Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less

Posted by: Malpaso

Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 02:43 PM

Just for arguments sake, the scenario has you limited to bugging out with only ten items or less, and there's a possibility along the way that you'll need to drop some of those ten. In order of importance, list your ten items. Your means of carry, either a backpack or lumbar pack or whatever, does not count in the ten. The batteries in your flashlight, or ammunition in your gun don't count, but spares do. The clothes on your back don't, but you should assume it's a normal day's wear. Normal items like wallet, glasses and watch don't count. Assume your cell phone won't work.

Comments on each item are welcome, but not necessary. I will try to compile an overall list of importance, based on each person's ranking, and maybe post in on a web page.

Here's mine.

1. Handgun
2. 32oz water in Nalgene bottle
3. MRE
4. Matches in waterproof container
5. Multitool - full size
6. Poncho
7. Roll of medical tape
8. Spool of para cord
9. Flashlight (LED)
10. Work gloves
Posted by: philip

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 05:17 PM

My medicines
leather gloves
handkerchief
water
dustmask
glowstick
pair of FRS radios
flashlight
Biehl or comparable tool

My situation is the San Francisco Bay Area, so my bag wil be suited to my needs here. Other's needs will vary, and anyone hoping to use these lists to make their own may be misled. For example, a handgun is just dead weight to me.
Posted by: WILD_WEASEL

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 05:39 PM

I have touched on this issue myself in other posts, dealing with survival tins. When I go day hiking and or backpacking, I am in effect carrying my survival gear on my back. Therefore, I base my survival philosophy on the TEN ESSENTIALS. 1) Map and Compass 2) Water –along with a way to store and purify it- and Food 3) First Aid Kit 4) Flashlight –with extra batteries- 5) Extra Clothing –adequate to deal with rain and or cold- 6) Knife 7) Matches and Fire Starter 8) Shelter –tarp/poncho, bivy bag, etc.-. Surprisingly this all fits into the average daypack, with a quart of water I am way under 10 pounds on my back. However, if I’m doing any hiking in the desert and carrying a days supply of water I will usually carry one and half gallons of water total, at 8 pounds per gallon. 9) Fire Arm –with extra ammo- 10) The Will to Survive!
Posted by: norad45

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 06:01 PM

Spare contact lenses
Poncho
Becker BK10
Bic lighter
1 Qt Nalgene bottle
Leatherman Juice KF4
Campmor metal cup (the one that nests w/ the Nalgene.)
Surefire G2Z
100' 550# Paracord
MP1 tablets

For the first six items the order is definate, the rest less so.

Regards, Vince

Edit: if you don't want me to count my spare contacts, (and assuming I can't take my dog ), then I would put a large can of Sterno at #10.
Posted by: Kuovonne

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 06:44 PM

Out of curiosity, why spare contact lenses at the top of the list (especially versus spare glasses)? Do you consider contact lens solution to be part of the "spare contact lenses"?

When I used to wear contacts and I wanted a back-up, I chose glasses, since contact lenses required so much care (clean hands for handling, solution, easy to loose if dropped, etc.) Has contact lens technology changed that much in the last few years that such care isn't necessary?

-Kuovonne
Posted by: norad45

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 07:01 PM

I don't use glasses in the field primarily because of the hassle when they get wet. As far as contact care goes, I wear gas permeables (hard lenses) so the care might be considerably less than what you are used to. In a bugout situation I would not worry about cleaning or soaking them. I've slept overnight with them stuffed between my upper lip and gum like a plug of chewing tobacco, and as long as I didn't accidently chew them up they worked just fine <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Regards, Vince
Posted by: Farmer

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 07:11 PM

Hmmm.

Okay. I always have my survival tin. I carry it the way normal people carry a wallet, so I'm gonna include it without making it one of the ten items. I also carry a mini-LED in my right-hand pocket.

With that in mind, here's my list:

1. Handgun
2. 32oz water in Nalgene bottle
3. MRE
4. Veritas collapsible buck saw
5. Multitool - full size
6. Rain suit
7. Big knife. (mine's a K Bar, 7")
8. Spool of para cord
9. Tommy stove
10. Work gloves
Posted by: Craig

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 08:09 PM

I'm already limited. I'm not leaving without my dog, my cat, or my box turtle, or their food, so that's four "items" right there. What's a pet lover to do?

