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· Registered
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
So I've been researching and trying my heart out to filter out the seemingly endless brands, types and specific models of gear available in the outdoor/camping/survival/emergency field and have completely exhausted my mind on it all. My goal is to create a kit/rig/pack containing the "best" gear for what I consider the "inevitability of the unknown". In other words, crafting a set up designed for living an unknown period of time in the wilderness.
This isn't just a SHTF or camping/hiking set up, more of an all around versatile rig. We all know the basics being shelter, water and food...but given the fact that we can't exactly prepare for something perfectly unless we know the exact details of the situation, how can someone be "best" suited for a an event as simple as a short camping trip as well as a shtf scenario? Anyone have any idea on at least a guideline as to what or what not to use?
 

· Bad Moon Rising
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10,113 Posts
Personally, I'd use a lot of money.

"The Best" of anything is rarely cheap!

:D:





None of us can tell you what's "best" for you. Your needs and environment, etc. are going to be unique to you.

Like most of the rest of us, you start taking weekend backpacking trips, you decide what you need and what you don't, you tweak things, you divide your weight in half when you realize you're humping too heavy a load, you buy new boots, and then you start all over.

After enough time and experience in the field, you wind up with what works best for you.

The best advice most of us can give you is to try to use other people's money. Borrow gear. Buy used stuff from garage sales if you can. Join hiking or mountaineering clubs and see what they use. Rent gear if you can. Don't spend a ton of money on a goose down bag only to find you're in a kayak most of the time. Etc.

[And when you ask: "...how can someone be "best" suited for a an event as simple as a short camping trip as well as a shtf scenario?" I believe you're conflating two very different ideas. A short weekend backpacking/camping trip is one thing - you can handle the weight load for that. (But most don't go backpacking with a rifle and numerous magazines.) It would be doubtful that you could transport the weight required to be set up for some sort of disaster response unless you had vehicles - which is a different scenario entirely. The former is part of the latter, yes, but they're two different sets of preparation...]

One step at a time.
 

· Super Moderator
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Everyone is different, so what is best for one is not necessarily best for another. But I think this list might give you some ideas as to what types of items you might want, as well as some specific items you might want to consider. (This is an old post, recently updated, about general field equipment kits)

Though I do have several other small kits, my primary kit is a general use kit. I keep it ready to go for any emergency. Since I can’t carry much on my back, I use a game cart to handle the overwhelming majority of the items.

And since I have to use it anyway, I take advantage of the weight & space capacity and take rather more than most people recommend. Some of the additional weight and space is in the gear, but much of it, however, is in food. I can last well over a month just on what food I have with me.

If the situation changes, or is such that I must lighten or reduce the size of the load, I can merely drop or cache what I don’t need and keep going. Since I plan for many different situations, and can’t afford the duplication necessary for having a bag for each situation, I went with the following non-specific kit:

Field equipment kit (Evac/BOB/BIB/GOOD/INCH/DHS)

(Well on the way to having it all, but not quite yet.)

(It is a fairly comprehensive pick and choose option list covering all four seasons and the terrain here in the High Desert. Not everyone needs everything. Some items would be left behind or cached, depending on the circumstances here. Other areas would require a different selection. And there are cheaper options available for some of the items for those on a tight budget.)

(Also note that some of the items listed in the sub-kits are not carried together, but are in the backup supplies. I kept them together in the list for clarity)

As to quantities of consumables, since I can carry much more on the game cart than I can on my back, I go for one month plus. I think three days minimum, seven days much better, and a month or more preferred. You will eat more when on the move than when bugging in, so up the amounts you think you would eat by 10% - 25%. Somewhere in the kit should be important documents in a water proof container.

Just my opinions.


Worn:

Propper khaki public service Tactical Pants – best quality/price/feature I’ve found
Propper khaki public service Tactical shirt – as above
Bullhide brand brown leather money belt (with 1/10 ounce gold Eagles) – Gold coins for emergencies
Rustedfables The Grizzly Leather Suspenders (brown) – hold the pants up better than elastic ones
Wintersilks Boxer briefs (white) – very light, dries quickly
Wintersilks v-neck T-shirt (white) – very light, dries quickly
Wintersilk silk liner socks – good wicking, very light, dries quickly
Merino wool socks – very warm even when wet
Danner Ft. Lewis boots – just all around good boots w/goretex lining
Akruba Territory Hat with chin strap wide brim hat (brown) – for sun protection
Peltor Comtact II dual radio talk through hearing protection communications headset – best available I’ve found
Petzl TacTikka XP LED headlamp on hat – has the features I want
2 tan bandannas – Gotta have two. One for the nose, one for the neck or whatever
Hatch Operator lightweight gloves – good for mild weather tasks that are hard on the hands.
Hatch XTAK tan elbow pads – I fall down a lot
Hatch XTAK tan knee pads – Ditto above
Timex Automatic Self winding watch – No worries about batteries or winding, good price compared to others
Wiley X JP-2-510 photochromic sunglasses – the only ones of quality I could find
Zippo lighter with 2 single fill fuel caniser – And a Bic disposable or two
Pantac Wallet C wallet w/cash & ID (tan) – just a nice simple nylon wallet. Cash… well, can’t have too much
Maglight Solitare LED flashlight w/spare AAA battery in a cache tube – extremely bright for 1 AAA
Cold Steel Voyager medium plain edge pocket knife – good size/function/quality/price combination
Spyderco CO8 Harpy pocket clip knife – hawkbill serrated blade for getting out of lines, nets, and is a wicked last ditch weapon
Tec-tite Tekna Ocean Edge Arm knife – an option for the boot knife. Already has harness for arm use
Cold Steel Counter Tac II boot knife – good quality and price if you need a boot knife
Nikon compact binoculars on chest harness (alternate: 7x50 Steiner Commander XP C) – have the Nikons, nice and small and very capable
Write in the rain notebook in left shirt pocket – for note taking. Works well for a nice price
2 Fisher Tactical Space pens in left shirt pocket – can’t lose the cap since there isn’t one. Write anywhere
Arrowtech W-742 Dosimeter in left shirt pocket – if planning for nuke situation. Good price for new production
Arrowtech W-138RM pen type rate meter in left shirt pocket – can use this instead of W-742 plus has rate meter function
Smart phone in right shirt pocket – w/prep and survival apps, many useable w/o cell or wifi service
Dakota Alert M538-HT MURS hand held radio in pants radio pocket – Best option I’ve found for short rang comms.
Garman Oregon 550T GPS in pants left cargo pouch (opt) – best of the bunch in my opinion, if you’re going to use one
Kestrel 4500NV weather instrument in pants right cargo pouch (opt) – again, the best of the ones I’ve found if you need one
Key ring w/Lansky pocket knife sharpener, whistle – Sharpener is very small and very effective, whistle is for signaling
Leather change purse w/silver coins (brown) – the coins are for emergencies. The change purse keeps them together, separate from other things in the pocket
Beretta Tomcat .32 ACP w/4 spare magazines in pocket holster in right rear pants pocket – great hideout gun, and the .32 ACP is useable in cartridge adapters in .308 and .30-’06 rifles for almost silent hunting of small game



In FMCO CSV-M10 Vest (4 double magazine pouches, 2 large utility pouches, 2 small utility pouches, 620ci field pack): High quality/military type accepted, purpose built, no mesh, no plastic zippers, no Velcro, pouches made to fit

8 20-round .308 magazine in 4 double pouches – about the maximum I can carry plus the rest of the items in the vest
Brunton 8010G compass in 1st small utility pouch – Very good quality/size/price option
Motorola HT-750 low band business band handheld radio in 2nd small utility pouch – Low Band VHF (just above CB) gives the best medium range comms I think that are available besides Amateur radios Expensive
Survival kit* in first large utility pouch – See below
Hardware and tools kit** in second large utility pouch – See below
MSR 3-liter hydration bladder in attached field pack – MSR is as good or better than the competition. Had good luck with their products. I’m in the high desert. Need a lot of water.


On Tactical Assault Gear MOLLE Belt: - easy adjust, high quality

Glock 21SF in Tactical Taylor MOLLE holster (alternate: ParaOrdnance P-14) – Glock for price & capacity, holster can be configured in several ways
Surefire G2 LED flashlight in Specter Gear MOLLE pouch – Great basic light, not too expensive. The pouch is the only one I’ve found specifically for the G2
Cold Steel Oda in Spec-Ops MOLLE sheath – Based on the Randal #1, the Oda has a good sheath, but not MOLLE. The Spec-ops sheath solves the problem
IFA kit in Custom Tactical SAR MOLLE pouch*** - See below
Kleen Kanteen 40oz SS water bottle w/fold down loop lid, fold 18oz cup & Maxpedition 4x10 MOLLE carrier – extra capacity/large opening/can be heated/big cup, & the pouch carries both plus room for other things, too.
Soldiers Optimized Butt pack w/GI Poncho & Ranger Rick liner attached, 3 days food (jerky, gorp, Millennium ration bars), Otis Tactical gun cleaning kit, CD V-750 Model 6 manual dosimeter charger – SOB is laid out fairly well. Best of the aftermarkets I’ve found. Ranger Rick liner has head hole and zipper for sleeping bag, Otis Tactical will clean all the weapons I have or plan to get. The V-750M6 doesn’t need batteries to charge dosimeters
Kleen Kanteen 40oz SS water bottle w/fold down loop lid, & Maxpedition 4x10 MOLLE carrier – second one for same reason
OKC-3S bayonet in MOLLE sheath – like the Oda, the OKC-3S is much like the Randle R-1. Comes with the MOLLE sheath
HSGI MOLLE Dump pouch – I like the construction of this one better than the competition for holding empties
Leatherman Surge in one pocket of Spec-Ops brand dual MOLLE pouch – best balance of function vs weight. The dual sheath is easy to adjust and can different sized items
Wenger Survivor Swiss Army Knife in one pocket of Spec-Ops brand dual MOLLE pouch – It’s called the Survivor for a reason.
Spec-Ops brand double MOLLE pouch w/2 pistol magazines – have extra magazines in the other gear. Two is enough. Same thing on the double pouch as above


