Survival backpack

I wanted to start this thread so we could all collaborate on a project i have begun on making a survival bag. All i'm asking is for some ideas on what to carry.

So far i have: (not too detailed for now)

Customized aid: ipecac, antibiotics, bandages...
thermal blanket
cutlery
ammo
fire starters: magnifying glass, water proof matches, flint w, magnesium
Protein powders
Water purifiers: filter, charcoal
etc

Please add to what you think would be a necessity to the bag.

* This ideal bag will hold roughly 60 lbs *

 

I think a bug out bag is a good idea but I dont know if its a mental activity or not

 

I would like to have one in hand just in case of a "shit hits the fan" moment.

 

I take back my previous statement I can totally see how you could put incredibly valuable items in a BOB (bug out bag) that would assist in your survival such as tools, lighters, weapons, etc.

 

besides a bug out bag in case thigns go wrong, also have something you carry with you everywhere. Something small, with some matches, a candle, fishing wire, salt, stuff like that.

Just in case, things going wrong happening much sooner than realized.. what about a field guide, like the one the US army has?

 

this wont be much use in a SHTF situation, but something that everyone should keep in mind if they are travelling, hiking or such...

A pay as you go cell phone, even when out of time, will still let you call 911 and will let emergency crews find you if it is needed.

 

And while you're at it, be sure to find a nice Encyclopedia of edible and useful plants with good illustrations and regional placement info. And it should also have good info on other plants commonly mistaken as the edible ones.

 

That's an awesome suggestion!

 

I have a deer hauling cart that I pull behind me and can carry 250 lbs. It is can be taken through any terrain and if ya get tired of pulling it, find ya an creek go off the road aways unpack your tent and relax. If ya want to go into a town hide your cart and camoflage it with brush. In a pack ya can only carry 50-75 pounds and that isn't comfortable, these carts, in my opinion, are the shit. Weight is no longer an issue, they do cost between $60 and $120 but they last a lifetime.With my cart I can pack a full size wall tent and still pull it up and down hills.When we are camped the cart is used to carry firewood,take clothes to wash,carry game,or get an injured person to a doctor or back home.

We also use 100% wool blankets,because they keep ya warm even if they are wet.

 

torch
waterproofs
sleeping bag
small lightweight tent
leatherman
rope/string
pvc tape.

 

http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/assemble_disaster_supplies_kit.shtm

Not exactly what my pack looks like, but you can eliminate the BS and bring what's important to you.

 

I forgot...in response to post #5, there are a lot of good ideas there, but I would strongly advise against salt. In an emergency or survival situation, you'll have a harder time staying hydrated when consuming salty foods. More water means more weight to carry. Not a good idea for a B.O.B, or survival pack. Salt comes in really handy as a trade commodity for after the shit hits the fan. It stores forever and will make long term food more palatable.

 

a hand gun
a fancy slr camera
a few cases of pepsi
an electric kettle
get an iPhone with 3G (you can have maps and gps)
an inflatable couch (make sure it has an electric pump so its easy to inflate)
bring a snowboard, cause hey, you never know

I can't think of anymore rediculously unnessicary things!

but no seriously...

dried food
water purification droplets
rain gear (can be used for warmth at night, or whenever)
string, twine, w/e
a knife
a travel sized container of hairspray (just in case your matches and flint don't work, or if some hot people come around, gotta get your hair ready!)

 

to the OP the protein powders is a pretty awful idea seeing how protein doesnt provide much energy... even a box of cookies would be better than that....

 

this is very true! protien is like the "catalyst" for the carbs, you need carbs!

 

In regards to your post about compiling a survival bag, I have taken the liberty of sharing the contents of my 'survival bag'. Now, survival kits, or 'bags' should be split into a few sections: Shelter, Water, Fire, Tools, Food, Comfort. I will begin with shelter. Now your probably thinking what kind of a shelter could you fit into a bag? Well,
1. Tube Tent- A pocket-sized 'A'-frame shelter of various lengths and widths, mine is 8' long x 4' wide, or something of that degree. Made of heavy-duty polyester (tarp-like). Needs a rope and two supports to hold it up (Two sticks, two trees, etc.
2. Common Heavy Duty Black Trash Bag- If your bag can hold it, take a few of these. If you cut them to make one piece of plastic, you can then drape it over your tube tent to further increase the ability of your shelter to keep you happy.
3. The lightest, but strongest rope you can afford.- This item will hold up your tent, and has a thousand various uses.

This next section is on water.
1. Water Purification Unit.- I use a Katadyn. I've never had a problem, ever.
2. Water Purification Tablets- Find them at any sporting goods stores. Normally about 10-20 tablets for 10-20 dollars, give or take.
3. Water Bottle

This next section is fire. Use your imagination. You could use anything from road flares, which work great, to simple matches.
1. Bic Lighters- Virtually foolproof, cheap, if they get wet, it will dry, lasts a long time. It must be a Bic brand lighter, they are the best.
2. Waterproof Matches- now you can go and buy some for a dumb amount of money, or you could make your own. Take 'strike-anywhere' matches and simply dip them into melted wax. Place them in a small ziplock bag, then that bag in another and then once more. (that way they stay sealed from water, and you know have three ziplock bags to use as surviavl items.)
3. Flint Striker or other fire starting tools.