-- Craig
Posted by: bubbajoe

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 08:25 PM

OK. the new guy will take a shot. let me know how i do?
First I own a horse farm so i always have on me a Leatherman charge, pocket knife (assisted opening) mini bic ,LED flashlight. work gloves, and work boots. wallet. never leave the house without them. now if my wallet dosen't count , i assume whats in my wallet dosen't count either
just looked and i have asprin and excedrin ,bandaids, tweezers(hay splinters hurt) couple hundred dollars, duct tape (quick repairs ect) flat spool wire, and some fishing line. never know when you'll need to tie something up or down. thats my EDC. So if i had to bug out and could only pick up ten things I'd have to say i'd take the following

1. roll of extra lg trash bags heavy duty. (raingear,sleeping bag ,tent, storage, etc)
2.full roll of duct tape (what more can you say ,its duct tape!)
3. small bottle of bleach. (water purification ) i have 8 in my family. to much water needs to be carried. )
4.heavy duty zip bags 1 gal. size(hold the water ect.)
5. bathroom bag (hope this counts as one)
toothbrush, travle toothepaste
razor, q tips ,cottonballs, mouthwash ,nail clipper
travle soap and shampoo, dental floss, small knife
6. first aid kit. (pretty good one, hope this counts as one also)
scissors, tape , gauze, heat pack cold pack ace badage
bedadine, hydrogenperoxide, bandaid all sizes.tums imodium. asprine ,excedrine, tweezers, hand wash, hand soap, saftey pins, needles. lots more!! all in a small plastic box 14x12'x6"
7. &
8.What ever food i can pick up. (having a hard time with this one
9. dynamo radio with led light ,cell charger, ect. ( its a gadget had to have it) don't own a cell ,rest of the family do. all of them!!
10. 5 gallon plastic bucket /with lid to carry it all in

Hope i wasn't cheating with the first aid kit and bathroom bag
the hard part would be leaving the farm. set up to stay not to
bug out. not sure i could leave 50 horses anddogs and cats alone while i leave. But if it came to them or my family the choice would be easy.

Real excited about this post please forgive spelling




































































Posted by: Craig_phx

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 08:26 PM

I am assuming you are talking about a 72 hour survival kit. Your goal is to stay alive and attract attention to get rescued.

I would use my CamelBack as my backpack. It has a 100oz water bladder. Taking into account the rule of 3s and the fact I live in Arizona here is my pick of 10 items. I have ¾ of a gallon of water. The first 3 items and my CamelBack would probably keep me alive for 3 days in most of Arizona. I would have water, shelter, and fire. The rest of the items would make life easier.

1. HD Space Blanket with hood (poncho, wedge shelter, immediate heat reflector)
2. Leatherman Charge Ti (knife)
3. Ferro rod (Metal Match from County Comm)
4. 12 Coghlan’s Emergency Tinder (in mini zip-loc bag) (got to have fire when wet)
5. 36”x36” sheet of HD aluminum foil (boil water, cooking, fire reflector)
6. 2”x3” glass signal mirror
7. Petzl Tikka XP LED Headlamp (or Tikka Plus or Zipka Plus) with case (high, low, and blink)
8. First-Aid Kit
9. 1 gallon Zip-Loc bag (container to collect water etc.)
10. 50’ of ¼” braided nylon cord (don’t like parachute cord)

There is a task that will get you to thinking about what is important! I kept changing the list. I kept asking myself; would I give up all the items below this item to keep it? You have got to be able to stay warm and have water. Then being able to get more water and purify it is next. You can signal with a fire if you have to. It may take longer than 3 days to be rescued. A metal cup, pot, or coffee can would be better than the aluminum foil. A compass would be nice but I can find north if I have the sun, North Star, or a crescent moon to look at.
Posted by: Burncycle

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 08:54 PM

Well, you've got food covered <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Burncycle

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 09:03 PM

I haven't tried them, but "Night And Day" Contacts are supposed to allow up to 30 days of continuous wear (even in your sleep) so you don't have to remove them for cleaning.
Posted by: Craig_phx

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 09:21 PM

Sorry!

