As a minimum, these are just a few items that I would carry for a universal setup. I actually carry most of this stuff anyway as a basic setup, and just add different items depending if I'm going to go hiking or go on a road trip.

Multitool (more versatile than a knife)
Large Garbage bags (could be used as shelter, water collection, makeshift poncho, etc)
Bandana (for first aid, cleaning, headband, etc)
Flashlight (no, make that a headlamp)
Lighter
Dental floss (for string)
Duct tape
cellphone
very basic first Aid kit
Small button compass (very useful in the forest or coming out of a subway)
extra clothing (probably a windbreaker or sweater)
TP (useful no matter where you are!)
Lip Balm (could be used as a firestarter, sunscreen, or for lip balm)
Snacks
Extra Money(I could improvise anything in the city with enough cash <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />, or could be used as a firestarter <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />)

These are things I chose that could be used in both situations, whether in the city or the forest. I know a lot of stuff isn't ideal, but I think the point is to have something that is general works for either one?

There are a lot of things I would have listed, but the reason I didn't include them were because they would be of limited to no use in one of the environments. For example, I listed a multi tool instead of a fixed blade knife because I would rather have to use my multitool as a knife than use a knife as a poor substitue for pliers or screwdriver. I also left out a dedicated shelter because I see that as being more specific for the wilderness, same thing with an ax or saw. Similarly, i dont' think cooking gear would have much use in the city. I know with a knife (and enough time) I could probably improvise fire (replace lighter) or light (replace flashlight), but I'd rather not. I think those two items are important enough in either situation to have their own stuff.

Also, I didn't include any type of water purification, because if it's only for 72 hours, I would risk the chance of getting sick in the wilderness, you probably aren't gonna die from drinking polluted water. If the water is polluted in the city, a filter isn't going to be of much help anyway.

I'd like to see what everyone else thinks. One thing I'm not clear on, are you talking about a normal urban environment, or like a city after a natural disaster type environment? If that's the case, then most of the stuff becomes geared torwards wilderness equipment.

BTW Tmpx, you know what your name sounds like if you try and say it outloud?

This is the bag I carry, And all of that is in there. 2 knifes,stove, food, water,shelter, signal material and light. this if my BOB/EDC.

Let me get this straight- part of this is to make BOB part of your EDC? OK, how long do you want to bug for, and what is your environment, including your socioeconomic one (humping a pack in a 3-peice suit is a bit... eccentric)? What issues could force you to bug with only your EDC? What issues do you want to be prepaired for? What is your destination in a bug out, and how far are you from it? And how "real world" do you want us to be?

The reason why I ask these questions is because BOB is about the last stage in the escalation of preparedness, while EDC is the first. There is a few steps between the two.

I think what he is wanting is a 'drop me anywhere, any time, any season kit' that will fit in aprox 15" x 13" x 10", 854 cu. in. that you can 'survive' with.
Other then the very basics of a survival kit, you'd have to try to address the issues of desert, mountain, both temperate tropical forest, swamp, savana, oceanic, extreme high altitude, major urban, minor urban, etc in both the height of summer and the depth of winter, the thaw of spring and the frost of fall, through earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood, storm surge, and blizzard, while avoiding and protecting yourself from crazed rioters, rabid bears, clutches(?) of baby rattle snakes, swarms of killer bees and malaria mosquitos with west niles, all while keeping yourself from bleeding out from a broken bone sticking out of your skin.
Man, that sounds like it should be pretty easy...
Sould fallout be in there? Everything else is so.. Add something for radioactive fallout too..

That was kind of my point. Anytime-anyplace works great if you've got logistical support; not so much if its just you, yourself and thou, and thus the need for clarification.

Personally, I am one of those that have come to believe that practical experience coupled with extensive knowledge goes an interminable ways towards eliminating extraneous equipment in any given circumstance. I do acknowledge though that there are those circumstances that you cannot easily acquire any practical experience.

I think the best approach is to build a core supply list, then augment or change as the needs change. You simply can't build a kit that is universal, because needs change enough from one situation to the next that comprehensivity is not a practical objective.

That said, my core kit includes an FAK with some Ibuprofren, Aceteminophen,aspirin, bandaids of various sizes, feminine pads, latex sports tape, disinfectant, antibiotic, and some wipes. Then I pack a leatherman wave tool, a magnesium/flint striker, a butane windproof lighter, a bivy sack, a couple plastic trash bags, some ziplocs, some water treatment pills, a sewing kit, a tongue depressor with electrical tape, duct tape and 120 lb dacron fishing line wrapped around it, a fox micro plastic whistle, a map compass, some paracord, a few tea bags, some HD aluminum foil, and some Couglans cotton tinder. I'll augment that with everything from water ration to food to a Glock 21 and a BAK to clothing etc... it depends on the situation(s) I am likely to encounter.

All the core kit fits into two small nylon padded satchels with good strong zippers. Each satchel measures 6" x 2.5" x 2.5", and were acquired while flying business class to and from Baghdad last year. I can load these satchels in the front pocket of my SAK business bag, which holds my laptop and a few other business and personal items, or I can put them in my Camelbak Motherlode BOB, or I can load them in the cargo pockets of my REI expedition pants, or I can attach them to my belt when I wear my jeans.

Doug's Ultimate Aviation Survival Pack could function as a good universal BOB.

He must wander with us in Arizona! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />