You're asking a very broad question while looking for specifics, making it very hard to pinpoint an answer. I'll give my advice on bug out bag items.

The bag itself - Should be a solid backpacking bag. Keep it light enough that it's manageable. For a very fit individual, the max weight should be your body weight divided by 3. Most of us are not that fit, so adjust accordingly. It should have hip support, well stitched straps, several compartments and a way to attach things to the outside (molle webbing, carabiner loops or exterior straps). Should be weatherproof.
Water - Depends entirely on your location. I live in Canada - Land of lakes and rivers. I wont need to carry a ton of water all the time. I've got a sawyer squeeze as my primary water filter. The collapsible water bottles it comes with work great for water storage as well. Wife and daughter carry a lifestraw as backups. We have some iodine drops as well.
As far as water carrying devices go, i find nalgene bottles work great. Theyre light and strong, and come in various sizes. A canteen is great if you want to use it to cook over a fire. Its not a bad idea either to have a large (5 litre+) collapsible water container. They're plastic and light. I havn't used mine extensively enough to recommend.
Sharp Things - I've got a Kabar as my primary fixed blade. It's tried and true. Good metal, full tang. I've got a leatherman wave multitool. Carry it everyday on my belt. Super handy. I should really add a 3-4" folding knife to my pack as sometimes the kabar is too big, and the multitool is hard to clean.
I also carry a Cold steel shovel. I looked into folding shovels, and they didnt seem reliable. Moving parts means they're more likely to fail. I haven't used this one extensively, but the few times i have tried it, its done an excellent job. If your pack's too heavy, put this one in your car.
Food - Your typical protein bars, dried rice/bean mix, snickers, small jar of PB, oatmeal and dehydrated fruit. A small bit of olive oil packs a ton of calories and adds flavour. It's good to have a small container of salt and pepper, or other spices to add flavour. You can grab MRE's or those mountainhouse dried meals, but theyre expensive. If you regularly buy pepperettes or jerkey, stick some in your bag and rotate it out when you buy it next. Multivitamins can keep you up if youre not getting a ton of food, but dont rely on them. Bring any meds you need, as well as tylenol or aspirin.
Hygiene - Pack a couple rolls of TP. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (chuck if too much weight), wash cloth, soap, soap for clothing, feminine products (if applicable), couple garbage bags (can separate dirty clothes), wet wipes, lip balm, hand sanitizer. Sun screen and bug spray in small bottles.
Clothing - Carry at least 7 pairs of good socks. Some warm ones if the location's cold. Extra shirts, underwear are essential. Pants/shorts and sweater are optional (besides whatever you're wearing). Stick your clothing in a waterproof sack. Try to keep only clean, dry clothes in there (no airflow + damp = mold).
-Paracord and rope
-Carabiners
-Sewing kit
-Tent patching kit (if you have a tent or a tarp)
-Tarp (who saw that coming). Doesn't have to be massive. Just know how to set it up to keep you dry.
-Fire Source. Have many. Lighters are cheap, stash away a bunch (7?). The lighter leash is awesome. You should be able to find that cheap at a corner store. Storm matches, for when its rainy. I think these are what I got. You can light them in any weather, put them under water, and they'll still be lit. Not a bad idea to carry regualr matches in a waterproof container. Firestarter packets are great. I just soak cotton balls in Vaseline. Flint and steel is cool, but only useful if youve exhausted all other fire starting methods.
-Super Glue
-Safety pins
-Zip ties
-Light. Hand crank flashlight is awesome. If you have a battery powered one, carry spare batteries. The mini maglite has a belt holster. Those small LED flashlights are great too. Grab a few glowsticks.
-fork and spoon
-emergency blanket or emergency sleeping bag. Only useful if you're SOL.
-poncho
-sleeping bag for your location. If its warm you don't need this. Can use a hammock or sleeping pad. Try and keep these small as they take up a ton of space.
-Compass. Useful if you have a map.
-Map of your location/where youre going.
-Signal mirror and a good whistle.
-Fishing supplies. I've got an emmrod. You can put a fairly small cheap reel on here. I've got the shimano ix2000. It casts a pretty good distance. Hooks, weights, bobs etc. Can all fit in small waterproof containers or camera film containers. Dont forget line! Mines already on the reel. A fishing vest gives you lots of little pockets to keep things in arms reach.
-First Aid kit. There's extensive lists online depending on how large you want it. Some gauze, band aids, polysporin, burn cream are a good start. Try and build it yourself, don't buy the gimmikey premade ones. Keep yours in a waterproof Tupperware container.
-Tiny roll of Gorilla Tape
-Games. Some dice and a deck of cards go a long way. Don't underestimate the value of laughter. If a sudden collapse ever happens, these might save you from depression.
-Headlamp. I've got this rayovac one (i think). Seems easy on batteries and has lasted a few camping trips. Haven't put serious use on it tho.
-Eating equipment. A mug and a small plate go a long way. A folding pan goes a long way, but is heavy. I would love to learn to use a pressure cooker over fires.
-Handkerchief or travel kleenex
-Bandanas. 3 of them.
-Bungee cords can be useful, but they run the risk of snapping and taking out an eye.
-Ziplock bags are handy. Keeps a lot of small things organized and dry.
-Pencils, Pens, notepad/book, sharpie.
-Hatchet is useful, but heavy. Take one if you can. The sven saw is awesome and hasn't broke on me yet.
-Spare pair of glasses (if applicable)
-Some sort of firearm is almost necessary. I don't have one yet, but i was planning on a 10/22 takedown. It's small and easy to pack. Bullets are light. If you need more stopping power than a .22, you're in a heap of trouble. Guns are not my specialty (can you guess), so ill leave it up to you
-In lieu of a firearm, you could grab a crossbow. If that's still too much, a good slingshot will do great.
-phone booklet and address's. In case your phone craps out and you cant charge it.
-A small windable clock is great. A solar watch is better. I think thats the one i have.

All this stuff is useless unless you know how to use it. Do your research, take some courses. Learn the necessary skills to survive, because that's what's really necessary. I like Les Stroud's (survivorman) book Survive!. Learn to tie knots, fish, hunt, forage, fight, build a fire in all conditions, etc.
If you have questions on the use of any of the above items, ask away. Any advice or suggestions, I welcome those too.

I've recently bought a lot of this stuff after doing a good amount of research. Here are my recommendations:

Tent - I would get an Alps tent if you want a good value tent but aren't as worried about weight. How many people will you be going with?

Sleeping Bag - I have this sleeping bag which I absolutely love, but I haven't been able to find it online since I bought it. It packs as small as down sleeping bags but costs a fraction of the price and will still keep you warm in 30 degree weather (which it's done for me).

Pack - I just bought the Osprey Volt 75L which I think is a great value even though I haven't used it yet. I got it for $140 on amazon and the 60L version is less expensive than that. I'm not sure if this pack is bulletproof but it has great reviews and Osprey products are known for their high quality.

Cooking- I use this pot which works perfectly with a pocket rocket. I'm not sure what you mean by fire making equipment but if it's not below freezing or at a high altitude, the gas canisters are the most efficient and reliable way to cook food. Also, they're extremely light. If you're using a fire to cook you'll need a heavier duty pot/pan.

Clothes - I just look for good deals and buy when I find one. Get a good shell that's waterproof and breathable. I have a Marmot Nano AS Jacket that I love. Just make sure you have a baselayer that wicks sweat away and other layers that can pack down. DON'T USE ANY COTTON CLOTHES!

Tools - Other than a knife I have found any tools that are useful for their weight. If you have a solid knife you should be good.

Misc - Here's other things in my list for camping/backpacking:

Sleeping Pad - I use the Alps Sleeping Pad. You definitely need a sleeping pad if you're camping in colder weather for the insulating properties. You'll lose a significant amount of heat through the cold hard ground without a pad. The Alps pad is a little heavier but they're very durable and a great value.

Paracord - It's always useful to have paracord for different things.

Water Filter - You need this if you're going to the backcountry. It's not realistic to bring enough water with you for a weeklong trip. I have use this MSR water filter and the Sawyer Squeeze. The MSR filter costs more, but works very well and is fairly durable. The Sawyer Filter weighs almost nothing, but it's a little more difficult to use and definitely more difficult if you're trying to filter large quantities of water.

Not everyone will agree with everything on my list, but I try to find the best value in my gear. I look for the best value in terms of price, quality, weight, and packability. There are higher quality options that weigh less but cost more. There are other lower quality options that cost less. You'll have to decide what your balance is, but this should be a good list to get you started.

If you want to get by cheap, pare the list down to essentials.
You need water, food, good shoes/boots, and shelter and to keep it light. Everything else is periphery.

The cheapest and lightest way to carry water is to use an empty quart milk jug or two with a rope on it. It's not as good as a camel back style bladder, but it's more reliable in my experience for fractions of pennies on the dollar.

I recommend a Lifestraw or a Sawyer filter for water purification. They cost about 20 bucks and they're really effective. Not necessarily essential for short trips, but it does a lot for peace of mind and you never know when bad stuff will happen. They don't filter out heavy metals or dissolved materials (ie anything <.1 microns).

REI has a really good info primer on sleeping bags

I wouldn't worry about poles for overnight stuff at all. That's for like weeks of constant hiking or alpine stuff. They can be useful and are helpful, but they can be passed by most of the time.

I get by with a rubberized army poncho and a blanket instead of a tent and bag. It's good enough to keep the rain off and a bit of body heat in, but it's not ideal and it's time consuming. I got it at a yard sale for two bucks. But for one night, it's good enough. A rain fly or tent foot print, or plain tarp is also effective. There are some pretty legit one person backpacking tents out there for about 70-100 bucks, I'll probably get one next. Not sure which brands are good though.

For food, I'd do the mountain house meals and hoist my garbage high and away from camp after wards, preferably in an air tight bag of some kind when you haul it out.

Normally I prefer to do something like pilot bread, PB, dried fruit, a big bag of spinach for the first day or two, green beans, nuts, and maybe some quality sausages and cucumbers, but the convenience of the MRE style foods is often appealing. army steel canteen cups are good for boiling stuff in, but the canteens are kinda useless.

A lighter, some matches, and wet fire packets are great.

Get a mid grade belt knife, like a buck or a k-bar or similar. It's a whole nother can of worms to discuss however. Just be careful as some buck knives are made in china, the ones made in idaho are always marked american made on the packaging.

Silva makes a good compass, a good topographic map, a small 10ths scale ruler (or any cheap one) are a good idea. Know your pace count and hwo to use these tools effectively. Compasses are pretty useful in foul weather or unfamiliar places, but navigational things aren't really essential.

I'd get some biodegradable toilet paper and read this.

That's about all I can think of right now, there's probably more to say and think about. Good luck! Park jobs are a ton of fun! Wish I was going with.

I wrote this up earlier today for someone who wanted to start getting prepped on ~$75/Month but also wanted to not have to cook the foods. I did include some long term storage as the first step anyway because it's so cheap and easy, but so far as consumables go, this is a good start for you.

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A lot of this is a shelf life and storage space issue. If you have plenty of room for storage, I'd start like this:

• Month 1: This doesn't meet your doesn't-need-to-be-cooked guideline, but it's a really solid start to bulk up on available calories and requires minimal cash and effort, so it's going in anyway. Ignore it if it's not for you.
  
  Buy two 50lb bags of white rice from a place like Costco or Sam's Club. Find 3 food safe 5 gallon buckets with lids. Get Mylar Bags and O2 Absorbers. Then hit Youtube for instructions on what to do with them. If the Mylar bags bit will hold you back from doing this, then skip them and just clean the buckets then dump rice in them straight. Seal, date, set aside. That's 160,000 calories in month 1. Given normal pantry supplies that stretches things out quite a ways. Plan on rotating out at 7ish years if put straight into the bucket and 20 years if you use the Mylar. Realistically, with Mylar, white rice may be good for much longer than 20 years (most people say 30, but for the minimal investment I'd rotate earlier to be safe).
  
  
• Month 2:
  
  Grab a Water Bob (not right now though, hurricane season has prices high and stocks low for them). Also, a Sawyer Water Filter or two. That gives you an opportunity to grab an extra hundred gallons of water in your bathtub initially given enough warning, and some water purification options later on.
  
  
• Month 3:
  
  Assuming you have storage capacity, start looking at #10 cans of food. Those are the cans that are around a foot tall and very wide. Look for things that you would eat and would be usuable in your daily lives, but also ones that would be calorie dense. For example, refried beans, nacho cheese, baked beans, white potatoes, chick peas, chili with beans, etc. Those are things you can use in recipes at home, but can pick them up and store them for a couple of years first. Getting them in the larger can is a better return on investment/dollar than buying smaller ones.
  
  
• Month 4: This is probably more what you were looking for.
  
  If your pantry isn't topped up with the things your family normally eats, drop that money to get a little deeper on those things. Velveeta cheese, crackers, cans of soup, noodles, peanut butter/jelly, canned vegetables/fruit, pasta/sauce, salsa, dried/canned beans, seasonings, canned meat, canned chili, etc. Date them and make sure to work through the oldest first. Having the normal foods you eat in bulk will likely end up being what gets you through most things (like the current hurricane season, job loss, winter blizzard, etc). Spending on these things can be used to fill out whatever is left of your budget when it gets partially used up on other things. I'd also maybe consider having some flats of bottled water at home as well. I usually keep 4-7 Costco sized ones on hand for my SO and I.
  
  
• Month 5:
  
  Start looking at longer term bulk water storage. I like 5 gallon stackable water cubes as they're easier to move and use and you buy them as you have a little extra cash here and there, but if you want to bump the budget up a bit for a month and your wife won't look at you like you're crazy, a 55 gallon barrel is a better price per gallon than the individual cubes. Sometimes there's just no replacing having your own clean water source ready to go. Barring all of that, if your family will use them just grab a bunch of flats of bottled water and rotate them. Stacked high they don't take up a ton of floor space.
  
  
• Month 6 and Beyond:
  
  At this point you're pretty well set initially for both water and food. Keep the pantry stocked and rotating. Add on for long term stored water as you see fit and maybe invest in something like a Big Berkey if you really want to drop some money into it. At that point I'd probably begin considering longer term food storage. More rice, add in some dry beans (roughly 5 year shelf life in Mylar/Buckets), and if you're feeling really into it you can get unground wheat and that will last 30 years or better in Mylar/Buckets. You'll just need to have a hand crank grinder or two to use it.
  
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  I get wanting ready to eat foods, and that's pretty easy to do and a great place to start, but as one last recommendation... grab yourself a Propane Burner and a high pressure hose for it so that you can use regular propane tanks. You may be able to eat cold soup out of the can, but it's a lot more comforting when it's warm, and you can pretty easily have the ability to add more of your foods into your diet (like spaghetti or mac and cheese) when you can still have a burner to work with.

As far as practicing for it, just go hiking somewhere local as much as possible.

As far as what to bring on the actual half dome hike, there are definitely some mandatory things:

1. Water- bring more than you think you will need. I also HIGHLY reccomend picking up a sawyer squeeze. That way you don't have to carry as much water at any given time, and its not the end of the world if you drink all your water as you can refill. Just be strategic and make sure you have plenty of water at any given time.
   
   
2. Food- bring lots of high calorie snacks. Bring more than you think you need. Things like energy bars and trail mix have lots of calories and don't take up too much space.
   
   
3. Sun Protection- Definitely a hat and sunscreen. Lots of people, myself included like the hiking specific sun protective clothing, and its worth checking out if you think you'll be getting into hiking.
   
   
4. Layers- its an all day hike in the sierra, the weather can change, you can be out while it starts to get cool. Bring at least a fleece layer and a waterproof/ windproof layer. You don't have to spend a lot of money on either of these items.
   
   
5. Headlamp or flashlight. You probably will be getting back before dark, but just in case you get held up, its good to carry some sort of light source.
   
   
6. appropriate footwear- people like different things so I won't recommend trail runners over hiking boots or vice versa, but I will say that whatever you pick should be comfortable to YOU. Try on different things and make sure you like them. Also, make sure you pick a shoe that is meant for the trail, not the sidewalk, trail shoes or boots will have noticeably better grip walking up and down half dome. Also make sure that you have enough room for your toes. Your toes should not be running into the front of your shoes when walking downhill. Also, get a nice pair of hiking socks. Your feet will thank you.
   
