40 lbs. you would stake your life on??

Dave Beakman · Mar 16, 2000

This is a bit of a strange topic but this forum seems appropriate as it gets responses from all walks of life. If you had to "head to the hills" on a moments notice, what 40 (plus or minus a few) pounds of gear would you take and for what purpose? You can make up whatever situation you like but to get minds thinking in my direction let's use an extreme case like foreign invasion. I say 40 pounds because it seems like a reasonable amount to allow mobility and keep things like camp stoves, tents, and sleeping bags out of the discussion. For terrain I want to set this in a heavily wooded area of moderate climate (the mountains of South Carolina for example). As far as the duration let's say indefinitely just so it's clear you will need the ability to gather food and water. Is this a realistic possibility?? Let's hear what you think. To get it started I would think a few of the top items would be a GOOD KNIFE (which one?), fishing line and hooks, a good supply of paracord,a tarp of some kind, some means of starting a fire, etc . . . You take it from there. I am sure there are a lot of people in this forum that have had to do exactly what I propose and many others that think they could if they had to. I am interested in hearing what you have to say. Thanks to all, in advance.

Stryver · Mar 16, 2000

Foreign invasion, Eh? And the first thing you do is head to the hills? Ack. So much for that part of the second amendment talking about the need for a good militia. Give me all your guns, you don't deserve them.

Anyways, 40 lbs to go away and live on. I think it silly that you decide a sleeping bag is not worth it. There are many places, my backyard included, that you would have a hard time living in without a sleeping bag. Especially if the place were swarming with people trying to kill you, so you couldn't build a fire. I would gladly sacrifice an eighth or so of that weight for a sleeping bag. Other things, assuming I would not need to be fighting all these people threatening to take over my country, would include a .22 pistol and a box of rounds, a roll of snare wire, a roll of fishing line, a pot of some sort, a metal match or three, a hatchet, a tarp, a sharpening stone/system (as you prefer), a skinning/small utility knife, canteen, purification tablets, poncho and a roll or two of toilet paper. Depending on climate and flora, these things can be modified some to fit my needs. But if for some reason, I discovered we were being invaded and my recall roster hadn't reached me already, I'd head for my base. And pray the rest of the folks I expected to be there had not hightailed it for the woods.

Stryver

Dave Beakman · Mar 16, 2000

Stryver,
Thanks for the reply; it's exactly what I am looking for. Your views and dedication are appreciated and you make a good point on the sleeping bag. Your assumption that "heading to the hills" is equivalent to "tucking tail" is erroneous however. I think it's been proven more than a few times in the history of conflict that an enemys ability to live off and utilize his/her surroundings to their advantage makes them a more, not less, formidable a foe. Whether this is done solo or en masse, the principal and need remains the same. The first step to getting to that base may be surviving the journey; the first step to opposition may be survival. So no, you can't have my guns; they are going with me.

Dave

[This message has been edited by Dave Beakman (edited 03-16-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Dave Beakman (edited 03-16-2000).]

Stryver · Mar 18, 2000

If you are involved with the local militai/guard, then more power to you. I have no qualms with the idea of a 'bug out bag', but I don't like the idea of heading for the hills, particularly coming, as it does so often, from anti-gov'mnt folks. I apologize if I erroneously lumped you in that category.

That said, if I were worried about my survival, and placing it in a pack I could carry and stay mobile, I would want the following things, in some kind of order, probably resembling one or more survival needs outlines...

Personal protection day/night... Poncho, appropriate temperature clothing, appropriate temperature sleeping bag, tarp if room/weight available

Fire. Matches and lighter, one or more _other_ fire sources.

Water container and purification. I prefer tablets for purification over a filter. Especially where weight is a problem. A coffee can makes a good water container, though any pot will work.

Beyond these things, I need to specialize for my specific environment and likely situation. I need to add signalling devices if I intend on being rescued, and I need to add more water carrying/gathering things if I plan on heading into a desert. A gun would be useful for signalling/food/defense, and snares would be very nice for food. Fishing equipment would be very good if there were fishable areas where I planned to head, and bug spray and protective netting a good idea in some more bug-renowned areas. I would intend on having one or more knives on my person, but an additional utility blade in the pack would be worth the weight. A light saw would complement it well, and a hatchet would be useful, but not at the top of the weight/utility chart. If you doubt your ability to catch/find food, or do not want to worry about it, then add food you want to your pack. This can range from MREs, with a minimum of cooking and prep time, and a maximum of weight, to dehydrated meals, min time and weight, max cost, to raw dried foods, low cost and weight, high prep time. Your choice.

All in all, follow Greg's five survival needs, and then add (or subtract, maybe) as needed for your situation and skill level.

Stryver