I've gotten pretty big into primitively camping. There's a sort of accomplishment and gratitude when one can live off the land with minimal resources. I have a "go bag/BOB". Two actually. One for if "it" hits the fan and another for camping trips that could go awry or if I decide I'm going on a hiking/ camping trip. I just wanted to see what you guys may have in your bags. There are always many common items like fire starters or knives or whatever. But what are the other items that aren't so common? Name them all in your bag. Common or not.
One non common item I have is a two hole pencil sharpener. You can use it on wet or dry sticks to make tinder with the added bonus of having a sharpened stick for making spears. So whatcha? Got
Im interested in knowing what you put in your bags should I wish to copy your bag.then I will have in my bag, what you have in yours.
A credit card I use to check into a hotel.
Quote:A credit card I use to check into a hotel.
**Drops mic and slowly walks away...**
Quote:Im interested in knowing what you put in your bags should I wish to copy your bag.then I will have in my bag, what you have in yours.
I've got many things. A couple knives fixed blade and folder. I usually wear a folder anyways. Compass, first aid kit, tinder (either cotton balls with some Vaseline on it or dryer lint. Hand sanitizer. Wet wipes, for butt and baths. Fire starter or ligher( fire starter lasts longer than a lighter would) The pencil sharpener as stated earlier. Trash bags for poncho use or shelter roof. A good hatchet or axe if you've got the room. Fire arm ( for food or people). Mirror, 550 cord!!!!!, duct tape sometimes, small pocket radio w/wx. Wire for snares.. All depends on how much you wanna take and the situation.
Edit: fishing line and hooks are nice to have for more than just fishing.
Quote:A credit card I use to check into a hotel.
Lol, yeah that would work. But staying outdoors keeps you safe from hooker funk.
Plus you get that "manly" feeling of grabbing the Wild by the lapels and giving it a swift kick in the balls. I've read the board long enough to know that you could appreciate that.
Quote:Lol, yeah that would work. But staying outdoors keeps you safe from hooker funk.
Plus you get that "manly" feeling of grabbing the Wild by the lapels and giving it a swift kick in the balls. I've read the board long enough to know that you could appreciate that.
I sure can appreciate it. I'm usually the one who's doubled over in pain gasping for breath.
Quote:I sure can appreciate it. I'm usually the one who's doubled over in pain gasping for breath.
Then I recommend the Glock 41 gen 4. That ought to reverse the roles.
First aid stuff, basic toiletries, chem lights, Lifestraw, safety pins, heavy duty gloves, change of clothes, eye drops, fixed blade, compressible water container, protein bars I switch out every few months, 550 cord, Rite in Rain notepad, pen, red sharpie, compass, whistle, small flashlight, signal mirror, ammo for my 9mm (the gun stays in the house within easy reach of grab and go), hat, small amount of cash, etc. I have a sleep mat and bag I can carry on the outside of it.
That's all in my smaller bag. My big backpack has that and more. The small one I leave in my truck just in case. Like this weekend we had snow and ice. We lost power and had it been for longer than it was I was prepared to get in my truck and go to my nearest friend's house who has a wood burning stove. An older mobile home gets cold real quick when it's that dang cold. I have everything in that bag I need to leave quick if I have to.
Quote:First aid stuff, basic toiletries, chem lights, Lifestraw, safety pins, heavy duty gloves, change of clothes, eye drops, fixed blade, compressible water container, protein bars I switch out every few months, 550 cord, Rite in Rain notepad, pen, red sharpie, compass, whistle, small flashlight, signal mirror, ammo for my 9mm (the gun stays in the house within easy reach of grab and go), hat, small amount of cash, etc. I have a sleep mat and bag I can carry on the outside of it.
That's all in my smaller bag. My big backpack has that and more. The small one I leave in my truck just in case. Like this weekend we had snow and ice. We lost power and had it been for longer than it was I was prepared to get in my truck and go to my nearest friend's house who has a wood burning stove. An older mobile home gets cold real quick when it's that dang cold. I have everything in that bag I need to leave quick if I have to.
I like what you have going on in that bag. How do you like the Lifestraw? I haven't used one yet. Been curious about them. They only filter right? As in make the water clear and take out the large stuff. They don't remove the micro stuff that will make you sick though correct? That better than filtering then boiling/Clorox/iodine? Chem lights are another thing I think about and make a lot of sense but have opted not to add in. I just assume at night SAR won't be out and I'd be trying to get whatever sleep I can. But I'm sure depending on the use or circumstances they could be a lifesaver. The rest of those items I pretty much have as well.
I also forgot in my original post to say I've got some emergency blankets. I think those can be important as well for keeping body heat and making shelter. I'm a big fan of items that have multiple uses. I tend to buy a lot of items in twos. One for the bag and one for practice. If it fails the practice I remove from the bag and try the next item(s). After all, what good is something if you can't use it properly or it fails on you.
I have a reflective blanket.
Quote:I like what you have going on in that bag. How do you like the Lifestraw? I haven't used one yet. Been curious about them. They only filter right? As in make the water clear and take out the large stuff. They don't remove the micro stuff that will make you sick though correct? That better than filtering then boiling/Clorox/iodine? Chem lights are another thing I think about and make a lot of sense but have opted not to add in. I just assume at night SAR won't be out and I'd be trying to get whatever sleep I can. But I'm sure depending on the use or circumstances they could be a lifesaver. The rest of those items I pretty much have as well.