   
7. Basic first aid kit- definitely have a way to deal with blisters and small cuts as those are the most common injuries. You can carry more stuff if that is something that you want to do and if you are interested, I can tell you what is in my kit.
   
   
8. Just note that there are more things that can be considered "essential", and depending on where you are hiking they may be super important to bring. The above list is just top of my head what I would say someone should definitely have on the half dome hike.
   
   Some optional things are:
   
   
9. An extra pair of socks. It can feel soooo nice to let your feet air out mid hike and then put on a fresh, dry pair.
   
   
10. Trekking poles. They really save your joints going downhill!
    
    
11. A more exhaustive emergency kit. The half dome hike is really well travelled, so if you have an issue, there will be people around that can help, but if you are going to get more into hiking after this, it can't hurt to start learning about how to handle wilderness emergencies.
    
    Things to keep in mind regarding hiking anywhere:
    An experienced hiker can look at the distance and elevation change, as well as the starting elevation of a hike, and immediately have a rough idea of how hard the hike will be for THEM. To build this skill, pay attention to the stats on the hikes you are doing. Also pay attention to how the weather affects your ability to hike. Extreme heat and cold both present challenges and require proper preparations.
    
    Whenever traveling to a new place, take the time to read up on the regulations for that place, specifically regarding best Leave No Trace (LNT) practices for the area and about staying safe around the wildlife for that area- in general, never approach wildlife, but there are also things you can do to minimize having a negative encounter with an animal that you should be aware of- these best practices will often be different depending on where you are and what wildlife lives in that area.

I have a good eye :)

Apologies for the wall of text, but I tend to ramble on topics that I'm passionate about, hopefully some of the ramble below will help.

Which Inflatable pad do you have, I'm guessing you're a side or stomach sleeper like myself?

I have the Klymit kings static V inflatable pad, I like that it packs really small and it's very light weight, but it's not entirely comfortable for side sleeping or stomach sleeping. I did once camp with my tent on sand and this was comfortable, but on regular dirt it's not.

I then tried the REI camp bed 3.5 self inflating pad. It's a self inflating pad which is a hybrid between a foam and an inflatable. At 3.5" thick, it's incredibly comfortable for side & stomach sleeping, but the drawback is weight (~5lbs) and it does not pack down small, I have to strap it to the outside of my pack.

If you are a similar sleeper like myself, you may want to check out hammock camping. I picked up an ENO double nest for just relaxing around camp or in the back yard at home and found it to be the most comfortable naps I've taken outdoors. While I can't sleep on my stomach, side sleeping is very comfortable and I actually fall asleep on my back which is unheard of. I'm not saying to run out and buy a full hammock camping set up, but maybe at the next REI garage sale, see if there is a really cheap ENO double nest and straps and give it a try in the back yard, you may want to convert afterwards :)


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Headlamps? As in more than one? + a lantern? If I may suggest an alternative / weight savings..... This year I switched over to using a Olight S1 Mini baton because I always hike with a hat and the double clip allows it to slide right on the brim. It's also incredibly light weight and has several light levels. The back cap is also magnetic, so when tent camping, it sticks to the tent poles, for hammock camping I just hang it on the ridge line by the clip. The lowest level is 5 lumens I believe, which is dim but more than enough to see your foot placement on the trail at night. It also has the strobe setting which can come in handy if you find yourself in trouble to disorient an individual or an animal. (your post above mentions the fear of being a solo hiking woman, so this would be a good tool in conjunction with a decent knife). While it doesn't have a red filter, there are tons of youtube videos on how to make your own red filter cap for night vision savings.


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A Camelbak is always a must have for me, I get dehydrated quickly, so I carry the 3L version. I also carry a smart water bottle on the exterior side pocket of my atmos. Reason being is they are significantly lighter than a nalgene or other plastic bottles on the market and they're very very cheap to replace. Also, you can use this bottle for water enhancers such as Mio, crystal light, or a hydration powder, without risking an issue to your Camalbak. I've found having Mio on a trip is a great mental pick me up when it's hot and I'm tired.


I have not used a life straw, but for any overnight or distance trip, a must have for me is my Sawyer filter and 1 squeeze bag. I went with the Sawyer because it will allow me to refill the giant 3L Camelbak with this adapter without digging out the Camelbak, (see the 4th picture down). The squeeze bag is for dirty water only, so I do not have to worry about dirty water contamination with other items. Lastly, with this adapter I don't have to bring the syringe to clean it, this adapter's threads will fit the smart water bottle, or a coke bottle, and allow me to flush out the filter. While I've yet to have to flush it on a trip, it's a good thing to have for after the trip and cleaning things.

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I used to have a few must have items, but recently I've been weeding them out to save weight. Most of them are comfort items and I am the individual who packs with the mindset of "what if this happens.....", so I tend to pack things I rarely use. I really love having a warm meal, so my Jetboil is usually a staple. Since it is a gas burning stove, I could (in a survival situation) use it to boil water or start a fire to keep warm. However, foods can be re-hydrated with cold water, it might take longer and not be as delicious, but it saves the weight of the jetboil and I have the sawyer for clean water anyway, and a small bic lighter is a fraction of the weight, so I've done without it on the last few trips.

I've moved on to the mentality of packing items that are multi-purpose, try to cut out any redundancies to save weight. While I am no where near being considered ultralight, I've started incorporating their ideals into my packing to help out. You may want to check out their subreddit.

My buddy Scott is the one I always go to for questions related to backpacking/ hiking, he's been doing it far longer than I have, and seems to always be ahead on the new gear or techniques. He started a blog recently on his findings and tips/suggestions, it may be worth a look: Hack your pack

Hopefully this ramble helps!

I don't know too much about that backpack, so I can't comment, but you should be able to pickup a pack in that price range if you're just getting started.

water

A lifestraw will work, but essencially you need to go source to mouth, so if you need water for anything but drinking (i.e. for cooking) I don't know if the lifestraw will be best. Sure you can suck in, spit out, but there is a better solution: the sawyer mini is about the same price point: http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398890779&sr=8-1&keywords=sawyer+mini

meals

and that brings me to water for cooking. MREs are heavy, and while you won't be hiking far carrying that weight even for a short distance might not be the most fun (especially if you are saving money on your pack) - there a many commercially available freeze dried meals which are very light and you simply add boiling water to. Mountain house is the most common - http://www.amazon.com/MOUNTAIN-HOUSE-Beef-Stroganoff-4-80oz/dp/B0002YRNJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398890892&sr=8-1&keywords=mountain+house

besides mountain house there is backpackers pantry (better IMO):
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=backpackers%20pantry&sprefix=backpacke%2Caps

and finally if you want to try some of the best I recommend packit gourmet:
http://www.packitgourmet.com/CookInBagMeals.html

clothes

wool is good because it keeps it's insulation warmth when wet. wool can be expensive though. If the weather is going to be good I'd recommend a couple quick drying shirts (which are pretty affordable)
http://www.amazon.com/Russell-Athletic-Sleeve-Dri-Power-3X-Large/dp/B00719Y8HO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891200&sr=8-3&keywords=quick+dry+shirt

and be prepared to own the worlds best pair of underwear - buy two pair wear one, wash one in a river:
http://www.amazon.com/ExOfficio-Give-N-Go-Boxer-Brief-Medium/dp/B001M0MN02/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891283&sr=8-1&keywords=exofficio+boxer+briefs

tools

this is probably one of the first things that gets "over packed" what to you anticipate needing a tool for? On the hand saw if you will be collecting fire wood there is a very nice lightweight handsaw that is perfect for backpacking, the Sven Saw:
http://www.amazon.com/SVEN-SAW-Sven-Saw-21/dp/B002J900EQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891413&sr=8-1&keywords=sven+saw

cookware

on cookware it all depends on what you'll be cooking. on a budget I'd recommend this cup:
http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Glacier-Stainless-Bottle/dp/B001LF3IB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891523&sr=8-1&keywords=GSI+cup

and this stove:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Backpacking-Canister-Ignition-silvery/dp/B00ENDRORM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891563&sr=8-1&keywords=backpacking+stove

with that you'll be able to boil water for your freeze dried meals, make ramen, and you can also make hot drinks like tea.

5 pounds?!? no way. The pack alone is 4.8 pounds.

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Honestly - I'd replace every one of those items. They are pretty crappy items in each category.
I realize that everyone doesn't have a big budget - but even at those prices you can make smarter choices.

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Backpack
A tactical backpack rarely does well for wilderness backpacking. It is heavy (almost 5 pounds) and does not carry loads well (weak hipbelt). This specific one is only 47 liters, which will unlikely fit your kit.

Any backpack can hold a water bladder. You don't need a special sleeve for this. I prefer mine on top of my pack, not in the sleeve. Easier to get at and refill along the route - allowing me to carry less.

I'd recommend going into a local shop and trying on a few brands/models. See what fits your body well - as fit is key to getting 'the best' backpack. Look at brands like Osprey, Gregory, and similar in the 55-65 liter range.

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Shelter
10x7 is an okay size for a tarp. I'd probably get this instead: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EUHZ74I
You'll also need a ground cloth of some kind. Tyvek can be had for super cheap and works well.

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Sleeping pad
That looks fine, but realize that it will insulate you very little (RValue of 1.3). I'd probably get this instead (because I know Klymit brand and not 'OutdoorMan'): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFG0NM

If you really want to go cheap - just get a closed foam sleeping pad. Not as comfortable, but as cheap as $20.

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Kitchen
That DIY grill and cheap cook set look fine.
One option is to go to your local thrift store and look for a pot/pan. If you just need 1 single piece is often easy to pick up there for cheap.

Will you also have a camp stove? This is a cheap/popular choice: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4FY8YO

Do you have a water filter / purification method? The Sawyer Squeeze is popular. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EHPVQW/
You can use simple disposable water bottles like SmartWater or Gatorade for your bottles. A bladder is nice, but cost more and heavier.

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Accessories

• Rope - skip paracord. It sucks for just about every application outside bracelets. I'd get this instead: http://lawsonequipment.com/Cordage/Ironwire-Fusion-p1076.html
  
• Knife - sure the Mora is fine. Don't go overboard here, you really don't need much.
  
  Then you'll likely need a bunch of other small miscellaneous items. First Aid Kit, headlamp, lighter, pack liner, food bag, compass, maps, etc.
  Plus clothes of course.
  
  ----
  A typical pack weight for an overnight adventure is 20 pounds. Weather is a big factor in what you have to carry, but generally 15-30 pounds is the range you'll find the majority of experienced backpackers. 5lbs would be a ridiculously low pack weight (with or without consumables like food and water). I'd recommend you shoot to keep yours under 30, since you are new and used the word 'bushcraft' haha.
  
  -----
  In the end - these are merely suggestions for improvement. You can totally get outside with the items you listed or nothing at all. Experience is the real key here. Try to borrow some items and spend the weekend outside. Take notes on what worked and what didn't, make changes, and try again. A kit of gear evolves over time and getting it 100% right on the first try is impossible. It helps to put serious thought into these items, in hopes of saving money, which is why I generally suggest to 'buy once, cry once'. Otherwise you buy 2 crappy versions, then ultimately realize what you should have bought in the first place - to buy that 3rd.
  
  

First I'd make sure you both have all the clothing and footwear you need to be comfortable and the things you'd need for an urban day out (pack, water bottle, some snacks, etc.). Nothing ruins a day like an unexpected blister / rain shower that causes a chill / burned hand from a fire.

After that I'd consider basic survival needs and comforts that might be different in the woods. A small survival kit (and the knowledge required to use it), toilet paper, bug spray, gloves to protect your hands from heat and thorns, a tarp (which you already say you have) to escape the sun or rain, etc.. One suggestion I have that I don't see mentioned often is a lightweight foam kneeling pad. You can get them at the dollar stores in the gardening section usually and for the negligible weight and space they're worth having in my opinion. They are great for kneeling on (obviously), which you'll be doing a lot when practicing bushcraft skills like fire making, and they make a huge difference for the backside when sitting on ground / logs / rocks that are hard / wet / dirty.

With comfort and survival covered you can look at the real 'tools' of bushcraft. The most important thing, in my opinion, is a good knife for each of you. Soooo many projects / skills that are considered 'bushcraft' require / are made easier when you have a decent knife. You don't need to spend a lot (a Mora Companion is a great choice for under 10 dollars), just be sure to do your homework before spending money so you don't end up with something that looks cool but isn't practical for your bushcraft needs.

Beyond the knife I won't go into details about the rest of my suggestions but I think you'll find reasoning behind them fairly self-evident. I've been bushcrafting / camping / hunting for the better part of 2 decades now and all items I list below are all ones that I've personally used many, many times and wouldn't recommend if I didn't find them awesome and reliable. If you look into them further I think you'll find most / all are considered the best 'bang for your buck' option in their given class.


Mora Companion fixed blade knife - carbon or stainless doesn't matter, both are great: ~$12-15

Nalgene leak-proof water bottle - The cheaper HDPE bottle is actually better believe it or not: ~$5-8

Bahco Laplander folding saw - Silky saws are worth the upgrade price in my opinion but are definitely just a 'nice to have', considering Bahcos can't be beat for the price / function / reliability: ~$20-25

Sawyer Mini water filter - filters twice as good as the LifeStraw (0.1 vs 0.2 microns), lasts 10 times longer (100k vs 1k gallons), is much more versatile (you can screw the Sawyer onto a 2 litre coke bottle), and costs less to boot: ~$19

Fiskars X7 hatchet - I know you already have one bust I figured I'd mention it. For a bombproof, light weight, made in Finland hatchet it can't be beat for the price: ~$20-25

Tramontina 18" machete - great balance and blade, just sand or wrap the handle in some tape if yours isn't finished perfectly to avoid potential blisters (this is also where good gloves come in) - ~$15-18

Seeing as both wildfires and power outages are going hand in hand, I want to repost an FAQ I wrote from last year for wildfire safety, updated with some power outage info. I'll be updating and simplifying this as time allows - hopefully it's comprehensive.

EDIT: Exceeded word count, I extended it into the comment responses. Check Table of Contents for whatever info you care about.

------

TL;DR SUMMARY:

Wildfires - Enhance awareness by checking fires and AQI, and buy/wear a valved N95-rated respirator (NOT a regular surgical mask). Most importantly, ensure a proper fit/seal if you don't want short or long term respiratory problems/failure.



Power Outages - Stay informed. Prepare 2 weeks worth of water and cash. Move things to fridge/freezer for up to 48 hours of storage.



Evacuations - Sonoma County is currently being evacuated as the Kincade Wildfire razes homes to the ground. Cal Maritime Academy was evacuated yesterday (10-27) due to the Vallejo ("Glen Cove") Fire. You decide if you want to prepare for evacuation - details below if so.

------

Table of Contents

1. General Info - Power Outages and Wildfires
   
2. Wildfire Safety - Respirator Masks
   
3. Power Outages - Preparedness
   
4. Evacuations - Go Bag
   
   ------
   
   

   1. GENERAL INFO - Power Outages and Wildfires
   

   
   What's going on with power outages?
   
   PG&E is implementing PSPS, "Public Safety Power Shutoffs", during times of high fire risk (dry, high winds), in an attempt to prevent wildfires.
   
   ​
   
   How do I stay up to date about power outage information? Am I affected?
   
   Official City of Berkeley webpage about PG&E outages.
   
   PG&E Outage subpage.
   
   PG&E outage map - use to check if you're out of power.
   
   PG&E's Twitter may be a better information source if high traffic causes other websites to go down.
   
   Other alternative sources available here.
   
   -----
   
   What's on fire right now?
   
   Official California wildfire maps here. A colored highlighted section will appear when a fire perimeter for a significant fire is created. Incidents not covered by CalFire (the state fire department) are listed as "Not a CAL FIRE Incident", in which you can click on it to find out which local city fire department will have more information. Status updates and evacuation orders are listed under each fire's specific page.
   
   ​
   
   Tell me about the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
   
   Official EPA AQI website here. The AQI is a metric used to measure air quality and certain pollutants, such as PM2.5 and ozone.
   
