too many of us (not saying the OP is like this) just put a bunch of cool survival/camping gear together and call is a SHTF kit. But I think it's far more wiser to decide what disasters you need to plan for, decide what you are going to do and where you'll go, and then decide what gear you need. It seems too many of us go for the gear first.

Right. As I said... this is my backcountry backpacking gear... it "doubles" and has some multi-use purposes as "SHTF" gear (BTW... I really don't even like to use the SHTF term.. it just seems so paranoid to me... I use it because everyone knows what it means.)

OP, if I were you I would have a fee 5gal jerry cans of gas and a few more of water stored up as well. You may also want to break down the "essentials" into a smaller group of things you can carry on your person, and the rest put in another larger bag that you can store in a vehicle. That way if you have to ditch the vehicle, you can grab your smaller bag and make a fast getaway.

Agreed completely... That's why I prefaced my list with, this is JUST what's in the bag... I have some "Day-trip" packs for small excursions. Gasoline, extra water, extra dog food, extra food, extra ammo, etc... is a MUST at the house... my guess is that if there were ever a true "SHTF" event my safeest place would be my home... Thus I have a lot of preparations here as well (but could still do better).

The pack I have is simply most of my Backcountry gear organized in one place (my pack)... I certainly would not take this thing into the backcountry, it weighs a ton, and I'm more of a semi-ultralight backpacker anyway.

This is not necessarily the very best pack for all situations, but if I'm going to have my stuff organized, I might as well keep it in one place and ready to grab-and-go.

I'd add a wind up flashlight, not just battery operated ones. I am also fond of the candle lanterns for how long they last.

The emergency Hand Crank Radio/Cell Charger/etc... is also a Hand Crank flashlight... As well as a siren, stobe, TV signal reception, 7 channel NOAA receiver ... the thing is loaded!

And unless I'm missing something, the cooking stoves you have depend on fuel canisters. You might want to add a stove that is more flexible for fuel options

The JetBoil Pots, and Personal "cups" can be uses over a small fire (remove neoprene ), but really... I have 4 extra canisters in the pack... 1 canister will last two people about a week... cooking 3 to 4 meals a day. If I run out of fuel... I'll have bigger problems to deal with.

WoW you even have the Topo Maps!

I have them from previous packing trips, but they often come in handy for new trips, and or a bug-out type bag.

:::

Thanks for all the input!

I use all this stuff pretty frequently, so if anyone has a question about a piece of gear, I'd be happy to help.

 

[RoadkingLarry]

I didn't see toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. imagine being stuck in the boondocks with no way to get that piece of jerky out from between your teeth as it begins to fester and swell and cause you unimaginable agony.

 

[wulfbyte]

I counted 8 light sources not including lighters or other fire making tols. I'm curious as to why so many?

Re. the zippo - zippo fuel is not the only thing you can put it in it, and for that reason alone, I consider it a must have item.

 

[RIDE]

I counted 8 light sources not including lighters or other fire making tols. I'm curious as to why so many?

Because I'm afraid of the dark.

j/k

Normally (When backpacking) I would only take a Headlamp, and MAYBE a flashlight. I just have extra stuff, and keep it all together in 1 pack, If I did need to grab-and-go in a hurry, I would be with my entire family, so some additional light sources would come in handy.

I would never, ever, ever, ever take this pack as-is on a backpacking trip.. it has WAY to much stuff (=weight) for a trip into the back country.

Also.. the 3 LED keychains are pretty much just a novelty... they are of no quality whatsoever, I bought like 20 of them for $2.00 total ($0.10 a piece)... they mostly for the kids to play with.

The Coleman F1 Lantern... while it is sooooo tiny, and really light, I only take this on short weekend type trips where fuel, weight and space are not a big concern... on a long trip it's simply a waste of fuel.

 

[JamisJockey]

No lighters for me! Waterproof strike-anywhere matches, and a flint.

 

[phil_in_cs]

A friend was recently telling me about his "car kit", stuff he had in case he needed to "survive" from the car.