Kifaru Marauder 2,500ci MOLLE back pack w/cargo chair & gun bearer options – Great quality, the smallest of the Kifaru that will take the cargo chair (I think). The chair and gun bearer let me carry whatever I need and have both hands free

In Marauder:

MSR 3-liter hydration bladder – second bladder. Just have to have plenty of water
SAS Survival Handbook – Best of the field manuals in my opinion.
Food for 3 days (Jerky, gorp, Millennium ration bars) – light, compact, nourishing, and tastes good
Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter w/MP-1 tablets – best of the small filters in my opinion
Extra underwear – standard reasons
Extra socks – standard reasons
Double zip-locked packet of important papers (copies of licenses, deeds, insurance, etc.) – might not be able to recover the originals

On Marauder:

PTR-91 MBR in gunbearer (alternate: Springfield M1A) – best value for the money in a .308. Prefer the .308 for its versatility
Left side 64 oz Kleen Kanteen water bottle in Maxpedition 12 x 5 pouch – just more water. Unlike the bladders, can be poured from canteen to pot
Right side 64 oz Kleen Kanteen water bottle in Maxpedition 12 x 5 pouch – ditto above
Cold Steel E-tool – multipurpose. Digging, cooking, making debris huts, CQC weapon, best of the bunch in my opinion
Cold Steel Rifleman’s tomahawk – prefer a hawk with a hammer head. I like Cold Steel’s quality vs price


Cabela’s Super magnum game cart w/dual wheel option w/ - best one out there

1st Rubbermaid Action Packer 8-gallon tote w/additional clothing
2 sets Propper outerwear
1 set Orvis brown herringbone wool pants & Filson original wool button down shirt – cold weather
2 sets Wintersilks heavyweight silk long john bottom , v-neck top, & liner socks, merino wool socks – for medium cold weather
2 sets Eddie Bauer merino wool long john bottom, zip neck top, liner socks & Carhartt boot socks - for very cold weather
5 sets Wintersilks silk v-neck T-shirts & boxer briefs
5 sets each of: silk liner socks, wool liner socks, merino wool socks, Carhartt wool boot socks
2 sets each of: silk glove liners, wool glove liners
10 bandanas – can’t have too many
1 extra pair Hatch Operator lightweight gloves
1 Travelsmith leather safari coat medium coat (brown) – medium weather
1 pair of Tempest insulated/water proof gloves – cold weather gloves
1 Tasman lined drover’s coat (brown) – Cold weather coat
1 set Hat Flap ear warmers – to keep ears warm when wearing wide brim hat
1 Adventure Medical Kits Backpacker’s sewing kit – small, inexpensive and effective
1 pair Cabela’s Elk moccasins w/shearling lining – for those safe camps in the fall, winter, and spring
1 pair Keen Newport H2 sandals – For water work
1 pair Wiley X Nerve Goggle w/4 spare lenses – Best effective goggles I’ve found for the price
1 Pick-of-life ice escape picks – carried handy in the winter when around the water/ice


