Ditch Your Bug Out Bag | Build A Go Bag Instead #bugoutbag

Ditch the gigantic bug out bag and build a smaller more versatile go bag! #bugoutbag

Baofeng UV-5R Radio:

Condor Prime 21 Pack (Use TPW15 for 15% off!):

Grayl UltraPress:

Rocktol Multitool:

Boundless Voyage Ti Cook Pot:

First Lite Rain Jacket:

Prepared Wanderer AMAZON STORE:

21 liter backpack or larger:
First Aid Kit
Trauma Kit:
Compressed Gauze
Hemostatic Gauze
Gloves
TQ
Chest Seal
Shears
Grayl Water Filter
Baofeng Ham/GMRS Radio
Compass
Pen/Pencil
Rite-in-Rain notebook
UTM Grid Reader
Map Case
2-3 Mountain House meals
Tuna Packets
Protein Bars
Liquid IV packets
Instant coffee
Whistle
Wipes
Spork
Titanium Cook Pot 750ml or bigger
Esbit Stove and Tabs
Butane Lighter
Ferro Rod
Rain Jacket
Fixed blade knife
Multitool
Poncho
Reflective blanket
Bank Line
550 Cord 50-100 ft.
Bungee cords
Stakes
Hydration bladder
Bandanna
Socks
Fleece hat
Mechanix gloves
Glow stick
Headlamp
Batteries
Pistol/holster

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#prepper #bushcraft #survival

[ThePreparedWanderer]

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[scotthuston]

Outstanding points. I call mine Stay-bag, so I can stay just in my car, or shed, or stay at a friend’s cabin, a quick stay anywhere bag.

[thehylers]

Hi everyone. Newbie here. Thank you for the video and the comments. A bit overwhelmed but I have made the decision to be responsible and start preparing. God bless everyone 💖🙏

[dangerpudge]

Really good video, and there's 100% nothing wrong with what you've got in there. I'm a combat veteran and I've been doing a lot of hiking in the mountains and I've been refining my ideas about what my GHB/GO-Bag should be. Here are some thoughts I have as alternatives as I use; maybe you could incorporate some of these ideas (and probably improve further).

Backpack. Not a bad choice, but the hiking backpacks are usually better. Former military guys and prep guys (I'm both) tend to default toward mil-type gear or tacti-cool stuff. I like to avoid that. Heavier does not mean more durable, and every ounce you carry equates to calories burned, and this is probably the single easiest way to conserve calories by cutting weight without any loss of functionality or durability. I tend to like Gregory packs, but even something like a Camelbak Rim Runner 22 will do the trick and be MUCH lighter and more comfortable to wear (another advantage of a hiking pack; it is designed to wear very well and work on a person rather than a person adapting to it). I'd say minimum 22l but 30 is probably even better. If you want a traditional style pack, the Gregory Citro line is great, and the back ventilation is king. The Gregory Zulu is even better as it's adjustable for torso length, but is a touch heavier. The pack size may (probably should) change for seasons as colder weather will mean more insulation carried. The Gregory Zulu 40, much like the Camelback Rim Runner 22 both fold open. I really like my Citro and Camelbak for this type of pack and I think the hip belt pockets are really important. I keep my snacks, a tool, my optic, and a few other things in there for easy access so I don't have to take my pack off to get to what I need.

I'm not a fan of the Grayl, and here's why: If you deform it or the seals wear (and you don't know when they've worn too much) you can't use it to filter. It DOES filter for viruses which is useful, however there's a new filter on the market from a Brit company called Pure Clear (I'm in absolutely no way affiliated). They're a 42mm drop-in filter and works with Hydrapak and Katadyn bottles/bags (and anything else that has a 42mm opening). Much lighter and you can get two of them so you have a clean drink bottle (that you can collapse) and just drink normall out of the other (they also have tube attachments so you can use them like a water bladder).

I'm a fan of the Baofeng, particularly the UV-5R. However, the Tidradio (also a Baofeng) H3 and H8 radios are a little nicer with better weather protection, are a little more powerful (not really a concern with an HT), and more importantly can scan for codes/tones on repeaters and can be unlocked for MURS, FRS, GMRS, and ham 2m/70cm with NOAA built in, and they're USB-C rechargeable. They also do 'scramble' voice which can be helpful. They're not much more than the UV-5R.

Hygiene kit: I saw you had some items; I'd suggest a toothbrush and toothpaste tablets. Flossers are also great to have. That stuff can be annoying and cause lots of problems down the line.

A compass and pad is great, as is a map. I have switched to wearing a Garmin Instinct (the first ones were awesome and you can get them cheap now) and the 2x Solar is amazing for battery life and they will alert you if there's a sudden change in barometric pressure, track your route via GPS, and are a monitor, etc.