   Unofficial AQI site - PurpleAir. Not government official, but there are significantly more sensors that are higher resolution and generally more accurate.
   
   You should wear a respirator for an AQI of about 150 or above.
   
   ​
   
   What is PM2.5?
   
   PM2.5 refers to fine dust particles less than 2.5 microns/micrometers in diameter - these are the particles that come from heavy pollution (see: China) and wildfires (see: California). In short, they damage your respiratory systems like no tomorrow (depending on concentration and duration of exposure) for both short term (asthma, heart attacks) and long term (respiratory disease risk increase). Source. Source 2.
   
   These particles are microscopic and cannot be seen, which means the best way you should check if you need to protect from it is to check an official AQI source, NOT simply check if it's smog/smokey outside. (FYI context - the average virus is 0.3 microns in size.)
   
   -----
   
   What are other major risks to be aware of?
   
   ​
   
   Water
   
   Running water may suddenly stop. Water utilities are vulnerable to both power outages and wildfires - lack of power to run pump equipment, and water redistribution to firefighting efforts will cause water outages.
   
   EBMUD (East Bay Municipality Utility District) website.
   
   ​
   
   Prepare - Have 1 gallon of water per person, per day, for 2 weeks of self reliance. If you don't have that much storage, fill as many bottles as you can. Then buy water storage containers such as Aquatainers (cheap, larger capacity) or jerry-can style water containers (more durable, better leak-proof, and smaller capacity + handle design = easier to lift and move to your car. Water is HEAVY.).
   
   ​
   
   Cash
   
   Credit card readers and ATMs may not work, and stores will begin to only accept cash. In addition to power outages, network outages will disable the verification process credit cards - so even if you have power, credit card readers will not work.
   
   ​
   
   Prepare - Have a backup reserve of physical cash on hand for at LEAST 2 weeks worth of expenses. Smaller bills are better.
   
   ​
   
   Internet
   
   Wi-Fi and power outages are not directly correlated to each other.
   
   If there is internet coming to your building, but your building has no power, you can still use your Wi-Fi network if you can run your modem/router on backup power somehow.
   
   If the ISP network center, which sends the internet to your building, is experiencing power outage issues, then you will have Wi-Fi outages, even if your building has power.
   
   -----
   
   Source for most of the respirator info - very long but thorough.
   
   -----
   
   If there's more info to add or correct, feel free to comment and I'll edit this. Hope this helps everyone - stay safe out there.

First Aid Kit - you might not need it ever, but you should always have it. All kits are different but there are fundamental items that should be carried, you can check out the NOLS Kits
and either buy one or for less, make your own that is custom to your needs and desires.

Tools - First, carry a knife that can cut decent size branches, again, you might not need it but its good to have. Second, I recommend getting a water filter such as a Sawyer mini or Katadyn Be Free as they are both lightweight and will probably decrease your pack weight if you hike near water. Third, Fire can be helpful in many situations but must be used carefully and with respect. If you live somewhere that allows it, a wood burning camp stove will be worth some warmth and also allow you to cook if you bring along a mess set. I personally use an MSR Pocket Rocket. As a day hiker, you might not use a stove often but it's not bad to have if you do longer hikes or are far from civilization so if that's the case, look into tablet stoves. generally, you should have a lighter or two just in case. You may also consider carrying a survival blanket just in case (as goes for most these objects).

The Front Pouch - So the idea behind having this pouch is to have things that you want quick access too on the trail, the most important of which is your map. Navigation is important when hiking so if you're not familiar with an area buy a map and bring a compass. I personally don't use a compass but I've learned how to navigate without one, however you should always have a map. You may also need to have a permit for some hiking areas and it's nice to have within reach, usually with your map. you may also like to have TP and a camp trowel in there so that it is not hard to find at the wrong moment. along with that, a trash bag of any kind should be carried. Finally, carry snacks in there so that you don't have to dig around to find them.

Summary - This is all advice from a Backpacker so there will be many things you don't need on every hike but could save your life if you get caught in a bad situation, many of the objects I recommend are the same. If I'm close to home or not going out too far on a day hike, I usually carry a Knife, Be Free Filter, Lighter/Stove (depending on mileage) an extra coat, and extra food, but each hike and hiker are different. You will eventually find a system that works well for you, but it's always good to carry things that make life on the trail easier and can get you through a night in the wild. With thought on my comment, you should also check out the Ten Essentials as they will almost always be worth their weight.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask!

There is a lot wrong with this list, so I'm just going to work down it one by one with my thoughts on the matter.

USB flameless lighter? Why? That is going to be unreliable, at best. Throw a few BIC lighters and some stormproof matches in there and be done with it. IF you want to be fancy, get something built to be rugged, that will stand up to use in the field:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ultimate-Survival-Technologies-Floating-Lighter/dp/B00C85NBA6/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173178&sr=1-2&keywords=camping+lighter

Speaking of, I didn't see any sort of firestarting material. Warmth is going to be important, and you need as few steps as possible between you and fire. Get some quality firestarters. I am trying to keep all my links relevant from amazon.ca, so some of the brands I'm most familiar with aren't there. But these work well (though there are options from Wetfire and other brands that take up less space):

https://www.amazon.ca/Ultimate-Survival-Technologies-Fire-Stix/dp/B00C6SHODK/ref=sr_1_20?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173338&sr=1-20&keywords=emergency+fire+starter

What is with the mall-ninja "tactical" hatchet? That is a lot of weight and not a lot of utility. You'd be better served with a reliable and lightweight folding saw, and a good full-tang fixed-blade knife. Something like a 7 inch Corona saw:

https://www.amazon.ca/Corona-Cutting-Tools-RS-7041/dp/B00004R9YN/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173467&sr=1-1&keywords=corona+folding+saw

If you insist on carrying a hatchet (and their function in a bugout situation is debatable, especially for the weight) get something quality like an Estwing:

https://www.amazon.ca/Estwing-E24A-14-Inch-Sportmans-Sheath/dp/B00BNQR4SG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173510&sr=1-1&keywords=estwing+hatchet

Nothing wrong with duct tape, but you'd do well to wrap just maybe 3-4 meters of it around a small core (like from doggy waste bags, or even just around itself).

The self-crank radio/flashlight/phone charger is shit. You also don't need four lights, especially if all of them are crap. Buy one good flashlight, and maybe one good headlamp.

A flashlight like a Nitecore P12 or something that runs on an 18650 and offers long runtime would be ideal. If you buy a diffuser cap for it, you can replace the lantern. Pick up some spare, high quality 18650 cells, as well. The P12 has SOS and beacon modes, which will run for days at a time, in addition to a nice throw and excellent brightness on Medium and High.

https://www.amazon.ca/Nitecore-Flashlight-Lumens-Meters-Distance/dp/B00PQE1D2E/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173859&sr=1-2&keywords=nitecore+P12

As for headlamps, those don't need to be super bright. You want something with enough brightness and floodiness to work around camp. But ideally you also want a red-light or low-light mode for night time, when you don't need to destroy your night vision just because you need to take a piss or something.

https://www.amazon.ca/TACTIKKA-CONSTANT-LIGHTING-HEADLAMP-DESERT/dp/B00GCGIGHK/ref=sr_1_14?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173989&sr=1-14&keywords=petzl+headlamp

The powerbank thing in the crank radio is crap, only 1000mah. Not enough to charge most modern smart phones even 25%. Figure that of that 1000mah, ~25% will be lost just due to inefficiency in the charging process. Get a 10,000mah or bigger high quality battery, with 2.1A ports, and be done with it:

https://www.amazon.ca/Anker-PowerCore-Portable-Ultra-Compact-High-speed-Charging-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482173708&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+usb+power+bank

Combine the money you'd spend on the shitty folding knife and the shitty Gerber multitool, and buy a proper multi-tool. You don't need two folding knives.

The Leatherman Wingman is a good value, though I prefer a nicer quality one like the Charge TTi, but at four times the price it may not be worth it just for an S30V blade.

https://www.amazon.ca/Leatherman-2996-831426-Wingman-Multi-Tool/dp/B005DI0XM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482174264&sr=8-1&keywords=leatherman+wave

Ditch the camp toilet paper, that stuff is like wiping your ass with cardboard. Get some biodegradable camp wipes from an outdoor store. You can now use these to clean your ass, and they also are useful for wiping your hands, or taking whore baths.

Same with the camp soap. Are you bugging out or camping for a week? Nothing you are going to do in a bugout situation is going to necessitate body soap. Toothbrush, floss, deodorant.

Ditch the giant first aid kit full of crap you don't need. Those things are heavy and 80 of the 85 pieces are just different sized bitch stickers. Build your own first aid kit tailored around the likely injuries you would face: sprains, cuts, burns. Maybe throw some Quik Clot Z-pack gauze or a tourniquet (CAT or similar) in there for larger trauma, if that is a concern to you. Limit the bitch stickers to 5-10. All gauze, tape, trauma pads, alcohol wipes, tincture of iodine, moleskin for blisters, tweezers, surgical shears, gloves, maybe burn cream. Small containers of medications you might need: aspirin, antihistamines like Diphenhydramine, anti-diarrheals, etc.

That survival paracord bracelet thing is garbage. You already have 100ft of paracord in your list (which you could probably cut down to 50ft). You don't need some shitty firestarter, whistle, and compass thing. Buy a real lensatic sighting compass. Not going to do you much good without a map and the ability to understand it, anyway.

https://www.amazon.ca/UST-Survival-Essentials-Lensatic-Compass/dp/B005X1YI3Q/ref=sr_1_5?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482174799&sr=1-5&keywords=compass

You have both a cookset AND a mug/pot. This is extra redundant and not needed in a bugout situation. Stick to food you don't have to prepare. Caloric density is your friend. Jerky, EPIC bars, Clif bars, etc.

If you need to boil water, use a single-wall metal canteen (NOT a thermos). Remove the plastic lid, fill with water, set in your fire. Widemouth canteens like those by Klean Kanteen are multi-purpose (multipurpose is your friend). You can sterilize water, you can cook and eat food out of it (because of the large opening), and you can fill with hot water, wrap in a sock, and warm your sleep system.

https://www.amazon.ca/Klean-Kanteen-Stainless-Bottle-27-Ounce/dp/B0027W6WHE/ref=sr_1_sc_4?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482174908&sr=1-4-spell&keywords=klean+kanteen+widemouth

You don't need a can opener if you have a good multitool.

Lifestraws suck ass. They only work as a straw, and I am going to guess you don't want to get your water by drinking out of puddles exclusively. Get a Sawyer Squeeze mini filter. This can be used in-line with a hydration bladder, can be used like a Lifestraw, or can be used to filter an fill your water storage containers/bladder:

https://www.amazon.ca/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175065&sr=1-1&keywords=sawyer+mini

One seriously lacking area for you is your sleep system. A tarp and a space blanket are not going to keep you functionally warm. You might survive a night, but you won't be useful the next day.

At the BARE minimum, you should get a good, reflective, breathable bivvy sack, like this one from SOL, AND a sleeping pad. A bivvy will reflect heat back onto you, helping with heat lost through convection, but no sleeping bag will help with heat lost through conduction (you touching the cold ground). That is why a sleeping pad is mandatory. I have used the Escape bivvy and the Klymit pad linked here together, and both kept me comfortably warm to about 50 degrees F. Below that, I've had to augment with base layers or jackets, and that still sucked. If you are hoping to sleep in below freezing temperatures, you'll need a properly sorted ultralight sleeping bag.

https://www.amazon.ca/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Escape-Bivvy/dp/B00EVGD0FQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175280&sr=1-1&keywords=SOL+escape

https://www.amazon.ca/Klymit-06SVGR01C-Camping-Mattress-Green-Grey/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175199&sr=1-1&keywords=sleep+pad

Other recommendations of mine would be to take survival, medical and foraging guides and put them on a smartphone, along with a GPS mapping software and pre-downloaded offline topographical maps at 1:24k resolution of your main bugout areas and 1:100k resolution elsewhere. Something like Gaia GPS for iOS or Backcountry Navigator Pro for Android:

I did it twice last year. If you're not needing to wade too deep, here's what I suggest:

1. Tenkara rod (as others have mentioned). Super lightweight, no reel, super packable. With EX Keepers I can store it already rigged up, too.
   
2. Neoprene wading socks and closed-toe water shoes - I have the Simms variety but these look similar. They fold up to come almost to your knees. MUCH lighter and easier than hauling waders/boots around.
   
3. Lanyard, or a very small chest pack. No vest.
   
4. Mountain House dried meals. If you have a Costco nearby, they sell a big box of them for half price.
   
5. A small camping stove system, like this.
   
6. A long-handled titanium spoon. Only utensil I bring. Works PERFECT.
   
7. A Sawyer Mini water filter, and a 1-2L Platypus to hold enough fresh water to fill my stove mug for cooking.
   
8. Clothing: wool socks only. Cargo shorts that can hold a fly box. A base layer to function as a sweater, and a tiny-packing rainjacket to use as a shell. Good boots for hiking. Ex Officio boxer briefs are the shit.
   
   I also started hammock camping which helped cut down on size/weight a little.
   
   This worked really well for me. Here's why:
   
   

• Packable, lightweight, convenient
  
• If you're fishing, you're near water. Don't pack water, just bring the Sawyer filter.
  
• Fishing gear clips/straps to the outside of the bag. Quick and easy to use, and dries on the outside.
  
• Small stove + spoon + those meals are super easy to use, taste good, and add very little weight.
  
  Pic of packed gear
  
  Tiny fish

A few more ideas :

I would suggest having a battery-powered FM radio (and extra batteries if it's battery powered, or get one which charges via USB like the one I linked) to listen to the news and get vital information.

Also (if not too late), order a sawyer mini (best) or lifestraw (not as good). If you don't have access to clean water it can help you stay healthy (beware of chemical contamination which cannot be removed by these).

If you have the money, get a Garmin inReach satellite communicator (requires a (relatively cheap) subscription, down to $15ish a month). You can request SOS (much like 911), and send/receive SMS and e-mails, even without cell coverage. Excellent to keep in touch with relatives and in case of emergency. Can be used year-round when hiking, snow-mobile, skiing, ... Don't tell anyone you have this...

Download the offline map of your area on Google Maps on your phone beforehand. Can be priceless to navigate around and doesn't require internet access. Also get the Maps.Me app and download the map of your area too. Google Maps offline maps will expire and disappear from your phone after 30 days (I believe), Maps.Me maps will not.

If the cell service in your area is out of order, use your phone in airplane mode so that it doesn't continuously and desperately looks for a cell to connect to, which will drain the battery VERY quickly. Also use it on the lowest practical brightness setting to save battery power.

If not too late, get big USB power banks (>=10000mAh such as this one) and fully charge them beforehand. It's good as barter items and it can be nice to recharge your things when you have no access to a generator (on the go, or if you don't want to run the generator to avoid attracting attention). You can also get USB lights (this one for instance) and your powerbank doubles as a flashlight with a very long battery life.

Get a first aid kit, and not just one with bandaids... Get a CAT tourniquet, trauma dressing, Celox (preferred) or QuikClot bandage, triangular bandage, SAM splint, ... and know how to use them. Also get the basic medecines (stomach/diarrhea relief, basic painkillers, anti-allergy, and any prescription medecine if you require any). Remember 911 service may be unavailable for some time and you need to be able to take care of injuries. Tourniquets save lives, everyone should have one readily available.

​

I am a radio amateur and in these situations I like to have one or two portable radio for two-way communication but I realize it is not for everybody. Still, a pair of FRS/GMRS radio can be helpful. Please note that GMRS requires a (cheap) license in the USA. I would recommend this model which also allows to be used as a scanner and to program the NOAA weather frequencies (do it beforehand) and some local police/EMS/fire frequencies (if allowed in your juridiction).

Please DO NOT use a radio made for amateur radio use, where you can transmit on any frequency, such as the UV-5R; you may interfere with emergency communications, even if you can't hear them, miles away. Please stick to the FRS/GMRS frequencies. The radio above guarantees safe operation and still allows to be used as a scanner.

​

Take pictures of all your important documents (ID, properties, ...) and store them in a waterproof plastic bag. Try to keep at least your passport and driver license with you during the storm...