He had all kinds of this stuff, but no jumper cables or portable compressor. Folks are much more likely to need to change a tire or get a jump start that to shoot someone, esp. with a long gun.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

People unfamiliar with the jetboil always lump it in with the old stoves they've seen in use... it is so not.
It's an extremely efficient cooking system that will boil your water in about 45 seconds, uses fuel efficiently, and is sort of modular with various pieces that can be interchanged.
It's a super choice for the casual camper, bug out, or the person who doesn't camp at all and wants something easy and foolproof.

And, lots of seasoned packers use the jetboil for dayhikes and overnights.

I carry a zippo and a pair of bics in the bug out bag.
Backpacking is a different story altogether.

 

[gunNoob]

I have a Zippo and I have never smoked.

 

[Lanyard]

Nice list

RIDE
I really like how you have linked almost your entire list. This would be a great place for someone just starting to consider a BOB. I know it took me quite a while to get my kit together. Great job!

 

[RIDE]

People unfamiliar with the jetboil always lump it in with the old stoves they've seen in use... it is so not.

Agreed! What I really like about the Jetboil gear is that it is all self contained! Maximizing space. The Personal Cooking system is a large cup, that when packed has a fuel canister, the stove, and the base INSIDE the cup. It's a really awesome setup.

I really like how you have linked almost your entire list. This would be a great place for someone just starting to consider a BOB. I know it took me quite a while to get my kit together. Great job!

Thanks! Most (all?) of the links are to REI, which is where I get the vast majority of my gear... good prices, a PHENOMENAL return policy, and if you are on their mailing list, they have 20% off any one item sales, which is when I get my more expensive gear... 20% off of a $400 tent is $80!!!!!

 

[ilbob]

I would forget the guns and ammo first and concentrate on some specific areas. In no particular order.

1. First aid supplies.

Assorted bandaids and ointments to deal with minor cuts and scrapes.

Assorted OTC remedies to deal with common maladies such as diarrhea, vomiting, cold, and minor pain.

A few tools. Scissors, tweezers, magnifying glass.

Maybe some mole skin if you expect to be walking.

Bigger bandages and other things for bigger wounds.

A first aid manual. Read it before you need it. Take the class too.

After that, most of the stuff you might consider carrying depends on your own situation and training level. A lot of people have medical stuff they have no idea how to even use. Not worth much if you are by yourself, might be worth something if a companion or someone you come across does know how to use them.

2. Things to keep you warm.

Wool blanket. Maybe a sleeping bag. Hand warmers. Warm clothing.

3. Things to start fires with.

For most people a butane lighter is probably the best choice. A lot of the other choices require substantial skill and practice. A butane lighter is fairly easy to use.

Something to use to get the fire going. Cotton balls soaked in Vaseline work OK. There are some wax impregnated sticks that start fires very well. Heat tablets do too.

Having tried some of the more common methods of fire starting suggested here in near perfect conditions, I suspect most people will freeze to death before they can start a fire with them.

4. Shelter.

Small tarp(s). Parachute cord.

5. Miscellaneous tools.

wire saw, or better yet a folding campers saw. wire saws are more compact but not so easy to use.

multi-tool. i get more use out of the pliers part of it than anything else.

a good knife and stone. some people will prefer a folder, i think a fixed blade knife like a k-bar is better. forget the Rambo knives and hollow handle knives. a kbar can be used almost like a small ax. its amazing how tough they are, and relatively cheap. something else you should learn to use before you need it.

sewing kit.

duct tape.

6. Water.

A couple of 1 liter water bottles from the store is all you need. They can even freeze with the water in them and won't hurt the bottle any.

some water disinfection tablets, and maybe a water filtration doohickey of your choice.

a small pot to melt snow or ice in. see #8.

7. food. most cases food is not as big a deal as some people make it, but it can make a rough situation less uncomfortable.

tea bags. instant coffee, hot chocolate to make warm drinks in cold weather.

snack foods with high amount of fat and protein. trail mix, peanuts, etc. stay away from carb laden stuff IMO unless you have to hike out.

8. cooking utensils. a small mess kit and some heat tablets is probably as easy as anything. you can always use the fire if you can get one started.
mostly to melt ice/snow and heat up water for hot drinks (if it is cold). you can also use to boil water for drinking.

