If you lost your pack somehow i think that would imply that you wont have a say in what you have. Your pack should only have those bare necessity items you must have to begin with.

Loosing my pack would mean one of two things. Either i take the necessary steps in retrieving it or i replace it with the items inside i deemed necessary to have to begin with so i can go back about my business. If i was in a situation where i needed my pack to begin with the later would be a monumental task. Bottom line, dont loose your pack, its like your FPL.

-Nate

 

The words in the OP "...if I lost my pack..." = Hypothetical.

I've done the entire summer in cargo shorts, no more purse, etc. I'm finding my edc to be far more useful because it's all on me, not just near me. Flashlight(torch,) knife sharpened, and fire making in the lower left pocket, sometimes multi tool also - but sometimes I will put it on a belt. SAK in right front pocket, with my keys (another small folder on keys,) and small kit of first aid items in lower right pocket. Still leaves the upper front and back pockets for normal stuff, change, regular lighter.

Added a wire saw this week, it's in the lower left pocket, can't decided if it's staying there yet.

THAT'S what I'm talking about.

You must be really worried about losing your pack.

Yeah, because nothing "ever" goes wrong in a SHTF situation.

 

I've done the entire summer in cargo shorts, no more purse, etc. I'm finding my edc to be far more useful because it's all on me, not just near me. Flashlight(torch,) knife sharpener, and fire making in the lower left pocket, sometimes multi tool also - but sometimes I will put it on a belt. SAK in right front pocket, with my keys (another small folder on keys,) and small kit of first aid items in lower right pocket. Still leaves the upper front and back pockets for normal stuff, change, regular lighter.

Added a wire saw this week, it's in the lower left pocket, can't decided if it's staying there yet.

 

You must be really worried about losing your pack.

 

Guess you don't swim or bathe lol

 

Here is the minimalist (though it looks like a lot) kit(s) I have in mind.
A BDU Pouch that would have the essentials in any situation (an Altoids Kit on Steroids).
A Knife with whatever is needed to maintain it and a canteen kit.


BDU Pouch Kit:

Fire
GobSpark Firesteel w/Striker, Matches/Waterproof Match Case, Doan Mag
Bar, Brass Pencil Sharpener, Bic Lighters White, Fresnel Lenses, Tinder

Shelter
Space Blanket, 3 mil bags (2), Poncho

Food Procurement
Hooks, 40' Spiderwire, Sinkers, Rat Trap, Frog Gig

Cooking
Tin Foil, 5"X7" Grille

IFAK
Antibacterial Ointment, Bandaids, Pills (pain killers, vitamins, allergy, etc...),
stitching needle, gauze, dental kit, tweezers...

Tools
P-38/51 Can Opener, Razor, Multi-Tool, Credit Card Tool, Mora Robust

Construction
Duct Tape, Wire, Electrical Tape, Paracord, 16D Nails, Drywall Screws, Ranger Bands

Navigation
Compass

Signaling
Mirror, Whistle, 1" Orange Safety Tape, Neon Light, Flare, Lazer

General
Bandana

Sewing
Sail Needle, Thread

Lighting
Mag Light XL200 w/Headband

Knife Kit:
Fixed Blade Knife, Maintenance Bits in Tin on Sheath
(sharpening block, oil cloth, adjustment tools, etc...).

Canteen Kit:
USGI Canteen Pouch, Nalgene Canteen, Cup,
Stove, Spoon, Water Purification Tablets, Bail.

 

I don't generally carry a bunch of stuff around everywhere with me.

I keep a few things in my car for whenever I'm out hiking that will cover the basics:

But I carry a lot less if I'm just "going out" with my kids/grandkids.
Then it's just some water , snacks & first aid goodies & of course a knife of
some sort.
This went to the river with us today along with what I have in my car:

Just going out to the store or somewhere like that,just a Vic Farmer in my pocket.

There's really nothing that I always need to have on me at all times-no matter what.
It varies depending on what I'm up to,but I usually don't carry a lot of stuff.

Cliff

 

I like the maxpedition water bottle carrier and pouch setup .
I have the same canteen and canteen pouch as sr69/the op and a couple of maxpedition belt pouches that are , in addition to what's in my pockets , always with me or in my truck . I think I'll be changing the canteen setup for the maxpedition bottle holder and carry strap .
I totally agree with the op . You should carry survival basics and water on you and not put everything in your pack (don't put all your eggs in one basket) . For extended hikes or camping out when I carry a backpack , I have the canteen and pouches on my belt - not in or on my pack .
You don't always need a pack full of gear - especially for a day hike - or a ghb .

 

Ok, now I have tossed this around in my mind quite often. I have a real life and real job that limits what I keep on my person. (not everyone thinks the end is nigh) I keep a BOB in the vehicle that I drive. Assuming that I got seperated from it, with no chance of retrieving it, then I will have to rely on my wits and my 21 year old 'old timer'. Me being a country boy in Texas, even the guys and girls driving their BMWs accept that as normal, especially wearing muh boots and hat

 

Clothes or Underwear at least, you don't want to be streaking with you're knife and canteen on! Public indecency and all.

 

Yeah, because, a BDU Pocket is where the BDU Pouch would be inserted!

Oh man, I been laughing so good today. Took a break, ate two slabs of my daughter's excellent meatloaf. Logged back in to see that, and started laughing again.

:

I don't generally carry a bunch of stuff around everywhere with me.

I keep a few things in my car for whenever I'm out hiking that will cover the basics:

But I carry a lot less if I'm just "going out" with my kids/grandkids.
Then it's just some water , snacks & first aid goodies & of course a knife of
some sort.
This went to the river with us today along with what I have in my car:

Just going out to the store or somewhere like that,just a Vic Farmer in my pocket.

There's really nothing that I always need to have on me at all times-no matter what.
It varies depending on what I'm up to,but I usually don't carry a lot of stuff.

Cliff

Nice. :thumb: Reminds me of my H2O Kit.

I'm planning on having a 3-Day Pack and my Survival Pack.
Either way, I want an EDC kit that I can keep with me at all
times with the pack holding similar kits (one being a lighter
version of the other). But, because the EDC needs are the
same always, that kit will stay the same with the packs
changing basically for weather or tasks.

Ok, now I have tossed this around in my mind quite often. I have a real life and real job that limits what I keep on my person. (not everyone thinks the end is nigh) I keep a BOB in the vehicle that I drive. Assuming that I got seperated from it, with no chance of retrieving it, then I will have to rely on my wits and my 21 year old 'old timer'. Me being a country boy in Texas, even the guys and girls driving their BMWs accept that as normal, especially wearing muh boots and hat

Yep. Got a car kit too.

What I'm talking about here is putting together a kit that I can
grab and go every time and not worry about missing anything
(especially the most important things like shelter, fire, IFAK, tools, etc...).

I tried the "one" item deal. Can't work it out. The Canteen & Knife kept
fighting each other for my soul and then I figured if I was going to have
2 items, why not 3 and just round it out? Plus, a BDU pocket would be a
major waste of space without a nice little PSK.

If I'm going to be out in the sticks I'm going to wear the right gear.
That will definitely include (all seasons) a BDU pocket on my pants.
If all I had was the clothe on my back, at least the pants would have
a canteen kit, knife kit and PSK in a waterproof BDU Pouch.

 

Those pouches look pretty big for EDC. I carry bare minimums on my person. Lighter, knife, basic first aid items, compass, small LED light... Without my pack, I still have enough to push on and to create tools, shelter, etc to survive better with.

Now if that stuff goes, and I'm naked in the woods, can I survive? Probably not for long

 

When I say EDC, I mean for being out in the woods.
I have a Condor Gadget Pouch for an EDC.
I don't wear it, but it's always with me.

In order, I'd pick the BDU kit first, the knife 2nd and the canteen 3rd.
With the BDU Pouch, I'd have everything I'd need to survive & rebuild
(at least the most minimal items which would include a knife in there
as well and a way to carry water).

I used to carry stuff in my BDU pockets all the time. I learned
quickly that I don't like anything that would shift around in them.
A Maxped type pouch would fit the job in keeping everything in it's place.
I've been able to have a very extensive kit in the tin of my knife.
Everything except shelter just about, but it was tight.

I like the maxpedition water bottle carrier and pouch setup .
I have the same canteen and canteen pouch as sr69/the op and a couple of maxpedition belt pouches that are , in addition to what's in my pockets , always with me or in my truck . I think I'll be changing the canteen setup for the maxpedition bottle holder and carry strap .
I totally agree with the op . You should carry survival basics and water on you and not put everything in your pack (don't put all your eggs in one basket) . For extended hikes or camping out when I carry a backpack , I have the canteen and pouches on my belt - not in or on my pack .
You don't always need a pack full of gear - especially for a day hike - or a ghb .

