This is a long one folks (see shortcuts in the description + downloadable checklist) - but I get asked all the time, *_"What exactly should I pack inside my bugout bag?"_* Most preppers are packing WAY too much! These are the bugout bag essentials for an ultralight approach based on my experience. Yours may be different so leave a comment. Enjoy!

You're suggestion about the diva cup put this video into the cream of the crop category. Thoughtful, and forward thinking.

Try 96 gal trash bags. You will never look back ;) There uses are endless. Emergency shelter big enough to set inside, tarp, ground cloth, and Thay make the best Ponchos To, cut hole for head and arms smaller than you think you need push head and arms through and it will make a seal.

THANK YOU for including feminine hygiene needs. This is so often overlooked but women are preppers too! This is so minuscule but doesn’t weigh anything and uses are endless soI’d also add in some hair ties. 1) hair in your face could be dangerous in a bug out scenario 2) can help keep you cool 3) can be used to secure lots of items or in setting up a shelter.

Best video hands down. The most logical and realistic kit I've seen in years. This isn't about comfort its about staying alive long enough to get from A to B

I would suggest adding clear eye protection to the list regardless of whether or not you wear glasses. While moving through the brush, catching a branch or thorn in the eye could be catastrophic.

Thank you so much for mentioning the DivaCup and other feminine concerns. Very refreshing to hear a "manly man" mention such things. Natural bodily functions aren't anything to be embarrassed about and videos like yours normalize that thinking. I assure you the ladies in your audience appreciate it!

I may have missed it, but I highly recommend having a sharpening tool/stone to restore the edge on any cutting tools you carry.

When it comes to emergency rations , I remember my father a WW2 vet telling me a horrific story when they liberated one of the Nazi Concentration Camps. They immediately issued British army rations to the survivors, and even several days later they were still dying. Then they found if the survivors were given beef extract drink( brand names, brovil, marmite, vegemite ) they could slowly be brought back to some health, so they could eat solid food. When in the Armed Forces Reserve, I always carried a jar of brovil, in my webbing.

US Army veteran here. I'll take 16 pounds over 80 pounds any day! WYSI wipes on Amazon to take care of the toilet paper issue. New subscriber.

HANDS! Your hands are everything. Cut proof, heat resistant gloves with good grip. Item #1 Also. Some medical nitrate gloves and MASK! Doesn't weigh anything and you sure will be sorry if you don't have one. Also EYES! Hands and eyes, Safety sunglasses. You need to see things from far away, FEET! Good boots. Step on nails, glass, hot surfaces....

I like having a saw with me. I think the name of the game is calorie consumption, and cutting wood with a saw burns fewer than a knife. Yes it adds a little more weight, but I've found it a fair trade for the time/effort in the woods. Silky makes some good ones.

I’m a 55 year old former 11Bravo...was in a light infantry unit in Korea 1985-1986...happily surprised that l packed my bag almost the same as yours lol! We packed a wool blanket a poncho and poncho liner...for the Korean winter..which was sub zero many times....travel light freeze at night!

Definitely the most well planned "we need to leave now" kit I have ever seen. I definitely appreciate not just the detail but the full situation break down for your items. Being prepared for a crisis is so overlooked and when something bad happens you'll always overlook important things (and often small things) that will make all the difference in your ability to stay safe or in some cases, alive. So thank you for a great video.

Usmc infantry here. Thank you for this great video. I do carry one of those sport type water bottles (because that little nozzle lets you control the water to some degree) for cooking, washing your hands but mostly for the inevitable dust or (my personal favorite) gnat that gets in your freaking eye somehow! Also socks, tp (cause I don’t want to end up wearing a t shirt dickie) gloves and chapstick

Thanks for confirming everything that I've learned in both my time in school and the military... After seeing all the fancy stuff people are prepping with out there, you've reminded me of the basics: keeping it simple, and keeping it real.

