One bag - what to pack?

[stayoffmymoon]

I am beginning to make my survival bag. I have limited space. It is an old school Military back pack. With a couple extra compartments.

I am outfitting the straps so that they can carry a shovel and an Axe.

Obviously Food, Water, and Medical supplies are a must. But, what else is absolutely essential for the nomadic traveler?

I am also probably going to carry some interesting camo as to stay hidden from raiders.

NOTE: Right now I am only prepared to spend about one hundred dollars (I know, if SHTF I'm gonna regret it), but it's all I can spare at the moment. I'm probably going to also buy water purification tablets instead of lugging around bottled water, is that wise?

[pico]

Do not carry both a shovel and an ax. Get a dual use tool to save space and weight. Mine is a shovel with one side serrated for sawing and the other is thicker and can be used to hack. It is not a full service ax, but I do not plan on wasting much energy cutting large timber with it.

You should get a camel pack with at least a 100oz bladder and drinking cord. This will likely cost $20 or more. You can rig it to hook on most backpacks. I would look into getting a small fishing pole or self reeling reels to bring along if you live near water. I keep my spare magazines in pouches that attach to my shoulder straps. If you plan on having a gun, buy the appropriate spare mags and either make or buy mag pouches to have within easy reach. I also would say you need to have food. I have survival tabs, which would likely be too much for your budget. If that is the case, then buy a few protien bars and also perhaps a pack of laxatives, as the added protein is going to likely bring on constipation over time. Another cheaper alternative is to have peanut butter. This packs a lot of protien in a small container.

Have spare socks and underwear on hand, as well as talcum powder or something like gold bond. If you cannot afford a decent earth tone rain coat, pack a few black garbage bags. You should bring along a way to boil water, or even better, bring along a water filtering system. That will be out of your price range at the moment, but it is something to consider. I have a few of the katadyn filters, and these have gone up over the last few years in price by about $50 per unit for the pocket microfilter.

Have some silver dimes on hand if you need a bag for TEOTWAWKI, and have KO3 pills on hand if prepping for a nuclear incident. The list gets long, but try your best to keep the loads light.

[stayoffmymoon]

thanks!

I went to the grocery store before it closed and picked up cans of spam, tuna, and veggies. Surprisingly enough, Tuna has pretty long shelf life.
I will probably get protein bars, peanut butter, and laxatives tomorrow.

Yeah I'm looking into some way to purify water. Are Iodine tablets acceptable? I remember using them while camping years ago....


As for a gun, I'm not sure. I know it's kind of a given considering that I'm preparing for THE WORST, but I'm morally opposed to them. I guess I'd rather die I pacifist then live as a murderer, even if it's for my own survival. Of course, if I were to group up with people, that would change, because I would kill to protect others, just not myself. I guess I'll see next paycheck.


I'm looking into the multi tool you are talking about. Do you know what brand?

[pico]

Just some food for thought. I have firearms and would not consider myself a murderer. Anyone I would ever need to use a firearm against would be in the wrong, and I myself would simply be defending myself or others from bodily harm. A firearm is no different than that ax you want to carry in your bag. It is a tool that can save your life in more ways than simply stopping an attacker. Besides, you shoot to end the threat, not with the intention of killing your attacker.

Iodine tablets are better than nothing at all, but I would suggest other methods. If you really need to get by on the cheap, I would suggest getting bleach and also boiling the water.

As to the shovel/ax/saw I made mention of, I think gerber makes something of the sort.

[Traveler]

Long term the best way to clean water is boil it. Make sure you have something
to boil water in.

You may also want to look up Hobo stoves. Lots of good ideas on the net.

The best way to travel is to make sure you have cash or tradeable silver in the pack. If you have some form of money many doors open to you for resupplies. Gold gets you in trouble.

Get a half decent tent, its worth the effort of carrying it around. Sew some straps on the backpack to tie the tent on with.

Also pack needle and thread for repairs, fishing line and hooks, you can make a rod when needed and throw away when moving. Nail clippers, scissors and lots of spare socks. Loose your feet and you are sunk, literally.