I had "top 10 items for a PSK" on the brain. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

When you say "bug out bag" what kind of bugging out are you thinking about? Is this a "Red Dawn" situation? Evacuate your home because of a terrorist attack? You just killed the sheriff and now you have to run and hide? What are we bugging out from? How long are we going to bug out for? If it is long term, away from civilization, primitive living, then that is a whole different concept. Grab a fixed blade knife, an axe, and sharpener and hope for the best. You will not live to a ripe old age.

Thanks!
Posted by: SgtMike88Ret

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 09:24 PM

Ten only, huh?

01. Victorinox Farmer
02. MagFire or MagFire Pro firestarter
03. Large vial of vaseline impregnated cotton balls
04. Equinox XL Siltarp poncho
05. 32oz Nalgene bottle
06. Snow Peak ti cookset (nests with the bottle above)
07. BRKT Fox River or Fallkniven F1 hunting knife
08. Adventure Medical Solo or Scout First Aid Kit
09. 100' skein of 550 cord
10. Henry MiniBolt .22 rifle or 20ga Ithaca M37 shotgun

M
Posted by: frenchy

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 10:19 PM

nasty , indeed.... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: ironraven

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 10:20 PM

Ten, excluding your belt-order EDC?

In that case, I'd grab one of my packs and toss in the following:
1, 2. 1 liter nalgene bottles, filled
3. swedish surplus mess kit w/ a trancia stove, 2 fuel bottles and a small thing of matches already in there
4. my camping firetin (lots of matches, lighter, a magnesium firestarter, sparklite, tinder, stay-lit candles, 2 real candles)
5. 100m spool of paracord
6. Socks!
7. poncho w/ liner OR jacket, based on weather
8. boonie hat OR wool beanie, based on weather
9. my Pack-Rat
10. my UK mess kit-based survival kit

Are the last two cheating? Yes, and no. Yes, they do contain a multitude of useful items. But also no, becuase they are one item if you can pick up one THING as one of the ten items.

Besides, if you aren't cheating, you aren't trying. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Of course, that would include my normal pocketed gear.
Posted by: wildcard163

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/17/05 11:34 PM

Thanks, I needed that laugh <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Troy
Posted by: TeacherRO

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 12:09 AM

Some other options:

Cash -- more uses tha duct tape
warm jacket -- can sleep in it, resists rain, has pockets for carry


TRO
Posted by: Craig

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 12:13 AM

<img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> THEY would be eating ME! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig
Posted by: wildcard163

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 12:30 AM

Bare minimum... huh... let's see...

1. .45 Colt gov't model
2. thru 5. extra magazines
6. thru 10. rolls of twenty dollar gold pieces.

Just joking (sort of), considering the time of year, my location (Illinois), and the JUST PLAIN WEIRD weather that's been drifting around me and my neighbors (Indiana, Iowa, and Kentucky), I don't think I'd "bug out" with only ten items, regardless of what they were (unless I was ABSOLUTELY sure that those ten items could get me anything else I might need).

But just for yucks...
1. Bowie knife
2. Ferro rod
3. wire saw
4. small skinner
5. .410/.45 pak gun
6. poncho/liner/survival blanket (if you count this bundle as three items, I'm S.O.L. I consider it one because its my bed-roll, same as a sleeping bag)
7. Hennessy Hammock (yes, even in the Winter)
8. Ceramic/charcoal water filter (the brand name evades me at the moment, hose & pump, currently (I think) being issued to Marine recon units)
9. and 10. A.L.I.C.E. canteen/cup/carrier one for each hip

I normally wear/have immediate access to three or four layers of warm, weather resistant clothing due to my line of work, so I've chosen to ignore the winter wear issue, and there you have it.

Troy
Posted by: Fitzoid

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 07:03 AM

The only use I can imagine for a handgun is to rob everyone else's survival gear. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

(No knife on your list?)
Posted by: Malpaso

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 07:53 PM

Quote:
The only use I can imagine for a handgun is to rob everyone else's survival gear.