Good luck trying to sleep in that bivvi bag. You’ll sweat your ass off, then freeze, even with that layer. I’m surprised you’re giving that advice if you’re an ex infantryman with real life experience. Travel light is always a compromise.

Over the last dozen years I've changed my get home bad many, many times. After being through just about every kind of food imaginable. I now pack the lifeboat bars as my main food source. I live in the desert so having food that doesn't require water is the best. Yes I know their not all that flavorful, but in a shtf situation, I just want to get home. I have some protein bars, jerky, and instant coffee packs also. Great video.

Thank you Jeff for a great video. I served in the Canadian Army and what you've shown here jives with my experience. The one thing I would mention is that water or any liquid becomes a real problem in the winter. Leaving it in a vehicle results in ice, not liquid, and that often happens in a pack too. I have a number of stoves and containers, depending on how we're travelling and although they do add some weight, they're critical in a more northerly climate. I have two bags, a lightweight in my vehicle (the older I get, the lighter it gets!), and a full pack for longer bugouts in the house. If I'm on a road trip, I'll throw the bigger bag in just in case I can't get home. My primary goal is to get home if I can, then saddle up our horses and go from there. They don't need fuel (grass works), they can go more places than any vehicle and they can carry the extra weight of additional supplies. At my age, walking is not my first choice.

Thorough presentation. And FINALLY, someone talks about nutrition options and electrolyte balance! Had to chuckle over the “yuck factor” but as well, thorough! Lastly, the machete-wielding mannequin was a brilliant stroke for pepping up the brief towards the end! Well done, and thanks!

Good points! I live in Sweden and it can get pretty cold, windy and wet. My focus would be on keeping warm, would probably add more ways of processing wood for fire, like a silky saw and a spliiting axe.

Nice to see that my bag doesn't differ much from an experienced military vet. Thanks for taking the time to share your insight.

Your's is the first video I've seen that recommends something that I always carry! A Bic lighter wrapped with a couple of yards of duct tape! It has served me well over the years. From quick repairs, to a piece of duct tape inside the back of a shoe to prevent blisters, to improvised first aid.

One of the best videos on this subject I have ever seen. Congrats.

@ Warriors Life... One thing that I've used and has been a very versatile piece of kit is what the old plumbers use to use called or was called the plumbers candle. This candle put out very good heat, as well as a useful lighting device. I came across this candle a few years ago and have made it a permanent piece of gear in my bag. Great way to stay warm in a pinch and it burns longer and slower then regular candles as well as generating more heat in a survival situation. Plumbers used it to place under pipes back in the day to unthaw pipes.👍

Great video from someone with actual experience. Appreciate that! No need to apologize to men about the "ick factor" of a period. It's just a fact of life. Men can just get over it if they have a problem. Thank you for including that very important sanitary product that us women will need. Most videos don't include it.

Thanks for all the info and tips. Great information and very thorough. You did include the wipes, so good on you. I don’t see a lot of people put TP or wipes in their bags. I carry both TP and wipes. TP is inexpensive and doesn’t take up a lot of room. Can use as a snot rag. And wipes to finish the dirtiest job. After a hot, sweaty day on the trail, those wipes are great to use right before bed so your skin can breath and get a better, cooler night sleep.

What a great combination of ultralight and ultra-practical. Certain things really stuck out with me, like the poncho based shelter and the 4-way silcock key, show me you've played with your gear and have adapted as necessary. Two things that I do just a little different are both related to water are the inclusion of one or two 1qt gi canteens, one of which has the nested, stainless steel cup and nested stove. I like the canteen stove because I can still use esbit fuel tabs (hexamine or trioxane, too) but can throw twigs in the stove which is not easy in the esbit style folding stove. I also like the pedialite powder because they are not as harsh as some of the electrolyte replacement powders. (Another good reason to have a 1qt canteen to mix the powders in) Tea bags are another light weight addition to help hide the taste of filtered or treated water. Thank you for a great video, some good tips that I am going to implement in my preps.