I also forgot in my original post to say I've got some emergency blankets. I think those can be important as well for keeping body heat and making shelter. I'm a big fan of items that have multiple uses. I tend to buy a lot of items in twos. One for the bag and one for practice. If it fails the practice I remove from the bag and try the next item(s). After all, what good is something if you can't use it properly or it fails on you.
I have a pack of those reflective blankets in both packs. Chem lights are mainly due to familiarity from my Army days. I haven't used the Lifestraw yet but it does filter 99.9% or so of the stuff that would make you sick. We also have the iodine set-up. Zip ties, tampons in case one of use gets impaled, wipes, chapstick, knee-high stockings to keep fleas/chiggers/other nasties off the ankles, plus they're good for preventing hotspots one your feet when walking long distances. Hydration bladder. Nail clippers/file. Plastic map protector with printed maps of our area already in there. Fire starter. A genuine Army issued special operations knife I swiped from my ex-husband when he cheated on me. I did it out of spite at the time but now appreciate it's value. Head mosquito nets. Frogg Toggs wet weather jacket and pants.
I need to print out some info on how to make shelter out of my surroundings. I'll remember it until I need it then draw a blank. Lol. We have one of Mykel Hawke's books about survival in the outdoors and it has a ton of good info in it. Like the kinds of edible plants and such to look for in your area, several ways to start a fire- a 9-volt battery and brillo pad will do as well as the Vaseline cotton balls you mentioned.
I'm not one to be fanatical about this stuff but my husband is definitely into it so I figure I'd better keep up or be left behind. At which point I would hunt him down and be a pain in his butt. Hahaha.
Quote:I have a pack of those reflective blankets in both packs. Chem lights are mainly due to familiarity from my Army days. I haven't used the Lifestraw yet but it does filter 99.9% or so of the stuff that would make you sick. We also have the iodine set-up. Zip ties, tampons in case one of use gets impaled, wipes, chapstick, knee-high stockings to keep fleas/chiggers/other nasties off the ankles, plus they're good for preventing hotspots one your feet when walking long distances. Hydration bladder. Nail clippers/file. Plastic map protector with printed maps of our area already in there. Fire starter. A genuine Army issued special operations knife I swiped from my ex-husband when he cheated on me. I did it out of spite at the time but now appreciate it's value. Head mosquito nets. Frogg Toggs wet weather jacket and pants.
I need to print out some info on how to make shelter out of my surroundings. I'll remember it until I need it then draw a blank. Lol. We have one of Mykel Hawke's books about survival in the outdoors and it has a ton of good info in it. Like the kinds of edible plants and such to look for in your area, several ways to start a fire- a 9-volt battery and brillo pad will do as well as the Vaseline cotton balls you mentioned.
I'm not one to be fanatical about this stuff but my husband is definitely into it so I figure I'd better keep up or be left behind. At which point I would hunt him down and be a pain in his butt. Hahaha.
I didn't know knee highs were so useful. Had to research that one.
I'll have to look into some of those books by Mykel Hawke., thanks
Quote:I didn't know knee highs were so useful. Had to research that one.
I'll have to look into some of those books by Mykel Hawke., thanks
Knee highs and pantyhose are good to have in any BOB. I hate pantyhose though so knee highs for me and Mr Americus.
Mykel has written several books.
This is the one we have. He was an Army SF Medic and knows his stuff. He and his wife also did a show called Man, Woman, Wild that was pretty darn good. Sadly only 2 seasons but it was a neat show. To me he makes Bear Grylls look like a buffoon. But that's just me.
Quote:Knee highs and pantyhose are good to have in any BOB. I hate pantyhose though so knee highs for me and Mr Americus.
Mykel has written several books. <a class="bbc_url" href='http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0762448180?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00'>This</a> is the one we have. He was an Army SF Medic and knows his stuff. He and his wife also did a show called Man, Woman, Wild that was pretty darn good. Sadly only 2 seasons but it was a neat show. To me he makes Bear Grylls look like a buffoon. But that's just me.
Oh! That is Mykel Hawke. Yeah, I've seen him on a few different shows. I like that guy. Only caught one episode of the Man, Woman, Wild though. I think I'll get that book. Thanks for sharing!
I tell nobody my secrets!
Quote:Knee highs and pantyhose are good to have in any BOB. I hate pantyhose though so knee highs for me and Mr Americus.
Mykel has written several books. <a class="bbc_url" href='http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0762448180?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00'>This</a> is the one we have. He was an Army SF Medic and knows his stuff. He and his wife also did a show called Man, Woman, Wild that was pretty darn good. Sadly only 2 seasons but it was a neat show. To me he makes Bear Grylls look like a buffoon. But that's just me.
I like Survivorman with Les Stroud. Not a fan of Bear Grylls, plus Stroud does his own filming with no camera crew.
Quote:I like Survivorman with Les Stroud. Not a fan of Bear Grylls, plus Stroud does his own filming with no camera crew.
I agree with this completely. In fact, Les Stroud is a good part of what got me interested in this.
I have four cans of soup and two cans of sausages in my kitchen.