Then you need to imagine someone else robbing you of yours.
Posted by: MartinFocazio

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 08:08 PM

In a backpack..
1. A gallon of water
2.. A reflective emergency blanket bag thing
3. A Leatherman Wave
4. Glock 9mm pistol with loaded 15 round clip
5. LED Retro-fitted maglight (AA)
6. Small AM/FM/TV Radio (AA)
7. Roll of Flat Duct Tape
8. Lighter
9. Big Wad of Cash (Like $1,000 in 20's)
10. A national map
Posted by: mtnhiker

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 08:09 PM

Here's my ten
1) 100oz camelbak(full)
2) glock(model 22)
3)multi tool
4) a good folding/lockout pocket knife
5) a blastmatch or other metal match
6) whistle
7)signal mirror
8)first aid kit
9) 550 cord
10) small first aid kit
Posted by: benjammin

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 08:15 PM

Not knowing what the cause of the bugout is, here's my most general list:

1. My Glock 21, proven capable of harvesting game, as well as effective self-defense and assault weapon.

2, 3. Two extra 13 round magazines, since they are always kept loaded, I will count each of the mags as one item.

4. My River's West Ranger suit.

5. My Leatherman Wave, even though it is already with me daily, I will go ahead and count it.

6. My firemaking kit. More than a few parts, but all contained in one metal box.

7. My Swamp Rat Desert Battle Rat.

8. My gyro-powered LED flashlight, needs no batteries.

9. A big (2 quart) ball of Pemmican. (20,000 Kcal equivalent).

10. An expedition grade two man pack tent.

Since the Camelback Motherlode pack I use has a 3 liter bladder, I won't count the container or the water inside it.

Anything else I need along the way, I will use what I already have to acquire it if practical.

Allowing for the exceptions sure makes it a lot easier.

Posted by: Craig_phx

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 08:52 PM

In reply to:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The only use I can imagine for a handgun is to rob everyone else's survival gear.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then you need to imagine someone else robbing you of yours.

[color:"red"] Truer words were never spoken! [/color]
Posted by: X-ray Dave

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 09:17 PM

2 words, New Orleans.

Dave
Posted by: wildcard163

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 10:00 PM

How about keeping somebody else from robbing your survival gear?

Troy
Posted by: cliff

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/18/05 10:29 PM

True.

As one who still sojourns down there every couple of days, I still carry a weapon when I go, as does everyone else in my family. A State police officer, when he heard we were armed while cleaning out, thought it prudent and had no problem with it. (we have our carry permits....)

BUT.... carrying afirearm is NOT always prudent, and GUN=SURVIVAL SKILLS is a fool's formulia.

.....CLIFF
Posted by: Burncycle

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/19/05 03:22 AM

I'll play <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Angelina Jolie
Milla Jovovich
Michelle Rodriguez
Lexa Doig
Natalie Imbruglia
Jessica Alba
Natalie Portman
Halle Berry
Denise Richards
Eliza Dushku

Rowr...

Ok, for real though... it really depends on my environment. If I had a choice, I'd center the items around the environment; a hammock for the jungle for instance, because sleeping on the ground is a bad thing (tm). Also, duration is important too... I'd pack differently for a week than I'd pack for a year! For long term survival, things like vitamins and items that won't run out of juice become really important. Magnesium firestarters look more and more attractive, as do those shake up flashlights and/or solar powered rechargers.

If I don't have a choice... well, as long as the 10 items cover the basics (which I suppose is the point of this whole thing) then they're fine. Which 10 items will vary depending on who you ask obviously... I'd give my input, but then there's the issue of what's "cheating" and what's not, and frankly I doubt anyone particularly cares what I perfer <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Raspy

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/19/05 09:45 AM

This is like saying only one gun or one knife. It begs for trying to cheat things.
But most of my setups already cheat and still follow the rules fairly closely.
The A list tries to follow the rules. The B list collapses the firearms to single items to account for the rigs I already have.

A list
1) Water Bottle
This is a quart/liter sized Nalgene bottle with a twist. The top is a water filter.
You fill the bottle with the suspect water then either drink through the sports top or fill another container
Capacity about 200 gallons

2) FAK
Fairly standard but built from scratch. Already part of my grab and go gear. About the size of a football. I started with a couple of commercial kits then combined and tweaked them to meet my needs. Extras are a couple of trauma bandages, standard OTC pain, allergy, diarrhea etc. meds and a month worth of my personal meds. At the start of a prescription I get 2 months worth. One for use, the other for the kit. When the first batch needs refilling I get new that goes in the kit what was there comes out and gets taken.