9. signaling.

flares. whistle. mirror.

 

[goon]

Very informative.
I think that if firearms are included a good handgun should be first priority. A midsized handgun with a couple magazines adds a lot of security for only a few pounds of weight and only a little space.
It also conceals way better than any rifle or shotgun, even the kel-tec folders or a mini-uzi.

Something I have been working on personally - getting my teeth straightened out.
A dental problem in a crisis would be agonizing and if it went on long enough it could even kill you.

 

[houseofdon]

Allow this lurker to chime in!

That's a pretty awesome set up, but how is it on weight? I'm far from a hardcore ultralight dude, but it seems like you could shave a ton of weight. When it comes to survival, I think mobility would be key.

I'd also imagine that kit set you back a pretty penny. Another thing to think of, especially for someone who likes camping, is to have two sets of gear. For my recreation backpacking, I've got expensive gear all around. This stays at home, unless I'm camping. But my bug out bag is older/cheaper/second hand gear that I've pieced together over the years. This stays in my car and is geared toward survival/mobility instead of having fun. First Aid kid, small hygiene kit, Tarp (to use as tent), several fire-stating options, Goodwill wool clothes, hat/gloves, non-perishable foods, cheap stove, 1 gal of water & iodine tabs, etc. All the things that have been mentioned here, just not high end stuff.

I consider my bug out bag to be more or less a disposable tool that would keep me alive for three days when times got tough. If it were to get lost/stolen, oh well. But I've got several thousand dollars invested in my primary camping gear, and I'd be heartbroken if anything catastrophic were to happen to it.

 

[OrvilleYertleson]

Your needs will vary, but I highly suggest you:

1: Ditch the redundant stuff. Take one headlamp only. It is not an essential item anyways, so don't worry about breaking the one you have. Don't use it all the time, just for momentary light when you have to do something that requires it. The batteries will last for weeks that way. Also ditch all but one spare set of batteries.

Get rid of one of your stoves. We just ordered Jet Boil stoves, but for a SHTF situation I wouldn't even bother bringing it along since it will run out of fuel quickly. You want to keep the stove that will run on anything.

2: Ammunition: Whatever you take should be loaded in magazines. Also, you don't need as much as you think you do. If you were engaging in full blown infantry-style assaults where you are having to lay down a base of fire so your buddies can move, then you would need all the ammo you could carry. If it is just you and maybe some friends, your engagements will likely be very short, with either you or the aggressor dead or in retreat and very few shots fired. 10 magazines should be more than enough. Take at least 3 because they can get damaged easily. The same with pistol mags and ammunition, though I would probably take no more than 4 magazines.

3: Ditch the tent. You have no situational awareness inside one and it is a large, unnecessary comfort item. Take a tarp and some bungee cords instead to set up a hooch. A bivy bag, if you have one, is nice too. Remember, you won't need this unless there is a real emergency, and in that situation you can't afford to be trapped inside a tent where you can't see anyone approaching or get out quietly if you have to.

4: Bug spray will leak all over everything. Always. Take a single bottle and triple bag it.

5: No need for a lantern.

6: The first aid kit should have something for real trauma or it isn't worth taking.

7: All the food you can carry.

Remember, you have to actually carry this around with you everywhere. The more less than essential crap you carry the less essential food you can take, the slower you will be, and you will be less likely to keep your backpack on in a fight, which will basically mean you just ditched it and everything in it for good.

 

[RIDE]

I didn't want to start a new thread... but I did want to let everyone know that if you have been considering getting any of this type of gear now (and until March 20th) is the the time to do it at REI or rei.com They are having their annual 20% Off of any item sale... It's a good wat to save a little or a lot of meny depending on what you buy.

http://www.rei.com/

 

[B.D. Turner]

Good list I would add a signal device of some sort, highway flairs,12 ga flairs small handheld strobe light something that works for day and night to get attention. Another area that needs attention is with communications. You need some way to try to contact the outside world be it a CB, old cell phone(still does 911 even when you do not have regular service) or a ham radio.