What are the essentials?

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
1,256
I've been thinking more about preparedness lately (haven't we all?), and thought about the fact that, even if I had a bug-out bag, I probably would not have it on me at all times. So the question for me is this - can one be effectively prepared carrying only as much as pants pockets or attached via lanyard or necklace will allow?

I realize that this level of preparedness will not be as good as a BOB, but could something be put together that would be 75% as effective as a BOB? Or even 50%?

Personally, I would think that a small knife (3" or so), a small multitool (ala Micra) and a good quality flashlight (Surefire E1 or E2 with Photon on lanyard) would be a good start. And maybe a whistle around the neck.

But I'm inexperienced in this area. What do you guys think?
 
I don't like to haul a lot of stuff.

Here is my min.

12' of kelty triptease line braided and knoted into a lanyard

holding a split ring with
a small suunto compass,
a storm whistle,
yellow photon light,
one of those little tweezers from BQ
and
s SOG cross grip (I think that was the name of the little one).

In my wallet I have besides the usual stuff
a prepaid call card
a fresnel magnifier
a small A.G Russel knife
a flat pack of dental floss
a small pack of needles
and
some large safety pins.

Also in my pockets are
a colibri lighter
a bandanna
a flat roll of duct tape in dayglo orange
a large ziploc bag
and
a pair of silk glove liners.

If im carrying my pouch or timbuk2 bag of course I have quite a bit more.
 
I have my pack with me most of the time though when I do short local errands sometimes it stays home.


My daily back pack (mountainsmith "tundra") contents:
Pock-itz in front zip compartment:
AA mini-mag with 2 spare batteries
Nail clippers
Leatherman super tool
Sak ambassador
matches
20-30 ft of paracord

First aide kit,in a eagle creek waterproof zip bag:
Gauze & large dressing pads
Medical tape
Bandaides
Alcohol swabs
Military lg. wound field dressing
Ace bandage
Extra shoe lace
Latex gloves
Golden seal (natural anti-viral and can be applied to wounds)
Arnica pills (the best pain relievers I have tried)


Elsewhere in pack: 2 handkerchiefs, pens, wool hat, compass, matches, rain coat, fleece vest or jacket

On me always
Spyderco Delica and Endura
Keys with Micro-lite, 12” of paracord, mini screw driver key
Watch



I agree you can't carry your BOB wherever go. For that reason I made a separate one for my car.
 
Originally posted by Starfish
So the question for me is this - can one be effectively prepared carrying only as much as pants pockets or attached via lanyard or necklace will allow?
Click to expand...
The most important thing is mental preparedness. Without that, nothing else really matters. The second most important thing is knowledge and skills. Without that, it doesn't really matter what objects you have with you.

You need to first determine what you need to be able to do. Secondly you learn to do it. Thirdly you get the equipment you need and by this time it's to you what you <strong>really</strong> need, as opposed to what's nice to have (I'm <em>not</em> against that sort of thing at all!) and what's actually just a "security blanket" to make you feel good as long as you're not in trouble.

Usually, the conclusion is that there are very few things you need to bring, but those you need, you need very much indeed.

Personally, I would think that a small knife (3" or so), a small multitool (ala Micra) and a good quality flashlight (Surefire E1 or E2 with Photon on lanyard) would be a good start. And maybe a whistle around the neck.
Click to expand...

I knife is always useful outdoors. A multitool's main use as I see it is to repair equipment.
The E1/E2's batteries only last for 90/75 minutes, so that won't be enough to help you walk through the woods even a single night and I really doubt you'll need its light output. A LED light seems more sensible to me. (I use a <a href="http://www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/outdoor/lightwave.html">Lightwave 2000</a> which isn't quite so small as you're looking for, nor is my <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=princeton+tec+matrix">Princeton Tec Matrix</a> headlight.) I haven't tried it, but it seems like the
<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=petzl+headlight">Petzl 3AAA, 3LED headlight</a> could be something for you.
There's no maybe about the whistle, signalling for help is essential.
I'd also include something to make fire with among the essentials, as a way to purify water and something to keep your blood sugar up so you don't make stupid mistakes just because you haven't eaten.
But mainly, see my first paragraph.
 