2nd Rubbermaid Action Packer 8-gallon tote w/tools, spares, and extras
1 Grand Shelters Icebox Igloo building tool – for deep snow areas, not needed most places
1 Grand Shelters Igloo door ditto above
1 Duraworx mini-planting tool – substitute for the GI pick mattock
1 Channellock Model 88 rescue tool – wire cutter, pry bar, wrench
1 8” mill file – to sharpen axe/machete/e-tool
1 small block & tackle
1 EZE-Lap diamond paddle sharpening set – for extreme sharpening
1 Wyoming knife w/3 spare blades – the classic for skinning big game
300’ coyote brown 550 cord – used for all kinds of things. Can’t have too much
Yaesu VR-500 wide band all mode handheld receiver w/Miracle Ducker LT antenna – smallest, most capable of the all band/all mode handheld receivers. The antenna keeps things compact, but better than the original
1 Yaesu FT-897D w/Miracle Ducker TL tunable whip, Yo-Yo 6-reel dipole antenna – 100w HF/VHF/UHF all mode amateur radio/all band/all mode receiver
1 Dakota Alert M538-HT MURS handheld radio – extra short-range radio
2 Dakota Alert MAPS vehicle detectors w/MURS transmitter – perimeter security works with M538 radios
4 Dakota Alert MAT motion sensors w/MURS transmitters – ditto above
1 Night Watch 2 circuit tripwire alarm w/tripwire – hard to find, but effective and not too expensive
1Lightstorm CL-1 LED flashlight – capacitor instead of batteries
1 Brunton SolarPort 4.4 & BattJack AA/AAA solar battery charger – keeps AA/AAA nicad rechargeables up to snuff
1 Brunton Solo 15 & 3 Solaris 52 PV panels solar power supply – high priced, but effective portable power
2 Limeade 13,000mAh power pack w/mini-B USB charger port
1 Solio smartphone mini-B USB port solar charger
1 Gill net – best fishing option I’ve found
1 Mobley’s Frog/fish gig head w/extra tines & telescoping pole – compact, inexpensive, effective on small game as well as fish and frogs
1 set Bow string, nocks, fletching, binding, various arrowheads, B&A tool – to make expedient bow in the field with best chance of success
1 reel Heavy fish line, for fishing arrows & gig head – don’t want to lose the arrows or gig
1 Dozen Snare One 7x7 5/64” 42” cable snares w/swivel end – some of the best snares in my opinion. Used in lieu of hunting when camped in one place for a while
1 Exploration Products Fresh Water Fishing kit w/kite string winder – nice inexpensive kit. String winder to save the hands from getting cut up on the line
2 CR-1 spares carriers w/G-2 bulb & 6 CR-123A spare batteries each – keep the bulb and batteries together & protected
Extra CR-123A batteries in 4-cell carriers -
Extra AA rechargeable batteries in 12-cell carriers
Extra AAA rechargeable batteries in 6-cell carriers
Extra pair Danner boots – if possible
Extra boot laces
Extra Zippo fuel, spare wicks & flints
Extra butane fuel for lighter
Extra butane torch fuel
Extra first aid supplies
Extra hardware
Extra ammunition in bandoleers
Extra Otis gun cleaning patches and Breakfree CLP


3rd Rubbermaid Action Packer 8-gallon tote w/cooking, water, & sanitations items
1 Sawyer Point Zero Two Absolute 4-liter water purification system – best of the purifiers in my opinion
4 10-liter MSR water bladders – can carry plenty of extra water in a conformable bladder
1 MSR Campers washcloth & towel, AGS Labs Camp soap, compact hair brush, toothbrush & tooth powder, other hygiene items normally used – gotta stay clean
8 Charmin To-Go Toilet paper packets/wipe rags(boiled and sun dried to sanitize) – gotta go
1 Gold Bond Foot powder – essential in very hot or humid conditions
1 Chapstik SPF-15 lip balm – prevents lip burn
1 4oz bottle Herbal 22 Insect repellent – keeps the insects away in a good container
1 pocket pack Q-tips – I have waxy ears
1 pocket pack round toothpicks
1 MSR Dragonfly multi-fuel stove – Very effective, good price, reliable
4 MSR fuel bottles – at least one spare. Four are better
1 German GI nesting knife/fork/spoon/can opener set – heavy, but also heavy duty, includes good can opener
1 MSR SS cook set w/tea kettle & kitchen tools – a bit heavy, but tough as all get out
8 SS cooking skewers – for cooking small game, roasting tubers, etc over open fire
1 Coleman SS steel double wall cup – keeps the hot chocolate and hot tea hot for a while in the cold mornings and evenings
1 REI Backpackers fire grill – for when you have an open fire but building a pit/fire ring is difficult or impossible
1 GSI pressure cooker w/liner pot – an option that allows quicker cooking of many dishes. Can leave behind
1 Lodge Cast iron skillet w/lid – for set camps using fresh foods. Can leave behind
1 Lodge Dutch oven w/lid – as above
1 Fire tongs – when planning open fires
1 Grilling basket – as above
1 pair 19” fireplace fireproof gloves – as above


4th Rubbermaid Action Packer 8-gallon tote w/food - basic cooking supplies and foods
Salt
Pepper
beef bouillon
sugar
spices
baking powder
coconut oil
honey
flour
corn meal
powdered milk
lentils
dried beans
rice
tea bags
hot chocolate packets
Emergen-C packets
lemon juice
hard candy
waxed chocolate
Tootsie Rolls
Chickletts 2-piece chewing gum
Millennium ration bars
Snickers Marathon Protein Bars
Jerky
Pemmican http://www.grasslandbeef.com/Detail.bok?no=731
dried fruit
fruit cake
gorp (~equal amounts of premium mixed nuts, chopped dates, and M&Ms)
Mountain House meals
MREs
Instant oats packets
Instant grits packets
Instant potatoes packets
18 ounce SS flask Hennessy Paradis Extra Cognac


5th Rubbermaid Action Packer 8-gallon tote w/more food


Lashed on top of totes:

1 FMCO vest set up for Remington 11-87 shotgun – same as other FMCO vest only for 12 gauge
1 NetPack 5354 wheeled 40” duffel bag w/2 pair silk liner gloves, 2 pair wool liner gloves, pair
Cabela’s Pinnicle Gortex cold weather insulated gloves, Cabela’s Pinnicle Gortex cold weather insulated mittens, Carhartt Arctic Bibs, Carhartt Arctic Parka w/hood, NEOS over boots, Mustang Survival auto inflate flotation vest, Millennium respirator, OptimAir 6A PAPR, CBRN suit, gloves, boots, acc – cold weather and CBRNE gear kept together in one place. Easier to stow in a soft bag than totes
1 set MSR Denali EVO Snow shoes & MSR Denali III poles – if in snow country. Leave behind if not
1 12’ sling rope w/2 snap rings – general purpose short rope. Pulling/lifting/rescue/securing/etc
2 Edelwies 200’ static climbing rope w/set of carabiners & pulleys – Only if you know what you are doing and are likely to need to climb or belay
1 Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 3 person/4 season tent w/fly – best compromise of price/size/weight/capability (alternative: Cabela’s Outback Lodge 8’x8’ or 10’x10’ modified pyramid tent)
1 Slumberjack sleep system w/Thermarest self inflating mattress – System is good from warm weather down to -30°F. I need lots of comfortable sleep when I can get it.
2 silnylon tarps w/poles, stakes, and para cord – Additional protection when camping on one place for a while
1 Hardigg iM3300 gun case with Remington 11-87 custom shotgun, H&R/NEF .30-’06 single shot scoped rifle w/.32 ACP adapters, (alternate: Remington 700 .30-’06), Glock 30SF spare pistol – Hardigg cases are the best I’ve found for a critical item. The 11-87 is dual purpose. The .30-’06 is sniping/hunting. The G30 is a spare
(optional: 2nd case w/Vigilance VR-1 .408 Cheytac or Remington 700 .375 H&H Mag)
1 Alpacka Fjord Explore cargo raft w/oars, oar frame, seat, attachable skeg – for areas where crossing streams too deep to wade. Small/light/capable
1 D-handle small round point shovel – easier to use than the e-tool in many situations
1 Cold Steel 24” Latin machete – for general machete work. I like the 24” for its capabilities and heft
1 Stanley 30” Entry tool – multipurpose tool for getting into and out of several situations
1 Iltis Oxhead double bit axe – for times when camping in wooded area in the cold call from some serious firewood
1 Sven 21” folding saw – for general use around camp for firewood, poles/etc.
1 ATAS-25 multiband portable antenna w/tripod – a longer range antenna for the FT-897D
1 Fire tripod – when anticipating open fires
1 Fire spit & supports – ditto above
1 Kifaru pulk w/steering & brake package – for deep snow areas. One of the best. Expensive


*Survival Kit (in FMCO vest utility pouch) – I think most of these item are pretty self-explanatory

1 SAS Essential Survival Guide (compact version)
1 Buck 110 folding belt knife
1 Fisher black bullet pen
1 Storm-Saf note pad
1 BCB explorer button compass
1 Maglite Solitaire LED single AAA flashlight w/lithium AAA battery
3 AAA Lithium batteries in individual geo-cache tubes
1 Allweatherfirestarters.com magnesium rod/ferro rod fire starter
1 container UCO matches
1 packet fatwood tinder
1 Bic lighter
1 leather bootlace to make fire bow
1 shot glass (outside wrapped in duct tape to make fire bow
4 Daytrex 4.2 oz water packets
1 Katadyn MyBottle water purifier
1 10”x4” Maxpedition water bottle carrier
1 Storm whistle
2 neck lanyard (whistle & knife)
1 mini can Orange spray paint
1 1”x200’ orange survey tape
1 mini-Air horn
1 Starflash 3”x5” signal mirror
1 TrueFlare penflare kit (launcher, 12 flares, case)
1 emergency hooded space blanket
1 lightweight space blanket bag
1 tube tent
1 300’ 550 cord
1 P-51 can opener
1 old style beer can and bottle opener
1 long handle SS/titanium spoon/spork
4 beef bouillon cubes
12 Millennium energy bars
1 fresh water fishing kit
1 gill net
1 1-liter water bag
1 coffee filter support sheath w/20 filters
4 sheets aluminum foil
1 Esbit stove/Tommy cooker
4 12-count Esbit stove fuel tablets
1 small roll Gorilla duct tape flattened
1 24 gauge x 55’ brass wire
1 pocket chainsaw
4 heavy duty contractor bags
2 Israeli 6” trauma bandages
12 Medique Medi-Lyte heat relief tablets 2-pack
4 alcohol prep pads
4 Pepto Bismo 2-pack
4 Excedrin 2-pak
1 Charmin To Go 55 sheet pack toilet paper
1 pair emergency sunglasses



**Hardware & tools kit list (in FMCO double .223 bandoleer pouch on belt) – extra small tools, plus some items for general use, to make repairs, and to fabricate items in the field. Some are for urban situations.

