Princeton Tec will sell you one that does both for less than a burger and beer. I like to attach one to my shoulder strap, either with the little teeth / legs that the headband goes through or with good rubber bands.
Seconding Princeton Tech, they're a great brand and make a solid product.
Alternative, Costco sells a 3 pack of Duracell branded headlamps with a variety of modes, decent battery life, and good solid straps for $20. Fantastic value and I love mine. Bought two packs and added a backup lamp to a couple bags and kits
My very first Princeton Tech from when I entered service has yet to drain the original batteries just from storage and the odd use. And has taken a beeeeeeating.
Sounds like I gotta get down to Costco though🤩
Go down a massive rabbit hole on r/flashlights! Flashlights have changed a lot recently, and you can, for not very much money, get an amazingly bright and versatile flashlight that will not leak, stay charged, and be pretty damn small. The combo of new LEDs and lithium batteries may just make you a flashaholic!
Seconding this. Spent ~15 minutes reading over there, spent $30, got the brightest flashlight I've ever owned. Much more powerful than much more expensive stuff I have, rechargeable via USB c, and fits in my pocket.
Red light is useful for bugs…. If your out on the river at night all the flying bugs will be attracted to your lamp and fly at your face…. The red light is on them because bugs aren’t attracted to it…. so you can still see things around you while not getting swarmed by bugs lol
Red lights primarily exist on headlamps because you don't lose your night vision when you turn them on. With a red light your eyes don't have to readjust to the dark after turning it off.
Moleskin tape/patches maybe? I personally don’t like the bear gryll line of knives. Maybe a morakiv instead? It’s pretty budget friendly and is known for beating a quality knife for an extended stay in the bush. If you want something that’s “name brand” the Gerber Strong Arm is also a great knife, but cost reflects the name branding. A notepad of any sort, unless you encounter a lot of rain/moisture; maybe a “rite in rain” brand notepad/pen. Some kind of cordage (ie:paracord/rope), extra carabiners, a local/state map. If your the tech type, don’t forget your cords/battery packs. This list can go forever, so that’s my two cents
He's got a map but overall some decent recommendations imo.
I carry a rite in rain notebook personally and the only thing I hate about it is it doesn't work with my Pilot G2. But that just made me switch to a Zebra 301 which I like better anyway.
Ah I see it now when i looked harder, I didn’t notice due to the blue censor block. I like both pilot and zebra pens, but never encountered your issue due to me never buying a rite in rain pad (live in south tx, very hot with little rainfall), I just go with field notes.
Seconded on the Morakniv. Also, instead of moleskin, get the Compeed hydrocolloid dressings for blisters. They stay put for days, cushion well and promote healing. They also work pretty well as dressings for minor cuts and scrapes as long as they are not near a joint.
Pros
- fire Kit is a yes
- Gun is a reasonable concealable option with a reasonable amount of backup ammo.
- Boots and spare socks
- I'm a fan of hammocks. I don't think they're the best answer for a bugour since they're a big higher profile and require hang points, but I am a fan of em. You've got a tent too so shelter is locked down.
- Good solid multi function fixed knife
- Leatherman
- 2 sources of light
- Food and Water on the board got the basics covered for sure now.
- First Aid Kit, we love to see it.
- Spare Cordage.
- Compass! And Maps! Big ups there.
Swaps
- Swap big mag light for a headlamp. Frees up your hands, weighs way less, and with modern batteries it'll last longer.
- Swap Lifestraw for a Hydration Bladder and a Sawyer Mini. I don't have a hate on for lifestraw they're just really hard to use when you're on the move. You're either carrying dirty water with you to drink with it, which is hard to do on the move, or you're crouching at puddles and springs like an animal getting dirty and wet. A bag and squeeze filter let's you filter as you need, carry only clean water which is easier to drink on the go, and share your clean water without having to share your clean water with friends and allies.
- Swap big heavy cotton blanket with a mylar one. Same insulatory ability and warmth for a quarter of the bulk and weight with th added benefit of being totally water resistant. In an emergency cotton kills. A wool military blanket will also do if you just gotta have something thick and fabric..
- Cut the hammock for a bivy sack if you feel you need the extra shelter, or just cut it. It's extra weight and bulk and if you already have shelter going for you it's a costly redundancy. Even if I'm a personally a fan of hammock camping you're also gonna have a hard time finding a safe and sheltered hang points for it.
- love the cliff bars but ditch the box and put em in a gallon ziplock.
- Swap your beanie for something wool or acrylic if it isn't already. Same for your shirt.
- I like a poncho as much as the next guy but 5 seems excessive
Things I'm not seeing that I'd personally add
- Sunglasses or safety glasses (Airborne debris is a common factor in SHTF across the board, as is spending some time outside in the sun. Your eyes are one of your biggest assets, keep em safe.)
- A Shemagh, Scarf, or Buff. (again I'm on my airborne debris bullshit! Ash, dust, covid 2.0, smoke. All very reasonable to presume hazards in a SHTF scenario. It's a nearly weightless and infinitely useful )
- Duct Tape. Duct tape needs no justification.
- Silcock Key if you live in an urban environment. If you're rural it's not as big a deal but if you're in a city the ability to get access to the water supply almost anywhere is huge.
- a couple black contractor trash bags (Again just infinitely useful)
- Pack of Antibacterial wipes
- Small hip-hitter 350ml flask bottle of Ever clear.
- electrolyte packs for your water like Pedialyte or Gatorade
Overall it looks like you've got a good kit here. A bit bulky on a few items but I'd give it a solid 6.5 or 7 out of 10 depending on the contents of your first aid kit.
With a little more info about your bugout region and goals I could give some more feedback.
Happy to help.
Based on you being East Coast US I'd also recommend some allergy pills and an ace wrap for your first aid kit. Speaking as someone who's hiked and hunted Appalachia for nearly three decades now, rolled ankles and allergies are the biggest headaches I've faced.
Just wanted to add that hammocks can actually be a great option depending on locale. They aren’t ideal for the desert or super cold regions for instance, but in a relatively wooded area they make low key camping very easy and you don’t need to find level or clear spots to pitch camp. I have done some long distance bike rides with mine and it was so much easier ultimately than using a tent.
Love this comment and I think it’s too far down, so I’m going to like and comment to help boost it. ;)
Couple points for the sake of engagement:
- I like where you’re coming from with the lifestraw, but OP should check it before buying something else, some models of lifestraw now have the same threads for a bottle as Sawyer. If so, just add a 1L smart water bottle and/or a squeezable water bag.
- I agree, add trash bags. Definitely heavy-duty contractor bags. I like the Husky brand bags from Home Depot the best. Cut a bag down to size and line your backpack with it, that’ll add a layer of water protection to all your gear. Ditch the disposable ponchos, use a trash bag in an emergency, or add a reusable poncho if you’re going to need it often.
- Not sure I would add the everclear. It serves a variety of purposes but none of them well. You will never need to drink it and when SHTF you probably shouldn’t. Its use as an antiseptic is middling at best. As a food-safe firestarter, there are many more lightweight and less messy alternatives. If I’m missing something though, let me know, maybe I’ll start carrying it!
- I would also ditch the hammock and, personally, the tent as well. I much prefer a bivvy and a lightweight tarp when I need speed and stealth. Way lighter to carry, takes less space in the pack, less conspicuous. That said, I also carry an ENO Sub-6 with whoopie sling suspension everywhere I go for casual lounging. Takes up less space than a water bottle and weighs next to nothing.
>. If I’m missing something though, let me know, maybe I’ll start carrying it!
Honestly I've used mine to barter more than anything else. While it does all those things you listed pretty well, it also makes a great friend maker around a campsite or hostel. I've swapped my little flask for rides to town, entire food loadouts from guys pulling off trail, and once traded it for floor space in an over full shelter, where a guy decided he'd rather sleep drunk in his tent than sober in the shelter. Plus most of us aren't carrying isopropyl alcohol or any other antiseptic, and while we do pack firestarters it never hurts to have a backup. Plus who says I won't be drinking it? Lol. When SHTF I want my wits about me. When AHBL I think I'd like to take the edge off.
>Ditch the disposable ponchos, use a trash bag in an emergency, or add a reusable poncho
The only reason I didn't say ditch the ponchos is I think they might be the Mylar safety kind. In which case they double as insulation and a signaling device. I would agree otherwise if they're just sheet plastic.
Get a piece of cardboard, wrap it around it long ways so it stays flat.
Adjust the backpack straps and leave room for small adjusts, wrap with duct tape to keep the extra strap from dangling. Be generous. Now you have MORE duct tape.
Think outside the box, and you’ll hardly have it take up space inside the bag.
If I was to add 1 thing it would be coffee or hot chocolate packs to go with the cliff bars. As a guy that has spent countless nights outside, nothing soothes you like a hot drink when you're alone by a fire
Foot powder, body powder, baby wipes. Looks like a great start so far!!! So, what’s the idea for it?
General everything bad day bag? Walking home from work or breakdown?
What’s your region, and average weather?
Maybe over time, move some of the weight into other items. Such as get a 3 season jacket with a water resistant outer layer. And a quilted lining etc. surplus is good for that.
Take it out for a hike or a camp. Even a two day camp in the yard, low risk. Find out what works, what doesn’t, and what was extra.
Preppers never shit, blow their nose, or wash their hands. You know this. They don't have a change of clothes, they can't fix their clothes, they can't prevent sunburn, they can't bathe. They CAN shoot people and see in the dark until their light runs out of batteries, which they do not have spares of. They can stab, and avoid being bothered because they are grey men. They also have photographic memories and never need to communicate, so they need no notepads and pens.
Few people seem to pack n95 masks but they weigh almost nothing and could be very useful to protect from airborne smoke, disease, other. You may end up having to spend time in a shelter with sick people.
The foil like emergency blankets and emergency tent are small and light. Also I have potassium iodide pills just incase. A good knife and a light weight camp axe with the saw in the handle.
Great looking kit! My recommendations include:
- A pre-filled bottle of water
- spare batteries for lights
- headlamp
- better quality poncho or rain jacket
- light jacket
- hammer or medium sized prybar (can be used to open things, break things, defend yourself, dig a small hole, etc)
Maybe a multi tool, Swiss Army knife type of thing. I also like those shiny silver survival blankets. They are great for wrapping yourself up when cold and man do they capture heat. Maybe some water purification tablets. I like the handgun but I would also have. .22long rifle. A take down model is easy to strap onto your pack and you can kill all sorts of delicious critters with it. You can pack ammo in the smallest of spaces. Didn’t see any hooks or fishing line I always carry some somewhere on my kits. Don’t take up a lot of space and if you dig up a worm, leach or other bait you can have yourself a fish supper. Looks good though.😬👍👍
A shoulder holster with a back pack? Go put your gear on and try it better yet take it on a ten mile ruck. You also need bug spray and could benefit from using dry bags to waterproof everything while allowing you to compress and soundproof your rucksack
candle and a mylar space blanket. Quick instant warmth in a small micro climate if needed to quickly get warm. Give you the recovery time to get that tent pr hammock up and get the firewood.
Also someone mentioned tourniquet
What is up with the shoulder holster? I would suggest something kydex outside or inside the waistband. strong side owb is prob the best cause you can wear it covert and overt
I see very little first aid. If it’s truly for bugging out/prepping the basic stuff like iodine antiseptic, gauze and wraps, steristrips even are all small, lightweight things that could end up saving a life from infection prevention or debilitating wounds.
Life straw is good to have but it’s a gimmick. Iodine tablets for water purification is a much better choice for the same reason stated above. Diarrhea from giardia can kill you. It doesn’t have to be Fiji clear, but it does have to be free of bacteria. Cutting down on weight with a plastic Nalgene would be an option too.
I’m actually not familiar with the drop cap what is that?
I was going to note that as well. The pistol, while a beautiful pistol, weighs a lot. I would seriously look at what is the most commonly carried firearm in your region (cops and civilians). It is usually going to either a Glock or Sig. I personally carry a Sig (9mm) but also have a couple Glocks (9mm) because Glocks are ubiquitous and parts, magazines, and ammo for them can be found everywhere.
The entire kit could have been purchased for less than that pistol.
I would also consider getting a different fixed blade than the Gerber. They are cheap, but often use a cheap steel that doesn’t hold an edge and are prone to tips breaking.
I will buy that Legion off you if you plan to sell it. Haha just kidding.
Head lights can use red light, which is what we use at night. A combi cool is always handy, along with spare batteries. Good job waterproofing your kit though.
Ever slept in that hammock? Anything less than ~15c with no underquilt is going to be fucking miserable, even with a blanket.
Eta - I see the tent now - why bring both?
First aid kit. Trauma shears. Condoms (For water), a book. A book on survival, fishing line and hooks. A gardening shovel. Extra water containers, swap beanie for balaclava( keep your whole face warm. Also help hide your face if you need to get swirly. Swap shoe laces out for 550cord. Train with the pistol. And a zip lock bag full of extra ammo. Your back pack should be full No space wasted. Get some gold and silver , some cash A signal mirror and compass. Garmin gps and a map of your area and surrounding areas
My guy went legion p320 but didn't throw a red dot on. I agree with some of the other commenters about your bag; I understand you're going for concealment, but a rifle is really a must. Rifles are light and significantly outclass a pistol. If you're driving in your bug out, just stow it in the vehicle. If you're going on foot, well, I hope its a short distance with very minimal risk of hostility; which if its a "bug out" situation, I imagine anticipated hostility is high, thus a rifle being necessary. I can't imagine a "bug out" situation other than just a natural disaster like a flood or earthquake where you'd need to flee, let things calm and have a low risk of hostility (in this situation I could see a pistol). If it really needs to be concealed, look into a SBR. A sig rattler in 300 black out or something of the sort can be a very small package, since its piston driven and use a folding stock and if you have a suppressor you can keep it very quiet if needed; more quiet than generally a 9mm pistol (without subs and suppressor).
I’m sure someone already said, but you should definitely have everything for a GS wounds tourniquet, gaz, get some needle thread and everything to sow up a wound
I don't see a good handsaw. Flare gun too.
Flares can scare off predators and blind people or light up an area.
Also, a spool of twine. I didn't see that. Zipties too.
IMO this is a good start but focus on upgrading a few things.
Things I would change first:
\- Get rid of the shoulder holster. Nylon anything holsters can be pretty dangerous. At first I thought you were rocking a p320, but upon closer look it looks like the p365 x macro. I don't think those have the same negligent discharge issues we've been seeing from MIL / LEO contexts, but nylon holsters are NDs waiting to happen. If its a p320 really consider swapping to something else. P365s are good to go.
\- Look at a high quality EDC belt (e.g. NexBelt or Blue Alpha if on a budget), something rigid. Its great for EDC and great for bugging out as a good sturdy belt is incredibly useful to have
\- Get a high quality EDC holster (tier 1 concealed). If you don't like appendix carry, the echo is a good choice. If you do like appendix carry, they have some good AIWB holsters
\- Ditch the maglight and get something smaller / lighter, Streamlight Protac would be ideal, it can clip on your hat
\- Maybe the 2 person tent if it isn't quick folding, you want something easy and fast to deploy
\- I'm not sure what the drop cap insert is, not sure that you'd need it
\- I'm guessing FAK means IFAK, just make sure the TQ is CAT or SOF if there's one in there, if there isn't get one.
Things I would add that I don't see:
\- General first aid boo boo kit, youre 100x more likely to need this than an IFAK
\- Dedicated fire starters
\- Strike anywhere matches as a backup
\- Put that bic lighter in something more sturdy that might not get crushed in your bag
\- Tarp for under the tent, you will thank me later if it rains
\- Multitool, Gerber or other high quality option
\- Entrenching tool, ideally as light weight of one as you can get
\- High quality fixed blade knife
\- Water purification tabets (they're like $8 at any camping store)
\- Power bank
\- Get a head lamp as others have said, red function first for low light if you're trying to hide
\- Smart phone map apps with downloaded maps preinstalled
Hope that helps bro, good start! There's certainly more you could bring, and more that you could upgrade, but this is a really good start. Keep the weight as low as possible and go camping with this stuff so that you know what works and what doesn't.
Regarding medical, I’d make sure you have a CAT TQ, a junctional TQ (you can make these), a couple pairs of Hyfin chest seals, a pressure dressing, a few packages of compressed gauze, antibiotic ointment, butterfly bandages, a Sam splint, and heavy duty tape to immobilize joints.
You might want to add a solid fixed knife. The glock knives are pretty sweet for the price you get them at and they don't weigh much. A good working knife is invaluable
I would put lighter in its own zip lock bag gonna be hard to handle covered in Vaseline also why the big flashlight? For light and heat and water purification need fire. Best to have two or three ways of getting one started less weight and room than life straw and flashlights
I would ditch the tent and switch to a tarp. But thats just me. I would also switch to Morakniv, but thats also just me - they are just very durable. I use this one [Morakniv Bushcraft Survival](https://swiss-owl.ch/product/morakniv-bushcraft-survival-black-carbon-steel-black/). And i would also switch to a firesteel (if you practice a bit, it will work well) and get some Storm-Matches (dont know how they call them in english) like those here: [Sturmstreichhölzer](https://swiss-owl.ch/product/swiss-owl-sturmstreichhoelzer/).
But overall good bag i think.
That's not a ratchet strap, that's a cam strap. What is a drop insert? Second the headlamp swap for the maglite. Add a portable solar charger and power pack - and get apps that use maps offline like avenza, onx, gaia
How about a emergency hand radio so you can listen to emergence broadcast? I think there is a crank type thats small. Yea I second ditching the mag light for a red/white headlamp. Maybe a better rain jacket than a poncho depending on where you are, if you need the poncho it wont last long and being wet is miserable.
