What's in your day bag?

[Mannlicher]

bottle of water, cliff bar, knife, camera. Just don't need much more than that for an afternoon's walk.

 

[NothingCoherent]

I'm going to add to the clothing thing. I honestly believe being properly dressed is more important than anything else in the wilderness, especially in a true survival situation. For short term survival, I think a basic rain coat is my #1 item, right before a blade.

The reason for that is because I think survival is often romanticized with all the cool knives and gadgets we have, building shelters and hobo fishing, etc... things get out of perspective. For me, it's extremely unlikely that I will get lost in the woods and have to "survive" for the night. It is much more likely that I will fall and break a leg, stranding myself. My big survival knife isn't going to do me much good trying to build a lean-to or baton wood up for a fire while I'm severely injured and incapable of much movement. Meanwhile, my raincoat is going to keep me dry and warm, and can easily be stuffed with grass and leaves for additional insulation through the night while I hide under a tree stump waiting for rescue.

So pack some extra socks, a warm hat, a fleece or wool sweater, a raincoat, first aid materials, signalling tools, and some food in your day bag. Put all this stuff in before getting to the fun, romantic survival items. When you break yourself in the wilderness, it's the simple things that will keep you alive and get yourself found.

Don't wear cotton.

 

[mtwarden]

^ agreed clothing is going to be your first and possibly most important "shelter"

often folks headed out in 80 degree and sunny weather aren't thinking that if I'm forced to spend the night out it just might get damn chilly or that the mountains have their own climate and rain (or even snow) might be in their future

a light shell, insulating layer, gloves and a hat take up very little room and should amongst the first things put in your day pack

 

[beef]

I'm going to add to the clothing thing. I honestly believe being properly dressed is more important than anything else in the wilderness, especially in a true survival situation. For short term survival, I think a basic rain coat is my #1 item, right before a blade.

Agreed. Plus it's easier to raise core temperature by donning clothing than by complex and fine motor skills, both of which will have most likely suffered.

 

[Kirk_Ferentz]

+1 on the SAS survival guide ... I have that in my larger kit and the smaller US army one in the smaller kit. Probably one of the most useful things when it comes down to it.

I know it's not a "survival" type of supply, but I'm surprised that as far as I can see, no one carries any duct tape with them.

I may be misguided (this is me trying to use my own common sense), but I also carry some little containers of salt with me in case I find myself doing a ton of sweating and needing to replenish lost electrolyes (does ingesting some table salt do this?)

Also, always have some multi vitamins, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarheal, and some allergy medication (I'm thinking in terms of having some allergic reaction to an insect sting or something you eat out there). Most of what I think about in a day pack is to make sure that if I am stuck out there for a few days, I can keep my body functioning and my energy and spirits up so that I can have the energy and will to get the hell out of there.

 

[ROCK6]

+1 on the SAS survival guide ... I have that in my larger kit and the smaller US army one in the smaller kit. Probably one of the most useful things when it comes down to it.

I really like the size and they are compact. Another good option is the "Six Ways in and Twelve Ways Out" survival manual...simply one of the best I own. Not so much for EDC, but if I'm planning on doing any bushcraft stuff, I'll carry it along for reference.

I know it's not a "survival" type of supply, but I'm surprised that as far as I can see, no one carries any duct tape with them.

Absolutely! This is not only EDC, but in my day packs and extended trip packs. Too many uses for duct tape (we call in 100mph tape). Opposite rear pocket of the wallet always has a flat role of about 8-10 feet or so; packs have a little more...great for all kinds of repairs, holding magnesium shavings from your DOAN, improvised band aids...limitless uses!

I may be misguided (this is me trying to use my own common sense), but I also carry some little containers of salt with me in case I find myself doing a ton of sweating and needing to replenish lost electrolytes (does ingesting some table salt do this?)

Doesn't hurt. There are several excellent (and compact) electrolyte type mixes in individual packets. I do carry salt (and pepper) in my backpacks, but for day hikes I really like those Camelbak Elixer electrolytes; handy container of 12 tablets. We've been practicing this massive "Change of Command" down here at Fort Gordon, GA and the heat/humidity is unbelievable. Standing at "attention" or "parade rest" for almost three hours in the direct sun is pretty harsh. Water with electrolytes is a must when you're losing massive amounts of water and salts.

Also, always have some multi vitamins, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarheal, and some allergy medication (I'm thinking in terms of having some allergic reaction to an insect sting or something you eat out there). Most of what I think about in a day pack is to make sure that if I am stuck out there for a few days, I can keep my body functioning and my energy and spirits up so that I can have the energy and will to get the hell out of there.

Along with the electrolyte drink mixes, I often throw in a few Emergen-C vitamin drink mixes. I do agree it is prudent insurance to carry some Imodium; if you can't temporarily contain a bad bout of diarrhea; your odds of dehydration just went way up.

I always carry some individual packs of Benadryl and Zyrtec for inflammation and allergies. Do be careful as most antihistamines can cause mild dehydration.

Good points! Everything you mentioned can be found in small, compact and/or individual sized. None of it would take up much room or add much weight, yet could really help when needed…

ROCK6

 

[LupaWolf]

Some really fine lists here.
I always like to have a flashlight on me.
And definitely some basic first aid stuff... I like to carry vet-wrap. Its relatively chep and can be used for bandages, splints, wrap a sprain, ect.

 

[greyhound352]

Great looking kits, keep the pics coming.

 

[Brennanscott]

Did the thread say day bag? Some of those lists look like they are for a month bag.

 

[hiwa]

The one I carry with me EVERY DAY and to work contains this:

Bandana
First aid kit/large bandage
Becker Necker knife/sharpening rod
Paracord
Tylenol
Cell phone
pencil/paper

My bush kit bag:

Survival kit in Max-Ped. pouch
Laplander saw
Wetterlings 13" hatchet.
Back-up knife ( Bucklight Max.)
First aid kit
Shemagh and bandana
jacket/socks/underwear
Tarp and paracord
Fenix flashlight ( E-20)
Nalgene bottle
Becker BK-9 on outside starp

An Esee 4 or 3 on my belt, and a Buck Vantage in front pocket.

 

[ROCK6]

Did the thread say day bag? Some of those lists look like they are for a month bag.

Yeah, there is a little of that. I must admit, a good day hike for me is a walk to the "back-40", brewing up a little licorice root tea, whittling some traps or even a little squirrel hunting and taking a nap in a compact hammock

ROCK6