If you have a sump pump, try to arrange so that it can be battery powered and/or connected to your generator. If using battery power, get a battery charger and/or a generator connection, if the outage lasts and the battery runs down. Sometimes homes are not affected by the main storm but are flooded due to the lack of power around the storm and are still ruined, and that's totally preventable.

Also, beforehand, depending of the situation you might want to BLOCK your main sewage pipe. This way you might avoid sewage backflow into your home. There are normally valves already installed but in case of serious flooding (high backpressure) they sometimes are not up to the task.

​

Download a few offline movies on the Netflix app (if you have Netflix). I never lived though a hurricane but I assume after a few days/weeks, you might want some entertainment. You can also download e-books. Bonus if it's survival-related e-books.

​

Hope this helps... good luck to those affected


PS: oooo, thank you stranger for the gold, I think I never had one before ! Happy prepping :)

I day hike quite a bit and I've been backpacking for years.

For a long day hike I carry:

Water
Food(high protein/low weight)
Flashlight
Lighter
First Aid
Hat
Sunscreen
Weather protection(warm jacket/rain jacket depending)
Probably some other misc things I'm not thinking of.

Also with some modern water filters like this filtration is so cheap and lightweight that if you're hiking somewhere with good water sources(much of Colorado) carrying a filter only makes sense.

Backpacking is a bit more complicated of course. On top of the day hiking kit I carry:

Extra clothes/socks(you need less than you think, but don't skimp on the socks)
Tent/shelter
Sleeping pad
Backpack
some kind of pack cover/liner to keep your stuff dry
Stove/Pot
bowl/spoon
Camp food

I think that's most of it. Obviously there are more things you could bring, this list is a bit spartan so some luxury items might be nice.

The other big thing to think about is footwear. Everyone has strong opinions about what footwear is the best, but if I was starting out I would just pick up a nice pair of mid-height lightweight hiking boots, probably non-waterproof(for ventilation) from a good manufacturer(I swear by Merrell personally).

I have a pair of these that are great.

Nowadays I usually just wear lightweight hiking/running shoes that are really comfortable but don't offer a lot of protection. Just the other day I did a 15 mile day hike largely off trail at elevation in the Sierras with no problems. But I have strong ankles and tough feet so that may not be advisable for a beginner.

Hope that helps!

Nice thorough review. +1.

I have the similar AK rig, and I have to admit, I wish I had gone with a 100% MOLLE rig.

I did a chunk of research the other day, and I think personally I'd have to go with a waist-loaded option. For whatever reason, having straps on my shoulders makes it annoying to really couch a blaster in my shoulder, on top of the straps -- don't ask me why, it's just always... Not quite right.

That said, if I had to rebuy my rig, I'd spend a bit more and get this setup:

• Condor Gen 2 BattleBelt + Condor Duty Belt
  
• Condor Dual AK Mag Pouch or Tri AK Mag Pouch
  
• Single-Point Sling
  
  I'd probably go with a double pouch on each side, carrying 8x18 + 2 or 3 in/on the blaster + sidearm + holdouts. More than enough.
  
  Everything's on the waist, out of the way so you keep utmost in upper-body maneuverability. Everything's also off to the side, so you can go prone/flat against walls pretty easily on either side, whereas the chest rig made bellying up to a wall less than ideal.
  
  If I wanted to go for extras, I'd want to look at a Mag Recovery Dump Pouch for one side.
  
  For those that want the shoulder support, you can get an H-Harness
  
  Now for the really crazy research that I did.
  
  I considered adding hydration of some kind, which gets a bit tricky for waist packs. The slickest hydration pack I could probably find was the Condor Hydro Harness which actually fits nicely with all of their gear -- but you need to have a compatible chest rig to use it properly... Which means things on the shoulders. Even more cobbled together solutions, such as an H-Harness + Hydration carrier has the same problem, although less so.
  
  Fortunately, there are solutions! MOLLE-compatible 'side' hydration pouches, such as the Source Kangaroo 1L or the Blackout! Side Hydration Pouch would take the water off the back. 1L is a lot less, as most backpacks are 2, 2.5, or even more in capacity. The downside of any hydration pouch is twofold in this case:
  
  

1. You don't have any good way to keep the water line near your mouth, since you lack shoulder straps.
   
   
2. Cleaning bladders is a pain!
   
   That said, Source does make some pretty awesome extras, both of which seem really useful the former of which may even work to deal with problem #1 in this case.
   
   There's another alternative to this, too, though! I personally find my Nerf habit totally niche, so I always feel a bit guilty getting something JUST for Nerf... But Nalgene bottles or the like are really useful otherwise, so that's always a nice option.
   
   

• Getting just a MOLLE Nalgene carrier or generic bottle pouch would work fine. Solid Nalgene bottles have pros and cons though. Pros: it's rigid and strong, which means it takes impact and wear very well. Cons: It's hard, so it doesn't collapse, and it's generally more bulky.
  
• You can get soft Nalgene Canteens in 32oz or 48oz and put them in some sort of suitable pouch. I imagine the 32oz canteen would fit rather well in the standard bottle carrier, although I don't know how well the bottle carrier collapses, making the presence of a canteen possibly moot.
  
• Turn any Nalgene (or smaller water bottles, if the usual 32oz is too large) into a hydration carrier with a straw adapter. Popular ones include SmarTube or Source SNEP, both of which include a Nalgene-compatible 63mm wide-mouth adapter, and the Condor Nalgene carrier has a straw pass-thru in the top. Obviously, the downside to this is that the thing you're drinking from generally needs to be upright to ensure constant water supply. Not that big of an issue, but it does limit canteen pouch options to ones that will hold the thing upright.
  
  I personally think I'd lean towards the straw option, as it's easier to clean and more universally usable, although I'm not entirely certain I'd like the bulk of a Nalgene bottle on my waist and the slosh factor, both of which are lesser issues when dealing with a bladder. Maybe I'll try and find a suitable pouch for a 32oz Nalgene canteen and get the SNEP...
  
  EDIT: Malformed link.

The closest thing I used to a life straw is the "Soldier water filter". An ultra small membrane type filter built inside a real tiny hand pump.

While it worked incredibly well as a filter, as a pumping device it sucked. Took circa 30 minutes of minutia pumping while crouched by a water source to suck up a single liter of water.

To me those straw, look more like a last resort type of water filter for similar reasons. They probably work well as a filter but are rather tedious to use. They have a truly limited use scenario.

Also because of it's method of use you are likely not to be fully hydrated as you will likely not drink as much as actually needed for long hikes in hot weather, as it's designed to be only used at the water source. Water sources can be rather far apart. Good sucking skills are also required.

I have images in my head of sucking that straw until I turn blue with my face suspended a few inches above the lake or river bank attempting to suck water then sliding and falling into the water while simply attempting to have a drink.

I don't know about you but it seems likely to produce some rather comical photo opportunities for other hikers while simply attempting to get a drink.

I personally used the Katadyn 6L base camp water filter (The revised Version #2) and found it an amazing high speed device that allowed me to filter enough water to fill my 3L bladder and cook dinner and breakfast as well as provide water for other hikers with me. This each and every night at base camp. This in a mater of minutes. it filters really fast. An entire days supply only takes minutes.

Aside this I would perhaps consider the Sawyer squeeze filter, which is somewhat similar but designed for smaller quantities of water. You don't have to suck until you turn blue.

Simply fill bag and squeeze, Around a liter per squeeze bags and is about the size of a life straw while stored in your bag. This is the real economical yet highly functional solution. Small, compact. The only draw back is you have to do this multiple times a day. Other than that it's the perfect kit.

Katadyn and a few others make better hand pump type water filter that are more usable than what I had. However they are truly cost prohibitive and I personally cant see why pay this much makes sense for me.

In the end for me it's a gravity filter, less work, fast, more quantity per water pull from lakes and rivers and fast easy filtering. It is a real blessing to have ease of use, when tired and having to setup camp and prep food etc. I cant say a single bad thing about that filter, yet.

Albeit I have read some rather bad reviews on the same filter I use, but so far it's not my experience with them. Not a single issue ever...

I grew up in Louisiana and always had these at the ready in case another Katrina came by. Barebones and lightweight in case you need to get up and move.


Multitool - Something that's sturdy, offers plenty of options, but also is lightweight. If I got washed out, this would be one of the top things I'd want coming with me.

First Aid Kit - You just never know. Water can hide a lot of nasty stuff like sharp metal edges, broken glass, etc. The kit I've linked to also comes with a multitool.
Water Filtration System - Dehydration will get you before anything else. Southern heat combined with physical exertion takes a lot out of anyone and tiny filtration systems like this will take care of you without adding bulk.

Meal Replacement Bars - You'll ideally want a few days emergency food. I recommend meal replacement bars that are high in protein and fiber and no less than 500 calories. They'll provide decent nutrition and should make you feel satiated for at least 2-4 hours. I don't have a recommendation on this one because there are so many brands and flavors.
Hand Crank Lantern - A reliable source of light that you can crank on your own. Generally, I avoid using generators and the like. I'm paranoid about electricity after flooding occurs.

Whistle - Great for alerting people without tearing up your vocal chords. It's also very, very, very good to have in case animals that shouldn't come by are nearby.
Dust Mask - If your city floods, there's going to be a lot of crud that comes up from the sewers and a lot of things accumulating inside buildings. Save your lungs and your noses.
Portable Battery - I love this age of technology we're in. Charge this a few days before the storm hits and you'll be able to keep your phone charged for days if the power goes out.
Insect Repellant - The ample amount of still water after a hurricane is prime bug nesting. A little repellant goes a long way.
Paddle Your Own Canoe by Nick Offerman - Or any book really to help pass the time. This is a fantastic read though. :)

The thing with bug out bags is first figuring out where you're going to bug out to and how you're going to get there. Do you have relatives that live 100 miles away? If so can you walk there if your car is unusable? I'm still struggling with this as my family is in the exact opposite direction of where I'd want to bug out to in a disaster/ SHTF situation.

Unfortunately, BOB's can get pretty expensive quickly - I picked my bag and contents for an indefinite bug out so naturally I ended up spending a good amount of $ on it - BUT spaced out purchases throughout many months as I also didn't have the money to be spending all at once.

Anyway, if you want to keep it under $50, I'd suggest looking for second hand bags....even for a halfway decent one, this can bring your budget to at least half that. Ideally, you'll want one with an internal frame and a belt strap. This will keep the weight off your shoulders and distributed evenly throughout - this is especially important if you plan on walking a bunch of miles. If you're not planning on walking far, then this isn't much of an issue but to me, bugging out assumes some walking involved.

Following the survival rule of 3's, the first item you'll need to address is some sort of shelter. Get some 550 paracord and a decent tarp. This shouldn't cost too much and you can make a quick & easy A frame type shelter. Even a few heavy duty trash bags could go a long way (ie solar shower, solar still).

I'd def get at least a light summer sleeping bag unless you feel ok sleeping on a bundle of pine sprigs. Do you have decent hiking boots and wool socks ready to go? I see a lot of bug out bags skimping on this but to me is one of the most important things to have.

Can you start a fire with the fire striker you have? How about if the ground is wet? Not saying you need to get one of these but also not sure if you would be able to process wood with a leatherman.

Next is water. Do you have a cup/ canteen to hold/ boil water in? If you're on the run, get something like this. But if you have time to boil any stagnant water, the canteen with cup linked above is a good idea to have.

For food, yeah protein bars, cans of tuna are cheap and good to have. I got a few of these. But they actually get kinda heavy quick (3 days worth of food in one block). For longer term, I'm currently looking into a decent fishing rod and setting snares.

Hope this helps! If you want to spend a bit more $ I can share with you some of the other contents I have..

The first and most important thing is: do not panic. Nearly all of us were in your situation when we first became worried about the world. The world has been about to fall apart for probably as long as there have been humans around. I bet that gossip and worry about the end times is one of our oldest pursuits. Take a deep breath because becoming prepared is a marathon not a sprint. You probably have plenty of time.

• Copy canning is an excellent way to build up food stocks for your family but only if you use them. Don't buy things that you don't eat and make sure you work on rotating the food so it doesn't go bad. This takes some practice but using this method can easily get you to a few months food if that is your goal.
  
  
• A good starter water filter is a Sawyer Squeeze and it will also be good for a BoB if you should decide to build one later. Since it only costs $30 it won't break the bank. In the longer run you may want to get something like a Berkey but they can run hundreds of dollars so it can wait.
  
  
• Emergency funds are dependent on your families expenses. A good minimum is having 3 months of cash available to cover all expenses. A longer term goal should be to have 6-12 months. The longer term savings are fine to keep in commodities like gold or silver.
  
  Prepping with a young child is also a challenge. I hope that others with the experience in that area can offer you some good advice.

You just need to have what you might need, BOBs are generally for evacuations whereas what you are describing is just normal day to day things. I'll try to make a list anyway but you'll have to add things you want to have.

Since you don't plan on carrying this the bag could just be a large backpack, or even a duffle bag. You don't need the tacticool hi-speed lo-drag coolest BOB out there.

I would divide things into categories and keep them in their own dividers. For instance, you could get 2 of something like this and some sort of larger bag for all your clothing. It will make it much easier than just having a bag full of stuff. You could probably fit most clothing in one, and just have the jacket and jeans outside of it. You could also vacuum seal your clothing into compact flat bags to make them easier to handle.

Clothing

3 - comfortable t-shirts. You could even just buy a pack of 3 hanes shirts for the purpose.

1 - Jacket - just in case it's winter time

3 - underwear, whatever kind you wear

1 - athletic shorts

1 - pair of jeans

3 - pairs of socks

1 - towel? If they will provide showers but not towels

Toiletries

(all this should be travel sized, they sell everything I will name at walmart in travel sizes for $1)

1 - toothpaste

1 - toothbrush

1 - Shampoo/conditioner

1 - body wash (bar soap sucks to store after 1 use)

1 - deoderant (will melt and leak in a hot car, even the white powder kind. Keep this in mind

1 - pack of baby wipes. These are good for a 'hobo shower' which is likely what will be available to you. I would still bring the other stuff though just in case, and you can always wash your hair with a bucket of water to rinse.

Medications

These will spoil in a hot car, but you should keep a few days supply of any medications you might need on you somehow, or if there is a way to store them at the office do that (maybe they can be locked in a cabinet or something?) I'd keep them in an old prescription bottle with your info on it, you can scratch out the medicine name if you want.)

EXTRA GLASSES if you wear contacts or glasses.

Electronics

A completely spare phone charger that you will never remove from the bag unless you literally have no other choice. This cannot be left at home because you took it out and forgot to put it back in.

Other chargers for whatever you might need. If you might have your iPad for instance, bring a charger for that if it's different than phone.

You can consider a charging battery pack like this (I am not recommending that model though, it's first on Amazon)

Food

Don't know what kind of facilities they would have, but you can bring dehydrated food if there will be a way to boil water. If not you're going to have to stick with ready to eat foods like jerky, pop-tarts, tuna packets, granola bars, etc. Whatever you like, you won't want to be eating shitty food you hate in this situation.

Water

Typical recommendations are 1 gallon/person/day so that's 3 gallons. That's a lot of water to store, but if you need to then I'd recommend a case or two of water in the car. You want to switch these out every once in a while as plastic leeches into the water after a while. Just switch it every few months or so. You can also get a nalgene bottle and keep that full, but that's not even a days worth of drinking water.

If you somehow think you'll have non-potable water available and need a filter then I'd recommend this for cheap, this for a more pricey option that can also be more easily shared with others.

If you think you'll need to boil water/cook food you should be fine with this and a can of butane fuel for it. This you don't want to leave in a florida car in the summer either though.

Would you be interested in water purifying tablets? Pristine Tablets are available at Sportchek for 12$/50pc. Use one tablet per 1 litre. They have them elsewhere as well (Mountain Warehouse, Sail, outdoorsy stores), this is just a brand I’ve looked into before. I recommend a mini filtration system like Lifestraw as well. It’s only for individual use so you’ll have to grab one for each of you, but it’s totally worth it. Not to say you and hubs can’t take turns drinking if you’d rather buy one!