[Waymarker]

Binoculars or monoculars are essential so you can check out whether that group of figures in the distance are armed or not.
Personally I prefer a monocular because they're basically half a binocular and are therefore half the weight and half the size, which is why they were routinely taken on the Apollo missions.
This is mine below, I've taken it on camping trips for years, it's 8x magnification which is ideal for general use, you can get more powerful ones but the size/weight might go up. Also the more powerful the magnification is, the duller the image becomes, and the harder it is to keep your hand steady. (same applies to binocs)
Google 'monocular' to find stockists.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/PoorOldSpike/monoc.jpg

[Waymarker]

Another option is to use pedal-power instead of backpacking.
These 3 pics of my bike are from cycle-camping trips I've done in the past, you can cover a tremendous distance, the top pic is my bike in Paris, 400 miles from home, it only took me 4 days to pedal there.
Middle pic is also France, and the bottom pic is Wales, I crossed Wales from west to east in less than a day.
Unlike backpacking, the back wheel takes all the weight rather than your legs, and you can cram your tent, sleeping bag and bits and pieces into your saddlebag, and can also use rubber straps to lash more stuff on top of the saddlebag.
Plus of course you can get off the road anytime to go down narrow country tracks to set up camp.
Hills are no problem, just get off and push your bike up, the back wheel takes the weight like i said, not your knee joints, then you can freewheel down the other side at mach 2, piece o' cake..:)

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/PoorOldSpike/cycle-camp.gif

[stayoffmymoon]

Pico - I was no way inferring gun owners are murderers. You are absolutely right, a firearm is a tool, and in some cases a life saving one (ironically enough). I would do well to add one to my back, but that's if I get the time to save up for one. Thank you for your suggestions, I found them quite helpful. Just one question: How does bleach help purify water? Aren't some brands toxic?


Traveler - thanks for mentioning the basic necessities I could have easily overlooked.

Waymaker - Brilliant point on the monocular. I will most def invest in one. The bike suggestion is very key, unfortunately I live in New Jersey and am located outside Trenton. If s*** goes down somebody is knocking me the f off my bike. Just going to have to travel anywhere, but East.
BTW Waymaker I had no clue you had such a great photographic eye. Those pictures you posted are quite remarkable. You have some talent for taking photos good sir.

[pico]

Bleach is toxic if you ingest too much, but in low doses, it will sanitize much. I use bleach all of the time in cleaning bottles for home brewing. A bit of bleach in a bottle, mixed with water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes or longer, will clean the bottle and make it free of nearly any bacteria.

You will need to find out how much is required to clean water in small sizes. It is simply mixed with the water and allowed to sit and the bleach will kill most of the stuff in there. I would further boil the water if you had a means to do such, and would prefer you simply get a pocket water filter.

[Ningishiddza]

Don't forget these:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/emerald880/tampons.jpg

http://noaloha.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/vagisil.jpg

You'll probably have to instruct women in proper hygiene since they have long since forgotten what the real world was like.

[LoudAmerican]

I am beginning to make my survival bag. I have limited space. It is an old school Military back pack. With a couple extra compartments.

I am outfitting the straps so that they can carry a shovel and an Axe.

Obviously Food, Water, and Medical supplies are a must. But, what else is absolutely essential for the nomadic traveler?

I am also probably going to carry some interesting camo as to stay hidden from raiders.

NOTE: Right now I am only prepared to spend about one hundred dollars (I know, if SHTF I'm gonna regret it), but it's all I can spare at the moment. I'm probably going to also buy water purification tablets instead of lugging around bottled water, is that wise?
FIRST OFF: Water is heavy

Weight: 8.33 pounds/gallon (SOURCE (http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/waterproperties.html))
Filters and charcoal granules (like used in aquariums)

As for food - depends on region you will be in and how long you expect to survive.

Things to consider:


SALT - salted meat and fish do not spoil
PROTEINS - lot's of dry beans and rice - rice n berries are real good when hungry! Beans with fish are tasty too ... of course Cattail root and rice is also real good.
EQUIPMENT - snare wires, trotline for fishing, at least a couple good knives (filet and skinning - and good survival knife {not one of those toys})
Good book on identifying edible plants.
Magnesium Fire Starter
several soup can's with homemade candle in them (great for putting under damp burnables to start a fire - just have a wire attached to yank it out so you can save it when fire starts)
Super powerful magnifying glass (can start a camp fire)
a small metallic mirror to signal for help
couple wine bottle corks - char an end and use as camouflage for your face
Large bottle of Cayenne pepper powder if you expect to be avoiding dogs - sprinkle across your trail and then change direction repeat several times - dog sniffs it and cant smell ya' (also fresh onion cut and juices rubbed on bottom of feet, pant legs, arms, hands, and hair also cover your scent.

That is ALMOST enough to keep you alive - if you have enough sense!

[LoudAmerican]

also - if you are in cold country ... oak leaves in your shirt and in the bottom of your boots will keep you warmer than you may expect (especially your boots)!

Also - it is better to wear 5 thin layers than 2 heavy layers layers wick moisture and trap body heat ...

and a pile of hay makes a soft warm place to burrow in and sleep. It can make you sweat so wear very little in the hay pile - damp clothes and cold weather make for a fast onset of hypothermia

[XKEJag]

Some great ideas on here.
But, makes me think about Grandparent's living close by, who are crippled up with arthritis. Cannot see how to have them travel on foot, or bicycle , if we feel we have to grab out one bag and get the heck out of the turmoil.
Any ideas?

[LoudAmerican]

Some great ideas on here.
But, makes me think about Grandparent's living close by, who are crippled up with arthritis. Cannot see how to have them travel on foot, or bicycle , if we feel we have to grab out one bag and get the heck out of the turmoil.
Any ideas?

You need a planned and prepared destination ... it's the ONLY way

Some sort of bunker in a secured compound ... yeah it sounds crazy but if it's a real concern to you then being prepared is more important

Seriously - consider this ... you can't carry enough to care for the elderly ...

Make an underground bug out spot and hope it's good enough ... with PLENTY of ammo for long term hunting purposes

[XKEJag]

also - if you are in cold country ... oak leaves in your shirt and in the bottom of your boots will keep you warmer than you may expect (especially your boots)!

Also - it is better to wear 5 thin layers than 2 heavy layers layers wick moisture and trap body heat ...

and a pile of hay makes a soft warm place to burrow in and sleep. It can make you sweat so wear very little in the hay pile - damp clothes and cold weather make for a fast onset of hypothermia

Good ideas there Loud Amer. Maybe you grew up with lots of "roughing it" ideas from your family? Like the hay idea, that would be nice I suppose if one discover's a barn while trudging around.
You mentioned on the post above, that with old relative's, to have a underground bunker. So, what if people live in the city and are in the same kind of family situation of caring for Gramp's and Granny? I'm talkin' 'bout a big city.
Do most of you folks that post alot on this arena live in the country? Or do many of you own land out in the wood's, besides your home base?
How does one dig a bunker anyway? Maybe it is good to buy one of the homes
I saw on TV recently. It was an Earth Ship house. Another house was built into the side of a rock mountain, and the house itself was inside a cave.
Then I thought, gee those people told the TV program what town they lived next to, and the name of the state. Duh. Ok, let's all go visit and ask to borrow some sugar.:confused:
Another place they showed was an old Missle that some guy converted into a house Anybody see those places last week on cable?
But, seriously, those bunker's would seem to me to be pretty damn expensive to build.

[LoudAmerican]

Good ideas there Loud Amer. Maybe you grew up with lots of "roughing it" ideas from your family? Like the hay idea, that would be nice I suppose if one discover's a barn while trudging around.
You mentioned on the post above, that with old relative's, to have a underground bunker. So, what if people live in the city and are in the same kind of family situation of caring for Gramp's and Granny? I'm talkin' 'bout a big city.
Do most of you folks that post alot on this arena live in the country? Or do many of you own land out in the wood's, besides your home base?
How does one dig a bunker anyway? Maybe it is good to buy one of the homes
I saw on TV recently. It was an Earth Ship house. Another house was built into the side of a rock mountain, and the house itself was inside a cave.
Then I thought, gee those people told the TV program what town they lived next to, and the name of the state. Duh. Ok, let's all go visit and ask to borrow some sugar.:confused:
Another place they showed was an old Missle that some guy converted into a house Anybody see those places last week on cable?
But, seriously, those bunker's would seem to me to be pretty damn expensive to build.
you said:

Maybe you grew up with lots of "roughing it" ideas from your family?

no - has nothing to do with them ... I was a street person


So, what if people live in the city and are in the same kind of family situation of caring for Gramp's and Granny? I'm talkin' 'bout a big city.

Ya' gotta prioritize what you want to do if and when XYZ happens

If you don't - you got a problem when it's too late
because no one is going to pack out more than they can use for their current group to cover your hind sight ...

Trust me - I won't help those who bring nothing to the pow wow ...