3) 45 1911 model. More on the standard rig after the list.

To Fitzoid: The reason for the handgun is not to steal someone else’s survival gear. It is to some other yahoo from attempting to steal mine. I tend to be a bit defensive about thieves and try to convince them of the errors of their ways. Superior firepower tends to help in the argument. Cheeps like that are probably more dangerous that the disaster. They have no qualms about inflicting injury or death upon me. I won’t be a victem.

4) Spare loaded magazine

5) Box (50 rounds) ammo

6) Poncho
Like Wildcard mine is a tad modified. It has a removable pyle fiber liner for warmth. If hot weather it goes into the pack. The middle layer is a trimmed up heavy-duty space blanket. The 3 pieces can be separated or used together. Combines shelter, bedroll and blanket choices.

7) Pot
At present it’s a 1-quart aluminum mess kit pot.
What I would really like is a 1 to 2 quart titanium wok with a separate lifting handle.
Another product I have been looking at is the silicon rubber baking pans. They can stand up to 500 degrees. The reason for consideration is they are flexible. That means they can be folded up to take up less space. While they wouldn’t stand direct exposure to fire they could work using hot rock boiling.

8) 10/22 in 22LR. More on this rig also.

9) Spare loaded magazine

10) Box (50 rounds) ammo

For the 45 I have 3 different rigs shoulder, hip and chest. The different rigs are for different activities. The hip rig has a couple extra pouches of items included. All three have a few features in common. One is they have the capacity to carry 2 spare magazines. In addition an attached pouch to carry an extra box of 50 rounds.

My 10/22 is also tricked out as a survival workhorse. Some day when finances allow I’d like to get a 10/22 in the magnum version rigged the same way. It would give me more punch. It has a 3 X 9 variable scope. Gives me better accuracy with tired old eyes. For those that say what if the scope breaks? Iron sights are more reliable and less susceptible to damage. Mine still has the iron sights on it. If the scope is damaged it can be removed and I still have the iron sights available. First the sling is 90 feet worth of 550 paracord braided using the Slatts rescue knot. At the front of the sling are 3 pouches to balance the gear on the stock. The pouches nicely fit the standard magazine or a box of 50 22LR. I normally carry them loaded with one spare magazine and 2 boxes. Gives me 120 rounds in a single package. I mix in about 30 hypervelocity Quik-Shoks for added punch. The synthetic stock of the rifle is hollowed out on each side. I have made a sleeve made to fit around and attached to the stock. The inside of the sleeve has pouches to hold various items. I stuff about as much into these areas as most people do in an Altoids tin. Fishing kit, sewing kit, light cordage, snare wire, fire kit, water purification, compass and a few other odds and ends. One unique item that I once in a kit for a skeleton stock that I decided to incorporate. The knife in this is an Ulu.

With The firearms and their accessories collapsed to single items not 3 each here is revised list B

1) Water bottle same
2) FAK same
3) 45 Rig probably the hip setup above
4) Poncho same
5) Pot same

6) Gloves
Leather or leather palmed work gloves to protect the hands. If dressed for the weather my coats have both gloves and mittens.

7) Hammock
Another Hennessey. One of the older models rigged with some modifications that it seems the company has incorporated in their newer advanced models. I have added snaps to the outside to attach a modified space blanket to reflect heat back inside plus an over space blanket as a cover. While the bow on a hammock is not good on the back it is better than the cold hard ground. With a hammock you are above the creepy crawlies on the ground also away from wet conditions. If you are worried about critter attacks either man or beast with care and caution it can be rigged well up into the treetops. In winter the biggest gripe is the cold wind blowing around the bottom chilling you. Well as shown much of that is solve with my rig to start off. But rig it a couple of inches instead of feet with something as a low wind break greatly helps. At the end I’ll cover a winter camp setup with the included gear.

8) Trash bag (s)
Heavy duty large. If allowable I like 2 or 3 for their versatility.

9) Emergency space blanket

10) Small hatchet/tomahawk
What I would like is a Biehl tool. It is a small hatchet multitool. I like the concept of it. Or more properly a modified custom made Biehl with a better chopping blade.