I agree.

And, it's been the consensus among some of the survival experts
that I've come to respect (having as much "on you" as you can).

I can't believe I actually have to say this on Survivalist Boards,
but you never know what can happen in a survival situation.
At the very least, you can have the basics with you always.
That would greatly improve the chances of a person making
it to the next stage of being rescued or of self-rescue.
I don't know why anyone would knock being "less" prepared.

Of course, the 3 kits I mentioned are "my" systems based upon
the limits of my experience & knowledge and my perceived needs.

Two is one and one is none.

:thumb:

 

Not all my activities include my pack being on my person; day hikes from the "base camp", kayaking, mountain biking, fly fishing, bouldering/rock climbing, etc. It's prudent to have a modicum of essentials on your body, but not so much to affect your day-to-day activities...that's the balancing game.

My two best combo's revolve around my HPG Kit Bag (basic essentials and CCW) and either a small hydration pack or shoulder bag with water bottle. I can cover all my needs for at least 72 hours under most conditions if the worse-case scenario...

ROCK6

 

My H20 Kit is designed like that.
It has whatever I need for the day comfortably
and whatever I "might" need in case of emergency.

 

Knife, Fire starter, something to boil water in, something seperate to hold water in, small FAK, a watch for direction finding.

EDIT: I mean this as a wilderness EDC, not as a going to buy milk thing. Its essentialy just a GI style cup and canteen with the FAK attached to the canteen pouch and a knife on the same belt. The bic and watch are EDC everywhere. I've got paracord laces, but now i'm thinking about it some extra cordage would be real handy.

 

always have two silver dollars in my wallet, case of h2o in the truck, back pak to carry things, roll of paper towel, 6 rolls of tp. knife , flashlight, truck rifle and ammo. And always my palladin.... it goes everywhere with me.

 

If the hike is around the house ,with in 5-10 miles ,knife and water are all that is required as well as appropreate clothing depending on weather.
If I am leaving the house by vehicle further than 20-30 miles ,then every thing for over nite , may be several nites go.
More than 30 miles , the S&R allice pack goes .
The bags on the motor cycle are already packed with gear water and food ,and they are removable though I might consolidate the gear into only one or two if I have to hoof it .
When I had to drive the truck every day to work, it had all my gear in the camper, nothing much was left home.
This is whre not having really expensive gear pays off. As long as stuff is functional ,it gets the job done , nothing more is required.
If one has to drop certian gear and choose between gear to cast off ,and having back up gear at your destonation , sharing a tool or trading something off for a ride or food gets you home, it was tool that served another function that's all.
Having all very expensive stuff is tough to loose any way you look at it , but if some one takes your stuff at gun point or you fall through ice, and have to abandon your pack to get out again ,those are issued one must face ,if you intend on surviving, both physiclly and emotionally.
There is no substatute for good planning and back up planning and practice in the event certain measures must be taken ,such as a teather line on the back pack so you can quickly tie it off on something to your self or other than your self should you fall into a river or through ice .
Note , if you must cross ice drag your pack behind, do not wear it ,and others must walk their own path across the ice not all in one line. Wear snow shoes or skiis or long branches on your feet to spread the load . If some one has ventured onto ice unprepared, and it is thin, instruct them to remove the pack teather it to them selves and roll like a burrito back to shore or the safest direction. The idea here is to spread the load.
At the same time be casting rope out to them for them to grab and be hepled ashore. Should the ice break that line is their only hope .
As for my bag I use a lot of sealed bags with in so that to some degree it can have a level of floatation and water is not encouraged to be held with in should it be emersed.
Will your bag save your life or take it ?

 

I have a pocket knife, some cash and a glock.

I figger with those three the clothes on my back and the knowledge in my noggin, I can get or do whatever I need. I make it work everyday too!

but then what do I know.

 

I guess this is what I had in mind when I wrote my response:

what would I have to always have on my person at all times?

What are the items that can't leave my body ever?

It's hard to answer that question without sounding like a total a$$,but that's really not my intention.