People need to know there's a difference between survival and just hiking..

Include an inventory with uses for each item, handy when you periodically check bag contents and in case someone else needs to use your bag. Bonus, add a space pen so you can use the back for notes. Weighs nothing.

Change to a titanium cup the titanium ultralight folding stove for solid fuel tabs. Will save weight.

You also probably saw what happens when someone either forgot or lost some essential piece of gear and how hard life can be without it. I've seen what happens when someone forgets their socks. Once his feet were more mole skin than skin and we knew we had to cover down. I've always liked the AM/FM/SW1&2 radio it is more useful when standard stations might not be available.. The more info you can get the better your chances of suffering less. I also like at least a cheap pair of mechanics gloves you can save the neosporin for later if a glove prevented a cut or scrape. Just a couple of ideas.

jeff , keep all the great vids. coming, very very useful and good to know , thanks , love em all !

Considering, you are "out there", I would say, leaving a note as to where you are going to be, or planning to be, for someone you trust that would come looking for you if you didn't return, or weren't able to carry out whatever plan you had. Might save you.

I'd recommend having a old phone in there, just a cheap flip phone, because they can call emergency with no sim, and if your phone is flat or broken or whatever you can put your sim in it to contact loved ones etc

Just subbed and don't know how i missed you so far into my search in how to keep my loved ones alive!

Pausing at the part about water filters. I recommend the Grayl Geopress purifier. It's one of the best if not the best on the market, no tubes or attaching filters to flimsy bags, parts which can break, tear or get lost, just one sturdy purification system that you can rely on long term. If your main source of water such as the bladder is kept inside your pack with the hose running out the top as they do, what happens if you have to ditch the pack or lose it? I keep my Grayl Geopress in a Pathfinder bottle pouch which has molly to attach to the main pack, or you can wear it separately at the same time. If you have to run and drop the big bag, you still have your most important survival tool with you, plus whatever else you've added to it. Corporal's Corner has a review, fits the whole 10 C's into the Pathfinder pouch. Just that instead of a metal canteen, I choose the Grayl. I'd rather filter water quickly and keep moving than have to light fires and boil. Could still fit a stainless cup in there with the Grayl inside, plenty of options. Those two items are a great combo for starters.

A good down sleeping bag or quilt weighs 1.5lbs n very small. N will make u legitimately warm n comfortable. Can stuff into bottom of bag.

One of the greatest video on the subject. Thank you sir!

Excellent information. Thanks. Extra socks. Hot chocolate packets, a personal favorite. The Afghan mujahideen carried dried mulberries and walnuts, a great combination.

Dear warrior, Looking forward to more video's. Great to see a Mountain man teaching. Stay safe, stay well

So happy to see someone else recognize the multi use of dental floss... Hygene, it threads through a needle for sewing/repairs, threads through a hook for fishing, it's plenty strong for snaring small animals(I've caught several rabbits, squirrels ect using dental floss snares) it's strong enough also for small shelter tasks such as securing cross pieces On shelter frames ect, and a tiny tiny roll is like 100 yards... And it's the size of a damn button compass...I carry 2 of the spools that are like 110yds each... And that 220yds of multi use cordage is smaller and lighter than a damn AAA battery... Such a no brainier to me. It's a big deal actually, just how versatile dental floss is....

Also like the OODA Loop (orient, observe, decide, act, repeat) that you alluded to but did not mention by name: Continually re-evaluate your gear for changing needs (weather, seasons, your size and ability to carry load, tastes), expiration dates, newer multi-function, lighter gear. Good reason to keep an inventory list of each bag with date inventoried, expiration dates.

Add a handkerchief for filtering out debris from water going into water bag so filter won’t get clogged, also can be used for first aid,etc. Excellent advice Mylar bags, didn’t know about the moisture barrier, thanks. At theatrical lighting stores one can get free film colored gels in a packet that can be cut for flashlight and taped over lens, I.e. red gels. Thanks for service!

