The list author says: "I already have many of these items. I just want to update them along these guidelines. I want to weed and customize my pack with these products for an emergency departure. I can't wait to complete the bug out bag!!!
But this list only allows 40 things. These are the grounding basics. Check out the Traveling Light Bug Out Bag Part Two, the complementary second installment:
"This is the outer layer to protect from wind and water. It goes over the middle and innermost layers. The mid layer is a fleece or down/down synthetic. The inner layer is wicking long underwear or T-shirt, in different material thicknesses, depending upon exertion."
"This fleece jacket is an example of a middle layer. It can be used with more layers or interchanged with down. With layers you can always pare down as you exert yourself more and heat up, or slow down at rest."
"Packing light means multi use clothing. These pants provide protection from the elements. You can zipper off the legs to wear shorts and cool off. They are synthetic so they dry quickly, and they have gusseted pockets, great for storing things like trail mix."
"I chose the thickest because being on the go means long hours on your feet. When stocking socks (lol) three pairs are essential. Hikers know: one pair to wear, one pair to wash, one pair to dry."
"I went with fabric hikers because heavy leather boots take a toll on energy, require maintenance, and are not as breathable as these. I love wearing these boots. It's best to try on boots in a store to discover the best fit."
"This is almost the lightest tent on the market. Its 2 lbs 10 oz. Big Agnes makes an even lighter tent that I can't afford at $500. The Fly Creek UL 2 is free standing. Buy the footprint! The load is split with the people traveling with you."
"Down packs down better than any man-made fiber manufactured. Its the best and lightest insulator, breathes and regulates with your body temperature. Just keep it away from water."
"Sleep is important. Restful sleep is paramount. A sleeping pad not only provides comfort from the day's stress, aches and pains, but it protects you from the ground as insulation. The ground sucks the heat out of you. You need a layer of insulation and this is the answer."
"Here is the pack I chose. I like Osprey. I like their designs. I like their fit. I like this sized pack. I am used to lugging a much larger pack, so this will be a delight to carry. It helps to try your pack on in a store before buying it online. They are like shoes. You need to get the right fit or you will suffer as you would with an ill-fitting shoe."
"Even though I have gortex rain gear to cover my arms and legs, this camo poncho can cover the backpack when it rains, provide additional shelter extending your vestibule, and will help you to hide should you need to."
"Designed from dialysis equipment, it filters to .999 microns, removing viruses too. It filters water as fast as you can squeeze the bladder. The filter can be attached to a 5 gal drum to make 100s of gals a day and lasts for, I think a mill gals. I'm also looking at a UV water purifier. You can purify a nalgene bottle of water in 48 secs. It’s time to sell my Katadyn which filters at .2 microns."
"This stove is nice, light and packable. It has a sturdier base than other tablet stoves. I have an expedition MSR stove that burns anything. Its heavier than this set up, takes up more space, requires a fuel bottle, flares up sometimes, needs maintenance and parts because it clogs from using anything other than white gas. This or a denatured alcohol burning stove will be my back up."
"Has an internal striker. Its helpful to have 3-5 methods of creating fire: fire rod, waterproof matches, lighter, fuel tab, etc. Don't forget the dryer lint."
"...Augmented with other packable foods like emergency food rations, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, etc. I think I might exchange freeze dried meals for MREs on this list because MREs provide more calories than FD. Also, if you buy the real MREs that GIs eat, you get the main entree, drink, snack, dessert, napkin, salt/pepper and more with each package, not to mention the flameless heater."
"THE best multi-use knife. I want it I want it I want it. Read all about it. I'm also looking at the Mora Bushcraft knife. It has a 1/3 tang, but has been put through rigorous use and has passed the test. The SOG Seal PUP is high on my list too. It's light and multi-use, but not as awesome as the Tracker knife."
"I like this knife. It's small, folds, and is a straight blade as opposed to a serrated blade. I read that a serrated blade cuts faster, but it must take longer to sharpen all of those edges."
"Everyone needs to learn survival...Its important to read this to prepare yourself. Taking first aid and CPR courses may help save a life in the field if not your own. Remember, you have to update your certification every year or two."
"the KA500 will do everything the new KA600 can do, except it doesn't have a thermometer, an alarm, or I think a calendar. I ordered it!! I can't wait to play!"
"With a baseplate you can calculate mileage and distance, the mirror helps you to sight a goal point in the distance while looking at the compass. The mirror is also helpful for signaling rescuers. Maps of where you are and where you are headed are a good idea. Another good idea is learning how to use the compass because they are quite complex."
"Extra compass. You should always have two. The whistle is plastic and loud. I have one. Don't buy the metal whistles with the little ball. When it freezes, your lips freeze to the whistle and the ball stops working when its wet. You can make a fire channeling sunlight with the magnifying glass if you have to. A thermometer helps to be aware of the conditions."
"If you're going to use light to see, why not direct the beam where your eyes travel and leave your hands free? Head lamps are the BEST light sources."
"The great thing about camping soap is that it is useful for so many things -- dishes, hair, body...could even use it for toothpaste, though it might taste gross."
"Need to add a little bit more, like an irrigation syringe, gloves, scalpel, surgical skin stapler (they're small), cold pack, clotter, and more meds. I hope it all fits. LOL"
"I chose the Leatherman Wave over other brands and products because it has scissors, a file, a serrated knife, and a saw. Scissors are indispensable for cutting, for clipping nails, for first aid, etc. The serrated knife is for using a cutting motion, not just slicing. A file can be used to hone survival projects that a knife or saw cannot reach."