Glasses. If you wear them, having them is important, and having a backup is equally important. You can get readers that fit in the credit card slot of your wallet that'll get you buy in a pinch (they clip on your nose with no arms). They aren't great, but they'll do. Likewise, I've discovered a Tasco Monocular that you can buy at Walmart for $10. That should be a toy, but it's a legit little monocular and it weighs nothing. I almost always take it hiking vs my Vortex because it's so much more compact and really, it's all I need when I'm out doing that sort of work. It lets you see into the future, as it were and identify trouble from a long way off.

Lose the tick key. Just notch a piece of plastic or better yet, just notch a pill blister pack edge. Add leukotape; it sticks better than band-aids and helps with blister prevention.

Lighting: Take a look at the Olight Oclip. I love that thing. It's tiny and can clip on to most anything, and it also has a magnet. Very versatile and if you need to walk away from your tent in the dark or mark something, you can leave it going and use it as a lantern. Otherwise, I use my Nitecore 25UL. It's been a great light for me and it's light/small with a great battery life.

Cook kit: I tend to dislike the classic military shaped canteens. They never seem to fit anywhere very well and it's easier to stabilize a round pot when you're heating water/food. I use a Toaks 550ml for myself or if I need more, a 750ml version. You can get these with bails attached if that's your thing. The 550 is enough to rehydrate any water requirement for your meals. I prefer a solid fuel system, especially for a GHB/GO-Bag, because they double as fire starters, they're silent, they don't care about being wet, temperature, or altitude to work and they won't spill and cause a fire. Normal isobutane canisters will nest inside. A Sea to Summit X-Mug (collapsible silicone cup) fits perfectly over the pot lid. It'll weigh a LOT less than what you have, be just as functional, and take up less room in your pack (and be easier to clean). Slightly related is another product I found, the Firebiner. It's just a good quality carabiner (it has some other tools built into it... not exceptionally useful ones) with a spark wheel built in. A nice backup.

Tools: I went the other direction with a multitool. I use a Gerber Vise. Generally speaking there's nothing in the wild that'll require heavy tools, but sometimes a plier is what you need and nothing else will do. If I'm in an urban environment, I will be able to find something to pry with or to find a tool that works for the need. I do however carry an 'unlocking' steel card in my wallet that works on most doors, and a 10" Fat Max Stanley 'demolition' tool (it's a pry bar with a striking face and double ended claw design). It's a good melee tool and will get you into most anywhere you need to be; it is a pound on its own though so... I love my Mora Craftline S 546 for outdoor work. Not as beefy as yours but will batton within reason, can whittle/carve, has a very pronounced fingerguard so you don't accidentally slip forward onto the blade, and a good grip. For $12ish USD it's tough to argue with in SS, though a high carbon option is available for a bit less, it will corrode quickly if
you don't keep it constantly oiled. I also carry a tiny Swiss knife on my keys. It has a toothpick and tweezers, as well as scissors and a file. Those are incredibly useful tools when you need them, and it weighs practically nothing.

Shelter: It's so important to keep vectors out. The wrong bug or critter bite can become a life or death event. I tend to like a tent; and I've put the Naturehike Spider/Bikepacking 1p tent into my bag (it fits just fine) because it's truly free standing and requires no staking. While I do tend to prefer my Six Moon Designs Deschutes Tarp or Gatewood Cape combined with the Serenity Net Tent inner to save a lot of space and is decidedly lighter (the cape doing double-duty as a poncho) they do require staking and a pole (or to be tied up to a tree) and that isn't always practical in every situation or condition. I usually use the SMD options in summer when the ground is softer. I do have a SMD carbon collapsible pole that is super compact and weighs nearly nothing, or I'll have a trekking pole(s) or both. All are deep green and have a low profile. The SMD is great equipment and you pay for it (it isn't absurdly expensive, but it isn't cheap), and the Naturehike IS a bargain at under $90. On that note, skip the paracord and use a Dyneema/Polyester blended line. You can do everything with it that you can with paracord but it doesn't stretch, is easier to sew with, and is vastly stronger/lighter/more compact. For your corners, I'd recommend skipping the bungees and just doing a perfect knot to thread them through the grommets, then pre-tying a taut-line-hitch loop at the other end so you can adjust them to work with your stakes. Way more reliable, super light, and super easy to use.