Winter sleep set up with the above gear. Use poncho to construct a lean-to line it with the emergency space blanket. The angle of the space blanket reflects the heat from a fire built in front to be reflected down towards the sleeping area. Rig the hammock inside the lean-to as close to the ground as possible so that it doesn’t quite touch the ground when occupied. Build a reflector from the space blanket liner of the poncho system behind the fire. This reflects the heat into the lean-to, which in turn concentrates it onto the sleeper. The pyle liner from the poncho is used as a blanket covered you and is in turn covered by the space blanket of the hammock system. This actually makes a very warm sleeping arrangement in even the coldest weather. If there are multiple members in a group each can be combine their lean-tos to act as a reflector towards the others. Two are facing each other. Three arranged in a triangle around the fire. Four will form a box. More than 4 you will need a second fire. Two small fires are more efficient than a single large fire. If the ground is dry you can also combine these techniques with a hot rock bed for even more comfort.

As the rules allow choice of pack without being counted against the count a CamelBack gives water carrying capacity for free.

To answer some of the questions on missing items most if not all are covered by normal dress. Yes my normal pocket and belt load out is several pounds.

Cash is more important than duct tape. What little I have is already in my wallet.

No knife? In normal I already carry several. Some of which are multitools. 3 to be exact 2 in a Niteeyes pouch on the left and a wave on the right side next to a AA maglite. The pouch also has a magnetic pickup, a magnesium fire started [The small sized ones] and a couple of other goodies. In the right pocket are a couple of pocketknives and a key ring. The key ring has a CMG infinity and a Wenger pocket tool chest penknife. It is about the size of a classic with several more tools included. This total set up gives me pliers to manipulate, screwdrivers to turn, assorted other tools, at least 3 scissors and 2 saws. Yes I’m banned from even walking past airports. Maybe I could use a good large fixed blade but didn’t have room in the list.

I also carry a second survival gear dedicated wallet. It has a credit card based fishing kit. A Tool Logic card. A Brunton life card that covers a magnifying lens and crude compass. Snare wire wound on a sample credit card. The same for a light cordage card. Also a sewing kit made the same way. In the bill compartment are a pair of half gallon ziploc bag for water and a 6 foot duct tape packet about the size of a dollar. An 18 X 24 inch sheet of regular aluminum foil. I have also taken one of those disposable cookie sheets. Folded flat it is a packet 3 X 6 inches. Using origami it forms a pan 6 inches square 3 inches deep. Plus a few other things that don’t really need to be covered for this discussion.

For fire other than the magnesium bar and lens I also smoke. So I carry a disposable butane lighter. But believing in being ready I carry a second unused spare in case it runs out.

Paracord: I carry a 150 feet in a Slatts knot belt to hold up my pants. But with the load I carry I also wear suspenders. I have figured out how to make a pair of suspenders from 550 in a Slatts configuration with 4 key chain carabiners. I just haven’t gotten around to making them yet.

When I dress I don’t just go for the weather as it is at the time. I dress for what the worst conditions might be over the next couple of days will be. I go on the philosophy that I might drive to work but may have to walk home in the middle of the night in a blizzard or freeze. It has happened to me and I’m glad I was ready.

Well do you think I’ve covered most of the bases?
Posted by: Brangdon

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/19/05 07:51 PM

> Then you need to imagine someone else robbing you of yours.

But many of the people who listed a gun put it top. They are saying they'd rather have the gun than everything else; it's the last thing they'd jettison. So they'd have the gun when they didn't have any other kit to lose - no water, shelter, fire or whatever. To me this seems strange, but I suppose it depends on where you live. If I were to include a gun, it would be about halfway down.
Posted by: wildcard163

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/19/05 10:14 PM

Nice to know we've got another Hennessy fan on board, what's the chance of getting some pic.s of your Winter modifications??? I'm always interested in new ideas and other folks' rigs.

Troy
Posted by: wildcard163

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/19/05 10:20 PM

"Happiness is a cold gun"... who sang that??? Yeah, Yeah, I know who <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Troy

P.S. Just remember, if it's cold, you haven't used it yet <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: KRamas

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 01:06 AM

Unless that went over my head (or more likely thru it ) I think the correct lyric is "....happiness is a warm gun...." sung by the Beatles on their White album.