1 Leatherman Crunch
1 Leatherman Supertool 300
1 Victorinox Swiss Army Work Champ Swiss Army Knife
1 Stanley Multi-tip screwdriver
1 Glass cutter
1 Commercial building outside hydrant key
1 300’ 550 cord
1 Small roll Gorilla duct tape flattened
1 12 gauge x 15’ insulated electrical wire
1 16 gauge x 50’ mechanic’s wire
1 24 gauge x 55’ brass wire
1 Roll 3M ¾” x 66’ electrical tape
6 popsicle sticks
1 Industrial JB weld
1 Tube of Goop
1 Tube of clear Shoe Goo
1 Small spray can WD-40
1 Small can 3-in-1 oil
12 11” releasable tie-wraps
12 small screw eyes
12 medium screw eyes
12 small screw in J-hooks
12 medium screw in J-hooks
12 4” 20d nails
4 7” spike nails
4 Mini sharpies
1 Mini spray can orange paint
1 1” x 200’ orange survey tape
1 Blazer PB 207 2500 degree micro torch
1 red lumber crayon (for marking trails, coding items, etc)
1 yellow lumber crayon (for marking trails, coding items, etc)
1 box bright pushpins (marking trails, etc.)
1 box clear pushpins (stealthy marking trails, etc.)
12 marbles (to tie off tarp)
12 medium firecrackers (signaling, bear scare, diversion)



***First-aid kit (in one of the FMCO vest utility pouches)(additional supplies on cart) – All the items are my personal preferred items

1 CPR safety shield
4 pair exam gloves
2 1-oz bottle Purell hand sanitizer
10 Therma-Dot single use thermometer
1 Fisher space pen
1 Storm-Saf note pad
4 individual wrapped tongue depressors
4 individual wrapped cotton tip applicators
1 small roll Gorilla duct tape flattened
4 bite sticks
4 ammonia ampoules
1 small flask Everclear 190 proof PGA
4 honey packets (for hot toddies)
4 lemon juice packets (for hot toddies)
2 Camelback Elixir 12-pack electrolyte solution
12 Excedrin 2-pack
12 Alka Seltzer 2-pack
1 25ct bottle Dulcolax laxative
12 Pepto Bismol 2-pack diarrhea medication
12 NyQuill daytime cold medicine 2-pack
12 NyQuill nighttime cold medicine 2-pack
12 Benadryl antihistamine/allergy med 2-pack
2 Chloraseptic throat lozenges 6-pack
3 15g jell glucose
6 hydrocortizone 1/32 oz packet
6 Water-Jel Burn relief 3.5g packets
6 Water-Jel 1/32 oz triple antibiotic ointment packet
4 Sting-kill wipes
4 IvyX cleanser wipes
4 alcohol prep pad
4 PAWS antimicrobial wipes
4 Providone/Iodine prep pad
1 Hyfin or other chest seal
1 20cc irrigation syringe
1 250ml bottle sodium chloride irrigation solution
1 4 oz bottle eye wash
1 eye wash cup
1 combat application tourniquet
1 self applied restricting band
1 1”x10yd adhesive tape roll
1 Dr. Scholls moleskin deluxe
4 1”x3” bandaids
4 fingertip bandaids
4 knuckle bandaids
12 ½” x 2 7/8” butterfly wound closures
4 2”x3” medium patch bandage
2 2”x4” elbow/knee bandage
2 Emergency Israeli 6” trauma bandage
2 sterile oval gauze eye pad
4 2”x2” gauze pads 2-pack
8 4”x4” gauze pads
1 2” gauze roll
1 4” ace bandage
4 4”x4” Water-Jel burn dressing
2 31”x31”x51” triangular bandage
1 SAM finger splint
1 7 ¼” utility scissors
1 3 ½” tweezers
4 single use Krazy glue
1 surgical stapler kit w/35 staples
1 Sawyer bite & sting kit
1 brown recluse spider F/A kit if in their range
1 deluxe emergency dental kit
1 field kit of döTerra Essential Oils w/travel case (On Guard, Lemon, DigestZen, Melaleuca, Helichrysum, Peppermint, Frankincense, Lavender, Oregano, Deep Blue, TerraShield, Breathe)(additional options: AromaTouch, Purify, Clove, Lemongrass & Fractionated Coconut carrier oil)

Important documents:

Important records should be kept in such a way as to be safe in case of fire, flood, earthquake and other disasters and to have available for quick access when needed.

Keep originals in appropriate places w/copies and/or condensed versions in the various emergency kits including BOBs, BIBs, GHBs, GOOD bags, INCH bags, evacuation kits, hurricane kits, etc.

It is also good to keep a set of copies off-site so they can be retrieved even if you have to leave without anything.