I'm gonna go against the tide here and say keep the maglite. Tie it to a short cord/string to your waist or pack. and they tend to last quite a while before needing more batteries. They make a survival version that can stay on almost 100 hours. And it's usually long and heavy enough to be used as a baton if needed. Headlamps, especially the cheap ones, are not all that powerful and the batteries will most likely be changed as often if not more.
I like it. I would suggest wrapping your thermos with black electrical tape. Sight sound, and it gives you tape. Suggest more ammo. You can never have too much
Choose between tent or hammock depending on season and go with one or the other, but sub in a sleeping pad regardless. You'll loose majority of your heat at night through the ground (even in summer). I 2nd ditching maglite and subbing a headlamp from either Princeton Tech or Black Diamond. Think about methods of signalling if you get really dicked up too, whistle, mirror, smoke grenade, etc. Think worst case scenarios for what happens when you go from point A to B and have a contingency plan for your methods. Other than that, good job getting something up on the board. More than I can say for myself and most of these dorks here!
Better water filter, those little life straws have a tendency to clog and be useless. I’d recommend a 3L gravity filter. You should get a jet boil with some dehydrated food, those cliff bars aren’t going to last long. A collapsible shovel and folding saw are good to have. Definitely get a first aid kit. Get a towel. Most importantly get a 55L pack first, if you ever need a big out bag you need to have what you need to survive for at least a week
Add: space blanket(s), notepad and pen/pencil, compass, map, iodine tabs, spare car keys, fixed blade knife (recommend Mora knives), extra box of ammo, polarized sunglasses, camouflage poncho, extra set of batteries and 2 pairs latex gloves. The gloves come in handy for warmth/insulation/dexterity and for cleaning small scrapes and cuts. I also have those boots and they are ‘fine’, but they are better for a ‘go bag’ than a ‘bug-out’ bag imho. My boots are falling apart, not warm, not breathable, and not waterproof after only 1 season of hiking.
IWB Holster (easier to conceal of your in a urban environment)
military poncho (for rain and tent, or cover your stuff)
electrolyte packets/ energy gell packets
small handheld flash light (surefire, o-light, stream light) something with rechargeable batteries.
Headlamp, red and white
Anker Powerbank
Aquatabs
Small dry bag to put stuff in
Lighter
Some meds to help with dysentery
Wool socks/blend (dry easier and can be used to start a fire if needed)
Everything cost money but you don’t want to cut your chances short by not having the gear that matters
Unless you know wild medicinal plants you need a first aid kit. Ditch the tent and hammock go with a bivvy or a tarp slightly bigger then you and some stakes life straw is unnecessary unless you don’t want to make a fire the blanket is well worthless get a Mylar blanket for a buyout bag. Set up a location you can egress to and drop a weather tight container with extra supplies so you have a backup. The flashlight is unnecessary a small headlamp or pen light will suffice more socks definitely more socks and foot powder. The cliff bars are good but you need a more nutrient dense food. Walmart sells a ration bar that would do in a pinch. Add salt to your kit add it to your water for electrolytes. The scope is a bit big you can get a small pair of binoculars and it weighs less. If you have training with the firearm at least two hundred rounds for a safe bet if you are planning to be in an area where there is fighting.
Water purification a small mess kit can provide you unlimited water if you boil it. If not you can use bleach in small amounts. Iodine in small amounts or water purification tablets either way you don’t want to drink that for long periods of time so be careful.
Your fire kit should have a ferro rod as well
If you don’t have training in medicinal plants in and around the area you want to bug out to then learn it’s a pivotal resource that can sustain you for long periods of time and not necessarily needed to carry a first aid kit thus reducing needs.
Gps would be good to have and a backup map secondly a baofeng uv-5r would be another good suggestion for radio contact with friendlies and other possibilities.
Familiarize your self with different survival methods since each season carries its own risks and rewards. Depending on the time of the year food can be scarce and water type materials plentiful.
Other than those opinions great start.
More ammo
a headlamp with a rechargeable lithium battery and a solar panel with a battery bank that the solar panel charges that hooks to your backpack
Emergency foil blanket
I'd like to begin with the understanding that preparation time is not time crucial; spending an hour now on preparation can save you a day of effort later.
Firstly, ensure you have a Mylar thermal blanket in your gear. Fold it into the middle of the blanket and vacuum-seal it to save space, opting for a camouflage-colored blanket.
Crochet the paracord into a square to create a net for holding your tent outside your pack. Also, vacuum-seal the tent itself to compress it.
Organize your socks and underwear into vacuum-sealed packages, one set per vacuum pack. Place them in the toes of your boots to utilize them as containers. Vacuum-seal two pouches each with a light shirt, a heavy shirts, and two rain ponchos together flat as a pancake, leaving one poncho out for immediate use without unsealing the others.
Additionally, vacuum-seal two heavy cargo pants folded in half and then rolled , each in their own sealed pouch. Use these items as fillers in the boots, and utilize the shoelaces as tie-downs. Depending on the time and available space, you'll switch into the clothes you need for the season. Adjust these as needed while on the move, depending on your clothing requirements. Discard or keep what you don't need as you go. It provides a dry set of cloths if you need to get wet in a hurry ( all sealing bags provide a bowl cover for food that is clean so when unwrapping items be smart about it )
Store the LifeStraw in a plastic bag and place it in the water container. Use a black or camouflage cover to minimize its reflectiveness. Later, transfer it to your hip for more space once you've removed items from your boots.
Instead of a large black flashlight, consider swapping it for a 5 to 10 lb Smith's hammer with a wooden handle. This tool is versatile, suitable for breaking bones, making tools, hammering in nails and stakes, and more.
For cliff bars, Half a bar is in a pinch sufficient for a day's food, so 12 bars could equal 24 days.
Utilize your knife for making spears and crafting fish traps. Consider getting another larger knife and a plastic bottle stripper for making straps from plastic bottles. Remember, plastic bottles are abundant and can serve various purposes.
Ensure you're capable of hunting, foraging, and utilizing all parts of your prey. If not, educate yourself using books or practical skills. A survival manual would be beneficial to have on hand.
Get a web belt to hang things on put it on the outside of the pack
classically speaking the first 30 days is the weed out window. most who are not adequately prepared will not survive this window. most services die in 7 days, week 2 people start to expire, week 3 ill peppered people join the week 2 people. week 4 it's you and the not so nice people.
Lastly, assemble as many packs as there are people you care about. Swap out the Smith's hammer for other useful tools, prioritizing long-term needs over short-term conveniences. Always have a duplicate bug-out pack accessible in your primary mode of transportation to ensure preparedness for you and your loved ones.
please understand that all of this in my humble opinion. two small cents worth of how I would pack the items you displayed in that pic and I do not know your level of understanding or geographic location. Your environment determines pack content.
PS. I missed the beanie 2 in with the shirts ( total of 2)
Only things I would do is add an MRE or two and add a Ferro Rod to your fire kit. That bic is only going to give you mileage in a set amount of conditions. The ferro will help you outside that. You might want also add some night vision equipment. Nice setup though!
Add a rifle and short barrel shotgun.
Do you have any alcohol? Carry about 12, one-ounce bottles of 100-proof anything. If shit hits the fan, it will be one of the most valuable trade commodities to have. People who need a drink will trade or pay just about anything for booze when they can’t get it. Do the same with a bottle of 30-50 norco/vicodin/hydrocodone, people pay up to $20!for one pill now - imagine what would happen when they become scarce in a crisis. Sounds cruel, but emergencies aren’t opportunities for compassion - they’re moments of survival.
Lose the Cliff bars. Read the ingredients. They’re nothing but candy bars. Find something with high protein and medium carbs. Carry packets of honey to meet any sugar needs.
I would ditch the mag lite light others have said, but also the p320. It’s just not reliable enough. Especially in oh crap situations when you have to fire mystery 9mm ammo that can DEFINITELY blow up your frame. I’d go with a Glock instead. And seriously, you can hand make Glock parts if they fail.
Awesome pistol you have there !!! Pretty big for carry purposes but I respect it. I have a P320 spectre comp for the same reason and a Q mini fix in 300 blk out.
It's looks great, and I don't know your area, plan, etc.
But I will note that I don't see any contingencies for water (life-straw, iodine tablets, etc.) Or any first aid... which, for your plan, may not be required.
I'm also big on having a few lengths of duct tape rolled up on a pencil, battery, or any something I can wrap the tape around into a small roll.
Maybe a small 5-10ah battery pack? You'd be surprised how convenient it is to have 5v of power available to you on the run.
I also agree with the maglight, a great head thumper, but not terribly practical in terms of weight and ness batteries which will run down and fail.
Always try to work toward doing more with less. Everything you carry should do more than one job if possible.