Have an awesome time!! 😊


Edit: I searched for a small water filter for two people and I can’t find one! I did find this though! it’s small and will take a while to filter, but it’s a small pump! 😊

Yeah it is a long drive, but just get up early and drive out there, takes a couple hours, and trust me, it's worth it. In Ocala, you can hike all day, then setup camp, and then walk over and go swimming in a spring, two nights in a row. But you need to either hike with a partner and self shuttle, or pay someone to drop you off on the other end of the trail. But definitely you want some easier overnights under your belt. I think Hillsborough and Starkey would be good shakedown hikes.

1. Water. There's a million ways to make water, this way is one of the best. Get two smartwater bottles, 1 or 1.5L each, and a sawyer squeeze, and a tornado tube. The tornado tube lets you mate any standard water/soda bottle or bladder onto both ends of the sawyer filter. Just fill up the bladder with dirty water, and roll the bag to force water through the filter. Clean, drinkable water comes out the other side into your smartwater bottles. 3L is plenty of capacity for this area. Most times you will only need one bottle, but it's nice to have the second so you can fill it up before getting into camp. You can also add to this kit a 20oz water or soda bottle with the top cut off. This is a cheap, light "scoop", that let's you scoop up standing water and pour it into the sawyer bladder. you'll find it's hard to fill that bladder otherwise if you're trying to use water that isn't moving. (Remember, you can boil water to purify it, but this is florida and boiled swamp water is still swamp water, you'll want to filter it for it to be palatable.)
   
   
2. I am guessing you have a backpacking stove. If not, get one, and you'll need a ultralight cookpot. To start, a msr pocket rocket or micro-rocket is a good beginner's system. (I use alcohol stove, but you can work up to that later). You'll also need a cookpot. My lightweight, cheap option of choice is the imusa 12cm pot, which you can find at walmart for about $8. Bring a bandana or something to hold it though, because it gets HOT. You'll use this to boil water for cooking foods. I've had every one of these recipes, and they are all solid, and cheap to make from common grocery store items. The portions and cooking instructions are all dialed in too. http://andrewskurka.com/section/how-to/food-nutrition/meal-recipes/
   
   
   Edit: alcohol is cheaper, and since you're student, if you want advice on making an alcohol stove, you can start here: http://andrewskurka.com/2011/how-to-make-a-fancy-feast-alcohol-stove/

Thank you so much. Thank you taking your time to explain it to me.

I have this Sawyer. I think we might have drank some water from one of the lakes in Titans but we survived that without getting sick. We also mostly boiled it as it was really cold outside(October).

I'm definitely going to get the tablets for treating. It sounds it's good to have them in your pack.

Lastly, which USGS maps do you use? I just went to their website and I am kinda lost. I have been buying the National Geographic maps where ever I go. Are those good enough? Would they show mining sites?

Thanks again. I really appreciate you typing all of this. It's super helpful.

I knew I forgot something I gave up on the bottle caps to backlash the filterm and found this guy also a hat. The jacket while awesome is definitely going to be replaced and I love my Montell versalite so Ill probably look at there stuff. Also didn't know about GG pack liner stuff. And I haven't thought about the Rvalue being low. My SO i's a cold sleeper for sure however but we haven't got her system down just yet but it will most likely include thermals for sleep and socks.

Edit: as for storms that tarps done awesome. Survived a storm at 9700 feet jus below paintbrus device in Grand Teton NP this summer, just have to pitch it right. And it ha's 12 tie outs but I admit I've not played to much with using less of them so it's a thought for sure!

You do not have to spend a lot. Here are some suggestions that I choose to use even though I could spend the money on more expensive gear.

Pack: Rent until you decide you want to do this a lot and have already bought the rest of your gear

Tent: rent it for this trip if you don't already have one. If you do, it's best to split it up, poles and fly for you and tent for him or vice versa

Sleeping bags, bring them if you have them or rent

Stove: http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Backpacking-Canister-Ignition-silvery/dp/B00ENDRORM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396264963&sr=8-1&keywords=backpacking+stove Works just as well as the 50$ one.

Water filter: http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396265006&sr=8-1&keywords=sawyer+mini+water+filter cheap, durable, no moving parts to worry about and it's super light

Pot: A lot of people use this, but it might be a bit small for you depending on what kind of food you're going to cook but this works well for freezer bag meals http://www.amazon.com/Stanco-Non-Stick-Grease-Strainer-Black/dp/B000MVTIOQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396265044&sr=8-1&keywords=grease+can

Long Johns and other clothing: Walmart usually has decent options. Make sure that they are synthetic. You may find that you already have a few things if you look through your clothes at home. Depending how thick they are your snowboarding socks might make good hiking socks or if you have long underwear for snowboarding they would be useful camping.

What are you doing for shoes? Do not waste money on boots if you don't already have them. 90% of trails can be done in good running shoes and 95% of trails can be done in light hiking shoes.

Misc hints: For water bottles just re-use old gatorade bottles, those nalgenes are super heavy. Think about getting two hiking poles instead of just walking stick but this is a preference thing. Avoid cotton at all costs and have fun!

Gorruck 34L GR2 Coyote Tan - a good bag, heavy, uncomfortable, probably give it to my grandchildren in like 50 years

Flip Flops - generic things

Bigblue 28W solar charger - very good, can charge my battery up during the day if i leave it in the sun which I've never really done honestly

Jakemy hardware tools - seamed useful? i've never needed this

Army glove shells - i thought i used these a lot and were indistructable but now that i think of it, i don't use them that often and are probably pretty cheaply made.

Sharpie, pen, all weather notebook - probably should switch over to a fisher space pen...

Straws - these are probably already broken.

Whistle - really really really loud

Fire-striker, matches, lighter - i'm not sure i have enough ways to start a fire

Fresnel lens - ok, now i have enough

LED flashlight - i used to go running in the middle of the night with this flashlight, its tiny

LED flashlight - this isn't the one i have but looks kinda similar? i don't remember where i got mine

Earbuds - generic cheap earbuds

Leatherman Surge - given to me by my wife for passing the bar. thanks wife!

First Aide kit - i put mine together from stuff i've stolen from friends houses whenever i go over and use the bathroom

playing cards - these look very similar to the ones i have, they are plastic so they won't get rained on

glasses/ sunglasses - i have really bad vision

personal hygiene kit - aahhhh dry shaving

Sawyer Mini / syringe, collapsible canteen (dirty), heavy duty straw - i've never used this

collapsible canteen (clean) - i've never used this either

sewing kit - i've used this a lot

ID tags - i guess if i get blown up they'll know my blood type?

garbage bag - for when my pockets are full

elastic bands - i use these when packing to keep rolled socks and things from falling apart

Salt - i have nooooo idea why i have this

cooking grate - i'm not going to hold meat over a fire with a stick like some sort of caveman

heavy duty ziplock bag - in case my mapcase breaks and other reasons

rip-patch - leftover from when i needed a pack because i bought a crummy cheap inflatable sleeping pad.

Army Fleece Beanie - i always keep this at the top of my pack

4 Bungie Cords - not the one i use but similar. to make a field-expedient shelter

Trowel - for disposal of biological wastes

Lensatic compass - because GPS should only be a backup

Pocketboy 130 folding saw - i have a bigger one for yardwork, this small one is really great

Tent stakes - for tent staking

Ravpower 26800 Battery - use this all the time can fast chage my stuff

Battery Battery holder, cables, wall charger - all fits togehter like glove!

Army Poncho - wear it, make a tent out of it etc

Microfiber towel - not the one i use but similar. i mainly use this for when the kids accidentally fall in a lake like they tend to do for some reason

Down Jacket - cheap chinese knockoff... i feel bad for not buying american

Wet weather top - not sure this is worth the space/weight

Wet Weather bottom - not sure if this is worth the weight/space

Silkweights - PJs! and warmth

Jungle Blanket - this is a lot better than the army's woobie. lighter and warmer

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet - again, gift from wife. she wanted me to chop things and be more manly, generally. now i come home with parts of wildlife for her to cook

Map of New England - or, how i stopped worrying and love dismounted land navigation

PT belt - keeps me safe in all situations

Compression straps - i don't like lashing things to the outside but i guess i can if i wanted to

Fork and Spoon - stole these from the kitchen. i'll probably be replacing this soon with something titanium.

​

EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total

Water purification tablets are a godsend. They're lighter than bottles of water, and are chemically designed to keep you from getting sick. If nothing else, bring those along.

Also, bring sunscreen! Nothing is more miserable than a bad sunburn.

When it comes to food, be careful with how you handle it. Someone mentioned Jiffypop, and it reminded me of the time when my mom spilled a little on the ground, and then a family of raccoons decided to attack us. So, just be careful with accidentally dropping food.

I'd also look up and make a list/map of doctors, hospitals, and stores nearby, and know how long it'd take you to get to each one. I know the plan is to be roughing it, but if you forget something majorly important (like, bugspray) it's easier to find it if you already have the directions ready to go. And the doctors/hospitals? Well, that's just a safety thing. It helps to have even if you don't use it, because if you know the nearest hospital is an hour and a half drive away, you're going to be a hell of a lot more careful than if you assumed it was 20 min.

I'm assuming people know where you're going, but make sure to tell someone who isn't going where exactly you're going, and when you should come back and stuff. If you go missing, someone will know all the relevant information that may help save your life.

I hope you have a great time!

Maybe not life changing in the strictest sense but the CNOC vecto was a pretty low-commitment, low-cost convenience upgrade that made water collection and treatment easier for me.

I had been using basically a "storage bag" and so the Vecto having that wide, ziploc mouth makes collection easier in more varied conditions, and the threaded cap on the other end fits a variety of filters and - filter depending - can be used to rig up a gravity filter so long as you make sure to differentiate your dirtywater bladder from your clean bladder, which is easy since CNOC makes 2 colors.

Collect water faster (great in cold conditions) and with more precision (great in tepid ponds, don't have to dunk the whole bladder in), and can use chemical treatment in conjunction with common filters. for $15 on amazon, why the hell not?

So yeah, not "life changing" but definitely a product that is a really great value, IMO.

Titanium Pot - 28 oz savings ($35)

Drop The mug, just use your pot - 4 oz savings (free)

Trowel instead of shovel - 16 oz savings ($20)

Drop the solar panel (doesn't really work well on the move) - 10-ish savings (free)

Sawyer Squeeze instead of Katadyn - 8 oz savings ($30)

Dance Pants instead of packed pants - 14 oz saved ($18) although you probably dont need these since you're wearing zip off pants

I would add a puffy to your clothing, it will get pretty cold - 10 oz gained (can be found on sale for $40)

Leave the extra shirts at home - 12 oz saved (free)

Just bring one extra payer of underwear and socks - 6 oz saved (free)

Leave campshoes at home - 23 oz saved (free)

I really don't know what the survival kit contains, but it can probably be paired down or eliminated

Don't know what the carabiners are for if you're hanging stuff outside your pack you're bringing too much - 4 oz saved (free)

Don't know what the tarp is for the sierras, you already have a tent

125 oz saved or almost 8 pounds. Coming in at a cost around $150.

I would start here and then look at replacing your bigger items. The easiest one to save the most weight would be your pack.

Hope this helps!

This seems like a good place for a PSA:

Emergencies typically require one of two responses:

SHELTER-IN-PLACE (snowstorm, blackout, earthquake)

• Generally, speaking you should have enough supplies to shelter in place for at least 3 days although other sources will say 14 days. That means clean water, food, and means to keep warm and dry if the power goes out or if there is flooding. Check out some of the FEMA resources others have posted.
  
  FLEE (fire, tsunami, attack)
  
  
• As far as a "bug-out" bag, these should be thought of as a means to keep you supplied and alive while traveling away from danger (not as a means of long term survival).
  
  When I assembled my kits, one of the most helpful pieces of advice I got was that "a kit is useless if you can't access it". For me, I am 90% of the time either at home or near my car so it makes sense to have a bug-out bag in both places. If SHTF while I'm at work or on the road, my kit at home is not going to do me any good.
  
  Emergency preparedness goes beyond "did I buy the right things?" and has much more to do with the practical realities of emergencies. A good example someone else pointed out: having a giant water reservoir is great but won't do you any good if your water gets cut off before you can fill it. Similarly, having a car is great but won't do you any good if the roads are too clogged to drive. Solution? Make your bug-out bag light enough to carry comfortably and take the Heel-Toe Express out of town.

I know you seem to have vetoed the life straw due to price, but I just wanted to say that I would absolutely recommend the sawyer mini water filter over the life straw, as it can be hooked to a bottle or bag to squeeze filter water into another container, where the lifestraw cannot.

this little stove is a pretty solid item. Does a great job, is portable, and can use multiple fuel sources (wood, alcohol, solid fuel tablets)


A long term storage heirloom seed package could be a neat idea, and isn't too pricey.

you can buy the refill bits for first aid boxes that generally come with a lot more stuff for a lot cheaper than the actual kits inside a pretty bag or box.

A cheap portable propane heater ?

So I want to think you’re going for “grey man” due to your backpack, but carrying around an AK might make you stand out a bit. You could try storing your rifle in one of those bags that come with folding chairs. It would help a little at least.

You have a lot of heavy stuff like people have already said. That backpack won’t hold up to much weight over distance. You shouldn’t ever cheap out on the one thing that holds all of your gear. I understand backpacks can get quite expensive, but it really is a must.

You should pack more cordage. That can be used for a million things.

Get you a smaller bottle of water and a water filter. (Sawyer Mini )

I’m sure everyone is talking about weight, so I won’t say much about that other than cans, pots, and pans are heavy.

I’d like to see what changes you make, so feel free to post again once you have updated it a bit! Good luck! Welcome to the club!

Just an FYI, I spend a LOT of time in the woods and put a lot of research into which leatherman to buy. Im so very happy I let a guy at Le Baron talk me into buying the Victorinox SwissTool RS. Its locking mechanism is way better IMO, the selection of tools is a little better, its got a much higher quality feel...all around just a way better product.

Does he spend time in the backcountry? Id highly recommend a Sawyer Mini. Pretty much the best filter you can buy. Can throw it right in line on a camel pack too. Super cool.

The CNOC Vecto (this is the one I have) has the big fill opening on the opposite side of the bag as the screw top opening, which helps keep the "clean water" side of things away from the "dirty water" side. I also like the softer rubbery feel of the CNOC as compared to the Evernew (I have this one.) I also like the closing mechanism better on the CNOC. Much easier when your hands are cold/wet. Weight and the space they take up in your pack when empty seem pretty comparable.

I do like both of these better than anything else I've used though, because of the wide opening that makes it easier to fill from most sources. They're much easier than something like THIS, for example, or the bags that come with the Sawyer which only have the one small opening.

Sawyer mini for $19: http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2

Anyone looking at Lifestraw should look at the Sawyer as a (better) alternative.

Lifestraw:

264 gallons total filtration per straw.
Shelf Life: 5 years when stored at room temperature (package may say 3 years).
.2 micron filtration

Sawyer filter:

100,000 gallons (actually more, but this is the guarantee)
Shelf life: no limit on shelf life. Only temperature constraint is it should not be allowed to freeze.
.1 micron filtration

Lifestraw is $20. Sawyer is $20. I own the Sawyer and the flow through it is easy. It comes with a squeeze bag, but also attaches to regular bottles. Fill an empty Pepsi/Coke/Water bottle with nasty water, screw on the Sawyer and you are good to go. It works with Platypus bags, and as an inline or end filter for any hydration bladder.

If there is something special about the Lifestraw that I am missing, please let me know. I see tons of news, charaties buying them for 3rd world countries, and outdoor enthusiast recommending it. I do not see any advantage it has over a Sawyer filter.

Edit: One comparison: http://prepforshtf.com/sawyer-mini-water-filter-vs-lifestraw/

For me, the multiple ways of using the Sawyer have been the biggest benefit. I've used my Squeeze in a bucket gravity system, attached to bottles (ultralight backpacking) and with a straw (like a Lifestraw). I will often squeeze enough water to fill a Gatorade bottle or two before moving away from the water source. Now I have the mini and the flow rate is even better - best of any filter I've ever used, and it is still incredibly versatile. I have bought one for every person in my camping / hiking group to replace their filters. They use and love them too.

