Do not forget hygiene products, even if it is just a bar of soap. Optimally, you have some shampoo, a detergent to wash clothes and eating utensils, toothpaste
Being able to wash your hands, clothing, and eating utensils will do more to prevent illness than anything else. If you get sick in a SHTF situation, you're fucked.
What you want is something called "camp soap", it's good for body wash, laundry, and dishes. A bottle will last you for days and is pretty cheap, pack it in a good ziploc bag so it doesn't leak inside your pack. If you have good water sources and containers, you can get a concentrated version, which will last you even longer as you dilute it on site.
You also want this particular soap because it's designed to be biodegradable for camping. If you're on your own land, on land you care about, or near a water source, it's worth using it instead of more potent soap. In some places, you might be required to use it (or a biodegradable equivalent) on camp sites, so it's less likely to get you in trouble.
A lot of peoples "Plan" is to just go to the countryside with a bugout bag and live off the land. Not going to happen, that shit is harder than a few survival videos show you. You need skills like shelter building, foraging, fishing and hunting.
You want to find out how unprepared you actually are? This Saturday morning, just grab your bugout back and head north. Leave your money, bank card and smartphone at home, see how long you can last.
Ya I am not "bugging out". I don't live an area that is at risk of wildfires or twisters. If I did I could see the value in a BOB.
If the nukes drop I'll just hope I'm in the blast radius. If the event turns the world in to "The Road" then I'd rather just eat a bullet.
I think a lot of "inna woods" guys fail to think about the tens of 1000's of other guys who will be heading in to those same woods. Deer, small game, and everything else is going to be picked clean the 1st week. Camp fires will be a beacon for raiders.
I have "Get home" bags in all my cars. Basically everything I would need if had to walk home in a backpack. Or if I spun off the road in an ice storm and had to sleep in my car for a few days. Just having water and energy bars in my car has come in handy a few times in massive traffic jams. The spare set of clothes has also come in handy a few times too.
I think a lot of "inna woods" guys fail to think about the tens of 1000's of other guys who will be heading in to those same woods. Deer, small game, and everything else is going to be picked clean the 1st week. Camp fires will be a beacon for raiders.
My pack's set up more to get outta the woods, or at least let me get back to camp. For example if I end up somewhere retarded on a hunt and my ride is fucked to the point I can't fix it, at least I'll be able to get back to camp within a couple of days. It's also my regular pack for camping and whatever other outdoor activities. Got a less conspicuous pack in my truck for a get home bag for more urban locations. Best to not stand out with obvious outdoor gear in the city.
One thing I keep in my bag that I think everyone should too is a shemagh. It's a type of square scarf that's extremely versatile and relatively light weight. They look like this.
You've probably seen them mostly worn by people who live in desert regions, as they are used to keep the neck and head cool while protecting the face from sand and dust. However, they can be used in a multitude of ways. You can use them as a filter for water. They make a really good pot holder. They can be tied into slings if you hurt your arm. They can act as strainers. Hang them up for sun shade. You can fold them up and use them as a way to carry stuff. There are many creative uses to use this thing and it barely weighs anything. I would seriously recommend picking up a good quality one if you have space in your bag.
I also like to keep a few small candles in my bag too, so I can light the candle and use it to ignite tinder instead of fucking around with my fire-starters too much.
A cheap firelighter that is 100% cotton balls with petroleum jelly mixed in. They last indefinably and take up no room in a bug out bag along with your fire making kit
I really like the old angle head Vietnam flashlights. They have a bonus of having these discs to apply different colors (red is good for keeping a low profile at night). Blue is good for contrasting blood if you're looking for an animal you shot (keep the incandescent bulb). They do make LED upgrades.
They use Type D batteries, but you can get USB rechargeable Type Ds that last forever. Rothco makes a reproduction. They have a handy belt clip also.
I really like the old angle head Vietnam flashlights. They have a bonus of having these discs to apply different colors (red is good for keeping a low profile at night). Blue is good for contrasting blood if you're looking for an animal you shot (keep the incandescent bulb). They do make LED upgrades.
They use Type D batteries, but you can get USB rechargeable Type Ds that last forever. Rothco makes a reproduction. They have a handy belt clip also. View attachment 6149753
I used to have a couple of those Rothco lights. Clipping them onto your vest was brilliant for hands free use. But a friend was cleaning out his garage and gave me a couple of Streamlight Sidewinders (White/Red/IR-IFF/Blue LEDs) and haven't looked back.
I used to have a couple of those Rothco lights. Clipping them onto your vest was brilliant for hands free use. But a friend was cleaning out his garage and gave me a couple of Streamlight Sidewinders (White/Red/IR-IFF/Blue LEDs) and haven't looked back.