Automotive paperwork: registration, title, insurance card

Business records: Company ID, bylaws, emergency plan, employee contact list, contracts, supplier info, customer info, incorporation records, partnership records, accounts receivable, accounts payable,

Computer records: accounts, passwords, website info, etc

Employment records: Company ID, employee handbook w/emergency plan, pay stub

Family contacts: name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail, code word for proof of identity

Financial records: checking account info, savings account info, bankruptcy decree, credit card info, loan info, utilities info, safe deposit boxes

Future death information: will, funeral arrangements, cemetery plots

Household records: Deed, mortgage, appraisals & inventory of home & contents, warranties

ID: Driver’s license, passport, state ID card, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, birth certificates, adoption records

Insurance records: Auto, home, health, life, disability, insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid card, any other insurance cards

Investment records: stocks, bonds, etc

Legal records: marriage certificate, prenups, executor of estate, divorce decree, powers of attorney, death certificates, criminal history, trust documents, military discharge (DD214),

Medical records: Medical Power of Attorney, living will, allergies, prescriptions, current illnesses/problems, past major medical history

Professional help info: Insurance agents, accountant, lawyers, doctor(s), dentist,

Religious records: Christening, baptismal, confirmation,

School records: high school diploma, college diploma, college degrees, trade school diplomas

Tax records: Social Security Card, personal tax records for 3 years, business tax records for 3 years, property tax info


Any questions, feel free to ask. Please remember that I don’t expect everyone to need or want everything on the list. It’s just a reminder of what is available and might be needed for some people in some situations.
 

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Yup, village level survival, the return of the city/state. Going it alone in a cabin in the woods is at best putting off the inevitable. Even mountain men come down from the hills a few times a year.
Problem is.... It's hard to store enough food for a small town.

IMHO in an (unlikely) cataclysmic event, your best off in 2 stages:
1. "cabin in the woods" for the initial "die off"
2. A year or 2 later.... Small town.
 

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After you've read the ducanlong.com article, go to backpacking.com for gear info. Backpacker who have gone on long hikes ie. AT PC trails are the best source of gear that works. Why reinvent the wheel. Gear up for a long hike, throw in a gun or two and you have a INCH outfit.
 

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IMO, you find the gear you need by practicing the skills you need. I could build a shelter and live with a knife and a hatchet. I choose to live in Florida, so it don't get too cold and there's plenty of water and food. The main thing is skills. Can you find and make cordage? Can find food? Can you make a fire in all conditions? Can you cook food over it? Can you collect water and purify it? can you avoid detection? Can you ID edible plants?
 

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Personally, I'd use a lot of money.

"The Best" of anything is rarely cheap!
This is good advice. I am one of those people who made this mistake. I was a Wal-Mart Raider I guess you can say! Stuff that you foresee as possibly being the difference between life and death is not the type of stuff that you go "cheap" on. I still kick myself sometimes for buying some of the cheap stuff. It would have been different if I didn't know better, but I spent a decade in the Army where most of the gear was a really good quality (specifically the rucksacks and sleep systems). they weren't perfect all the time but I never had the problems that I have had with some of the cheap stuff.

This is not to say that you cannot find decent stuff for a lower price. I bought a 65L Coleman internal frame backpack at Wal-Mart that I like. It works well for camping, but for SHTF, it's the Molle II or the IBLE that I'm grabbing. I also have a Stanley cookset that I bought from Wal-Mart that I like as well - so part of it is personal preference, and part is knowing the difference between what is cheaply made, and what is just a cheap price. I do not suggest any Wally World sleeping bag for sub 20 degree November nights; I don't care what the bag SAYS it's rated for.

My advice is to go to a Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shop, REI, or something similar and actually LOOK at what they have. The gear that they carry tends to be of a better quality, plus you get to see it in person. Online shopping is great, but guessing while you're online shopping can be a disaster. Once you check it out and get a feel for what you think you want/need - then start price shopping. Amazon is great for this. You will end up paying more upfront for the nicer gear, but it's well worth it in the long run and on the cold nights in the woods!

Just my $0.02.
 

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Everyone is different, so what is best for one is not necessarily best for another. But I think this list might give you some ideas as to what types of items you might want, as well as some specific items you might want to consider. (This is an old post, recently updated, about general field equipment kits).....
I marvel at the awesomeness of this list.....

*Taking notes, taking notes.*
 

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Can't say exactly what you'd need to survive indefinitely in the bush. But this is likely what you'd need to carry it:



If you had water access, this would probably work too:



As long as the terrain wasn't too rough, you could try this:



Take a hint from earlier people who had to transit great distances to start anew under primitive conditions.

The less stuff you take, the greater risk you won't have what you need. (OTOH everything you take has to be an essential.) I am not a big fan of trying to live forever with just a backpack and a rifle. Even if the woods weren't swarming with millions of other people trying to do the same thing, the conditions where that was viable are long gone in most of the US and much of Canada.
 

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Look for other peoples load outs on this site and others. INCH bags and BOB's in-particular. Be careful following AT hikers or PCT hikers advice. Most are going to be what is called ultralight hikers. Their gear is not meant to hold up long term. That advice above is not sound. Look for loadouts from guys in your same area geographically. Check out the EWLS thread in this section. Some good info in there to start.
 