I was given a Katadyn Hiker filter a while back but I had a lot of problems with it. I'm sure Katadyn makes some good products, and I've had my eye on their Pocket Filter for a while, but instead I replaced the Hiker with the MSR MiniWorks, which is more in line with what you want to spend. The MSR filter has been fantastic. It's tough, fairly lightweight and compact for the capacity, and it's easy to clean the ceramic filter (even in the back country) with a small scrubby pad when it starts getting clogged. It's easy to use (so anyone on the trip can feel comfortable gathering water), fits right onto a nalgene bottle (no extra tubes), and fills a bottle in about 60 seconds.

Well... I'll get you started. As you're new to this, please ask lots and lots of questions.

Temperature in late September: it can range from 8-20 C during the day. For the most part, it'll be around 0-2 C overnight, but you might run into a -5C night.

There is access to the Highlands trail from the back of the Mew Lake campground. However, in the fall (I'm not sure of the exact date), I believe that you have to check in at the West Gate for the Highlands. But, either way, don't worry - your bus will stop at the West Gate.

For Western Uplands, you definitely have to check in at the West Gate year-round. From there, its a 3km walk up the road to the Oxtongue River Picnic Area which is also the trailhead for Western Uplands. You may also be able to hitch a ride from the West Gate.

There are next to no bugs in the fall.

The lakes will be cool. Certainly, some brave souls do swim. Personally, its a bit cold for me.

Yes, Algonquin does have both black bears and wolves. It'll be unlikely that you see one, and extremely unlikely that one will pursue you. However, make sure to hang your food, dishes, and toiletries as night about 200' from your tent.

Water is abundant throughout Algonquin. I doubt you could hike more than an hour without crossing a lake or stream. Of course, like everywhere, there are viruses and bacteria - so, make sure to boil, chemically treat, or filter your water. Personally, I use a Sawyer Squeeze and also bring backup Aquatabs in my med kit - but there are lots of choices available.

Is it safe for a solo female? For the most part - 99.9% - yes. I've never heard of any harassment in the Algonquin backcountry.

In the fall, I would not expect to see a lot of people on the trail. Probably 1-3 groups of hikers each day. The campsites are fairly secluded, so there won't be anyone around at night.

As for cell phone reception: there is reception along the highway, but expect none on the backpacking trails.

You'd take the Camelbak over Source? I had a Camelbak years ago and it seemed fine but something put a hole in it before I could use it in a game. I've heard Source are a bit nicer and they have the Tactical universale tube adapter which is cool, if a bit expensive. The tube is also coyote rather than bright blue for added Tacticalness. If quality is the same though I'd be happy to save the $12 and get the Camelbak.

I just got one of these and it's pretty awesome. I generally carry Aquamira as a backup.

I'm not terribly concerned about Crypto, depending on the water source. I do treat all water, because I don't trust other hikers not to shit near it. How I treat it depends on where I am: Sierra? I'm generally OK with chemicals and maybe a bandanna. One of my local spots with free-range cattle nearby? I'll filter even the best looking water. With the new filter being so light and fast I might just use it all the time. No wait time is nice.

Can't offer an opinion on that Evernew bladder but the CNOC Vecto has similar utility and has gotten good to great reviews thus far. Just got mine this past christmas so I haven't gotten to put it to much use yet, but it seems like a good piece of kit. Don't know if it has the same build quality as Evernew, but worth taking a peak at.

1. Huarache sandals. Runners and shower shoes and passable with a dress, all in one lightweight and compact package. Add wool toe socks in cold weather for an extremely fashionable 4-season look.
   
2. Evernew 2L Water Carry and Sawyer Squeeze filter. Enough storage capacity for most backpacking trips, and surprisingly durable and effective for 124g combined.
   
3. Vargo Titanium BOT 700 + neoprene cozy. Useful as a pot, water bottle, travel mug, or small item storage. It's nice when my backpacking gear isn't just dead weight.
   
4. Montbell Breeze Dry-Tec Sleeping Bag Cover. It's a basic waterproof-breathable bivy that actually performs, and allows me to have a full summer sleep system (bivy, quilt, air mattress) in a tiny package that weighs only 1.46lbs.
   
5. Aeropress + Porlex Mini grinder. Good coffee is worth it.
   
6. This hair brush/comb that came in a business class care package. Only 12 grams! I continue to be smitten by it.
   
7. Silk dress shirt. Lightweight classiness that doesn't get wrinkled.
   
8. Prana Halle Pants. Heavy, but I feel like I can do anything in these pants.
   
9. Peak Design Everyday Sling. Fits my mirrorless camera set-up and a Surface Pro in a decently small package.
   
10. Penny board. Great for cruising around town when you don't want to deal with a bike.

For water filtering, check out sawyer squeeze. They also have a mini version, but I'd say the squeeze is worth the extra money & weight for increased flow rate and less clogging.

The klymit static v sleeping pad is on massdrop right now.

The brs 3000t stove is often recommended a super light canister stove.

Or if your just boiling water and not actually cooking meals on your stove then a lot of redditors love their jet boils.

I can't honestly give you one because I haven't used it. However, I think it would be ideal for what you're doing. Just top it off every time you see water. Check out the reviews on Amazon

I have this: http://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-Base-Camp-Water-Filter/dp/B0007U0148 It has great reviews. I like a lot, it packs up relatively small and you get a shitload of water

These filters are highly effective & super convenient. Go to REI or something and check them out

The sawyer squeeze is just a better filter than the life straws. It has better flow and is more functional because of the threading on it and closeable cap. The best way to go is you get a durable bag type water bottle like this

Then you attach the Sawyer squeeze and you can squeeze out 3 liters super fast to fill up other containers like your hydration carrier or water bottles.

I'm kind of in the same boat as you are. Started backpacking maybe about 2 months ago and had a ton of old gear. Carrying 35 lbs over 26 miles was no fun, and when I came back home to research lighter stuff I kept finding things that were hundreds of dollars a piece. I did a ton of research and found some good quality gear at a budget level.

Mind the formatting/spelling errors. On mobile.

Tent - $70 - Geertop 1 Person 3 Season 20D Ultralight Backpacking Tent for Camping Hiking Climbing (Trekking Poles NOT Included)(Inner Tent is Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J9XWJEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hE-PBbG3XQVVQ

Sleeping System (2 parts)

Quilt - $35 - Double Black Diamond Packable Down Throw with Stuff Sack, 60" x 70" (Peacock) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YX2W79/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.F-PBbJ5R45V4

Pad - $40 - WellaX Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad – Inflatable Camping Mat for Backpacking, Traveling and Hiking Air Cell Design for Better Stability & Support –Plus Repair Kit (Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PHYVD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_60-PBbA71XR3R

*note I sleep warm and wear layers. I found the quilt to be good for 3 season camping in the temperate CA conditions. The pad helps with the cold and I'm a side sleeper so the pad is a requirement for me. YMMV.

Poles - $22 (needed for the tent listed above) - BAFX Products - 2 Pack - Anti Shock Hiking / Walking / Trekking Trail Poles - 1 Pair, Blue, Royal Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YT854S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sI-PBb1S6HSMG

Cook pot - $11 - G4Free Outdoor Camping pan Hiking Cookware Backpacking Cooking Picnic Bowl Pot Pan Set 4 Piece Camping Cookware Mess Kit(2 PCS-Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQSHG3N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fK-PBb0YKV8R3

I cook simple meals that mostly require just boiling water. It's also large enough to fit my soap, stove, and gas can in.

Stove - $14 - Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stove with Piezo Ignition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4FY8YO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dM-PBb3M334JD


Water filtration (4 parts)
Dirty water bag - $20 - Cnoc Outdoors Vecto 2L Water Container, 28mm, Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NQT5KP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DN-PBbFGE74F0

Clean water bag - $13 - Platypus Platy 2-Liter Ultralight Collapsible Water Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J2KEGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CO-PBbZ2HXVZV

Filter - $37 - Sawyer Products SP137 PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System with 16-Ounce Pouch, Straw, and Hydration Pack Adapters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WG9AFW6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1P-PBbX4F8JW4

Filter attachment - $3 - Sawyer Products SP150 Coupling for Water Filtration Cleaning https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018NJC1A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YQ-PBbDFGGM0D

With this water system you have the option of gravity feeding your water supply at camp. You can also simplify by just buying the $37 kit and just squeeze directly into your water bottle/bladder, but I find this setup more convenient.

After that, the rest are kind of up to you. Food, clothes, etc. I wouldn't skimp on shoes though. Look into trail runners or hiking SHOES (not boots).

Optional things I'd look into is paracord and a tarp especially if you're going to camp in the rain. You can also look into hammock camping which would be a little more budget friendly than the tent + blanket option.

Overall there are definitely cheaper options but I find this to be a good balance of price, weight, and convenience.

All in all this is about $265.

I stole the whole setup design from a friend, just a bladder and a filter.

https://www.amazon.com/Geigerrig-G2-070-0Z-p4-Hydration/dp/B00870DGDS

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2?psc=1

The pump adds air to a separate compartment to pressurize the water reservoir and lets you fill cups/pots with water straight from the mouthpiece, without it you would have to carry the extra Sawyer squeeze bag. Only thing I would change is using a bigger sawyer filter, this one flows pretty slow (maybe buy the geigerrig filter instead). The geigerrig is a really awesome piece of equipment though; super easy to fill and really durable.

It's probably fine, but if it concerns you at all, it's probably worth the $20 to just buy a [sawyer mini] (http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Water-Filtration-System/dp/B00FHRADQ2). You'll gain some peace of mind and save some weight off your back.

Basically you got a kit that is a GearWhores dream, what you don't have is a kit that will keep you alive for more than a few days.

1. I want you to pile up all this shit you call a kit on Floor
   
2. Place an empty box on your bed and put the following in it:
   A) the ability to clean and carry water.
   B) the ability to make fire.
   C) shelter to keep dry/warm (a simple poncho and Mylar Blankets at first)
   
   At this point you could live for a couple weeks, and you've spent $40+ cost of pack
   
   D) food, start with compact shelf stable foods, like the dry emergency rations or these.
   A couple weeks worth is like $20, now if you ration you could live for over a month.
   
   3)Now throw away everything else left on the floor.
   As the other person pointed out you have 60+ pounds of junk. That fact is a kit to keep you alive for over a month should cost $60 and fit in a shoe box.

Is there a particular reason that you want a filter with a pump in it? After using several different water pumps (MSR Miniworks, MSR Sweetwater, a couple Katadyn filters, etc.), and several kinds of tablets (PolarPure, MicroPur, Portable Aqua), I would highly recommend the Sawyer Squeeze style water filters.

• You can find them for around $40
  
• It's faster than any mechanical pump I've used
  
• The entire system costs less than a replacement cartridge for one of the pump-style filters
  
• The system weighs practically nothing
  
• If you're lazy (I know I am), you can just fill it up with water, plug the hose of your Camelbak into the output port of the filter, and hang the bag in a tree. Come back 5 minutes later, and you have two quarts of clean water.
  
  The only thing that I dislike: you can't allow the filter cartridge to freeze. If you do, it has to be replaced. The ceramic and fiberglass cartridges for the Miniworks and Sweetwater pumps didn't have this restriction.
  
  Some people say that they have problems with the Sawyer bags leaking, but I haven't had this problem yet. On the other hand, I never squeeze my bag - I always let gravity do my work for me. Dehydration is a major safety issue in the backcountry, so I always carry a backup bag and MicroPur tablets, just to be safe. You can also use your stove to boil water in a pinch.
  
  Normally I don't get really excited about particular pieces of my outdoor gear, but buying my squeeze filter really changed the way that I backpack. It used to be that producing a liter of fresh water was such a pain that I didn't want to let a single drop go to waste. Now I'm much more relaxed with my water use - I feel like I've got more time to enjoy my trip rather than stand on a slippery rock hunched over a stream.

I have gear for backpacking. To wit, this includes the following:

sleeping bag

tent

hammock - the explorer deluxe asym zip model

Nova stove

Venom stove

Cheap Amazon stove

Coleman stove - for camping with the gf

Small, field serviceable water filter

Backup, Fire, Starters

An emergency blanket or two

An RD7 knife, which I can't link because I'm at work and it's filtered...
A folding pruning saw that you can buy at any hardware store, I think mine was $7
For a cook kit, I have nylon forks and spoons, a soup can to cook in(the venom stove fits inside it perfectly), if the gf is coming with I bring this cooking kit instead to go along with the big Coleman stove.

With my hammock, I bring what's called an underquilt. I can't link you to this because I made it myself, but it's two sheets of nylon material with mesh fabric sewn in between to make box tubes, then the box tubes are stuffed with goose down and the blanket is sewn shut. It's extremely light, fairly warm, and I tie it up to the bottom of my hammock to keep my backside warm in weather below 65F. In a pinch I can add one of my emergency blankets between the hammock and underquilt for extra warmth.

I also bring headlamps that have a red led and a white "high power" led. No flashlights or lanterns for me, they're too bright. I have a small, brightly colored dry bag that is full of first aid stuff and an assortment of odds & ends in my backpack's top pocket.

I also bring an old 35mm film canister with 6 dice inside and a tape-laminated copy of the rules for playing Farkle. With the 6 dice you could also play Yahtzee or several other dice games.

No worries at all on the questions, i hope i can help.

​

>How much extra gear do you find yourself carrying for your little man?

Not all that much actually. Extra sleeping bag and pad, children's versions of all the normal first aid meds i carry, a little extra food, his blanket that he sleeps with, and a couple of books for bed-time stories.

>What are you guys doing for water?

Sawyer Squeeze water filter. That thing has been great. A side note that will probably not apply to you when taking a small child out: if you are going to be out in below freezing temps take special care not to let your filter freeze. When the water freezes and expands it will break the ceramic filter media and while water will still flow through it it will not necessarily be safe to drink.

> How did you prep him for the long days and potentially scary nights?

We've been on day hikes of varying lengths before and the nice thing about backpacking is its kind of self-limiting; you go as far in a day as your least capable team member then stop and set up camp. As far as scary nights i've found, for my son anyways, that as long as i'm relaxed and comfortable he will be too so it really wasn't an issue.

> What expectations do you have for your pace?

This first trip we did about 5 miles with no complaints at all. I'm planning a trip this fall and am expecting that we can make 10 miles a day. Again, though, if we get out there and find that this is too much we will just stop at the nearest site and set up camp rather than pushing on to the shelter.

> What do you expect your son to carry?

This first trip he was almost 6 years old and all he carried in his pack was his water bladder, a change of clothes, his toy binoculars, and his blanket. Probably came out to 2 or 3 pounds. Later this fall i'm hoping i can bring that up a little bit and let him carry some of the food. His little coleman backpack is very small and with as quickly as he's growing i'm not really ready to buy him a nice pack yet that will only last him a year or two.

​

Hopefully we'll see you and yours out there in a few years; happy trails!

I have also done the Na Pali Coast trail. Spent 7 days in the valley with 15 of my best friends. One of the best weeks of my life. The trail is not easy. We did it all in one day. Maybe like 5-6 hours of hiking. Depending on the fitness of your group it can take considerably longer to finish. Some people camp at campsites along the trail.




I would be seriously concerned about a dog on the trail at certain points because of how narrow it gets at points all their general unpredictability. Especially if you to have them on a leash.



If you're really worried about weight you can ask/hire someone to kayak stuff in for you.

The best piece of equipment we had was a hanging water filter, I think this was the one:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007U0148/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1SMJNN6CS2RW1&coliid=I1ZWUTY8R65P3O&psc=1


You may not need it, depending on the size of your group but with 15 pumping water was just going to be a pain in the ass.

Please feel free to PM with any questions, would love to help.

here you go

i used to use a source one (great bladders btw) but moved to one of these and I'll never go back. fits into my Crye JPC very nice. tight fit so holds form well.

not a huge fan of the stock bite valve. like i said I had a source one already. I would suggest buying their valve separate if you want. (ofc run the stock 1st to see how you like it.)

also this you can refill on the go and without taking it out of your PC

I've never heard of this thing. It has 3 different sizes listed for pore size in the product description. First is says: With the first layer of 0.2~0.01 Hollow Fiber UF Membrane, which means it is has 0.2 micron holes as well, but then later it says Filter to an amazing 0.1 microns. That being said, even the 0.2 size is good enough for bacteria and parasites.