Thanks . Pretty much agree with your ideas, and actually came up with a different opinion with some of the junk that I've been hauling around in my pack. Cheers . Guy Speight

For the nesting cup, I’ve always recommended the Olicamp titanium cup for a couple reasons. 1, it’s titanium so it’s light, sturdy, it provides all the services of any other metal cup. 2, they’re made specifically to fit around a 32 oz nalgene. The nalgene, if empty, can store all those same food items, so it doesn’t take up virtually any more space, but you add 32 oz of potential water storage or water tight storage for other items. Or, if you get the small-mouthed bottle, the sawer filter can be threaded onto it.

Gruntproof got me into using Mass Gain powder, I prefer it with milk and all we use at home is powder milk which is easy to carry too. I paired my Lifestraw with a Amazon case that holds two Whirl-Pak water bags to form a complete unit (there is space for water tabs too). I also like the Canadian Forces waffle scarf which you can wrap around your torso as an extra layer or use as a towel.

Thank you so much for stressing the importance of ELECTROLYTES in staying hydrated! They are a must in get home bags, especially in the summer months.

A backlit Kindle or tablet with survival guides, medical guides, etc stored on it that can be charged with solar power would be a nice addition. A crank/rechargeable radio with a light would be nice. I would choose a multi-tool with pliers, small saw and and awl and can opener. Personal info on a thumb drive can also be backed up on the kindle. Some waterproof sacks are invaluable, too. Some other thoughts on essentials... Bandanas (multitude of uses from bandages, to cleaning), Gorilla Tape, Stainless/titanium cup/pot for boiling water, etc. One-handed Trekker Swiss knife (especially if you get injured). Needle that would work with dental floss to repair things, wool cap and extra socks and work gloves (I know, you didn't discuss clothes), extra zip lock bags for a variety of things, wipes, whistle, cordage: bankline/paracord.

Thank you for being real informative. All good points u will be using your advice

Thank you; this has to be one of the most informative and practial videos I've seen on bugout survival gear, and I really like your minimalist attitude and I particularly liked your suggested sleep gear. I am just a little smug that a lot of my gear is similar to the gear that you recommend :)

First person I have heard mentioning walking around in the dark, Good video, Thank You.

I like your gear selections for the most part. One thing I'm now focusing on is organizing my bag into modules. And yes, even following some color coding suggestions from another KZfaq prepper. I like the idea and once I get it all put together (fairly soon), I will see how practical it proves in the field.

Great bag! Made me double check my items and you’ve helped a lot. Thanks!

Even if the video is several months old, thank you very much for that good video. The setup is pretty good and shows a lot of experience - thank for sharing. Some things I have within my backpack at the following: - sewing kit (from hotels), or just a needle with dental floss - protective gloves - blister relieve (when walking long distances) - playing dices / playing cards -> if you are evacuated to a official shelter boredom might become an issue - water purification tablets (weight almost nothing) - waterproof pen and paper Regarding the pictures of the family, they also keep the morale up in desperate situations. Maybe that helps someone. Let’s hope we never need it :-) Best regards from Germany.

This came up as recommended & I’m glad it did! I bought a new vehicle & was looking to update my survival bag in my vehicle. I would just add 1 thing that is the MOST important, that is KNOWLEDGE! Know your equipment & test it & go through it to remind yourself. Cell service could be down & if you don’t know something maybe carry a small survival book with you.

First time to see your channel. Enjoyed your video and talk. A wealth of information there you gave us. Thanks, look forward to watching another one.

The shoe goo idea is fantastic.

Thank you for all the Great Information! I came up with some great ideas for Securing my perimeter for Bugging in with the Personal Alarm and Bear Bells. Again Thank you so much! As I am a New Prepper and researching for any information I can get. Times are getting crazy and scary.

