I'm creating this because I feel it's necessary to have a contingency at hand in case someone needs to bug out for an extended period of time. This list can be used by itself as a 10 day pack and, in conjunction with a 72 hour pack, can last you for 2 weeks or more. This will go over essential details such as what you should think about when packing and how to make it as efficient as possible.
We will first need to think about the scope of our mission. For summer, we require different equipment than winter, depending on where we live. I will attempt to come up with something that covers as many bases as possible, without being too excessive.
We all like luxury, but in a survival situation, that goes out the window. Your purpose in assembling this pack is to reduce your redundant/non-essential items so you can maximize your available space/weight. We have to mitigate the load. We have to be organized. This all directly affects your movement and thus, your survival. There are 3 things to consider for this:
-What you pack
-How you packed it
-How you carry it
When planning out your gear and load plan, keep these ABC's in mind:
Accessibility
Balanced
Compressed
Streamlined
-We want our gear in a location that we can get to it easily in the required setting. I don't want a sleeping bag in the way of firestarting materials.
-If your load is unbalanced, you will tire quicker and move slower or shorter distances. Even a few ounces will throw you off after 10 miles of movement.
-A bulky bag is an improperly packed bag. How much air is in your back versus useful items? How easily can you fit items that are large as opposed to those that are small? A smaller bag also means a smaller silhouette and less of a chance it will get caught on something during your movement.
-Ditch any unnecessary items. Do you really want canned food? How about that bulky blanket? What good are 3 guns doing you if you can only carry 100 rounds a piece?
Let's look at what we know we need, all stuffed in some sort of waterproof bag, if possible:
-Sleep system
--Includes ground layer and bivvy
-Waterproof cover
--Usually a poncho, but a tarp works as well
-Rope
--Any kind will do. I prefer paracord as it is lightweight and strong
-Under layer, 7 pairs rolled and packed, 1 worn
--Summer: t-shirt and briefs
--Winter: lightweight wicking thermal layer
-Socks+liners, 7 pairs rolled and packed, 1 worn
--Summer: lightweight wool, I like Merino wool
--Winter: heavyweight wool, I like traditional spun
---Each is worn over lightweight wicking liners
-Light source
--LED headlamps are a must, I use the Petzl Tactikka
--Any LED flashlight/penlight will do.
--- EXTRA BATTERIES, you can almost never have too many
--Chemlights, at least 10
---I have IR, red, blue, and green
-Gloves
--Wool liners
--Work gloves
--Overgloves/mittens
-Hygiene kit, I go bare bones
--Baby wipes, I wash an wipe with them, so I bring a few packs
--Razor (if you plan to shave), 1 per day
---Bar of shaving soap, not can of shaving cream
--Toothbrush
---Toothpaste
--Foot powder
--Bug spray
-Compact shovel/E-tool
-Knife/hatchet/axe
-WATER SOURCE
--Camelbak
--Lifestraw/purifier
--Canteens
--Collapsible containers
-Compass
-Food
--High in calories
--Lightweight
-Firestarters, at least 3 ways
--Firesteel
--Lighter
--Matches
--Potassium chlorate and sugar, DON'T MIX UNTIL READY FOR FIRE
-IFAK
-Cash
Depending on your individual situation, the following might change:
-Head/face/neck cover
--Helmet
--Hat
--Wool/fleece beanie
--Balaclava/neck gaiter/scarf/skull print mask
--Sunglasses/goggles
-Outerwear, some may perform more than one task
--Fleece/lightweight thermal layer
--Windbreaker
--Rain gear
--Outer snow shell
--Extra socks and under layer
-Misc
--Reading material
--More batteries
---Even more batteries
--More light sources
--Repair kit for tarp/poncho/sleep system
--Chapstick
--Ammo
--Traps/snares
--Fishing line and hook
--Mylar emergency blankets
--Flares/signal mirror
--Radio
--Camo paint
I'd like to create a formal list, so if anyone has any input, please let me know what your addition/subtraction is and why. Again, I've based this off of my personal military experience.