My "always with me" is my SAK Soldier's Model with about 12 inches of nylon twine as a lanyard, two small safety pins and a green Photon LED (the only one in the store). I've used the nylon cord as leverage on a spring that I couldn't grip with pliers, and the LED (off the quick-release clip) as a "bite light". I realize this might be inadequate for several of you, but this is a minimum "good start" for me. I've also got a bandana or two in another pocket along with a CRKT Tighe Tac, my boonie hat has another safety pin and a six foot tarred nylon cord. As you can see, I've got more than just a knife to get by. (I hope.) ;)

Matt in Texas
 
The first thing you might wanna do is evaluate your level of skill. All the doohickeys and thingamjigs in your bag won't mean anything if you haven't practiced using them. I'm not at all impltying you haven't -- I just mean, take stock of where you are at currently in your skills; strengths? weaknesses? work on improving your weaknesses.

Ask yourself: How well do you improvise? How many uses for each item can you think of? Do these multiple uses mean you can eliminate gear from your BOB because of redundancies?

The more knowledge you have, the less you'll need in your BOB to slow you down. Or, at least, you'll have working knowledge with which to judge exactly what you really DO and DON'T need.


All the Best,

Brian.
 
I went through my small backpack that I carry everwhere and here is what I have.

1. LED Flashlight
2. Box of "strike anywhere" matches in a 2X3 mini ziplock bag.
3. Bic lighter
4. 3" cylume lightstick
5. SAK Victorinox Tinker
6. 10' Nylon cord
7. Pre-Paid phone card with 200 minutes on it.

This is all in a small "net" pouch in the top of the pack. The rest of the back is for books, palm pilot, and cell phone.

Real light, and always with me.

Any suggestions for other stuff to put in the pack are welcome.
 
Originally posted by Brian Jones


Ask yourself: How well do you improvise? How many uses for each item can you think of? Do these multiple uses mean you can eliminate gear from your BOB because of redundancies?
Click to expand...

Ask yourself: How well do you improvise? How many uses for each item can you think of? Do these multiple uses mean you can eliminate gear from your BOB because of redundancies?

Just thought that needed repeating.
 
chrisaloia,

I am curious as to what you think of your Tundra? Does it seem to be durable?

Thanks,

Pat
 
I have had my tundra for about 2 years. I lived in Seattle, WA at that time and it went everywhere everyday. I have flown a few places with it as well. I did have to send it to the company for a bit they had to restitch the top compression straps.I do wish it had another compartment it seems like it is missing one more section.

it is extremely comfortable but I do think there are better packs out there for less $. This was given to me as a gift can't complain too much.

I imagine it will last a few more years. my brother in-law has a DANA designs pack which he has had for 5 years and that thing is tough as nails. also Lowe/Alpine looks real good and tough.

if the s*** ever hits the fan :eek: (hopefully) I will be carrying my Tactical Tailor 3 day assualt pack.

hope that info helps

chris
 
I have always had some kind of small bag that i carried a few things in,but since finding this forum(it is GREAT by the way)I have added a medium duffle,and a "pockits" belt pack,my question is ,What is the best way ,or best,most stuff,i can stuff into the "pockets"pouch?.Right now,i have a leatherman,minimag,2 each of Alc.swabs,decongestion tablets,pain reliever,iodine,burn gel,and 4 antibiotic packets,and some small eyewash applicators,with the eyewash liquid allready in them,all of these items are the small travel type items,that i put into it.I have a Boy scout SAK,and a lg,CS 50/50 Tanto on me all the time,with keys.The duffle has the food and other essentials in it.-----txmoonwolf,i am from Bmt originally,now in Vidor,shoot me an e-mail sometime.Thanks for all your help in building my BOB's.---Mark R.
 
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