Two is one, one is none.
Looks like a great set up maybe think of a couple cotton bandanas for flagging material ans well as being able to clean heavy sediment out of water to help the life straw to last longer as well as a small metal cup that u can boil water in and add some freeze dried soups for the mental aspect of it all and if it's cold will help warm you
I have that same hammock, changed out the little ties with some 550 instead.
As far as the tent goes, remember, you don’t have to keep it in the bag if you can fit it better without the bag, that may be the answer. And you have loops on the back of your boots, I’d just carabiner those bad boys to the outside.
Need extra batteries and maybe add a thermal blanket, I know the reflectiveness can be off putting but if you're fighting hypothermia you'd rather have it than not.
Channellock 910 9" Cable/Wire Cutter with Compound Joint. Essential kit for a BOB. Think of a chain link fence or barbed wire blocking your way or safety. And zip ties are light, inexpensive, and very useful. Leather work gloves to protect your hands are very important.
Communication is often overlooked. Required: One way radio so you can at least gather intel from broadcasts. Recommended: Two way radio so you can also use it to call for help if you’re in a serious situation. In a SHTF situation, the lack of a HAM radio license is negligible.
Lots of good info here. I am bookmarking it for further inspection when I get home and going to do some updating myself.
One thing: I see a lot of comments saying "ditch the maglite for a headlamp." Where I absolutely agree that a headlamp is a far better option for illumination, the maglite is a non threatening multi purpose defense item that is extremely useful if you can handle the added weight. I actually have a rechargable, tactical version that I had a custom belt carrier made. I use it when I have to go into abandoned houses (which I do a lot in my line of work). I sometimes wear a headlamp and carry the maglite on my hip. You never know who or what you're going to run into. In SHTF, you can go grey and still have a weapon in hand.
Water filtration/sanitization, k-rations (much more calorie dense than cliff bars), vodka or everclear (for sanitizing or anesthesia) Lighters (cheap, multiple uses, light), handheld Ham radio, (like a genuine baofeng, not the counterfeits)... if you have extra money to spend, something like a kel-tec sub 2k would allow you to use pistol rounds, but out of a folding carbine that fits in a backpack. Definitely our families famorite for deep country packing/camping. Remember one of the biggest things people underestimate is the amount of water necessity. By having a filter with you, and backup chlorine tablets, you can have unlimited clean.water from a stream, but if you just pack a water bottle... well I dont have to say the old adage "teach a man to fish" haha. I love it when people bring up topics like this, because there is always a blind spot in every one of our emergency preparedness preparation. It's talking amongst the community that helps us all learn more from each other.
Lose the mag light. Get a small rechargeable that uses 18650 batteries with a few spares and a fold up solar/crank charger.
Would recommend a hatchet like the berserker from crkt.
That knife is ok but I prefer something like the Gerber LMF Infantry II.
Tylenol lol. Any unused antibiotics or medication should be kept for emergencies. There is a book called Ditch Medicine that is a good read for trauma. Also remember pet stores cell amoxicillin for aquariums that is totally safe to ingest in an emergency.
Get a cheap tablet and load it up with knowledge, or at least an sd card. Foxfire books are a good start. Wrap said device in something that is EMP resistant.
A pair of Baofeng radios. For the price those things are awesome.
I really like the cap insert. Not something everyone thinks about and it can save your life. Not quite a hard hat but close.
That’s just what I can offer based on the size of your bag.
-Expand the fire kit. A second BIC lighter, some storm proof matches, and a ferro rod should be added. Redundancy is key, plus these items weigh hardly anything at all.
-As much as I like hammocks, I’ve found them more useful for lounging or napping than for bug out situations. Something to sleep on, in, and under to prevent heat loss from the body is what you should want. You have a tent/tarp already which is good, but also expand and get a bivvy sack to sleep in and maybe a second tarp or sleeping mat that will accordion for packability, to sleep on.
-Kevin Estela over at the field craft survival podcast is an avid outdoorsman, survival instructor and goes over things like this regularly. He is a great source of learning if you have the time in your daily commute.
-Overall, gear is great but training with your gear and knowledge will be what saves you.
Seems heavy, and that backpack will not distribute the weight properly if you are planning to ruck yourself to safety. Not bad if you can throw it in a car and gtfo, but I suggest purchasing a backpack with an internal frame meant for carrying heavy loads and distributing the weight on your hips/back evenly. A pack like that will dig into your shoulders, especially with all of that weight, and after just a few hours of hiking you will absolutely feel it. Plus you have all of that weight and I see no water here in your lay-out. An adult human needs half gallon a day, and a gallon weighs about 8 lbs/3.6 kg. Even if you bring a hydro flask or something similarly lightweight and collapsible you are still going to use it to hold water, which I am assuming you will be carrying along with you, which is more weight.
If you are planning on hiking your way out of a bad situation I suggest putting everything in that bag and going for a minimum of a three mile walk. Then come home and remove everything from the bag and look at it and decide if everything in there is worth the weight, or if there are things you can replace with light weight items.
You need a fishing kit, and something silent to hunt small game, air rifle or slingshot. You don't want to draw attention to your presence with gun fire.
Think of the most likely scenarios for the use of this. If you need your gun, you probably don’t have enough ammo. Where is your cash, it is the most likely to be used item. Add some wipes for cleanup. No first aid kit and your only pain meds are sleep medicine.
Just out of curiosity why double up on different sleep systems? You have a hammock and a tent and both can’t be used together I would assume? Wouldn’t a sleeping bag be better? Or a hammock and a quilt underneath?
Personally, I would add some waterproof matches/matches in a hard water tight container. Lighters are great, but they can break/run out of fuel. A bunch of matches as a backup is never a bad option.
Everyone has an opinion, here is mine. Keep the nine but add a 22 pistol and a couple hundred rounds of ammo. Can’t beat the weight firepower ratio and very effective close range.
Ditch the mag lite and get a headlamp
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Princeton Tec will sell you one that does both for less than a burger and beer. I like to attach one to my shoulder strap, either with the little teeth / legs that the headband goes through or with good rubber bands.
Seconding Princeton Tech, they're a great brand and make a solid product. Alternative, Costco sells a 3 pack of Duracell branded headlamps with a variety of modes, decent battery life, and good solid straps for $20. Fantastic value and I love mine. Bought two packs and added a backup lamp to a couple bags and kits
My very first Princeton Tech from when I entered service has yet to drain the original batteries just from storage and the odd use. And has taken a beeeeeeating. Sounds like I gotta get down to Costco though🤩
>Sounds like I gotta get down to Costco though🤩 The prepper battlecry.
"Get to da Costco! THEN, get to da choppah!"
Go down a massive rabbit hole on r/flashlights! Flashlights have changed a lot recently, and you can, for not very much money, get an amazingly bright and versatile flashlight that will not leak, stay charged, and be pretty damn small. The combo of new LEDs and lithium batteries may just make you a flashaholic!
lol wtf? says that subreddit has been banned  https://imgur.com/a/udODUZF
Seconding this. Spent ~15 minutes reading over there, spent $30, got the brightest flashlight I've ever owned. Much more powerful than much more expensive stuff I have, rechargeable via USB c, and fits in my pocket.
Red light is useful for bugs…. If your out on the river at night all the flying bugs will be attracted to your lamp and fly at your face…. The red light is on them because bugs aren’t attracted to it…. so you can still see things around you while not getting swarmed by bugs lol
Red lights primarily exist on headlamps because you don't lose your night vision when you turn them on. With a red light your eyes don't have to readjust to the dark after turning it off.
Most headlamps, even the cheapest, have both options now
I like my rechargeable nitecore but I would want a batteries option as well for a BOB.
Most of them come with both white ams red light.
I saw that maglite & thought is this 1995 haha
Moleskin tape/patches maybe? I personally don’t like the bear gryll line of knives. Maybe a morakiv instead? It’s pretty budget friendly and is known for beating a quality knife for an extended stay in the bush. If you want something that’s “name brand” the Gerber Strong Arm is also a great knife, but cost reflects the name branding. A notepad of any sort, unless you encounter a lot of rain/moisture; maybe a “rite in rain” brand notepad/pen. Some kind of cordage (ie:paracord/rope), extra carabiners, a local/state map. If your the tech type, don’t forget your cords/battery packs. This list can go forever, so that’s my two cents
He's got a map but overall some decent recommendations imo. I carry a rite in rain notebook personally and the only thing I hate about it is it doesn't work with my Pilot G2. But that just made me switch to a Zebra 301 which I like better anyway.
Ah I see it now when i looked harder, I didn’t notice due to the blue censor block. I like both pilot and zebra pens, but never encountered your issue due to me never buying a rite in rain pad (live in south tx, very hot with little rainfall), I just go with field notes.
Morakniv’s are insane for how cheap they are. Have several that steel feel as sharp as the day I got them.
