Outdoor gear Etc....

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Aug 4, 2013
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So admittedly I'm new to hiking around out in the woods and other environments with a whole pack full of gear. So recently I looked into a 5.11 VTAC 72 hour Rush backpack and hopefully I'll have one soon. In the meantime I'm hoping to have a list of things that I can keep in it around the clock ready to go so that if my fiance or I decide to go out on a hike or worst case scenario need a bugout bag that I have something for it.

I already am going to have a small tin for fire starting supplies and will do some research into what exactly I want to carry for it. I plan to have a BK15 either on me or on a shoulder strap of the pack and am looking into getting a small hatchet for all my other possible needs (something like a pauls hatchet from busse and kin or something from TOPS). I'll have a water pouch/bladder in the pack ready to be filled, along with water bottles, I'll throw some paracord in and have a blanket that I can tie up and take with if necessary.

Not sure what else I'm missing but I figure there's at least a few things. So feel free to post suggestions along with maybe a quick outline of what you carry.

Thanks all!
Stay safe,
-Nick
 
So admittedly I'm new to hiking around out in the woods and other environments with a whole pack full of gear. So recently I looked into a 5.11 VTAC 72 hour Rush backpack and hopefully I'll have one soon. In the meantime I'm hoping to have a list of things that I can keep in it around the clock ready to go so that if my fiance or I decide to go out on a hike or worst case scenario need a bugout bag that I have something for it.

I already am going to have a small tin for fire starting supplies and will do some research into what exactly I want to carry for it. I plan to have a BK15 either on me or on a shoulder strap of the pack and am looking into getting a small hatchet for all my other possible needs (something like a pauls hatchet from busse and kin or something from TOPS). I'll have a water pouch/bladder in the pack ready to be filled, along with water bottles, I'll throw some paracord in and have a blanket that I can tie up and take with if necessary.

Not sure what else I'm missing but I figure there's at least a few things. So feel free to post suggestions along with maybe a quick outline of what you carry.

Thanks all!
Stay safe,
-Nick

That backpack is awesome but very pricey. My advice is to search Amazon for "30L Tactical Backpack" and find one you like that's cheaper.

in that you want the "5 C's of survivability:

Cutting tool - I take no less than 3 personally.
Container [of metal] - I prefer Stainless steel to any kind of aluminum.
Cordage - I carry all - 100' of 550 cord, a ball of jute twine, 200' of 1/16" tarred bank line
Cover - Tarp, awning or actual tent. I prefer a waxed canvas painter's drop cloth but it's heavy by comparison.
Combustion - I carry not less than 3 types of firestarter - aside from my cigarette lighter, I carry a ferro rod, chunk of flint and a magnifying glass.

I personally add a wool blanket, a good compass and packable rain gear [like for hunting]. I also take a flask of 195 proof Everclear. Not for consumption mind you, I can make tinctures and sterilize tools and hands. Not only that, makes for a good water evaporator and firestarting liquid. I also take a small can of WD40 to lubricate and protect my blades and a stone appropriate to sharpen them all.

Anything over that is more 'comfort' than "need"...though I concede some of those are more comfort than need.

As for your BK15, I will suggest you carry it ON your person at all times. The sheath you carry it in is your choice. Leather tends to hold in moisture unless heavily waterproofed [which can be done] and "drilled" to let water run out the tip - so Nylon and Kydex are often preferred.

Top shelf hiking boots are almost mandatory. The better they fit, the less fatigue and blisters you will endure. The more robust the construction, the longer they will last.

Any good sleeping pad will do but I've made very comfy ones in the field.

Whatever else you take is up to you.
 
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The search function is your friend , a lot of ppl are going to be tired of answering this question ( about survival gear) as it comes up a Lot
 
Search for the 10 essentials. Start with water (a way to purify), shelter, fire, food,first aid, & location aids ie map & compass. Watch your pack weight. Ounces=pounds. Pounds =pain. Practice with your gear. +1 on knowledge is key.
 
I know that you're looking for something that you can just grab and go, but you will save a lot of weight and probably be more comfortable if you equip yourself according to the expected conditions and duration. I usually just go on day hikes, and the first time I went out with a full backpacking/camping setup, I ended up packing some things that were bigger/heavier than I needed while forgetting some that I really should have brought. Be realistic about your food requirements and cooking needs. Needing to start a fire for cooking is much different than because you are stranded in cold conditions and need the fire for warmth. First aid supplies are important, but no matter how much you bring, you could always bring more, to the point of filling an entire pack on the premise of a "what if" scenario. I usually consider a small splint, butterfly closure strips, some Benadryl, an anti-diarrheal (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, etc.) and a couple of knuckle and elbow/knee bandages as essentials. As far as water is concerned, it's easier to bring your water with you, but lighter and less bulky to bring some sort of self-container filtration/purification device. Have some idea of available water sources on your route.

The other big one for me is, at minimum, spare socks in a sealed container, and even spare shoes if you can manage it. Leave room in your pack for a change of clothes if the weather or temperature is likely to change, either to change into different clothes or (in hot weather) so you can stow clothes that you started out wearing and now want to shed.
 
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