I would spend a couple bucks and go with a Sawyer. Super light and the folks at ultralight and appalachian trail swear by them.

Here is a great little stove. It's a Chinese whisperlight, but I've been using it quite a bit over the past 2 years and have no complaints whatsoever. Also super cheap, which gives you more money to play with.

The Sawyer mini squeeze is also a great item to have. You should have $20-25 left after these two items.

Here's a decent magnesium fire starter for cheap as well.

With these items, all essential/survival items, you should have about $15-20 to play with. Maybe some socks?

If you live near a park/greenbelt system, just put on your most comfortable athletic shoes and pack your daypack. It will probably be easy, level walking and no getting lost. It will let you see how well your shoes treat you. There are usually walking or driving routes in state parks, wildlife management areas, and wildlife refuges. Often with easy, short loops. Some ski areas have walking trails in the off season. There are also various group hikes offered by birding groups or community education. Bring some moleskin for blisters (cut into strips at home), sunscreen, and water purification tabs like these. Maybe add a cheap flashlight or headlamp and bug repellent. There’s been some great advice about what else to pack. After a while, you’ll develop a system that works for you.

Civ here, gonna get an IR reflective flag patch like the one you have (I'm guessing). I thought you only get the reverse flag for the shoulder?

Also

Water, check
TQ, check
ammo, check,
pack, check.

• 1 change of clothes
  
• Provisions (high calorie good nutrient)
  
• large knife
  
• concealed back up pistol in case you are disarmed
  
• 1 bobby pin
  
• 2 handcuff keys - one in your bag and one on your person.
  
• pocket saw
  
• water filter
  
• a good pair of gloves (I've got camelback magnums, they're awesome)
  
• Compass
  
• Magnesium fire starter
  
• emergency blanket
  
• bug spray you'll thank me
  
• a couple contractor trash bags (this will help waterproof your shelter and it's amazing insulation.
  
• medkit (you said its on your list)
  
• sighting device (unless you have a scope on your rifle)
  
• flares/flaregun
  
• chemical lights
  
• flashlight
  
• bear mace
  
• compact cookset for boiling water, cooking/retaining nutrients.
  
• 100 ft paracord
  
• toilet paper or wet wipes (trust me)
  
• 1 bar antimicrobal/antibacterial soap
  
• toothbrush/paste
  
  and then depending on where you live, you may want some climbing equpment, like a descender or ascender and some rope.

As others have mentioned, it will depend on what kind of camping he likes to do and what he already owns, but here are some of my favorite pieces of gear I've picked up over the years:
This little guy is a pretty good rechargeable lantern/flashlight with magnets so you can stick it to stuff and a usb output so you can charge other things with it.

I've had one of these for YEARS and I just lost it the other day. There was $200 worth of gear in the pannier that fell off my bike and I'm more pissed about that cup than the rest of the gear combined. It looks like they made it a little taller, which I do not like, but he may. There are several other brands that make something similar in both steel or titanium. It's not just a cup though...it will slip perfectly over the bottom of a nalgene, you can cook directly on a stove or fire with it, and you can pair it with the smaller jetboil coffee press or the guts of a standard bodum press and turn it into a french press. It's the exact same diameter.
A Sawyer can be an AMAZING if you're going to be anywhere long enough to pack water in. The squeeze bag it comes with sucks, but it has standard bottle threads, so you can screw it into a 2-liter bottle with the bottom cut off and it turns it into a gravity filter. Just pour more river/lake water into the 2 liter every minute or so and it will keep pouring clean water into your bottles. Also, you notice the weird skinny part in the middle? It's exactly the width of duct tape. You can wrap several yards of it around there.
EDIT: forgot some words

I think there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself first.

1. How do you plan to treat water? Sawyer Squeeze (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1OSU4W/), Aquatabs (https://www.amazon.com/Aquatabs-AQT100-Water-Purification-Tablets/dp/B077737MBN), bleach, etc.?
   
2. How do you plan to carry that much water? Does your bag and gear accommodate the space and weight?
   If you are using the Sawyer Squeeze, you could use something like 3L CNOC bags (the thread on top matches the Squeeze, unlike other bags), and the 3L CNOC bag is 3.7oz each ($23 https://www.amazon.com/Cnoc-Outdoors-Vecto-Container-Orange/dp/B07F1BBWHC). Good lightweight construction. If you plan to use Aquatabs, Aquamira, or bleach, you could use something even more lightweight like the Platypus 2L bags at 1.3oz each ($9 https://www.amazon.com/Platypus-2-Liter-Ultralight-Collapsible-Bottle/dp/B000J2KEGY/). Those do not match the Squeeze threads, but if you're not using Squeeze anyway it wouldn't matter. Both the CNOC and Platypus bags roll down to nothing when empty, and are easy to travel with. You could carry 2 of the CNOC or Platypus bags + 2 1L Smartwater bottles (again, the threading on these matches Sawyer Squeeze) for a total of 6-8oz, without using that much space, and without costing that much money. Just remember that water itself is pretty heavy, which is why most people try to camel up and drink a lot at water stops, and then not have to carry as much all day.

this site has some good bags for the cheap.
Your priorities sound like they should be shelter, water,food.
Pick a bug out location. Go out into the woods you mentioned and maybe set up a campsite for the weekend. Maybe go back to the same site next weekend and practice some bushcraft skills and make your site better, practice building fire, hunting, things you'll be doing in a SHTF situation.
You'll need a means to treat water. I think I'm gonna be ordering a sawyer mini in the near future after reading some good reviews. But boiling water should be fine as long as it hasn't been tainted by chemicals.
Food kind of depends on how long you plan on bugging out for.

These are just a few quick ideas to help get the brain storm going and just to kinda throwing them out there. Pick up a few survival books, maybe hook up with someone that knows wild edibles in your area.

For 29$, you could get a Sawyer Squeeze water filter and save ~13oz

For ~150$ you could get a Hammock Gear Burrow Econ 30 to replace your sleeping bag and save ~24oz. A lot of people recommend the wide quilts, as Hammock Gear standards are designed for hammock sleeping.

A lot of people here will recommend not bringing a second pair of clothes. Just hike in the same clothes every day. Could save ~25oz.

If you install Gaia GPS on your phone, you could drop the delorme and save ~7oz. Not sure if its an InReach that you're using to keep in touch with people when you don't have service. Another personal call.

*Edit: Fixed weight savings for quilt.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2CXXD1Y7Z7KMA&coliid=I3S0PSH4ATHBEB&psc=1

I posted this to a different comment, but I wanted to make sure you saw it.

This isn't an Amazon affiliate link or anything, I used to work for them and I never figured that out, this is the best portable filter money can buy and it's $21. It removes almost all of the bacteria and protozoa from water- though it doesn't removes viruses or pharmaceuticals.

> High performance filter fits in the palm of your hand, weighs 2 ounces and filters up to 100,000 gallons (30 times more than comparable filters)
> Attaches to included drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or use the straw to drink directly from your water source
> Removes 7 log (99.99999%) of all bacteria and 6 log (99.9999%) of all protozoa (Each filter is certified for absolute microns; that means there is no pore size larger than 0.1 in size. This makes it nearly impossible for harmful bacteria, protozoa, or cysts like E. coli, Giardia, Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi (which cause Cholera and Typhoid) to pass through the Sawyer Mini filter.)

> Is it true that water isn't something to worry about

Water is absolutely something to worry about. Keep a few gallons on hand to get you through a couple of days, then have something to filter water with. Sounds like you are a minor so I'd stick to something more affordable like one of these sawyer filters and then get you a few smart water bottles (the 1 liter ones) as the threading fits perfect on the filter.

This. Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter. What's cool about it is that it uses gravity to filter the water. You fill it up, hang it from a tree, and then have the tube fill something up (bladder, bottles, canteen, etc.) while you go about other tasks. Excellent time/effort saver. I probably would avoid using it on stagnant water except in an emergency, but it wprked splendidly on all the lakes and creeks we found. Excellent product. Makes your life so much easier with no pumping or drops of purifier. Also, keeps that natural water taste as well.

Looks like a good set up!

If it's going to be cold, you could probably leave the sandals at home. Also, I can personally recommend replacing those Sawyer bags with the CNOC Vecto bag: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NQT5KP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_VAwSBb6S4KBWK

Practice with it at home, it can be finicky.

Have fun! Be sure to post pictures when you get back!

Firstly for the sleeping bag what temperatures are you looking at needing it for? also have you considered the possibility of a quilt?

How much water depends on the availability of it where you're hiking, but generally 2-4L as a start is usually good. For purification I bring a Sawyer Mini with a 2L bag and aquamira as a backup.

I prefer baby wipes as they can be used for other things but make sure you get biodegradable ones as well

My stove is a MSR Pocket Rocket but as a cheaper option [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Backpacking-Canister-Ignition-silvery/dp/B00ENDRORM/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1411302345&sr=1-2&keywords=msr+pocket+rocket) stove works well too. You also have the option of small alcohol stoves and other liquid fueled types.

I've actually made a point to start scoping out areas in town that I would go during certain events. Zombie apocalypse? I'd book it to the ferry with a supply of canned food, soil and vegetable seeds, along with a water purifier. I'd then drive to the middle of the lake and park it there. I can come back in for supplies as I need, but for the most part I'm parked in the middle of the water.

Military, I'm not 100% sure. I'd definitely want more people with me for the military than for zombies. Zombies I just want to survive and can camp pretty well untouched. The same plan wouldn't work as well for living people and I'd need to be able to be more mobile.

Anyone in Kingston, ON want to make a plan?

Water purity concerns are for bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and chemicals/contaminants. In the past, I've used a Steripen with good results. It protects against the first three dangers. I recently bought one of these but haven't tried it yet:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It only protects against bacteria and protozoa. If you're going to the Boundary Waters, I think that would be your primary concern. When I did my portaging trip there, we drank untreated water from the middle of lakes. Probably a baaad idea, but my point is that the water quality is generally pretty good there.

I got the 4 stage 50 GPD and it's been good so far.

I only have a 7 gallon and 9 gallon tank. So, I don't need much for water changes and top-offs.

I have a 7 gallon jug with a spigot which makes dispensing it very easy. I fill two 1 gallon jugs throughout the week for top offs and water changes.


It takes about 2.5 hours to fill the 7 gal. It varies with temperature.

I've heard you can get resin for the DI cartridge and save a lot more money that way versus replacing the cart each time.


Oh yeah, I use this faucet adapter instead of the included one. If your faucet is compatible, it makes connecting and storing so quick if you need this kind of solution.

Did a ton of research for a camping trip last year. (assuming you mean hiking and camping, not just driving your car around)

For high-quality at a low price, my friends and I were completely satisfied by:

• Water Pump
  
• Pick up some Nalgene bottles
  
• Camping Utensil Set (seem to have gone up in price)
  
• Campsuds. A must.
  
• Amazing little Camp Stove
  
• And OMFG Raspberry Crumble was addictive!!
  
  (p.s. I bet /r/Camping has better tips than /r/amazone )

OK, thanks for the advice. I'm definitely going to add the 550 cord. Pepper spray is another good defensive option that isn't banned in the People's Republic of Chicago. You've also sold me on the stainless steel canteen, so consider that and some water purification tablets added, too.

You're welcome!

>Is there a good compass or gps you would reccomend?

I'm afraid I'm not a good authority on GPS. I use a DeLorme InReach which is a two-way communicator with GPS ability if tethered to a phone. It's overkill for someone starting out, I wouldn't recommend it unless you've got piles of money burning a hole in your pocket.

As for compasses, I carry a cheap Brunton baseplate compass. Similar to this Silva, but I don't go off trail or crosscountry. More importantly is that you know how to use one. Watch some youtube videos first, figure out if you need a compass that has sights, or if you live in a higher/lower latitude and need something to match your magnetic zone.

Hold off on the GPS and learn how to use a compass and map first. Then if you think it's necessary (or more convenient) step up to a GPS. Remember that maps and compasses don't need batteries.

>How much water is enough water?

General rule is 1 gallon/day, but it varies from person to person, terrain, temperature, etc. If you're in an area with decent water sources, get yourself a Sawyer Mini.

>When deciding where to go in back country do most people just choose a thing and then travel there and back and around or are there trails that people take and camp along?

Choosing a thing and traveling there is called "cross-country hiking" which means hiking off-trail and making your own path. This is allowed in some places and frowned upon at others, depends on how fragile/protected the terrain is. If you're going cross-country, you better be proficient at orienteering.

I'd wager the majority of people hike on trails and camp along the way at established camp sites.

I'm newer to this, but have done a bunch of research and searched for deals, plus gone on several trips now, so I'll just throw out some options on a few things that have worked for me. Just my $0.02; take it for what it's worth.

Knife: I've have several Mora's. They get tons of recommendations. Plus they're small, light and capable. I've used them to split wood. The one with the firestarter in it is nice.

Water bottles: I use store-bought bottled-water ones. My Sawyer Mini water filter screws right onto them. Granted, that's not a useful option to put hot water in your Nalgene to warm your feet in your sleeping bag, so for cold weather that may not be a good option for you.

Light: Use a headlamp. Much lighter-weight and allows for hands-free.

Clothing: No cotton as others have said. Search for deals on Sierra Trading Post. Sign up for their emails. They'll send you 2-4 every day, but I've gotten a lot of nice stuff for low cost going that route. I put stuff in my cart I think I want, and STP will send you deals regularly. I click through the flyers and then look at the prices in my cart. When the stuff in my cart is a price I like, I buy the stuff then.

Totally agree, it's not worth it. I've done this too and not only did it take forever to get ready, the alcohol just tasted like mouthwash. Couldn't drink any of it, so if I wanted to drink on the cruise I had to buy alcohol anyway. Get [these] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F5OCEA/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003JQUCGY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=027MBSNFYAKYZWK6K18R) instead. A little more expensive, but then you don't waste the alcohol or time. I've used the above and it worked like a charm.

The life straw and aquamira are both good choices. However I found that the life straw was overly bulky and large for the job it completes. Also I had two of the aquamira carbon elements break on me. My suggestion is to go with the sawyer mini - http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FA2RLX2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417445721&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Or the sawyer squeeze- http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005EHPVQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417445858&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

(Sorry I don't know how to condense these links.)

If you look at their weight vs. Filtering capacity it's almost unbelievable. They weigh just ounces and it's something like 100,000 gallons for the mini and 1,000,000 gallons for the squeeze. Plus walmart sells these so they are never to far away. Best $20 I ever spent!

The Sawyer Mini is an great all around filter that can be purchased for $20. tablets aren't a bad idea either. Do not waste your money on a lifestraw though. the sawyers are good for like 10-100x the lifespan(in gallons of course)

I don't think there is reason to believe collapse is "imminent", but it does seem inevitable. I came to that conclusion after the congressional battle over the debt limit. If it was so difficult to accomplish almost nothing, then the actual changes that would be needed are just impossible.

Do you have a water source nearby, like a river? If so, you may be better off with just a good water filter, something like this. Maybe you can get one for your birthday or something under the guise of use for camping and such. Then just get some ziplock bags or something, and then you can go and create your own water supply whenever you need.

So in short, no, don't hide your preparations. Do it in plain sight but come up with an alternate reason.

There are many {#1, #2, #3} cheap water purification tablets that when paired with propel mix-ins provide a great and clean taste. That is if you're worried about the quality/taste of the water from a tap.

I've found that these work great on a trip, they are less expensive (long run) than bottled water.

DUDE! These caps are the best! Get yourself a sawyer mini like this. They fit those caps perfectly! I think it’s the reason smartwater is dominating the premium water market. Because backpackers keep buying them up.

Lifestraw is good, but for the same amount of money you can get a Sawyer mini filter. http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412635189&sr=8-1&keywords=sawyer+mini
It seems to be the go-to backpacking filter, has 100,000 gallon guarantee on it, and a smaller micron filter at .01. I agree with 12pieces though, a filter is a good way to go.

I have placed an order with everyone's suggestions in mind for a starter BOB. Thank you everyone for your input.