The "always" & "ever" & "at all times" for me would include going to church,going to the bank,the grocery store,picking my grandkids up at school & things like that.
While I do have a pretty good kit in my car,I don't have a bunch of gear on me at all times.
I do have a folder with me...except when I'm asleep. OK...sometimes I have one while I'm asleep .
Out hiking in the woods or even hiking in the city might be a different story though. I'd have a bag full of stuff for a "what if" situation or if I just wanted play around with something in particular.
Not much on my belt or in my pockets though.
I take what I think I'll need & even that's usually too much.

You have a good kit put together there,but it just wouldn't be practical for
me to have all of that on me all the time.

Cliff

 

I guess this is what I had in mind when I wrote my response:



It's hard to answer that question without sounding like a total a$$,but that's really not my intention.

The "always" & "ever" & "at all times" for me would include going to church,going to the bank,the grocery store,picking my grandkids up at school & things like that.
While I do have a pretty good kit in my car,I don't have a bunch of gear on me at all times.
I do have a folder with me...except when I'm asleep. OK...sometimes I have one while I'm asleep .
Out hiking in the woods or even hiking in the city might be a different story though. I'd have a bag full of stuff for a "what if" situation or if I just wanted play around with something in particular.
Not much on my belt or in my pockets though.
I take what I think I'll need & even that's usually too much.

You have a good kit put together there,but it just wouldn't be practical for
me to have all of that on me all the time.

Cliff

I should've been more specific. My bad. I meant in a survival situation, out camping, etc...

Sorry.

 

presence of mind. always knowing where i am, what dangers may be present, what tools i can improvise from the things around me, and finding alternatives to get me out of that situation. keeps me calm, focused, and prepared.
yep, presence of mind... i never leave home without it.

 

Torch is the big item for me. And the one I use the most.

 

I find I'm reaching for a light most also, usually because someone else doesn't carry one. And either the folder or the pliars of the multitool next after that.

But I'm a "stay-home" grandma, LOL. So life is a series of adventures, out of town on the Harleys, to lake with the RV, smaller-scale camping in the pickup, fishing Cape Hatteras once, just because. Always something. So the things that get into my pockets earn their keep, or get moved elsewhere. The wire saw will get a few months and then I'll decide.

 

So, would I have to wear the kit even while skinnydipping?

Seriously, "within easy access" is good enough. If I'm ever in a wartime situation I'll reevaluate. For anything short of SHTF, there is no gear I consider so indispensable I won't detach it from my body.

Actually in a true wilderness situation I'm more willing to detach from gear than if there are other humans around who might want to acquire it by the five fingered discount. I wouldn't leave important gear laying laying about and wander off any distance any more than I'd leave a campfire unattended. (BIG no-no.) But I don't feel the need to have anything attached to me at all times.

 

You're walking down a trail, hit a sinkhole, tumble down a cliff, your pack detaches from
you and goes over a mountain while a day or two or three away from civilization.
What will you have left on you that you can use to use in that situation?

 

At all times? Just this -

 

I'm in the "I should never be separated from my pack" mindset also, but, even still, when I get to camp and set up and am going away for whatever reason (to set traps, fish, firewood, forage, etcetera), these are the items I take with me every time without fail.

That little CRKT drifter has really proven itself over the years. I've recently switched up my water system to carry that 40oz kleen kanteen in addition to that little piece of **** stainless steel bottle my wife won from some online sweepstakes. I haven't measured it, but it looks like it holds about 20-30 ounces. Once I took a hammer to the little handle there, it began working great. We'll see how far it takes me. Before, I was carrying around that 40oz Kleen Kanteen the same way, but it became bothersome after a while.

I think that at some point you're gonna have to look at what you EDC and realize that skill and experience are the REAL EDC. Knowing what to do WITHOUT all the gear you EDC is the REAL EDC. :thumb:

 

Well, i got an emergency bag in my van, but haven't looked at it in a long time, so i'm
gonna get it and go thro and organize again. I have a friend who put a little knife on a
leather string and wears it around his neck all the time. I found a tiny knife like his and
was gonna do it too, but now i don't know where i put the knife! So looking for a knife
sharpner stone i found a pair of Handcuffs and then i thought ya know this could come
in handy someday - so i'm gonna add it to the emer. bag. Even has the key taped to
the box! Got em yrs ago and don't know if they are sold anymore.