The video presentation is well done, maybe a little wordy but the information is worth the time. Good stuff here. Thumbed up. Subbed.

Thanks for your tips

First video I have seen where the correct way to carry a load is explained. Probably the most vital tip of all.

Great video 👍 I live in the north up in Canada so my only suggestion would be a fireproof wool blanket because of the climate. I also carry an actual -10 sleeping bag with my sleep system and extra pairs of wool socks. One of my tricks is to use my clean extra wool socks over items that could make noise in travel. I also carry a rain cover for the bag, you don’t want your sleep system getting wet. While its raining you can put your bag face down on something away from water and still move freely with your poncho on. Helps keep you and your stuff dry. I use mine ice fishing, camping and at the cottage. It can go from 22-55 pounds depending on the situation. I was living out of a backpack for 10 years after the judge took my license. I got none intentional back pack game 😂 I keep mine in my hummer set at 22lbs and 33 lbs worth of stuff in a container underneath. I also have a tent in there for two. If I want to get real crazy which some call me… whatever. I attach my bug out trailer behind the hummer in a few minutes and I got 2 years worth of food in there, bunk beds, wood stove, solar generation, the roof collects rain water and filters it before it goes into my tanks. I also have the trailer filled with the rest of my camping and survival gear. Work in progress still but this year I can almost finish it up. It’s my mobile command Center. 🫡🇨🇦

Thanks for your time😎👊🇺🇸

Fantastic vid, the best I’ve seen on the subject (maybe because we think alike on just about everything; then again, it might be because of our military training). When I travel I like to carry a coin purse shaped like a sap. When there are coins in it it can be quite effective for self defence. I also bring a door stopper/alarm combo.

Dude, you be a fun go camping, fishing with. Good stuff.

Thanks for your recommendations I am also a combat vet and you are very informative. Army 1976-1978

Thank you Jeff

Thank you for the information.

I've just found your channel and firstly thank you, great presentation style which is very calm and no nonsense. You had me at a large pack because you will be foraging for food and gear and they tend to be more comfortable with better harness systems and can be synced down for smaller loads. I live in the UK so my first point would be to pack your gear load out for your environment. Mine is very wet so finding water is easy but staying dry is a priority. A poncho is essential but for my environment so is a Gore-tex bivvy bag in camouflage material, being covert at night is the best way to stay safe and it can be used over your pack with air in it for river crossings. My packs are all single colour earth tones so I don't look overtly military but I can stash my gear for a recce and expect it to still be there. A compass will keep you moving in the right direction until you can spot familiar land marks and stop you walking in circles. I found the Grayl water filter despite being stupidly expensive is a great system for quick and easy water filtration on the move and can easily be transferred to other containers. Water sources can be quite exposed so speed is a priority. Purification tablets because one is none right? An easy to light fire extender such as cotton balls soaked in vasaline or fire dragon fuel tablets to get a fire going in very wet weather and for use with a ferro rod. A gas lighter yes but windproof like a jet flame. In my area a Gore-tex jacket being wind and waterproof is a must. I work 120 miles away from home so weight a comfort of my pack is a priority as are good boots, my kit is more of a "get home bag" but is my general use survival kit. Finally the lightest tool you'll carry KNOWLEDGE! Know your kit, use it to camp with, you'll change it around once you start using it. I'm a veteran too, British Airborne '85 - '04 🇬🇧

If you want to store a Big or other lighter safe use a zip tie underneath the gas button to prevent bumping the gas button and wasting lighter gas. It’s specially useful with backup lighters.

very good detailed video. thnx for sharing.

Great tips and advice 👍👍

Good video Jeff. Thanks

Shoe Goo. Great tip. I use it at home. I was on a motorcycle trip through Canada and the sole of my military boot started peeling off. I glued it back on with gel superglue. Didn't have time to wait for shoe goo to cure. Great info from you.