EMPTY HANDS STAY EMPTY ... I can't help those who can't help when the stuff hits the fan ... unfortunately - that is how life rolls in the real world.


It's not about just bumming a a cigarette in those situations.

You talk about BIG CITIES :vbroll: ... I have been in most big cities in the Continental 48 states ... was born and raised in and around Buffalo NY
was made an emancipated minor at the age of 16 in Stanislaus County California (Modesto) ...

[Anarch]

I too did my "street time" in the 90s.

In Durham.

Duke university and their 23 hour rec center was a godsend.


I learned alot in those days. That I could sleep on dirt in the open night. IT won't kill you, bugs won't carry you off, night stalkers won't abduct you....


Squatting vacant places is better but make sure you know why a place is vacant. I stayed at a burned out hotel for awhile. A bed with locking doors and windows... I felt safe in comparison to sleeping in the dirt.

Water and food...

Oh boy.... One can drink pond water but one can not skip a good meal... even when that meal is frozen bread. OR ramen noodles. Those flavor packets don't have to be used all at once... you can use them two three even four times...

Moral? USE ALL SUPPLIES AS SPARINGLY AS POSSIBLE.

Buds.It helps ALOT to have trusty buddies. Knowing when to forgive the petty shit and when to kick a bud out is Paramount.

It pays to be a great judge of character.. and travelers like loud american ,tc, myself , other etc etc ...have that . Extensive travel breeds wisdom. Ask any trucker.

CBs RULE.

When in a shit situation a CB is a great plus to help get one OUT OF a shit situation.

A small hand held CB with a big whip(Antenna) is a must. Although it helps reduce space if you know how to make your own extra long antenna.

never quit.


The most valuable thing to have in your B.O.B. is a big bag of NEVER QUIT. No matter how bad things are you put on you NEVER QUITS, pop two NEVER QUITS, and soldier forth in you awesome NEVER QUITS!

One of the worst experiences in my life was walking about 20...25 miles in dress shoes because my truck got a flat in BFE with no spare... So I lugged a rim. I never felt the holes growing in my feet as I walked but when I stopped to rest I saw the holes in my heels... the heels of my feet. My bare feet. about a half inch deep in both. I had no other choice because doing anything else was not an option. I put my holy sicks and god forsaken dress shoes on and kept moving forward.

In the face of all adversity NEVER QUIT!

[LoudAmerican]

FACT IS (in my opinion) most people think that sleeping on a park bench is roughing it ...

unfortunately; most people don't have the sense the good God above gave a possum ...

I often though I should hire myself out to take small groups out to the wilderness areas for a months stretch and let they get a taste of what living with real nature is all about ...

Bet most people would be in awe of nature and it's wonders if they went out without much more than a bit of wire and a good knife and an empty can.

... use the can to hold the spool of bare wire :w00t:

[GregSam]

(I often though I should hire myself out to take small groups out to the wilderness areas for a months stretch and let they get a taste of what living with real nature is all about ...)

Now come out to Northeast Oregon, where we have actual wilderness and I'll give you a taste of what you really need to know.

The Blue Mountains vs the Eaglecap Wilderness, cake walk

Just Saying

Sam

Ahh, Jerky is light, compacts well

[Anarch]

well stayoffmymoon?

What has gone into your bag?

Got any pics for us?

[LoudAmerican]

(I often though I should hire myself out to take small groups out to the wilderness areas for a months stretch and let they get a taste of what living with real nature is all about ...)

Now come out to Northeast Oregon, where we have actual wilderness and I'll give you a taste of what you really need to know.

The Blue Mountains vs the Eaglecap Wilderness, cake walk

Just Saying

Sam

Actually - I was thinking more like Northeastern Kingdom in Vermont or Desolation Wilderness in Tahoe ... or an easier one like a nice hike into Angle Window - the one in Kentucky ... never made it to the one in Grand Canyon

[Confuzion]

Flint and steel can be used to make fire.
A swiss army knife is a must.
Clothes with a lot of spacious pockets is a must.
A good compass is a must, along with a map of your survival area.
A hunting knife with a hollow hilt attached on your belt (ofcourse it should come with a secured sheath).
A pocket sized whetstone (to keep your hunting knife sharp).
A tiny tent, no plastic should be involved. It should be able to resist the elements. Nothing too fancy, keep it simple and small.
Crayons
A small notebook and pencils.
Crayons
A strong, durable rope.
Water purifier.
Small water tank.
A bowl to cook in and eat from and a spork or foon.
good sewing kit (you'll want decent threads and needles).