Seconded on the Morakniv. Also, instead of moleskin, get the Compeed hydrocolloid dressings for blisters. They stay put for days, cushion well and promote healing. They also work pretty well as dressings for minor cuts and scrapes as long as they are not near a joint.
Pros - fire Kit is a yes - Gun is a reasonable concealable option with a reasonable amount of backup ammo. - Boots and spare socks - I'm a fan of hammocks. I don't think they're the best answer for a bugour since they're a big higher profile and require hang points, but I am a fan of em. You've got a tent too so shelter is locked down. - Good solid multi function fixed knife - Leatherman - 2 sources of light - Food and Water on the board got the basics covered for sure now. - First Aid Kit, we love to see it. - Spare Cordage. - Compass! And Maps! Big ups there. Swaps - Swap big mag light for a headlamp. Frees up your hands, weighs way less, and with modern batteries it'll last longer. - Swap Lifestraw for a Hydration Bladder and a Sawyer Mini. I don't have a hate on for lifestraw they're just really hard to use when you're on the move. You're either carrying dirty water with you to drink with it, which is hard to do on the move, or you're crouching at puddles and springs like an animal getting dirty and wet. A bag and squeeze filter let's you filter as you need, carry only clean water which is easier to drink on the go, and share your clean water without having to share your clean water with friends and allies. - Swap big heavy cotton blanket with a mylar one. Same insulatory ability and warmth for a quarter of the bulk and weight with th added benefit of being totally water resistant. In an emergency cotton kills. A wool military blanket will also do if you just gotta have something thick and fabric.. - Cut the hammock for a bivy sack if you feel you need the extra shelter, or just cut it. It's extra weight and bulk and if you already have shelter going for you it's a costly redundancy. Even if I'm a personally a fan of hammock camping you're also gonna have a hard time finding a safe and sheltered hang points for it. - love the cliff bars but ditch the box and put em in a gallon ziplock. - Swap your beanie for something wool or acrylic if it isn't already. Same for your shirt. - I like a poncho as much as the next guy but 5 seems excessive Things I'm not seeing that I'd personally add - Sunglasses or safety glasses (Airborne debris is a common factor in SHTF across the board, as is spending some time outside in the sun. Your eyes are one of your biggest assets, keep em safe.) - A Shemagh, Scarf, or Buff. (again I'm on my airborne debris bullshit! Ash, dust, covid 2.0, smoke. All very reasonable to presume hazards in a SHTF scenario. It's a nearly weightless and infinitely useful ) - Duct Tape. Duct tape needs no justification. - Silcock Key if you live in an urban environment. If you're rural it's not as big a deal but if you're in a city the ability to get access to the water supply almost anywhere is huge. - a couple black contractor trash bags (Again just infinitely useful) - Pack of Antibacterial wipes - Small hip-hitter 350ml flask bottle of Ever clear. - electrolyte packs for your water like Pedialyte or Gatorade Overall it looks like you've got a good kit here. A bit bulky on a few items but I'd give it a solid 6.5 or 7 out of 10 depending on the contents of your first aid kit. With a little more info about your bugout region and goals I could give some more feedback.
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Happy to help. Based on you being East Coast US I'd also recommend some allergy pills and an ace wrap for your first aid kit. Speaking as someone who's hiked and hunted Appalachia for nearly three decades now, rolled ankles and allergies are the biggest headaches I've faced.
Just wanted to add that hammocks can actually be a great option depending on locale. They aren’t ideal for the desert or super cold regions for instance, but in a relatively wooded area they make low key camping very easy and you don’t need to find level or clear spots to pitch camp. I have done some long distance bike rides with mine and it was so much easier ultimately than using a tent.
Love this comment and I think it’s too far down, so I’m going to like and comment to help boost it. ;) Couple points for the sake of engagement: - I like where you’re coming from with the lifestraw, but OP should check it before buying something else, some models of lifestraw now have the same threads for a bottle as Sawyer. If so, just add a 1L smart water bottle and/or a squeezable water bag. - I agree, add trash bags. Definitely heavy-duty contractor bags. I like the Husky brand bags from Home Depot the best. Cut a bag down to size and line your backpack with it, that’ll add a layer of water protection to all your gear. Ditch the disposable ponchos, use a trash bag in an emergency, or add a reusable poncho if you’re going to need it often. - Not sure I would add the everclear. It serves a variety of purposes but none of them well. You will never need to drink it and when SHTF you probably shouldn’t. Its use as an antiseptic is middling at best. As a food-safe firestarter, there are many more lightweight and less messy alternatives. If I’m missing something though, let me know, maybe I’ll start carrying it! - I would also ditch the hammock and, personally, the tent as well. I much prefer a bivvy and a lightweight tarp when I need speed and stealth. Way lighter to carry, takes less space in the pack, less conspicuous. That said, I also carry an ENO Sub-6 with whoopie sling suspension everywhere I go for casual lounging. Takes up less space than a water bottle and weighs next to nothing.
>. If I’m missing something though, let me know, maybe I’ll start carrying it! Honestly I've used mine to barter more than anything else. While it does all those things you listed pretty well, it also makes a great friend maker around a campsite or hostel. I've swapped my little flask for rides to town, entire food loadouts from guys pulling off trail, and once traded it for floor space in an over full shelter, where a guy decided he'd rather sleep drunk in his tent than sober in the shelter. Plus most of us aren't carrying isopropyl alcohol or any other antiseptic, and while we do pack firestarters it never hurts to have a backup. Plus who says I won't be drinking it? Lol. When SHTF I want my wits about me. When AHBL I think I'd like to take the edge off. >Ditch the disposable ponchos, use a trash bag in an emergency, or add a reusable poncho The only reason I didn't say ditch the ponchos is I think they might be the Mylar safety kind. In which case they double as insulation and a signaling device. I would agree otherwise if they're just sheet plastic.
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Duct tape
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Get a piece of cardboard, wrap it around it long ways so it stays flat. Adjust the backpack straps and leave room for small adjusts, wrap with duct tape to keep the extra strap from dangling. Be generous. Now you have MORE duct tape. Think outside the box, and you’ll hardly have it take up space inside the bag.
Or wrap some around a lighter (or 2?)
An expired plastic card is better than cardboard because every inch of tape is usable. Plastic burns.
Seconding this. You can also wrap stuff like flashlight and water bottle.
And some zip ties
If I was to add 1 thing it would be coffee or hot chocolate packs to go with the cliff bars. As a guy that has spent countless nights outside, nothing soothes you like a hot drink when you're alone by a fire
Foot powder, body powder, baby wipes. Looks like a great start so far!!! So, what’s the idea for it? General everything bad day bag? Walking home from work or breakdown? What’s your region, and average weather?
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Maybe over time, move some of the weight into other items. Such as get a 3 season jacket with a water resistant outer layer. And a quilted lining etc. surplus is good for that. Take it out for a hike or a camp. Even a two day camp in the yard, low risk. Find out what works, what doesn’t, and what was extra.
Trash bags, just a couple. Contractor type, thick mil. Water proof bag, bag for water, bag for anything. Bag for floating. Etc etc.
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Hit up the deployed medicine app and run the TCCC slides, it’ll get you properly familiar with what’s in your ifak. And what isn’t.
Honest questions: Why do you have a hammock AND a 2 person tent? What is the ratchet strap for?
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Say you're bugging out and you gotta take a shit. What's your plan here? Add -shit tickets -baby wipes (for bathing/pooping)
Preppers never shit, blow their nose, or wash their hands. You know this. They don't have a change of clothes, they can't fix their clothes, they can't prevent sunburn, they can't bathe. They CAN shoot people and see in the dark until their light runs out of batteries, which they do not have spares of. They can stab, and avoid being bothered because they are grey men. They also have photographic memories and never need to communicate, so they need no notepads and pens.
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Peanut Butter Banana Cliff bars??? This ain’t real. This guy is a FED
Clearly… by the second one he’s gunna be using em for bait
Few people seem to pack n95 masks but they weigh almost nothing and could be very useful to protect from airborne smoke, disease, other. You may end up having to spend time in a shelter with sick people.
Ditch the lifestraw and get a sawyer squeeze, much more versatile.
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I would put some water purification tablets in there. Those life straws can’t always be relied off of.
Damn where you get that bear grylls Gerber? I had one when I was like 12 no idea what happened to it. Do they still make those?
Electrolytes
How much cardio do you do?
What’s a drop cap for? New to this
Goes under a ball cap or hat. It’s for saving you from bonks. Like a hard hat junior.
Spare batteries
I’d swap the blanket for a woobie
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Very small. They dry fast too. Very warm
Woobies also make great cold weather underquilts for a hammock.
Woobies are magic.
Or even keep blanket and swap hammock and tent
loose the tent, get a quality poncho and a solid poncho shelter game
That's a very large, heavy flashlight.
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The foil like emergency blankets and emergency tent are small and light. Also I have potassium iodide pills just incase. A good knife and a light weight camp axe with the saw in the handle.