Frankly, I am with the "I'd rather have it and hope to God I never need it as opposed to needing it and not having it" crowd.

just my half cent
Posted by: wildcard163

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 03:20 AM

I stand corrected... I'm more into ZZ Top than the Beatles, but I gave it a try, anyway <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />.
Posted by: Raspy

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 05:04 AM

Sorry no picture taking or posting capacity. But it was very simple. I added snap studs to the hammoock around the edge and along the climb in slit. I then did a cut and stitch to a heavy-duty space blanket to conform to the outer shape of the hammock. With a corisponding climb in opening wit an overlap. Then added matching snaps. The snap spacings are about a foot apart. To use the SB is snapped to the outside bottom so the shiny reflective side faces into the hammock. Just an extra layer of material. It is a loose fit but the blanket hold the heat in. The other half is a trimmed down SB to cover the body and is not attached. When packed it is a bit bulkyer and heaver. It is like wrapping yourself in a space blanket with fewer hassles.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 05:23 AM

Biehl tool?
Interesting.
Posted by: Chris Kavanaugh

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 06:27 AM

1. pre War Rolls Royce 2. Luftwaffe Drilling in 10.75 rimmedx12x12guage 3. Somellier's tool 4. case of Chateau Lafitte Rothschild '68 5. Hudson's Bay point blanket 6. Ritter RSK 7. wicker picnic basket in boot with lemoge China, sterling silverwear, Waterford wineglasses and assorted breads, cheeses, pates, grey poupon, smoked salmon and chocolates 8. Grundig radio 9. Jerry cans lashed to running boards with petrol and perrier 10. Dunhill sterling silver lighter. You folks are getting to grim. Loosen up <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Spooky

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 12:04 PM

Dear sir
I would like to apply for the post of chaufer. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: frenchy

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 12:23 PM

... and if there is a place for a buttler/sommelier..... I will apply for the job.... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 03:30 PM

Better add some TP to that list, LOTS of TP.
Posted by: wildcard163

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 03:36 PM

Thanks... sounds like a worthwhile project. From what you describe, I'd immagine that's got to give you another 20-25 degrees on the low end of the comfort range. I also liked the idea of errecting a lean-to around the Hennessy. It's basic, but I never thought past the three minute set-up. Thanks again.

Troy

Posted by: Chris Kavanaugh

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 05:01 PM

Recall my past posts suggsting a sunday paper under the seat for insulation, fuel and even splint and bandage material. Sometimes what I read does inspire your potential field expediant use <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Brangdon

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 05:12 PM

I wouldn't bug out without a reason, and the reason would inform my priorities. For example, England is a wet country so I'd normally expect to be able to find water unless there was a reason to think I couldn't. My "normal day wear" includes a lot of basic survival stuff, so I'd mostly be wanting extra gear that was too heavy or bulky for every day carry.

1 Tent. Shelter is my highest priority. We are getting subzero temperatures now. I have a small but expensive tent that weighs under 6lb.
2. Tin mug. I can improvise fire with my EDC, but I need something to cook in.
3. Sleeping bag.
4. Cooking kit. I have several; for this I'd take the one in the trianga mess tin, ideally stocked appropriately.
5. Bottled water. Several half-litre ones by choice, but a single 2l bottle if needed for it to count as a single item.
6. Food. Probably noodles, and some packaged fish-salad things I like.
7. Thermarest.
8. "Baily's" survival kit. I have a kit in the presentation tin from a miniture liquor bottle - a bit too big for everyday carry. It contains a mini-RSK knife and other goodies.
9. Garmin GPSMap 60.
10. Surefire U2 torch.

Those are all things I have handy in the house. The GPS might be higher priority if I knew where I was going to and was likely to be moving out of my local area.
Posted by: Brangdon

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 05:27 PM

> Frankly, I am with the "I'd rather have it and hope to God I never need it as opposed to needing it
> and not having it" crowd.