 

What is on me at all times....in SHTF/woods/hiking

I have a fanny pack that holds 2 20 oz Nalgene bottles. I wear a 3l Camelbak hydration pack. This fanny pack is part of my tiered gear system. Tier 1: My clothes, shorts with many cargo pockets, or pants with same. It has my knife ( Kershaw Amphibian ), a $40 flashlight ( green light LED ), a Bic lighter, a small water proof case with matches, and a few other things that really depend on the situation as I have other gear in other places that may need to be put in pockets ( 9mm comes to mind...).

Tier 2 : Fanny pack. It contains a cheap folding knife, asprin, FAK, tuna fish in packet, sevearl Cliff bars, drink mixes, tea bags, 3 Bic lighters, tinder, matches, mag glass, mag bar with scraper, Vaseline soaked cotton balls, dryer lint, whistle, extra compass, sevearl 3mm contractor bags, toe nail clipers, 100' paracord, sevrearl zip ties, small bottle with 50 rounds .22 ammo, signal mirror, 3 bags M&Ms, 5hr energy bottle, bandanna, tiny tin survival kit ( well I have it and it has to go somewhere....), scapel blade, water treatment tablets, several large ziploc bags, 1 lg non lubricated condom ( water storage), headlamp LED with white/red/green light, and some other things ( I'd have to look at it to remember). It is my survival pack, with things dupilcated in my BOB.

Tier 3 : My BOB. Worn over my tactical hydration vest.

The vest is on me if BOB is at base camp. Fanny pack always on me.

 

I have a fanny pack that holds 2 20 oz Nalgene bottles. I wear a 3l Camelbak hydration pack. This fanny pack is part of my tiered gear system. Tier 1: My clothes, shorts with many cargo pockets, or pants with same. It has my knife ( Kershaw Amphibian ), a $40 flashlight ( green light LED ), a Bic lighter, a small water proof case with matches, and a few other things that really depend on the situation as I have other gear in other places that may need to be put in pockets ( 9mm comes to mind...).

Tier 2 : Fanny pack. It contains a cheap folding knife, asprin, FAK, tuna fish in packet, sevearl Cliff bars, drink mixes, tea bags, 3 Bic lighters, tinder, matches, mag glass, mag bar with scraper, Vaseline soaked cotton balls, dryer lint, whistle, extra compass, sevearl 3mm contractor bags, toe nail clipers, 100' paracord, sevrearl zip ties, small bottle with 50 rounds .22 ammo, signal mirror, 3 bags M&Ms, 5hr energy bottle, bandanna, tiny tin survival kit ( well I have it and it has to go somewhere....), scapel blade, water treatment tablets, several large ziploc bags, 1 lg non lubricated condom ( water storage), headlamp LED with white/red/green light, and some other things ( I'd have to look at it to remember). It is my survival pack, with things dupilcated in my BOB.

Tier 3 : My BOB. Worn over my tactical hydration vest.

The vest is on me if BOB is at base camp. Fanny pack always on me.

That's exactly how I'm setting up things Croc.

I have my ALICE Pack which will be my wilderness survival pack.
Again, I'll have a BDU Pocket Pouch that can either go in my pants
or "on" the pack itself (MOLLE II). That will be a kit that can go with
any pack I use and I'll always have the basics with me.

For a BOB, I have a MCCEB Pack.

This will be equipped for me to be able to sustain myself and my family for
weeks until we get going should SHTF, but the ALICE will be equipped for
"start from scratch" conditions.

I am working on a "system" of packs.
1) Day Pack w/basics for survivability (MOLLE II Assault Pack)
2) Wilderness Survival Pack (ALICE Hellcat Pack)
3) BOB/GOOD heavy on the transitional needs (MCCEB Pack)

The MCCEB pack will be stuffed, but light. I would be able to mount
it on top of the Hellcat. My wife would be able to carry the Day Pack.
A lot of stuff, I know, but IF I could only take one of either of those
3 set-ups, I'd still be able to do WAY better than starting with nothing.

The concept of the EDC (in the wilderness) on one's body kit [for
me] is to no matter what, have the basics on me at all times.

 

My "EDC" is a Mora #2, multi-tool with a faro rod attached to the case. I have a BOB in my car that only leaves the trunk when I drive my truck and then its in the tool box. That has my 72 hour kit to help me get home but can be extended to probably a week or 2 if needed. Then its whats in my head I have to rely on- " The more you know, The less you need!"

 

What I have to have at all times?

Clean undies.