Thk you sir for sharing your expertise! Much appreciated!!!

After a little training, a simple baseplate compass, which typically have a built in protractor, is worth the 30 bucks / 2 oz (50g). The ability to set a bearing and calculate distance without thinking too much is really helpful under stress.

Thank you so much great job

Water, I have a couple life straws for when you are on the run and the convenience, a Sawyer mini bulk filter with five 2 liter bags that can be used for either clean or dirty water intended for when we can safely stop and collect water and I carry a water bladder/bottle in the back pack to keep water in reserve for when you can't stop to collect, or can't find water. Nothing is worse than ending the day thirsty/dehydrated and with no resupply leaving you to desperately hunt for water at first light!

Been watching Bugout vids for years: this us one of the very best and it presented fresh ideas to me. The cowbells/personal alarms is superb! Never seen the idea before. The sleep gear is also super. Btw, I’m now a new subscriber because of this presentation! Regards from Oregon

I keep multivitamins/multiminerals in my bug out and inch bags. Equate makes some that are reasonably priced. We probably won't be able to secure good nutritional food and vitamins will help with that. I use a twenty watt Xdragon solar panel and a magnetic Olight battery charger to keep my phone and flashlights working. It's a little bulky but it doesn't weigh much and you can hang it from your pack. It works really well and is a lot faster than the smaller ones. Who knows you might be able to barter charging up other people's batteries for a little food or something else you might need.

Thank you Jeff , my husband and I really enjoyed your video , Thank you for serving our country , you are greatly appreciated !! I carry a survival keychain , has several different types of useful things on it . It's light weight , can be carried on a key chain and they cost around 20 dollars on e-bay or Amazon . I also carry a mini Bible , you can get them at any christian store or on line . I also carry a p3 on me at all times . And waterproof matches , and my son works for a charcoal factory , so we carry a brick of charcoal , it only takes a little piece to light up and cook right on top of it or starting a fire to stay warm . A mini stove with a cooking cup is light weight also for cooking . And their is collapsible light that is solar and is very thin , and weighs nearly nothing , like a few sheets of paper weighs . My husband and I are in our mid 50's and have been prepping for about 8 months now , we are getting our children and our young grandchildren to learn things also . How do we find a like minded community of preppers ?? May God Bless You and Your Family and May God Bless Us All 🙏🕊️💌

very informative. Thanks for sharing all these information. :)

Your key chain taser rec works awesome! I got one ($20 on amazon) and is making a nice addition to my bag. I made some helpful modifications to it like making a handle and lanyard out of 550 cord and gorilla tape so that there's a better grip. Yet still able to easily conceal. 10 mil volts for a little key chain taser is, in a good way, over kill and pretty scary to those who aren't ready to get tased. To everyone else, Get you one!

Decent video, thanks for sharing

Recommendation for non lethal that I carry in my pack and in my vehicles is Sabre pepper gel. It's small and weighs practically nothing. Just one of the things I added. Stay safe

Lots of great tips, thank you !

I happen to like MREs. But your right not everyone likes them so I really like your suggestions I guess it's just what you like to eat that would give you a moral boost

I agree about clothing. Super important.

Jeff. This was ao enlightening!!! Thank you

thanks for these tips and thanks for your service !

Great video! Don't get me wrong, I have a solar charger myself, but it has let me down from time to time. I do recommend having a good one, I also recommend having a hand crank charger of some kind. All of my stuff is usb chargeable and I keep rechargeable batteries in them. It allows me a backup for powering everything. Most are multi tools being that they not only charge things, but they can also have a solar charger themselves, they also have am/fm/wb radio and a flashlight. I have downloaded a lot of things on to sim cards from maps, bushcraft/survival videos and even some of my favorite movies. It's better to me than maps and books. I have put myself in high pressure situations to see how I would do in a survival situation and as many times I've made them, one time for the life of me, I couldn't remember how to cut a simple figure 4 trap. That agitation grew in to other issues and was almost the death of me. So I now keep necessities on cards. But all this is just my preference. I've had some that think I'm nuts for carrying some of the things I do.