This next section is on tools.
1. I use an Ontario machete for basically everything, I think it works better for me than an ax or hatchet. It is only about $20.00. It can be strapped to the outside of a pack or in, my handle sticks out alittle, so I strap it, that still counts right?
2. Leatherman- It has a thousand and one uses.
3. Good knife.- I have a Gerber covert folder, I dont recommend it but I'm broke and it works fine.
4. Sharpening Stone- Get and stone and learn to use it

This sections is on food. Now this can vary depending on your taste, but for me, I try to pick things that dont spoil, last long, have lots of fat, protein, carbs, all that good stuff.

1. Some type of nut- I normally get Hazelnuts, Pistasios, or Almonds
2. Dried Fruit- I like prunes, cherries, pineapple, mango
3. Tuna
4. Smoked oysters
5. Saltine Crackers
6. Hard cheese- I normally get Parmesan, despite popular belief cheese last quite the amount of time unrefridgerated.

The last section is on comfort.

1. Notepad- you'll want this to record the events of your days, or whatever.
2. Pen- obvious reasons, can also be used as a straw!
3. Your favorite book- I always bring 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' by C.S. Lewis and 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakuer.
4. Something small that makes you think of home- it'll help at night when your alone with your thoughts.

I hope that this information has helped someone out there in the world.

"Only in a state of nature, freed from all restraints, can true happiness and virtue be found"

 

Please forgive me, I forgot a entire section. Here is the forgotten section, but should surely not be forgotten section: First Aid.

1.First Aid Kit- band-aid(Various sizes and shapes), neosporen, needle and fishing line.
2.Duct Tape
3.Popsicle Sticks

These items are crude, but they will help alot, if it comes down to using them or dying, please take your choice. Thanks again.

 

for me the first question I would ask is what kind of BOB are you building.

I've seen the "I want to be able to survive in case of a SHTF situation" or Ive seen the "I want a good amount of stuff cause I go into the woods unprepared and want to make sure I get rescued".

Personally I say go look on youtube. there are tons of really good videos about bob's.

I have a small BOB that I take with me whenever I leave the city.

 

Decided to make a new post for suggestions:

-First and most inportantly you should always carry a good knife on you, not just in your pack. small whetstone is good as well.
-I don't carry a hatchet find them heavy and not that usefull. I carry a folding saw, just as good for shelter making if not better and is very light.
-get a good but small medkit and put in personal meds in a waterproof container
-ditch the thermal blanket (unless you were planning on using for water collection) and the tent, get a good strong wool blanket and a microweave/waterproof tarp. bring rope, at least 20ft.
-in a SHTF situation you don't really need utensils other than a good knife
ammo
-2 types of fire starters: BIC lighter, flint w, magnesium are my favorites, leave matches at home...
-if you bring food you should look at things like rice, nuts, dried fruit...
-Water: bring tablets if you are worried about water. I say when worried boil. which means your water bottle should be able to boil water in it.
-strong plastic bags are good for sorting by section and for survival needs.
-ducktape rolled onto an expired credit card.
-wire/line/hooks: for making snares/traps or fishing.

Dareric's post is pretty darn good too.

I carry a folding shovel as I also use my kit as a car kit so if I get stuck I have a digging tool, also good for digging firepit, latrine, making a spot for water collection...

my kit is in a waterproof bag, and also has some granola bars, some toilet paper, rain jacket/pants, sturdy leather gloves, and extra pair of socks and what I call a bug jacket( very light jacket that has full sleaves and a hood that just keeps mosquitoes all the other biting insects off my skin. It also has a crank/solar radio/flashlight combo. the whole thing weighs around 12lb(without blanket, I add the blanket depending on season) which is approx 10% of my body weight. for a BOB I wouldn't go heigher than 18% ratio.

The most important advise i can give though is try your BOB before the SHTF and adjust it for your surroundings, ability, comfort. it's great to have all this stuff but if you aren't capable of using any of it...

 

Just went to the gun show and bought a shit load of goodies for cheap an non taxable prices.

i got:
splints
camleback:40bucks and so worth it
glowsticks a buck each
Israeli bandages: the most mutli usefull bandage
assorted small pack: flint, bandages, compass, etc
2 100ft cord rope for 14 bucks
and much more

question: i'm still looking for water purifacation and need some advice on where or what is the best purifier (I will check out kaden, definitley) to buy. I'm also looking into getting tablets.

also can anyone recommend a good plant encyclopedia?

you guys are awesome for helping me and i appreciate it very much.
this is becoming a hobby for me lol.