I've never tried it, but I don't think LED works as well for tracking a wounded animal. That's one of the advantages of incandescent. I don't have any science to back this up but I feel like it's better for sneaking around with than an LED too
I've never tried it, but I don't think LED works as well for tracking a wounded animal. That's one of the advantages of incandescent. I don't have any science to back this up but I feel like it's better for sneaking around with than an LED too
We hunt with thermal & NVG so never had too much of an issue, but then again never had to track an animal for extended periods of time, but will keep that in mind and try using incandescent next time.
But if its about scaring the animal i would have thought and heard (but nothing to back it up ) that the red light doesn't spook the animals as much..which might help explain why Incandescent works well.
Bug out bags can be categorized based on the duration of their intended use. These categories are:
24-Hour Bags
72-Hour Bags
168-Hour Bags / longer term bags
24-Hour Bags
A 24-hour bag is designed for short-term use, primarily to get you from your current location to a safer "bug out location," such as a cabin or your home. This type of bag is crucial when you need to evacuate quickly from an urban area in the midst of a crisis.
This kit is the most practical for most people, focusing on essential items that are genuinely useful in the short term. Think important documents (both physical and on a usb) a handgun, 2 liters of water, and some snack bars. It’s important not to treat this as a LARP; instead, it should be a well-thought-out collection of necessities. Unlike longer-duration bags, a 24-hour bag isn't meant for living out of it or providing long-term shelter, aside from perhaps an emergency blanket.
24-Hour Bags List
Water
2 liters of water
Food
High-energy snack bars
Sugar of your choice
Documents and Money
Important documents (copies of IDs, insurance papers back up to usb)
Cash (small denominations)
Cards
Clothing
Hoodie
Rain Jacket
Shelter and Warmth
Emergency blanket
Tools and Equipment
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
Flashlight
Lighter and waterproof matches
Communication and Navigation
Fully charged mobile phone, with offline maps and power bank
Printed map of the area ( link for Americans or just search topology maps of your area)
Orienteering Compass
Miscellaneous
Duct tape
Notepad and pen
72-Hour Bags
A 72-hour bag is designed for a longer period of self-sufficiency, typically around three days. This bag should include more substantial provisions compared to a 24-hour bag, with a focus on food, water, and shelter. It's a good idea to keep this bag in your car in case it breaks down while you're trying to reach your destination.
In this bag, you’ll need to move beyond the basics and include more traditional survival essentials. This is where you'll incorporate more significant amounts of food, reliable sources of water, and proper shelter.
I think AlfieAesthetics does a pretty good job with his kit
Camping mat (cut up to make the size of your chest)
Lightweight sleeping bag
Clothing
Spare clothes (weather-appropriate)
rain gear and rain pants
Navigation and Signaling
Orienteering Compass
Baofeng radio (The Guerrilla’s Guide To The Baofeng Radio worth a read to go with it)
First Aid
Basic first aid kit (go with a premade Adventure Medical Kit or other hiking kit)
Food and Water
Purification tablets
High-energy snack bars
Ready-to-eat meals (MREs) or freeze dried food
Tools and Equipment
Duct tape
LED torch
small cooking pan or pot
168-Hour Bags
When considering a 168-hour bag, it's important to think about scenarios where your destination is very far, or where you need to live out of your pack for an extended period. This type of bag is ideal for those who might need to hunt for longer stretches or for military teams on extended reconnaissance missions without resupply.
For the average person, building up to this level of preparedness is crucial. Living out of a bag for a week requires practice and understanding of the challenges involved. It's not something one should expect to do without prior experience and preparation.
I've chosen TheGruntPerspective to showcase what a longer running pack should look like.
168-Hour Bags List
Backpack
Alice pack or Malice pack with upgraded metal frame
Rain cover for pack
Bungee cords for securing items
Tools
Reliable knife / Gerber knife
Multi-tool
Rifle
Fire and Cooking
Lighter and stormproof matches
Stainless steel cup or container
hiking gravity water filter
Shelter and Sleeping
Solo tent or lightweight tent
Bivvy bag ( waterproof cover for sleeping bag)
Sleeping bag
Clothing and Accessories
Spare clothes (weather-appropriate)
Warming layers
Change of socks and underwear
Navigation and Signaling
Orienteering Compass
hiking maps of local area
Baofeng radio (The Guerrilla’s Guide To The Baofeng Radio worth a read to go with it)
First Aid and Hygiene
Basic first aid kit (go with a premade Adventure Medical Kit or other hiking kit)
Note: These lists have been an overview, and you can add or take away a bunch of stuff that I might have missed or that you think is worth adding.
To conclude, I think most people should have a 24-hour bug out bag, primarily for getting to your car or for very short-term urban environments. For most people, this bag should contain essentials for immediate survival and evacuation.
However, if you wish to build yourself up to lasting a longer time out of a pack/bag, it isn't something that happens overnight. I recommend reaching out to hiking, camping, search and rescue, and other local groups to actually get some time with the tools and gear. This will help you figure out what works and what doesn't for you, ensuring you're truly prepared for longer-term survival scenarios.
