I locked the 10 items thread because it started sounding like primers accidentally detonating in a Lee Pocket reloading kit. Are there people who would murder for a 10 item BOB? You betcha, the once romantic idea of riding frieght trains has been replaced with roving gangs who prey on the naieve who hop on with a nice new rucksack. One killed a kid for his sleeping bag. O.K. it's a scary world out there and sometimes I wish I didn't pass on the Thompson with 2 drums a ( supposedly) drunk sailor was offering outside a Seattle bar. So lets start over. Assume people might discretely carry a piece for protection. I always thought one of the advantages of a handgun was the look on a mugger's face when I produced twin 1911s from my PeaCoat. So Rule #1 is not to advertise, here or anywhere else. Handguns aren't staged suprises like uncle Bill's retirement party. Now, lets start over, 10 minimal items, firearms outside the list <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Much betta! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Actually, I can narrow it down even further and just use categories. Here goes:

1. Multi Tool

2. Fire kit

3. Portable Shelter

4. Water purification/Storage

5. Foul Weather Gear

6. Food

7. Light Source

8. First Aid/Hygiene

9. Misc Tools Kit(duct tape, dacron fishing line, electrical tape, safety pins, needle)

O.K., cool, here goes;
1. Machete (don't know the model/maker, it was a gift from a friend of the family when I was about 12)
2. Doan's mag/flint bar
3. Shrade 3 blade stockman
4. Hennessy hammock
5. poncho/liner/emergency blanket bedroll
6. compass
7. map
8. surplus fishing kit
9 and 10. 2 surplus canteen/cup/stove/carriers

Hey Chris, no mention of the G word, how about my bow?

Troy

P.S. I guess I missed th mark with my "resolution" post huh???

Sorry if I started a firestorm with my question. I promised to post the cumulative results. Since that thread is locked, I'll post them here, minus the firearms reference.

I gave each item a number value, with the first choice getting 10 points, the last getting 1 point. I totaled the value of each item. I took the liberty of grouping like items. The top 15 are as follows:

1. Water
2. Poncho/Tarp/Space blanket
3. Multitool
4. Knife (all kinds)
5. Mechanical match (all kinds)
6. Cooking kit
7. Flashlight/headlamp
8. Food
9. First Aid Kit
10. Clothes (all kinds)
11. Paracord/Rope
12. Matches/Lighter
13. Duct Tape
14. Saw
15. Tinder

No fireworks Malpaso, firearms are either a given for some people or social distraction for the rest. If we had a group of naturalists join ETS en mass I cringe at thoughts of "You will take my smartwools from my cold dead hand." As to bows , yes, but if anyone get into my atl- atl wrapped with paracord with a button compass in the but is better than your BEAR I''m locking this thread down <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Every time someone mentions "gun" it seems to spin off into something that gets locked and finally a tap on the wrist announcement by the staff, even if the discussion wasn't particularly out of hand. Sounds like they're serious about avoiding the "survivalist" image it seems to bring. So be it... I will continue to not mention them.

Here's my list:
Benchmade Griptillian
Leatherman Supertool
Gerber Bowie
Coldsteel Tanto
Spyderco Salt
Firestarting Kit
Fishing kit
Stainless steel cook set
Lot's of nylon cord
Lot's of snare wire

Yes I know I am a knife fanatic. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

1) "Flight Plan". Written schedule of places I'll be, and when, left with someone (or someones for the truly prepared), contact information for each location, my personal information (name, description, recent picture, etc). Everything someone would need to figure out where I should be at a given time. If the schedule changes, I'll amend the flight plan so that it's always current.

2) Other equipment as required for my trip. And cash. Always cash. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you plan a trip, and stick to the plan, someone will come looking for you before deep survival becomes necessary. At least, that's the message I've picked up from this board over the years. Sounds like a good idea to me.

(Don't mean to kill the thread... It's just that no one has mentioned the one thing that might actually measurably increase your chance of survival in ANY environment.)

That's why I try (but often fail) to stay out of those. :P

Chris, for the record, I was good. My ten items were ordinance free. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Perhaps I'll just look at what I actually carry and draw from that list. Since we're ordering in rank of importance, I'm going to stipulate that I'm in the Mid Atlantic/Northeast. And if Murphy still rules the incident will be during the winter.

1 Firestarting stuff. In pocket and pocket PSK.
2 Water purification/container (condom). In pocket PSK.
3 SAK. In pocket with paracord lanyard - 2 5' pieces

If time to grab:
4. Pharmacy. In belt pack.
5. Folding saw. In belt pack.
6. KaBar 7" knife on belt
7. Space blanket. In belt pack.
8. Canteen. On equipment belt.
9. Mess Kit. On equipment belt.
10. Folding shovel. On equipment belt.

Because some of the above are "prepackaged" There are obviously more than 10 items. This is the reason for preparation, though, isn't it?

In that group I have items for heat, shelter (and particularly for shelter building), water treatment and food gathering. The belt pack actually has bullion, hot chocolate mix and various teas. And this is without picking up the backpak and the tent.

I've tried to organize things so that I have the basics even with a minimal carry.