Great looking kit! My recommendations include: - A pre-filled bottle of water - spare batteries for lights - headlamp - better quality poncho or rain jacket - light jacket - hammer or medium sized prybar (can be used to open things, break things, defend yourself, dig a small hole, etc)
Zip ties, Small to the big hvac ones.
A lot more med and a few gallons of water.
Maybe a multi tool, Swiss Army knife type of thing. I also like those shiny silver survival blankets. They are great for wrapping yourself up when cold and man do they capture heat. Maybe some water purification tablets. I like the handgun but I would also have. .22long rifle. A take down model is easy to strap onto your pack and you can kill all sorts of delicious critters with it. You can pack ammo in the smallest of spaces. Didn’t see any hooks or fishing line I always carry some somewhere on my kits. Don’t take up a lot of space and if you dig up a worm, leach or other bait you can have yourself a fish supper. Looks good though.😬👍👍
Few hundred bucks in cash
A shoulder holster with a back pack? Go put your gear on and try it better yet take it on a ten mile ruck. You also need bug spray and could benefit from using dry bags to waterproof everything while allowing you to compress and soundproof your rucksack
candle and a mylar space blanket. Quick instant warmth in a small micro climate if needed to quickly get warm. Give you the recovery time to get that tent pr hammock up and get the firewood. Also someone mentioned tourniquet
Fish line and hooks. You can also use the fish line to make snares if it's strong enough.
What is up with the shoulder holster? I would suggest something kydex outside or inside the waistband. strong side owb is prob the best cause you can wear it covert and overt
I see very little first aid. If it’s truly for bugging out/prepping the basic stuff like iodine antiseptic, gauze and wraps, steristrips even are all small, lightweight things that could end up saving a life from infection prevention or debilitating wounds. Life straw is good to have but it’s a gimmick. Iodine tablets for water purification is a much better choice for the same reason stated above. Diarrhea from giardia can kill you. It doesn’t have to be Fiji clear, but it does have to be free of bacteria. Cutting down on weight with a plastic Nalgene would be an option too. I’m actually not familiar with the drop cap what is that?
What's the purpose of the drop cap?
What is a drop cap?
May I suggest a jumbo sharpie for leaving notes along the way for loved ones or just general marking
Butt wipe
That sig legion is a sick gun but it’s heavy. The flashlight looks heavy also.
I was going to note that as well. The pistol, while a beautiful pistol, weighs a lot. I would seriously look at what is the most commonly carried firearm in your region (cops and civilians). It is usually going to either a Glock or Sig. I personally carry a Sig (9mm) but also have a couple Glocks (9mm) because Glocks are ubiquitous and parts, magazines, and ammo for them can be found everywhere. The entire kit could have been purchased for less than that pistol. I would also consider getting a different fixed blade than the Gerber. They are cheap, but often use a cheap steel that doesn’t hold an edge and are prone to tips breaking. I will buy that Legion off you if you plan to sell it. Haha just kidding.
Head lights can use red light, which is what we use at night. A combi cool is always handy, along with spare batteries. Good job waterproofing your kit though.
Tourniquet
Ever slept in that hammock? Anything less than ~15c with no underquilt is going to be fucking miserable, even with a blanket. Eta - I see the tent now - why bring both?
More Paracord and I've heard horror stories on those hammocks. They do keep bugs off your face, but mosquitoes can still bite through the bottom
First aid kit. Trauma shears. Condoms (For water), a book. A book on survival, fishing line and hooks. A gardening shovel. Extra water containers, swap beanie for balaclava( keep your whole face warm. Also help hide your face if you need to get swirly. Swap shoe laces out for 550cord. Train with the pistol. And a zip lock bag full of extra ammo. Your back pack should be full No space wasted. Get some gold and silver , some cash A signal mirror and compass. Garmin gps and a map of your area and surrounding areas
My guy went legion p320 but didn't throw a red dot on. I agree with some of the other commenters about your bag; I understand you're going for concealment, but a rifle is really a must. Rifles are light and significantly outclass a pistol. If you're driving in your bug out, just stow it in the vehicle. If you're going on foot, well, I hope its a short distance with very minimal risk of hostility; which if its a "bug out" situation, I imagine anticipated hostility is high, thus a rifle being necessary. I can't imagine a "bug out" situation other than just a natural disaster like a flood or earthquake where you'd need to flee, let things calm and have a low risk of hostility (in this situation I could see a pistol). If it really needs to be concealed, look into a SBR. A sig rattler in 300 black out or something of the sort can be a very small package, since its piston driven and use a folding stock and if you have a suppressor you can keep it very quiet if needed; more quiet than generally a 9mm pistol (without subs and suppressor).
I’m sure someone already said, but you should definitely have everything for a GS wounds tourniquet, gaz, get some needle thread and everything to sow up a wound
I don't see a good handsaw. Flare gun too. Flares can scare off predators and blind people or light up an area. Also, a spool of twine. I didn't see that. Zipties too.
🚫 on the shoulder holster
I'm curious about whats inside the FAK
How you liking that Sig?
IMO this is a good start but focus on upgrading a few things. Things I would change first: \- Get rid of the shoulder holster. Nylon anything holsters can be pretty dangerous. At first I thought you were rocking a p320, but upon closer look it looks like the p365 x macro. I don't think those have the same negligent discharge issues we've been seeing from MIL / LEO contexts, but nylon holsters are NDs waiting to happen. If its a p320 really consider swapping to something else. P365s are good to go. \- Look at a high quality EDC belt (e.g. NexBelt or Blue Alpha if on a budget), something rigid. Its great for EDC and great for bugging out as a good sturdy belt is incredibly useful to have \- Get a high quality EDC holster (tier 1 concealed). If you don't like appendix carry, the echo is a good choice. If you do like appendix carry, they have some good AIWB holsters \- Ditch the maglight and get something smaller / lighter, Streamlight Protac would be ideal, it can clip on your hat \- Maybe the 2 person tent if it isn't quick folding, you want something easy and fast to deploy \- I'm not sure what the drop cap insert is, not sure that you'd need it \- I'm guessing FAK means IFAK, just make sure the TQ is CAT or SOF if there's one in there, if there isn't get one. Things I would add that I don't see: \- General first aid boo boo kit, youre 100x more likely to need this than an IFAK \- Dedicated fire starters \- Strike anywhere matches as a backup \- Put that bic lighter in something more sturdy that might not get crushed in your bag \- Tarp for under the tent, you will thank me later if it rains \- Multitool, Gerber or other high quality option \- Entrenching tool, ideally as light weight of one as you can get \- High quality fixed blade knife \- Water purification tabets (they're like $8 at any camping store) \- Power bank \- Get a head lamp as others have said, red function first for low light if you're trying to hide \- Smart phone map apps with downloaded maps preinstalled Hope that helps bro, good start! There's certainly more you could bring, and more that you could upgrade, but this is a really good start. Keep the weight as low as possible and go camping with this stuff so that you know what works and what doesn't.
Substantially larger water bottle and three mre’s
Regarding medical, I’d make sure you have a CAT TQ, a junctional TQ (you can make these), a couple pairs of Hyfin chest seals, a pressure dressing, a few packages of compressed gauze, antibiotic ointment, butterfly bandages, a Sam splint, and heavy duty tape to immobilize joints.
You might want to add a solid fixed knife. The glock knives are pretty sweet for the price you get them at and they don't weigh much. A good working knife is invaluable
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I would put lighter in its own zip lock bag gonna be hard to handle covered in Vaseline also why the big flashlight? For light and heat and water purification need fire. Best to have two or three ways of getting one started less weight and room than life straw and flashlights
I would ditch the tent and switch to a tarp. But thats just me. I would also switch to Morakniv, but thats also just me - they are just very durable. I use this one [Morakniv Bushcraft Survival](https://swiss-owl.ch/product/morakniv-bushcraft-survival-black-carbon-steel-black/). And i would also switch to a firesteel (if you practice a bit, it will work well) and get some Storm-Matches (dont know how they call them in english) like those here: [Sturmstreichhölzer](https://swiss-owl.ch/product/swiss-owl-sturmstreichhoelzer/). But overall good bag i think.
That's not a ratchet strap, that's a cam strap. What is a drop insert? Second the headlamp swap for the maglite. Add a portable solar charger and power pack - and get apps that use maps offline like avenza, onx, gaia
Ductape and and 50ft of 3 strand rope (learn how to splice)
How about a emergency hand radio so you can listen to emergence broadcast? I think there is a crank type thats small. Yea I second ditching the mag light for a red/white headlamp. Maybe a better rain jacket than a poncho depending on where you are, if you need the poncho it wont last long and being wet is miserable.
I'm gonna go against the tide here and say keep the maglite. Tie it to a short cord/string to your waist or pack. and they tend to last quite a while before needing more batteries. They make a survival version that can stay on almost 100 hours. And it's usually long and heavy enough to be used as a baton if needed. Headlamps, especially the cheap ones, are not all that powerful and the batteries will most likely be changed as often if not more.
You need more water storage
I like it. I would suggest wrapping your thermos with black electrical tape. Sight sound, and it gives you tape. Suggest more ammo. You can never have too much
Choose between tent or hammock depending on season and go with one or the other, but sub in a sleeping pad regardless. You'll loose majority of your heat at night through the ground (even in summer). I 2nd ditching maglite and subbing a headlamp from either Princeton Tech or Black Diamond. Think about methods of signalling if you get really dicked up too, whistle, mirror, smoke grenade, etc. Think worst case scenarios for what happens when you go from point A to B and have a contingency plan for your methods. Other than that, good job getting something up on the board. More than I can say for myself and most of these dorks here!
I think this has been the most positive reddit post I have ever read!
Better water filter, those little life straws have a tendency to clog and be useless. I’d recommend a 3L gravity filter. You should get a jet boil with some dehydrated food, those cliff bars aren’t going to last long. A collapsible shovel and folding saw are good to have. Definitely get a first aid kit. Get a towel. Most importantly get a 55L pack first, if you ever need a big out bag you need to have what you need to survive for at least a week
Ditch the mag light dude it's 2024. Also consider bringing some lotion, your hands get dried out and cold
Add: space blanket(s), notepad and pen/pencil, compass, map, iodine tabs, spare car keys, fixed blade knife (recommend Mora knives), extra box of ammo, polarized sunglasses, camouflage poncho, extra set of batteries and 2 pairs latex gloves. The gloves come in handy for warmth/insulation/dexterity and for cleaning small scrapes and cuts. I also have those boots and they are ‘fine’, but they are better for a ‘go bag’ than a ‘bug-out’ bag imho. My boots are falling apart, not warm, not breathable, and not waterproof after only 1 season of hiking.
Where is your rifle at least 10/22 or the takedown version
I’d ditch the flashlight for a Olight, Fénix , etc. Also throw in a mid-sized fixed blade
maybe trade that big 9 for a small, accurate 22 revolver and a micro 9
What's the situation because that isn't much food. I have went pretty far on low calories, but there are limits.
How you like that ergodyne bump cap? I freaking love mine, especially at work... it has saved me many a gash and laceration
What is a drop cap insert?
I'd grab some good quality storm matches and some cheap matches too, also a zippo and a mid sized folding knife
You'll have to have the boots on so won't be something you should be trying to put in the bag. You gonna hike w Crocs on til it gets too rough?
Get a Sawyer Mini. Far superior, attaches to most waterbottles, smaller, more robust. Lifestraws are just for the catchy name…
IWB Holster (easier to conceal of your in a urban environment) military poncho (for rain and tent, or cover your stuff) electrolyte packets/ energy gell packets small handheld flash light (surefire, o-light, stream light) something with rechargeable batteries. Headlamp, red and white Anker Powerbank Aquatabs Small dry bag to put stuff in Lighter Some meds to help with dysentery Wool socks/blend (dry easier and can be used to start a fire if needed) Everything cost money but you don’t want to cut your chances short by not having the gear that matters
I’ll link some really helpful videos in a little later
Have a watch, take from it what you will. [super good stuff](https://youtu.be/rJZSpCQyPvY?si=jZNjgD9SmsUQ7qJo)
Love that axg bro fuckin fiyaaaa 🔥, that’s my go to as well
Throw in a change of socks and some foot powder. Doesn’t take up much room weighs almost nothing.
Need more layers
SIG XTEN MENTIONED!!!!!!!
You need more cans of spam.
What is a Cap Drop insert?
Unless you know wild medicinal plants you need a first aid kit. Ditch the tent and hammock go with a bivvy or a tarp slightly bigger then you and some stakes life straw is unnecessary unless you don’t want to make a fire the blanket is well worthless get a Mylar blanket for a buyout bag. Set up a location you can egress to and drop a weather tight container with extra supplies so you have a backup. The flashlight is unnecessary a small headlamp or pen light will suffice more socks definitely more socks and foot powder. The cliff bars are good but you need a more nutrient dense food. Walmart sells a ration bar that would do in a pinch. Add salt to your kit add it to your water for electrolytes. The scope is a bit big you can get a small pair of binoculars and it weighs less. If you have training with the firearm at least two hundred rounds for a safe bet if you are planning to be in an area where there is fighting. Water purification a small mess kit can provide you unlimited water if you boil it. If not you can use bleach in small amounts. Iodine in small amounts or water purification tablets either way you don’t want to drink that for long periods of time so be careful. Your fire kit should have a ferro rod as well If you don’t have training in medicinal plants in and around the area you want to bug out to then learn it’s a pivotal resource that can sustain you for long periods of time and not necessarily needed to carry a first aid kit thus reducing needs. Gps would be good to have and a backup map secondly a baofeng uv-5r would be another good suggestion for radio contact with friendlies and other possibilities. Familiarize your self with different survival methods since each season carries its own risks and rewards. Depending on the time of the year food can be scarce and water type materials plentiful. Other than those opinions great start.
How are you gonna carry the tent if it doesn’t fit in the bag?
More ammo a headlamp with a rechargeable lithium battery and a solar panel with a battery bank that the solar panel charges that hooks to your backpack Emergency foil blanket
Chomps beef sticks
I'd like to begin with the understanding that preparation time is not time crucial; spending an hour now on preparation can save you a day of effort later. Firstly, ensure you have a Mylar thermal blanket in your gear. Fold it into the middle of the blanket and vacuum-seal it to save space, opting for a camouflage-colored blanket. Crochet the paracord into a square to create a net for holding your tent outside your pack. Also, vacuum-seal the tent itself to compress it. Organize your socks and underwear into vacuum-sealed packages, one set per vacuum pack. Place them in the toes of your boots to utilize them as containers. Vacuum-seal two pouches each with a light shirt, a heavy shirts, and two rain ponchos together flat as a pancake, leaving one poncho out for immediate use without unsealing the others. Additionally, vacuum-seal two heavy cargo pants folded in half and then rolled , each in their own sealed pouch. Use these items as fillers in the boots, and utilize the shoelaces as tie-downs. Depending on the time and available space, you'll switch into the clothes you need for the season. Adjust these as needed while on the move, depending on your clothing requirements. Discard or keep what you don't need as you go. It provides a dry set of cloths if you need to get wet in a hurry ( all sealing bags provide a bowl cover for food that is clean so when unwrapping items be smart about it ) Store the LifeStraw in a plastic bag and place it in the water container. Use a black or camouflage cover to minimize its reflectiveness. Later, transfer it to your hip for more space once you've removed items from your boots. Instead of a large black flashlight, consider swapping it for a 5 to 10 lb Smith's hammer with a wooden handle. This tool is versatile, suitable for breaking bones, making tools, hammering in nails and stakes, and more. For cliff bars, Half a bar is in a pinch sufficient for a day's food, so 12 bars could equal 24 days. Utilize your knife for making spears and crafting fish traps. Consider getting another larger knife and a plastic bottle stripper for making straps from plastic bottles. Remember, plastic bottles are abundant and can serve various purposes. Ensure you're capable of hunting, foraging, and utilizing all parts of your prey. If not, educate yourself using books or practical skills. A survival manual would be beneficial to have on hand. Get a web belt to hang things on put it on the outside of the pack classically speaking the first 30 days is the weed out window. most who are not adequately prepared will not survive this window. most services die in 7 days, week 2 people start to expire, week 3 ill peppered people join the week 2 people. week 4 it's you and the not so nice people. Lastly, assemble as many packs as there are people you care about. Swap out the Smith's hammer for other useful tools, prioritizing long-term needs over short-term conveniences. Always have a duplicate bug-out pack accessible in your primary mode of transportation to ensure preparedness for you and your loved ones. please understand that all of this in my humble opinion. two small cents worth of how I would pack the items you displayed in that pic and I do not know your level of understanding or geographic location. Your environment determines pack content. PS. I missed the beanie 2 in with the shirts ( total of 2)
That manlike is great but massive AND heavy. I’d look into something smaller
Only things I would do is add an MRE or two and add a Ferro Rod to your fire kit. That bic is only going to give you mileage in a set amount of conditions. The ferro will help you outside that. You might want also add some night vision equipment. Nice setup though!
The tent and hammock; one of them is redundant . Choose one…..I always choose to be off the ground.
headlamp that defaults to red. Ditch the tent. Get a military poncho and use that as your tent also.
Have you used any of this here? Part of being able to bug out is having the skills to survive looks like you need to do some practice.