I have taken a lot of inspiration from backpackers and ultralight thru hikers as I'm trying to refine my own gear. As far as a situation where I would be going about with just a backpack (no car or permanent shelter), here are some general tips I've gleaned from that crowd.
Clothes - One set of warm underlayer (that you keep dry) for sleeping and then one set of clothes to wear w/ layers for warmth, including gloves and warm hat. Gators and rain protection are important. Sun protection is also important - hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella if you are prone to burning. The ultralighters only bring 2 sets of underwear and socks and rinse out in-between, but imo I would add a few extra. Merino wool material for underlayers. Hiking boots or trail runners for shoes.
Food - every oz counts here. Take things out of any outer packaging. Check expiration dates on a regular schedule. Consider if you want to bring fuel or only pack cold. Calorie:weight ratio and give a good macronutrient split. Make sure you aren't completely disgusted by the food and have a variety for your own sanity.
Water - Water is heavy, so filtration is needed. Pack 4-5 liters per person, but also preferably a filtration system like a sawyer squeeze (all the backpackers love this one) and a backup like a lifestraw.
Shelter/Sleep - This is where most of your base weight will go. Make sure it's something you can actually sleep in. There are so many options out there, I can't really recommend anything specific, but do your research to find out what seems comfortable for you and do a few test runs. Again, warmth is super important here, look at the lowest recorded temp for your area and get something rated for below that.
Hygiene - minimum needed. Get an all in one camp soap, toothpaste tabs, and comb/brush. Reusable pee towel for #1, trowel for #2, roll of tp for the less savage. For women, a menstrual cup is recommended, but otherwise bring enough to last at least one period.
Misc - Bear bag, first aid kit, compass, knife, headlamp, Firestarter, rope. Weight is everything, every single gram counts.
Do not forget hygiene products, even if it is just a bar of soap. Optimally, you have some shampoo, a detergent to wash clothes and eating utensils, toothpaste. Get these at the dollar store Poundland, the sizes are smaller, but bigger than travel size, and these are forever products. You won't need to rotate. I'm also a big fan of Steramine tablets for disinfecting. They don't really expire and they will kill 99.999% of everything + it's food safe. Just throw a few in your kit.
shampoo is pointless, you have a million more important things to worry about. pack an extra bottle of disinfectant instead, or just more drinking water.
if you're dealing with a short emergency then just dont wash your hair for a few days, you'll be fine.
if you're thinking about long term shit then just cut your hair as short as you can. use clippers if you have power, scissors otherwise. long hair is just a liability.
detergent too. if you're looking at a long enough period that doing laundry becomes a pressing concern, you'll really wish you had skipped the laundry detergent in favor of some extra lighter fluid or snickers bars.
For my bug-out bag or hiking bag, I only pack a tarp and a smaller tarp instead of a tent. I also pack some toggles for paracord and bungees. People really go out and splurge on tents when a hammock or a tarp setup works better for cheaper. You can do a lot with just a tarp and rope.
I think it's important whatever you do put together you practice hiking with I only have small 3-4 mile trials near me but I hike it with my full put together bag and it doesn't look that out of place either it's not decked out with magazine pouches or anything military looking
A bag
A tarp
A sleeping bag
A roll of string
Dry socks + hat + gloves + wool longjohns
A steel bottle with a screw lid. One that can go on a fire
A lighter
A big knife, a folding knife and a folding saw.
Dry food for a few days
Running shoes
A sewing kit.
A gun. I suspect that even in bongland, you can get a shotgun legally. I know hunting is a thing there.
In my GO bag, I have a nook. Hugely underrated in survival bags. Takes up less space than a sandwich, the battery lasts 4 months of everyday use on a single charge, and can hold an entire public library of useful things and educational guides. I have a like, 9 GB zip dump of useful things. Maps, literature on home munitions, chemistry, maps of local areas in the us and landmarks, military manuals, flora fauna foraging, how to make your own plumbing and wiring at home, basically every single autistic thing you may need like how to make a shoelace out of birch bark.
1. Which sub thread should I dump that in?
2. How do I go about making it upload for public availability here without anything linking back to me/trusted upload place where people don't think I'm going to zip bomb them?
It's from a thing I paid like $30 for years ago. Has over 1000 things in there, if I recall. Was a collection someone made and then charged people for.
It's important to have the knowledge to use the tools you're carrying. Don't wait for the worst-case scenario to learn how to forage, tie ropes, or read maps. The last thing you'll want to do is waste your precious time and phone battery to look up how to build a campfire (assuming you'll even have an internet connection, that is).
Realistically, only people in more remote rural villages will have good survival odds in a societal collapse. Like @Jump said, you're not gonna be the only city dweller with the idea to flee to the woods. The nearest wilderness will be stripped bare of resources and you'll have to compete for scraps if your chosen forest is too close to a populated area. The further you get into the wilderness, the better, but remember you won't be the only one trying to do so.