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You will never know what you need until you build a pack or kit and give it a shot. When I got into camping/survivalism (whatever you prefer to call it) i researched until I was exhausted like you. I eventually built up a bag/system and went to the woods for 3 days. Learned A LOT. Now I have revised and upgraded that original equipment so much I have 2 or 3 of everything (which I think is awesome). Everyone is different and everyone's setup will be different. You have to find the right balance for yourself of weight and gear.
Biggest lesson I learned, no matter how tough you think you are, dont use a sleep system in a colder environment than it is intended for. For me, i pretty much double the rating on a bag for its comfort level. If its gonna be 40 at night I use a 20 degree bag. If its going to be 20 i use a whole MSS, even if it means packing extra weight and being a little sore.
 

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It's good you are beginning to start new adventure , it will require building muscles and callouses and skills that you have not needed before.
If you have a back yard to play in ,do some of your self training there , not far from help that way .
Early Boy Scout manuals are a good investment and there are many survival books available as well as military manuals.
Don't lock into one fantasy ,there are too many variables .
This is a very long and strong learning curve the more you know the less you know.
You are your own best critic. but it doesn't hurt to have some insight from those doing it as a life style.
Best of luck .
 

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Look for other peoples load outs on this site and others. INCH bags and BOB's in-particular. Be careful following AT hikers or PCT hikers advice. Most are going to be what is called ultralight hikers. Their gear is not meant to hold up long term. That advice above is not sound. Look for loadouts from guys in your same area geographically. Check out the EWLS thread in this section. Some good info in there to start.
Most long distance hikers are not ultralight backpackers. Yes most backpackers will try to buy the lightest and best quality gear they can afford, this is not the same as "ultralight". Besides it takes a lot of experience to go "ultralight". Those who go ultralight are usually the first to tell you this. If you lack the common sense to tell the difference you have bigger problems.

moab, please don't misunderstand, I'm not saying you lack common sense. Just those who confuse an ultralight pack contents with those found in a INCH/BOB. Not saying there can't be some cross over but by and large the purpose of a ultralight pack is different. Most long distance hikers want the strongest most dependable and lightest gear they can afford. This is more intune with both INCH and BOB.
 

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I know what I am going to offer you is a minority opinion, but our "best chances for survival" is going to be a re-establishment of civilization. It is what **** sapien does. If you truly believe that there will be some catastrophic event that will turn the world upside down, my opinion is that the best chances of survival is to have the gear and skills necessary to survive for what hopefully will be a relatively short period of time until things return to normal.
 

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Well, if you're talking about living out of a bag/pack, then the fact of the matter is that there is no such thing as a "do it all" solution. But before even getting into specifics about gear, the very first thing that you should be doing is learning about your "stomping grounds." Study every detail until you know it like the back of your hand. The flora, the fauna, the geographical features, the weather patterns, etc. Get that down and then you'll be able to properly put together a bag/pack that will be effective for your needs. In other words, the more you know, the less you need.

**I should also add that developing your wilderness survival skills does come into play in the grand design of this concept, hence "the more you know, the less you need." If you're truly thinking about long-term survival out there, then another fact to accept is that man-made gear simply won't last forever, no matter how well-built it is and at some point, you'll have to start utilizing resources from the land in order to get the job done.
 

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I would say start simple. You will have to use some guesswork, take a lot of advice from others, and use some critical thinking to come up with your "starting point" system. From there through experimentation and experience you will begin the lifelong journey of "perfecting your system". That's where the fun begins! ;-)

Take your pack, head to the woods and spend the night with your gear. At first stay close to your car. Maybe even just start in your backyard. Construct shelter, build fire, carve ****, chop ****, sleep, eat, cook, do all the things that you want to be able to do with your gear in the SHTF situation. As you get your gear refined and your experience grows, go farther for longer. Seriously...have fun while you are dong it! If you can find a wingman/person to start the process with you, it will be even more fun.

A lot of people are going to bust your balls along the way, tell you that you aren't doing it right, that you don't know what you are doing, blah blah blah. Sometimes they will be right, sometimes they are speaking from experience, but often they don't know anymore than you do. Ignore anyone who is negative. Smile and know to yourself they can say whatever they want, but YOU are the one who is actually taking your gear and your skills outside and DOING stuff with it. Sort through the comments, learn what you can (there is a lot of valuable experience to be learned from everyone in the online community) and above all HAVE FUN.

Setting up a BOB, INCH pack, GHB, etc. is one of the coolest, most exciting, funnest projects you will ever embark on! And, having that kit, and the skills that come with it will give you a preparedness level that you will appreciate, and take pride in having.

Mad props for beginning the journey my friend!
 

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Well, imo, folks need to know the difference between short term and long term.

We live on a homestead and raise our own meat and food and do and make everything by hand, for the long term. That's how we live. We go kayak fishing and camping for short term. That's also how we live.

That's why I say, if you ain't doing it now, you ain't doing it. Around here( and it could be my USMC background), we talk about it briefly and then just do it. a little less talk and a lot more action...Git 'er done!
 
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