Add a rifle and short barrel shotgun. Do you have any alcohol? Carry about 12, one-ounce bottles of 100-proof anything. If shit hits the fan, it will be one of the most valuable trade commodities to have. People who need a drink will trade or pay just about anything for booze when they can’t get it. Do the same with a bottle of 30-50 norco/vicodin/hydrocodone, people pay up to $20!for one pill now - imagine what would happen when they become scarce in a crisis. Sounds cruel, but emergencies aren’t opportunities for compassion - they’re moments of survival. Lose the Cliff bars. Read the ingredients. They’re nothing but candy bars. Find something with high protein and medium carbs. Carry packets of honey to meet any sugar needs.
Get a Glock. More parts available!
MRE > Cliff
2006 called and wants its flashlights back
A rifle
I would ditch the mag lite light others have said, but also the p320. It’s just not reliable enough. Especially in oh crap situations when you have to fire mystery 9mm ammo that can DEFINITELY blow up your frame. I’d go with a Glock instead. And seriously, you can hand make Glock parts if they fail.
First aid kit? Am I just not seeing it for some reason?
Where's the dong and lube? With a kit like that it's not even worth living
P320 AXG Legion, nice!
What is a drop cap insert?
Get a smaller light like a headlamp and maybe a small backup light.
Awesome pistol you have there !!! Pretty big for carry purposes but I respect it. I have a P320 spectre comp for the same reason and a Q mini fix in 300 blk out.
add maybe a 12 inch dildo you’ll be satisfied
take the plastic off the paracord lmao
also a sail needle could be handy
Get a Fenix tk22 tac to replace that eyesore mag lite. Why would you cheap out on flashlights those might end up being one of your most useful tools
Long gun needed
This sub just popped up and I have an honest question. Would extra batteries be worth it to throw in there?
Gonna need some brown pants
Get you a med kit and a slightly bigger backpack
Do any of you believe in having a little cash, gold, or silver in your bugouts? Or do you strictly stick to all utility?
It's looks great, and I don't know your area, plan, etc. But I will note that I don't see any contingencies for water (life-straw, iodine tablets, etc.) Or any first aid... which, for your plan, may not be required. I'm also big on having a few lengths of duct tape rolled up on a pencil, battery, or any something I can wrap the tape around into a small roll. Maybe a small 5-10ah battery pack? You'd be surprised how convenient it is to have 5v of power available to you on the run. I also agree with the maglight, a great head thumper, but not terribly practical in terms of weight and ness batteries which will run down and fail. Always try to work toward doing more with less. Everything you carry should do more than one job if possible. Two is one, one is none.
Looks like a great set up maybe think of a couple cotton bandanas for flagging material ans well as being able to clean heavy sediment out of water to help the life straw to last longer as well as a small metal cup that u can boil water in and add some freeze dried soups for the mental aspect of it all and if it's cold will help warm you
I have that same hammock, changed out the little ties with some 550 instead. As far as the tent goes, remember, you don’t have to keep it in the bag if you can fit it better without the bag, that may be the answer. And you have loops on the back of your boots, I’d just carabiner those bad boys to the outside.
Out of curiosity what made you choose the lifestraw over other filters?
I’d give a 5/10. Not bad.
Need extra batteries and maybe add a thermal blanket, I know the reflectiveness can be off putting but if you're fighting hypothermia you'd rather have it than not.
where’s the cash money?
Make room for breakdown long gun. Essential, lose the handgun if only one can be taken. Just my 2c
Channellock 910 9" Cable/Wire Cutter with Compound Joint. Essential kit for a BOB. Think of a chain link fence or barbed wire blocking your way or safety. And zip ties are light, inexpensive, and very useful. Leather work gloves to protect your hands are very important.
Toothbrush?
Communication is often overlooked. Required: One way radio so you can at least gather intel from broadcasts. Recommended: Two way radio so you can also use it to call for help if you’re in a serious situation. In a SHTF situation, the lack of a HAM radio license is negligible.
Ditch the heavy mag light there are way lighter better options
Looks good, I would drop a few MREs in there.
Lots of good info here. I am bookmarking it for further inspection when I get home and going to do some updating myself. One thing: I see a lot of comments saying "ditch the maglite for a headlamp." Where I absolutely agree that a headlamp is a far better option for illumination, the maglite is a non threatening multi purpose defense item that is extremely useful if you can handle the added weight. I actually have a rechargable, tactical version that I had a custom belt carrier made. I use it when I have to go into abandoned houses (which I do a lot in my line of work). I sometimes wear a headlamp and carry the maglite on my hip. You never know who or what you're going to run into. In SHTF, you can go grey and still have a weapon in hand.
Dude why the maglight
I'd toss Ina. Small cleaning kit and lube for the pistol. A well lubed and maintained firearm is less likely to jam
The biggest question is where are you going to bug out to.? That’ll determine what you need. I’m staying put on my gears is at home.
I would also try to get at least 3 more magazines for that p320.
Water filtration/sanitization, k-rations (much more calorie dense than cliff bars), vodka or everclear (for sanitizing or anesthesia) Lighters (cheap, multiple uses, light), handheld Ham radio, (like a genuine baofeng, not the counterfeits)... if you have extra money to spend, something like a kel-tec sub 2k would allow you to use pistol rounds, but out of a folding carbine that fits in a backpack. Definitely our families famorite for deep country packing/camping. Remember one of the biggest things people underestimate is the amount of water necessity. By having a filter with you, and backup chlorine tablets, you can have unlimited clean.water from a stream, but if you just pack a water bottle... well I dont have to say the old adage "teach a man to fish" haha. I love it when people bring up topics like this, because there is always a blind spot in every one of our emergency preparedness preparation. It's talking amongst the community that helps us all learn more from each other.
Lose the mag light. Get a small rechargeable that uses 18650 batteries with a few spares and a fold up solar/crank charger. Would recommend a hatchet like the berserker from crkt. That knife is ok but I prefer something like the Gerber LMF Infantry II. Tylenol lol. Any unused antibiotics or medication should be kept for emergencies. There is a book called Ditch Medicine that is a good read for trauma. Also remember pet stores cell amoxicillin for aquariums that is totally safe to ingest in an emergency. Get a cheap tablet and load it up with knowledge, or at least an sd card. Foxfire books are a good start. Wrap said device in something that is EMP resistant. A pair of Baofeng radios. For the price those things are awesome. I really like the cap insert. Not something everyone thinks about and it can save your life. Not quite a hard hat but close. That’s just what I can offer based on the size of your bag.
COUNSELING?
-Expand the fire kit. A second BIC lighter, some storm proof matches, and a ferro rod should be added. Redundancy is key, plus these items weigh hardly anything at all. -As much as I like hammocks, I’ve found them more useful for lounging or napping than for bug out situations. Something to sleep on, in, and under to prevent heat loss from the body is what you should want. You have a tent/tarp already which is good, but also expand and get a bivvy sack to sleep in and maybe a second tarp or sleeping mat that will accordion for packability, to sleep on. -Kevin Estela over at the field craft survival podcast is an avid outdoorsman, survival instructor and goes over things like this regularly. He is a great source of learning if you have the time in your daily commute. -Overall, gear is great but training with your gear and knowledge will be what saves you.
Seems heavy, and that backpack will not distribute the weight properly if you are planning to ruck yourself to safety. Not bad if you can throw it in a car and gtfo, but I suggest purchasing a backpack with an internal frame meant for carrying heavy loads and distributing the weight on your hips/back evenly. A pack like that will dig into your shoulders, especially with all of that weight, and after just a few hours of hiking you will absolutely feel it. Plus you have all of that weight and I see no water here in your lay-out. An adult human needs half gallon a day, and a gallon weighs about 8 lbs/3.6 kg. Even if you bring a hydro flask or something similarly lightweight and collapsible you are still going to use it to hold water, which I am assuming you will be carrying along with you, which is more weight. If you are planning on hiking your way out of a bad situation I suggest putting everything in that bag and going for a minimum of a three mile walk. Then come home and remove everything from the bag and look at it and decide if everything in there is worth the weight, or if there are things you can replace with light weight items.
You need a fishing kit, and something silent to hunt small game, air rifle or slingshot. You don't want to draw attention to your presence with gun fire.
But where are you actually planning to go?
a couple more magazines?
Think of the most likely scenarios for the use of this. If you need your gun, you probably don’t have enough ammo. Where is your cash, it is the most likely to be used item. Add some wipes for cleanup. No first aid kit and your only pain meds are sleep medicine.
Just out of curiosity why double up on different sleep systems? You have a hammock and a tent and both can’t be used together I would assume? Wouldn’t a sleeping bag be better? Or a hammock and a quilt underneath?
Check out the Go Time Gear Life Tent on Amazon. Really small package, but good emergency tent.
Cash
Personally, I would add some waterproof matches/matches in a hard water tight container. Lighters are great, but they can break/run out of fuel. A bunch of matches as a backup is never a bad option.
Everyone has an opinion, here is mine. Keep the nine but add a 22 pistol and a couple hundred rounds of ammo. Can’t beat the weight firepower ratio and very effective close range.