Very good advice 👍👍

A handkerchief is versatile and a great pre-filter to protect your primary water filter and make it last longer without clogging.

One thing I recommend is a boy scout merit badge book for first aid and survival. They are packed full of info, small, and very useful.

Great video! It's rare to find a prepper who is realistic and knowledgeable. Thanks for the tips.

Hands down, this video is the BEST, most informed, most practical one I've heard yet. Too many "pundits" would have you carry enough gear to bug out for life. No, you're bugging out for a *short* while, must be resigned to enduring some discomfort, and can declare victory if you come out alive. A bug out is not a planned camping trip. At the risk of repeating something that's already been mentioned in a comment ... - Besides your prescription glasses, some kind of backup, such as some el-cheapo reading glasses. You absolutely must see things that are close to you. - When performing minor surgeries such as splinter removal, besides the tweezers, you may need an eye loupe. Inexpensive, light weight. - The smallest, lightest LED light (as you might attach to a keyring) is useful in itself, but tied to a 3-foot length of dental gloss, it can be spun in circles above your head and thus serve as a great nighttime signaling device (if you've already spent your one and only flare). - For daytime signalling, a proper, glass mil-spec signaling mirror will also serve to see yourself, if that becomes a medical necessity. The mil-spec ones can be aimed with precision. Avoid toys. - Besides carrying quality duct tape, people should be aware of gaffer tape (less sticy, not as strong, but re-usable) and self-fusing silicone tape. Again, no one should be carrying full rolls of any one of these three types. - If you think there's a chance you may need to ward off pesky insects during the night, a good mesh to be worn over the head. - A "fisher" cap with high SPF has an extra flap you can deploy to protect your neck from sun. I'd be sure it sheds rain. To its brim you can clip the light recommended by the video's author. - There are packs that are modified dry bags. If your bag is not waterproof, incorporate ZipLock bags as necessary to protect items you'd not want to see soaked. - If you embark on your bug out wearing wool socks, you're fine. If you fear you might forget that detail, store proper wool hiking socks within the bag. - Some will think to bring chapstick if they feel weather conditions might require it. A small tube of petroleum jelly would be more versatile. - By all means, carry that Bic lighter. However, the one backup I recommend to that is a small ferrocerium rod and either a magnesium rod or some magnesium shavings. If the tinder you've found is wet, the intense heat of burning Mg can dry out the less-than-optimal tinder. Very light strikers can also make shavings. Failing that, be sure some portion of the spine of that machete has been ground to a sharp right angle. One last thing: Take a physically fit body along to carry your 16 pounds of survival gear! Here in the US, I look about me and see a bunch of overweight, out-of-condition victims, not survivors.

Well thought out

Outstanding. But, like so many others, I will add my 2 cents worth. 1-I highly encourage the use of freeze dried...NOT dehydrated. Freeze drying retains, on average, eighty percent nutritional value whereas the dehydration process generally causes the LOSS of eighty percent of nutritional value. 2-Owning a small hammerless revolver is rarely considered by gun enthusiasts but is my recommended covert firearm. And while firing from within a pocket may not be recommended due to the loss of accuracy as well as the tendency to set the fabric of your clothing on fire...the need arise to do so, you will be better served with a hammerless revolver. No hammer to snag/pinch fabric which would interfere with striking the firing pin and no jamming from ejection port blockage.

For shelter i pack an Exped Down Mat 9 mattress, a PHDesign Minum 400 Sleeping Bag, Karrimor Elite 900 Down Jacket and a Lightwave Zr0 Cylq tent. (about 10-11 lbs in total) Pack light, freeze at night then die from cold weather injury. As a 45 Commando once said to me '10th Mountain Division don't do Mountains'