Grow some knowledge and experience with trapping and finding edible (parts of) plants. Forget about perishables or use once items; they are gone when used, only exception being enough food and water to survive the first week after that you should be able to eek out an existance on your own.

Get an animal companion (preferably a dog).

Yes, I went over your $100, but if you want to survive you've got to prepare properly. Of course it speaks for itself that everything you get should be durable and forget about cheap.

[Ningishiddza]

Crayons

You can melt crayons into a wound to plug it. I'd pour some sugar in it first.

[pico]

Ouch... melted wax... SOunds a bit unsanitary and messy. Why not simply pack with gauze or even better, pack with celox clotting agent.

[Beatnik Bob]

Everything's been said, to my knowledge.
But I think it depends on the climate you think you will be in? Be able to adapt to your direct surroundings, first and foremost.


A few years ago I went wilderness camping in western North Carolina. And by wilderness, I mean you wouldn't see people or evidence of human habitation. And you couldn't find it without days of hiking anyway. (In Black Balsam it was called... You can check it out).

This was, again, during Summer. So the load was meant to address this particular season (even though it would get very cold in those mountains at night). But I packed a backpack with a built-in area for a camel-back. Socks, and underwear.
A good pair of boots. A one-man tent that you can wear over your backpack or carry with you. A knife. Access to a stream and dead wood. In my case, a book on plants and animals (you want to know what snakes/plants are poisonous, what's feasibly edible, etc.)


Also, I went with three friends, and we could split some of the necessities amongst each other (a pan for boiling water, warm blankets/sleeping bags, fishing rod... iodized salt, jerky, beans, sardines, protein bars...).
If you are considering "winging something" (and as this is a theoretical worse-case scenario) always have an option of having a group. Even if it's only +2 or +3. Groups are always more likely to survive. Don't believe in Hollywood movies. It may seem awesome to feel like a rogue and "stay hidden from raiders," but rogues don't actually live.... Outside of movies. (Which is why Evolution has always favored the social group).
You need someone to survive with. A large group may be impractical, but at least a tiny unit. Or one other person, if only for your own sanity. (Another individual is about the handiest thing you can "pack").

Also, my experience varied. Where I went, blueberries and blackberries grew wild and in some abundance. And trout was not rare or mercury contaminated (and black bears are not dangerous... Unless it's a mom). So there wasn't a food or fresh-water problem. (The only problem would have been winter).

So again, adapt to your environment. If you plan on staying in a city/suburb for a theoretical apocalypse (which would reduce your chances of survival dramatically) then be prepared for different things. And also consider the fact that you would have to scavenge/loot for your food. Unlike Hollywood movies that depict rogues, eating is actually necessary for most people. And if you have sparse meals, you won't have much energy to do anything.

Also, and importantly, see if you can look up Native American survival tactics. They had centuries of surviving this land (I assume you live in the States) and had time to perfect their tactics.
In a worst case scenario, consider the group that the pioneers learned how to survive from... And try to emulate it. They didn't have filters, steel, or GPS. A gun would only be necessary if you had to survive in an urban environment. And even then maybe not, because guns help make you a target... And you won't win, ultimately.

So I strongly recommend on looking into the tribe that lived in your area. You would be surprised what you can do with so little... And much of it depends how long you personally feel you would survive in an urban environment during a theoretical apocalypse...
(But if you want technology, I recommend anything solar powered... And/or a flashlight).

So yes, location, location, location....

[Blu-ray]

So is this one bag per person? If there is a small group, 2 or 3 of you, you can each carry something different. This way you can bring along a greater variety of stuff.

[Nu Kua]

My knife, a tarp, some firestarter, water purification tablets, change of clothes, notebook and a couple of pens, peanuts, copies of important documents, cash. Sprouting seeds and a jar.

That's all I can think of right offhand. Well, a thin wool blanket. Toothbrush, soap, baking powder, personal products. Some zip lock bags.

Oh! Weed.

[Anarch]

Oh! Weed.


Can I travel with you?

[Lillith]

I have not seen it mentioned but for who knows what types unforseen medical emergencies, ie, parasites, infections, bacteria or viral contaminants one incur under such conditions the following; they are small, easily portable and have few storage reqirements for efficacy.

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/anti6.php

Tylenol and a good first aid kit inclusive of ace bandages, antiobiotics, etc