Yes, but that applies to just about everything, It doesn't explain why weaponry is such a high priority. I guess some people fear each other more than they fear the elements.
Posted by: Paul810

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 06:23 PM

With a firearm (and ammunition) you have the ability to procure food, skins, and bone, start a fire, protect yourself against both man and beast, and if necessary take something from another man or beast. If you have optics on that firearm you have a monocular and a firestarting lens taken care of. A metal magazine could be turned into a blade, some magazine springs could be used like bailing wire, a sling could be turned into cord/rope, ect.

All in all, a firearm is a multi-use tool that if you need it and don't have there is really nothing you could make that would replace it. Even the basics of a knife and fire are easier to create in the wild then something as effective as a firearm. Also, If the survival situation in question, that requires bugging out, is something that effects a lot of people it is best to have some sort of protection as those that are less prepared often turn on those who are.
Posted by: Chris Kavanaugh

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/20/05 07:04 PM

In the end whatever these lists generate inspires people to assemble their own kits. If a firearm proves needed or becomes dead wieght is to be seen and experienced by the bearer. You may find yourself in the humorous ( though semi fictional) situation of Farley Mowat in Never Cry Wolf with multiple Hudson Bay axes in the tundra and no TP. Being prepared for a specific survival scenario is like outfitting our own military. We are always preparing for the last war and usually fall short with the reallities of the next.Sometimes I want a firearm. Usually I need a wiggy bag for me and Teddy to curl up in.
Posted by: philip

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 03:36 AM

That's the list of what I take to Burning Man. :->
Posted by: philip

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 03:40 AM

Quote:
Biehl tool?
Interesting.

I live in earthquake country. I'll likely need it to get myself or someone else out. It's also a master key for some supplies that are, uh, locked up. :->
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 05:25 AM

If I There were no real harsh winters around the cornrer than i would take

1.) Glock 21
2.) Gerber Gator Axe 2
3.) Camelback bfm
4.) A Small Survival kit
5.) A pouncho
6.) Extra pair of socks
7.) Maglite 3c cell flashlite
8.) roll of para cord
9.) roll of duct tape
10.) garmin gps
Posted by: Chris Kavanaugh

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 05:41 AM

I stumbled into the very first burning man in S.F. and went to the second one held in the desert. It was ---interesting
Posted by: Biscuits

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 06:09 AM

• Comfortable boots
• A sturdy knife
• Wool socks
• A lighter
• Para cord
• A heavy poncho
• An led head lamp
• An FAK
• An SAK or multi-tool
• A small pot


Not too sexy, but between this list and a little common sense I think I'd do okay.

Biscuits
Posted by: benjammin

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 07:58 PM

I think the reason for so many responses with firearms at the top has to do with the nature of the scenario put to us. Since most of us would prefer to shelter in place in more mundane survival circumstances, trying to think of things for which I would want/need to bug out for has me thinking that the situation has to be fairly catastrophically bad. People are going to be quite desperate and the threat level is going to be relatively high (there's that pesky human nature thing again). Given that implied condition, and the fact that I don't mind becoming predatory in such extreme conditions, and that my proficiency with firearms is, well, let's say above average, a gun is the one survival tool that is hardest to replace or even find a reasonable substitute for, and yet makes acquiring the other necessities along the way significantly easier(although a bullet hole through a tent or a coat does make it a little less effective without mending).

This is not a pleasant notion, but it is a realistic one. At least I've seen it proven out firsthand. Here's my way of thinking, for anyone that didn't have a firearm at the top of their list (assuming you know how to use one and are willing to), don't expect to keep anything else on your list for very long if you encounter someone like me out there and I decide I need it more than you do. Them's just the fax.
Posted by: Malpaso

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 08:59 PM

The reason I put a handgun at the top of the list is that I need to be alive to use the other nine items.
Posted by: norad45

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 09:25 PM

I think if I am hoofing it out of a contaminated area with 10 measly items in my fanny pack, the chance encounter with some scummy murdering thief is not going to be high on my list of concerns. Most "people" of that ilk are going to be more concerned with looting the local liquor stores than stealing my Bic lighter.

Regards, Vince
Posted by: Malpaso

Re: Minimalist bug out - 10 items or less - 11/21/05 09:29 PM

Quote:
Most "people" of that ilk are going to be more concerned with looting the local liquor stores than stealing my Bic lighter.


I guess I see that ilk as being the type who might rob, rape or murder just for sport.