Tactical Vest question - What are must haves in it?

[SapperLeader]

OEF_VET list of the three levels of gear seems to be one the most popular and realistic methods. A lot of the stuff being mentioned in this thread is neccessary and great gear to have, but doesnt need to be on your tactical vest. I look at level 1 gear to be my edc, and for the most part I do have the basics on me at all time. In a shtf situation, I would prefer to change out of street clothes and concealment gear, and switch out for woods appropriate clothes and a drop holster. Im not going to relist everyones suggestions, but will add one piece of advice on the debate of camelback or canteens. The right answer(for me at least) is yes, you do need camelback and canteens. The camelback keeps you hydrated throughout the day, as it really hard to rink water from a canteen, while holding a weapon, using a compass, and keeping track of your pace count, direction of travel, and whee your companions are. Oh yeah, and scanning for threats. With the camelback, the hose can stay in your mouth, or you can pick it up easily, and start drinking. I prefer canteens as a backup in case the bladder breaks. I also can use canteens to get water for purification, and after it is purified, add it to my water bladder. Personally I am a water hog, when I am wearing body armor, a tactical vest, rucksack, long sleeved clothes, carrying a weapon, and moving on a long march throughthe woods, I tend to drink some water. On a typical field excerise I would bring (2) 1 quart canteens, (1) 2 quart canteen(rucksack), and a 100oz bladder, and fill up every night. Yes, water is heavy, but you need it. Its like ammo, no one ever says I brought too much, they complain about not having enough. Sorry for the long winded post, feld the need to throw my two cents into the debate. Kudos on setting up survival/emergency gear by the way.

 

[NMshooter]

There are several different ways to carry your load, once you have determined what that load is. I like the chest harness, since it rides high enough to clear everything on my belt, for second line stuff. Easier to sit in a vehicle with as well.

Consider what kinds of tasks you will be performing most of the time and whether you will be sitting in a seat or not when figuring out what goes where. I like the Camelbak, but when they are between you and the seat they sometimes break. A couple of old canteens or Nalgene bottles might be nice in the pack as a backup.

"When dressing for death and slaughter all you need are bullets and water." But if you are avoiding that stuff go light on the ammo carried and keep more at your destination if moving or at home if staying. And while "stuff" is nice, make sure you know how to get by without.

 

[johnc522]

Some great ideas

you guys have some excellent ideas for SHTF gear. I strongly favor Camelbaks or similar rigs over canteens. You can keep sipping regularly instead of stopping, digging out canteen, etc.
Beef jerky is a good survival item, and for energy bars, I think Clif bars are the greatest. I have carried them at -30 F snowshoeing, and they stayed soft enough to eat. At +105, then did not dissolve at all. plus pretty good amount of protein in a light bar.
I saw a neat item in Sportsmans Guide the other day, a wire saw that fits into a can about the size of snuff, you could cut some major branches with it.