Sleep System: Might seem like overkill but having served and experienced it myself, the best advantage you can have to avoid the 'fog and fatigue' parts of war is a good night of sleep for recovery and a clear head; the latter keeps you from making more stupid mistakes. I use a Nemo Tensor EC pad which is capable of meeting any temperature range needed but also allows me to carry a lighter bag/quilt than conditions would normally dictate. It is comfortable and compact and lightweight. In all but the coldest months, I'll keep my Horizon Hound GR-20 quilt. When used in a 1p tent you can tuck it into the bathtub floor on either side of you and get a good sleep. I also have a Trekology 2.0 UL pillow that straps to the pad. In colder months I have other options, but this will get me through quite a lot. The quilt packs very small and only weighs 1.5lb. I leave this in a dry bag in my truck, uncompressed, then choke it down if I need it so that the insulation isn't compromised/damaged in 'storage'.

[DonLee-kyxe]

Love the fact u Illustrated how irrational hiking out can be, your defense measure is epic and an over all solid take on prepping/self preservation.

[paul]

Solid realistic approach for most people but skill building and learning can never be overlooked. Remember - skills don't weigh anything and don't take up any room in your pack. Learn to do more with less.

[thegreyghost]

As Mors Kohanski used to say, "The more you know, the less you carry." Building a minimalist kit is difficult for most of us since we are always saying "what if." It takes a fair bit of discipline to confine yourself to the basics but by doing so, you can create a kit that is multi-functional and light, increasing mobility. This has been an eye opening video reminding me to keep it simple. Thank you.

[gudgo]

I have come to the same conclusion as well! I have been trying to set my pack up as a get home bag and because of several health issues at 63 years old, I can only take the bare minimum to sustain myself. Especially if I have to walk home from God knows where!😅 I have always been a kitchen sink over packer.😂 Old habits are hard to break, but I realize I can’t handle the weight anymore. Thanks for sharing your set up with us all.😊

[mikehartmann]

I think it’s a very well thought out go-bag. Four suggestions to consider: 1) A 2m/440 wire JPole for greater radio range. 2) A small pair of binoculars 3) A couple or three glow sticks. 4) An inexpensive mechanical wind-up wrist watch that’s in or on the bag. Won’t add a lot of weight, but will add usefulness. Cheers

[brawndothethirstmutilator]

I don’t get too much bogged down in the acronym names for bags. I find it more useful to build a pack based on duration (24 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs is what I use).

My 24 hour bag is both a large EDC and bag that can get me home from most places I go in the average week.

[Robertssurvivalsystems]

Good all around kit, well thought out. If I was to suggest anything to add, a small fishing kit, a large rat trap with a 3/8 inch hole in the upper corner for a cord tie off. And maybe a small kit with soap, tooth paste and a brush, and lastly a sewing kit with buttons. Thank you for the vid!

[BrianSmith-qlnj]

I have what i call an emergency bag in my truck and one in my car. Everything from nail clippers to firestarters to battery banks to umbrellas to knives. My philosophy is if i need to travel with it i simply take whats needed and leave the rest behind.

[RS-unhx]

I told friends in California to build a bag of essentials. Those bags are not for pitching a tent in the woods. These bags can help to get out of the house fast (Mandatory Evacuation) & drive to a hotel. While staying at hotel, they'll have extra clothes, essential meds, toiletries, etc. Once notice goes out to phones, there're just seconds to leave. A bag prepared allows one to leave immediately & prepared.

[nmtatl]

Thanks for a video that makes one think! I've changed my outlook on bags lately due to my advancing age and health challenges, . I decided to go with a backpack containing the more traditional bug out bag items and a rolling duffle "evacuation bag" to place in my car to carry the majority of my kit. I believe that I can reach a location out of immediate danger in my car while using my vehicle as long as I can to transport enough gear to allow me to endure most natural and some man made disasters.

[Snakes-wc]

Thanks so much. I have all this stuff sitting around with no idea how to integrate it. Now I can make a bag to keep in my car just in case.

[aceman]

Hey quick tip for all you guys. A bic is definitely the best easy to use fire starter for many reasons but I've taken to ripping the red plastic off the fuel button. This leaves the lighter perfectly usable, but reduces the chance of it accidentally getting pressed in a pack or pocket and wasting all the butane.

I did this for years and years to good effect. Now i simply 3d print covers for the top of my bics haha but the cheap way of just taking a leatherman to the button works fine

[lethernek]

Awesome bag. Did I miss the link for the radio? Did not see it.

[psocretes]

Iv'e been looking at a fishing vest /gillette the ones with lots of pockets. Some have a pocket for a water bladder in the back. It will hold many basics like first aid and dried foods all on your person.

[JonBoy_Futch]

Very good plan I imagine the older we get it may transform into a fema shelter bag but every one should have something just in case.

[MrAmeerga]

A bug out bag is the thing that got my started with prepping. But like you said, after years it doesn't make sense. I live in the Netherlands, so there is no way to go when SHTF.

My daily EDC bag is combined with Go bag essentials. I am on the road allot so that is how i fill in the gaps.