Essential items for a pack
 

I'm putting together a pack for both recreational and shtf purposes. What are the essential items? I'm thinking, sleeping bag, small tent, change of clothes, a number of pairs of socks, knife, survival kit, first aid stuff, hydration pack and some food. Sadly there is a limit to what I can carry, I guess I'm looking to last about a week with a pack, while I get established at my new location, (where it is easy to live off the land).

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

:smokin: I'll start off with this:

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/enviro...ilet_paper.jpg

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

I say and maintain that of all arse-wisps, bum-fodders, tail-napkins, bung-hole-cleansers and wipe-breeches, there is none in this world comparable to the neck of a goose, that is well downed, if you hold her head betwixt your legs: and believe me therein upon mine honour; for you will thereby feel in your nockhole a most wonderful pleasure, both in regard of the softness of the said down, and of the temperate heat of the goose; which is easily communicated to the bumgut and the rest of the intestines, insofar as to come even to the regions of the heart and brains. And think not that the felicity of the heroes and demigods, in the Elysian fields, consisteth either in their Ambrosia or Nectar, but in this, that they wipe their tails with the necks of geese.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

I'd suggest adding a water filter such as a Katadyn Mini Filter.

http://www.rei.com/product/407265

The nice thing about these purifiers is that there is no replacement cartridge. It uses a ceramic cartridge that can be cleaned to provide many gallons of water, so you don't have to carry a spare.

Also include coffee filters that can be wrapped around the inlet tube as a pre-filter so the filter won't need to be cleaned as frequently.

For a water bottle I use a 32 oz. Nalgene wide mouth bottle

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...0226&langId=-1

and have an Olicamp Space Saver Cup that the Nalgene bottle nests in for space savings.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...ductId=9738452

Also a headlamp such as a Petzl Zipka Plus LED Headlamp weighs next to nothing, is compact and provides very good hands free lighting for walking or around camp.

http://www.rei.com/product/751759

Another item to definitely include would be a 100 ft. hank of paracord.

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4c.tam?xax=14743&M5COPY%2Ectx=29044&M5%2Ectx= 3677&M2%5FDESC%2Ectx=Rappelling%20%2D%20Ropes%20%2 6%20Harnesses&level3%2Ectx=level3c%2Etam&BC3%2Ectx =Military%20Field%20Gear%2C%20Backpacking%2C%20Tra vel%20Bags&BC4%2Ectx=Rappelling%20%2D%20Ropes%20%2 6%20Harnesses&backto=%2Fagcatalog%2Flevel3c%2Etam

Be sure to include several ways of firemaking. I use a firesteel, Bic lighter, magnesium fire starter and Spark-Lite Firestarting Kit.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...ter_basic.html

Include tinder. Vaseline soaked cotton balls kept in a 35mm film can are a standard type of man-made tinder that works great.

As far as cutting implements are concerned, it's like trying to decide which rifle or pistol is best. Everyone has an opinion. What I would suggest is four. A large knife, a small one, a multi-tool, and a folding saw. I use a KA-BAR, a Swiss Army Super Tinker, a Leatherman Wave, and a Fiskars 7 inch Power Tooth Folding Pruning Saw for mine. A folding saw is a handy tool for shelter building/fire making.

These are just a few suggestions off the top of my head of the things I use in my GHB. If you'd like we can keep making specific suggestions till you've assembled your pack.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

One must be careful, however, not to lose one's grip on the neck of the goose, or a nasty surprise may result forthwith...

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Moth food? Hmm, maybe those wipes in the plastic jar things might be the way to go. An essential item though if green leaves, the sea, or grass are not easily at hand.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

I wouldn't forget one of these to carry it all...

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Oh, right. Can't forget to bring along some FRNs. How'd you bleach them so white?

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Think lightweight food and gear. I always took freezdried food and was able to find water along the way. Buy an Oasis canteen with a belt clip and carry your water on your belt. Buy a pair of Perry Ruff & Tuff suspenders to hold it up. Don't buy your typical suspenders.

Buy the lightest water filter you can find and purification tablets. Although if it's hot out and your dead tired, your not going to boil or wait for the purification tablets to work. I once took one sip of very warm water that I just boiled and tossed it. Moved the green slime away with one hand and dipped the cup into a 3' wide 'spring' with little flow. But those were extreme conditions where I ran out of water.

Try and stack things up vertically in your pack. Rather than making it fat/wide. Just easier to carry. Plus it makes you look taller which could be an advantage in certain situations. I looked huge with my pack despite being only 5'7" tall. Once walking through a low rent area in CA, I saw a half dozen mexicans sitting on a back porch. They saw me and started moving in my direction. I was getting ready to run for it but they turned out to be harmless and gave me a beer. No one ever messed with me. I still think the 'tall' pack may have had something to do with it.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

How about one of these? I'm thinking of picking one up...

http://www.henryrepeating.com/h002_survival.cfm

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Get a 10/22.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Yeah, but it won't fit into a backpack!

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Pack a lighter. A flint (especially if you don't have a lighter), a compass, a watch, and some string/rope is also essential.

Also, pack a good book. The days are longer when you're out there alone.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

I just modded a cheap-ass plastic (waterproof) flashlight with a red 5mm LED.

Puts out more light than a mag mini so I'm happy.

With red light you won't loose your night vision, so I would bring it with me :-).

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

My mistake

then get a Ruger Mark III

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Thanks very much for the advice guys. I have a lot of that kit already, there are indeed a couple of things I need to pickup though, like a poncho, the thermal underwear, tarp etc.

I'll also concentrate on lightening the item weight so I can carry more food or water.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

depends what for ya know? and climate and likely needs. I have worked up a good auto survival pack of sorts, which I keep in one of them rubberized canvas swiss surplus packs. and a like one in my wife's.

there is no universal list, you got to know what the likely hazards are that will need addressing, even if its just a campout for the weekend

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Ah, Padwann, my mini mag that I've owned for more than fifteen years has a cover on it that came with the red lens. Works great when this old man has to get up in the middle of the night and let my dogs out...

PLUS, it also has a slip on cover on the rear that is slotted so I can hold it in my teeth. This has proved invaluable. Especially when I used to ride motorcycles (Harley) and would stop have to check things with both hands to make sure she was OK. That's what happens when you ride the same motorcycle for 15 years.

It also works great when I have to clean my dogs ears (don't forget to pop the red front cover off). I have to hold their ears open with one hand, use Qtips in my other hand and hold the flashlight in my other hand. OOPS, I needed three hands to accomplish that task. But this little rear slip on solved that a LONG time ago.

I AM looking at replacing the bulb with an led. I've seen them fairly cheaply on ebay or over at Lowes, I just haven't pulled the trigger on this purchase yet. Perhaps it's time. I DO have numerous spare bulbs. I own two mini mags (one for me, one for my wife) and six other Maglite flash lights in varying sizes and batteries that they use. I've found them to be invaluable. Plus the three D cell flash light makes a pretty good baton in an emergency situation.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

I modded a mag 2D with 2 x CR123A 3V batteries, driving a 100+ lumen powerled (luxeon K2). Awsome light output!!

It's better to use two "3 x AA to D" battery converters instead of CR123A batteries, and you'll also need a current regulator.

Only use powerleds such as Cree or Luxeon for the best result.

Can't wait to mod my mini mag with a nichia led. :s9:

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

A zippo, spare flints and wicks, and a can of fuel, all vacuumed sealed is the best assurance. Forget the disposables, as they leak over time. Also a good magnesium firestarter is lightweight and is a great backup firestarter.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

A flashlight without batteries is probably the best choice though.

Found one here.

I'd also bring honey.

"Athletes worldwide often gulp a quick dose of honey to improve performance on the field because honey is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream."

"Honey is also packed with essential nutrients, including ascorbic acid, riboflavin, thiamine and trace minerals." -linky

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Don't forget tampons, they fit into those nice tight places, right.

SB

Can't believe I just posted that, must be the beer. No wonder I keep digging up silver things

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Thanks Shades for the thread. I have a small backpack for basically the same purpose, but now I realize I'm still missing a few things.

Maybe someone already mentioned it, but throw in some gold and silver. You might run into another GIMer out there. :wink: :D

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

Well I'm going to go with a good Alice pack, it isn't cheap, but it will be my pack for the next 10 years I reckon. The Auspack I'll give to a friend, he can use it when we go hunting etc.

I've added a GPS to the list, already had compass and maps, but a GPS as long as the batteries last are pretty useful items. The high end models are costly though.

An EPIRB is also a possibility, particularly in desert regions, but surprisingly expensive items. I figure if I'm with a buddy, have the survival skills etc. an EPIRB is a luxury item really.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA
HAHAHAA


wtf! that is so ****in funny

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

hahaha how did I miss this forum. awesome

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

You refer to chapter 13 of Gargantua, the cockeyed epic by Francois Rabelais (1483?-1553). Frank's reputation as a comic genius is proof that if you tell enough dirty jokes, write in French, and wait 400 years, posterity will proclaim you one of the leading lights of civilization. In the chapter in question, the giant Gargantua tells of his efforts to find the ultimate in sanitary comfort.

Re: Essential items for a pack
 

So, does this mean we have to put a goose in our pack now??

SB