Here is what it is looking like so far:

Bag: I'm just going to use a northface bag I have that still appears new after 4+ years of use. Was my college bag originally so was used everyday. Very well built.
Here it is for reference

Knife: Since I freed up some money, I went ahead and picked up the Kabar also grabbed a leather sheath. Hopefully I don't get flack for it having a USMC logo on it. It is their knife anyway after-all.

Multitool Decided I probably would need a multitool of some sort.

Nalgene bottle and cup Thanks for alerting me to the cup, I didn't know these exist and should come in handy.

First aid kit based on suggestions.

Sawyer mini water filter

Saw chain was questioned but after watching the user video of him sawing through a tree in like 5 seconds I'm sold. I've tried cutting wood with machetes and hatchets and it is a PITA.

Emergency Blankets can't be too warm I feel.

Rations I will be taking at least 6 days worth.

Emergency Tent Will need to see how big this is. I might just get a tarp for my eno.

Compass

Cordage

Water treatment tablets

Headlamp

Emergency Bivvy

I also have a Ruger LCP with ~100 rounds I will toss in. I need to make copies of all of my documents to include. I already have a tactical flashlight to put in but will need some extra batteries. I have extra glasses to include. Have some flint and steel and bic lighters to include. Considering some sort of magnifying lense. The eno hammock, some jeans, a sweatshirt, rain jacket, and cap will be included. Also some sunglasses. I need to grab some duct tape, charger/radio, some sort of ereader or survival book, and probably a dozen other things I can't think of right now.

I will also need to make one for my 100lb black lab since I realized I wouldn't be able to leave him behind. Going to start training him to hike and carry a pack etc to have him ready. Ultimately he could become a major asset.

• Tire Irons
  
• Spare tube
  
• pump
  Tools - wrenches, sockets, vice grips.
  
  
• Tent I got this for $69 at the time. There are others that have good reviews for under $100.
  
  
• [Stove] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009PUQAU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) $70 This one can also run on gas from your bike/gas can
  
  
• Showers $30 Not sure about Australia but here there are buggers in the water.
  
  
• Sleeping Bag $60 You can get a good one for cheap, just check the temp ratings match the area and conditions you will be in.
  
  
• [Water Filter] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000BBF2RY/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new) Although you can just boil your water it can still taste funny and contain dirt, etc., as such I recommend a filter. Be aware that some don't filter out viruses so you will still want to boil water if your water filter does not. I also like to pack a life straw and tablets. I actually got
  
  
  
  For a more complete check list see this guy's [packing list] (http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com/WABDR-Packing-List)
  
  So when it comes to keeping it under $500, don't sounds so blue as $500 can get you a longs ways if you shop around.
  

I'm going deep in to the woods. We are going to stay in awesome hammocks and we will be wrapped in fleece sleeping bags. We will also bring a water filtration system so we can drink from the spring rather than lugging water with us. After all, lugging a cooler or four full of beer and whiskey will be enough of a task for us.

I'm so excited that the weather is getting better that I have super duper camping on my mind. :)

I prefer these 7 gallon jugs. They're a LOT stronger than 5 gallon bottles and hold more. You can also stack things on top of them when packing your camping gear whereas the 5 gallons can break pretty easy if you put something on top.

I also use these jugs for fish tank water (RODI) and keep 6 full in my garage just in case we have a water issue. They're stacked 3 high in a cupboard.

Consider the Reliance Aqua-Tainer. They aren't as cheap as clean food grade 55s, but the are a lot easier to find places to put. You could put a few of them in the bottom of a closet and put a board over it to make a shoe shelf or something. The seals are really good. They are kind of tall but possibly with a set of these Bed Risers you could line the underside of your bed with the laying on their sides.

This product comes up a lot, and almost every time someone says the sawer squeeze is better. I have the mini sawer, and it works great, screws into water bottles and 2-liters, can backflush to keep it clean, has a super small pore size, is lightweight. I've never used a life straw though, so maybe I'm missing something.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005EHPVQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480094674&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=sawyer+squeeze&dpPl=1&dpID=51SJ5lM%2BhyL&ref=plSrch

$19.99 with shipping on Woot for 1,000 liters of filtering capacity or $19.06 with shipping on Amazon, which is strange because Woot is owned by Amazon.

Or you can get a Sawyer Mini for $19.97 with shipping for 100,000 gallons (378,541 liters) of filtering capacity, while filtering at 0.1 microns instead of 0.2 microns for the Lifestraw. It comes with a straw so you can use it the same way as the Lifestraw, plus has the greater flexibility of being able to be used with a hydration bladder or set up as a gravity filter systems, and also comes with a small water pouch.

I have a straw filter in my bug out bag, but for home I keep this one around.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also have some water purification tablets.

I honestly haven't tried any of the freeze dried food yet, need to do that! Canned food rotation is good, but we don't really eat much canned food regularly, so doesn't work too great for us. We try to eat as much fresh / local produce & meats as possible.

If you want a real cheap gravity filter that you can put together with a couple of buckets, check out Monolithic:

http://www.monolithic.org/water-filters

You can get white food-grade buckets at Lowes here in Albany for under $5. That's a LOT less than buying online.

Or if you want to get a more pre-made (but also more expensive) solution, the Katadyn Gravidyn is very nice:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007U011G/

One tip on the Gravidyn filters - don't drop them! I did with one, and they are very fragile. Boom, $60 down the drain. :P

Also for water you might look at the hiking filters, for example I really like the MSR Miniworks:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BBF2RY/

I like carbon-based ceramic filters, over the new-fangled nanotube ones, because activated carbon not only removes many chemicals, but it also improves the taste of the water.

Thanks for the input, sorry if it is a bit unclear, I've edited it without the weight of the water.

Tarp is gone, along with 10m of para cord for putting it up with.

Picked up a new fleece with saves 300grams today (had No idea that it would save that much) and the trainers I'm replacing as well, definitely getting lighter one and I'll probably replace most the the clothes as well with lighter weight trekking ones.

This is the Eco straw which seems like it will do the job, apologises if Eco Straw was unclear.

The sponge / soap / cloth is all because of lessons from my last trip where we had to throw away a meal or two because we didn't properly clean our dishes so everything tasted soapy. The wire mess and tent pegs look something like this, I'm looking for a different wire mess than what I've got at the moment to bring down the weight some more, but the whole thing is on the ditch list if it isn't very useful.

The solar charger is also a battery bank, and I may ditch one of the camera lenses to save 600grams (fuck that thing is heavy)


Oh and a pot has gone as well.

here's the tourniquet I use in the field.

I have a lot of redundancy for water, but my favorite system is the katadyn pocket. It's pricy and one of the heavier items I carry at a pound and a half, but it's got a 20 year warranty and 50,000 liter filtration capacity (more if you take care of it).

• Sawyer Mini Water Filter
  
  
• Ferrocerium Rod
  
  
• Morakniv Companion
  
  
• Cotton Bandanna
  
  
• Reusable Mylar Blanket
  
  
• SAK Classic
  
  
• AMK Trauma Pack
  
  
• Signal Mirror
  
  
• Compass
  
  These are just suggestions, I'm sure there are cheaper or better quality alternatives to these, but it's a good start.
  
  Also, you're a cool brother.

I have the katadyn Vario and i've used the MSR Sweetwater EX. They are both good. My favorite now is the cheap ($20) Sawyer squeeze filter. I use it with a Platypus bag as a gravity filter. The Vario and MSR weigh too much and there is much more maintenance. The sawyer squeeze is very popular. You don't need the Platypus bag, you can use the sawyer squeeze by itself.

sawyer squeeze

platypus big zip

Here is a product sawer makes that fits the squeeze & smart water bottles/evernew bags perfectly - http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP150-Coupling-Filtration/dp/B018NJC1A6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

$2.50 part - no modifications needed, definitely worth the cost.

Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter

http://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-8013618-Pocket-Water-Microfilter/dp/B0007U00YE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345068689&sr=8-1&keywords=Katadyn+Pocket+Water+Filter

I think this is the best there is in the market. It's not quite compact and is a bit pricy but its built to last and the reviews on it are great.

You'll need a big backpack (around 70+ liters) in order to hold bear canisters. Considering you'll be out for around 4 days, I'd assume around 2 bear canisters would be sufficient.

Talk to rangers in the area about weather, routes, etc.- they know a lot more than you probably ever will about Yosemite.

I personally bring a lot of dried fruit and individual, home-made meals in a bag (see this website for some ideas).

Good luck! Be sure to take some means of water filtration (such as the sawyer mini), and don't be too ambitious in your first adventure.

https://www.amazon.com/Survivor-Filter-PRO-Emergency-Cleanable/dp/B00QFXGSIY/ref=zg_bs_3402141_14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WVJ8Y364J60S8H9T12PD I use this one in the desert. the push is great for wet sand, and sometimes in the desert thats all you get. Its bigger and heavy. But this thing is not going to let me down..

i also use towel, t shirt or sock as pre filter. sock filled with wet sand works well enough.. . You can find wet sand under many many desert cactus and other plants.. I have used this method and got usable amounts of water. You fill a sock with wit sand and then you wring it down and drip it into the filter.. It takes about 20 loads of sand in the sock but, you can get a gallon in about hour or so..

I highly recommend running the water through a t shirt or sock at all times. desert Dust is hard and fine. It tends to do a number on seals.

Check out the Sawyer Squeeze. I had a lifestraw at first, but found the Sawyer Squeeze to be infinitely more useful. You can attach it to smartwater bottles and filter as you go. It is better in both day to day use and emergencies.

First I see no rain protection. Even if you are wearing some, you should have a rain cover for your pack. A multitool is going to be far more useful than a big hunting knife. A Sawyer Mini Water Filter is far more versatile than a Lifestraw. Nothing beets Beef jerky and GORP for on the go food that is high in calories. The magnesium bar is great and all, but a mini Bic lighter is easy to use and almost as reliable. Carry both.

I would highly recommend looking at some gear lists over at /r/Ultralight. These are people who obsess over coming up with gear lists that they can spend weeks in the woods with but weigh next to nothing. Take their lists and add in a few items for those extra scenarios that worry you the most, and you'll have a good item list.

Was looking at these filters on Amazon and saw this one as a similar item: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QFXGSIY/ref=psdc_3402141_t2_B00FM9OBQS

Any thoughts? Not nearly the same amount of gallons but claims to filter chemicals as well as .01 micron filter. Looks like additional filters are relatively cheap as well.

How are you going to get filtered water into your bladder? Or effectively get unfiltered water out of it? I do not think the lifestraw can be connected in line with a hose either.

I would look at something like the Sawyer Squeeze: better filtration, can filter more gallons (100,000), able to screw onto a bladder/bottle or use inline with hydration hose (connect between end of hose and mouthpiece).

Or Aqua Mira drops.

I also like the Sawyer, it's ~$22.00 on Amazon. It's not the fastest filter, but it works pretty well.

Yeah I am actually on a well now but I don't drink that water either. Too close too the river. I like to buy water and store it in something like this

i had snagged this for my BOB
MSR MiniWorks EX
and also
Nalgene 96Oz canteen

been pretty pleased with the ease of field cleaning, and quality of the filtering

thanks for the reply!

I've been looking at the Sawyer PointOne Squeeze Though i've been seeing some having problems with their bags leaking for this model, but doesnt seem to be a major issue. It is though, a lot cheaper than the GravityWorks .. but i must agree, the look and ease of the gravityworks makes me want to spend the extra cash to get it.

Enh. give me my purification tablets, and pretty much, yeah. I use these when camping, and have ingested some.. questionable.. water

http://www.amazon.com/Potable-Aqua-Water-Purification-Tablets/dp/B0009I3T3S

Although, if you carry a water bottle with a built in carbon filter, after using these tablets, it does make things much more palatable.

Related note for anyone that hates dealing with nasty tap water, I use one of these for hiking but you could easily take it on tour (it's the size of your palm) and always have safe and clean tasting water for $20.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FA2RLX2&linkCode=as2&tag=cleve05e-20&linkId=63MQIKRUTLVEUC52

Have you used something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EHPVQW/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i04?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I bought it but haven't used it yet. Aren't they very good with a great price?

Get a Sawyer Mini and some disinfectant tablets or drops (Aquamira is popular). Use the Mini when you need water right then, use the tablets when you can wait.

So say you have two water bottles and you come up to a stream and need water. Fill one with water from the source and put the disinfectants in there (making sure to bleed the threads), and put it in your pack. Then take the Mini and fill your other bottle using the squeeze bag OR you can get a bladder and fill it with water straight from the source and have the Mini connected between the bladder and the mouthpiece so it filters as you drink. By the time your bottle with the filtered water runs out, the other bottle of water will be purified. You can also fill both bottles with the filter when you stop if you're gonna take a rest, but you should always have drops or tablets as backups.

EDIT: Outdoor Gear Lab did a good review of water treatment options. It's very comprehensive (as are all their reviews).

Unless it states that it's food grade, I personally wouldn't use it as drinking water.

Nothing wrong with plastic as long as it's BPA free, food grade

Example :

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QC31G6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_g5jGDbQK5CNSZ

There's Jerry can versions of BPA free plastic, if you're wanting to stick with Jerry can style

Patently false, and shill for Lifestraw detected.

Sawyer (and the one I have, full disclosure): http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Water-Filtration-System/dp/B00FHRADQ2

Lifestraw: http://www.amazon.com/LifeStraw-LSPHF017-Personal-Water-Filter/dp/B006QF3TW4

Sawyer has a .1 micron, Lifestraw is a .2. Next time please post accurate information, thanks :) A Lifestraw will NOT filter out viruses.

You'll need lodging, so either a tent or a plain cot. Basically you're wanting a "minimalist" camping kit. As far as water, I use these water purification tablets. Work like a charm as long as you can find a stream/river/lake. If you start with that (and obviously food) you'll find things over the years that you find repeatedly useful and start taking with you every time.

Trowel: If you can't find a hundred rocks, sticks, and pieces of wood that can dig a hole for your deuce, you're not looking hard enough. I prefer flat rocks, myself.

Filter: I'm not a huge fan of tablets/drops, but I also solo primarily, so I don't want to have a 1lb+ filter system. My solution was to get a Sawyer PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System. It works like a charm, filters quickly, and serves as a backup bladder in case your primary water vessel is damaged. It functions in the same way as an inline filter. If you want to have a drink immediately, you just attach the filter to the dirty water bladder, and drink from the clean end. 3oz for the filter and the small bladder.

Water Bottle: The Nalgene is dead weight. If you're smart and careful, you can get away with a bottle and a backup bladder for less weight than the Nalgene, alone. I picked up a Smart Water bottle a while back, and have been using it ever since. Modern 'disposable' water bottles are so absurdly over-designed that they're strong enough to stand up to everyday use. (Especially those made by soda companies, as they usually design their bottles with enough toughness and wall thickness to withstand the pressure of carbonation.)

Toothbrush: Unless you've inherited Andre the Giant's hands, you don't need a full toothbrush handle. Cut that sucker in half! Then drill holes in it for more weight savings! Then brag to all of your friends about the amazing weight savings your toothbrush modification provides! (It's late, I'm tired and delirious. Sue me.)

Cookset: Depending on what sort of stuff you're cooking, you can get away with a lot less than what you've got. Now, if you're going gourmet, I can see having 2lbs of cookstuffs, but as a soloer who cooks mostly by re-hydration, my cookset weighs (and this is just an estimate) about 8oz, with fuel. My pot is a modified Heineken Keg Can, and my stove is from Minibulldesign. It's enough for packaged backpacking meals, ramen, pasta and sauce, soup, tea, coffee, oatmeal... Nothing too fancy, but good enough.

Tent Stakes: I can't see what you've got or how many, but I'll just throw out my personal preference in case it happens to be lighter than whatever you've got.

Thank you for the update on the solar charger. My room gets a lot of sunlight, but I will make sure to test it out thoroughly.

I'll amend my plan so that I don't only rely on the waterBob. I'll also store water in water gallon containers, in addition to the waterBob which I may or may not use.

Can I use the bleach to decontaminate the water? Or something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009I3T3S

I have http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QI8KKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QI8M5Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QI8S46/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

on the way. The ability to fill the bladder without taking everything off is going to be awesome.

Have you tried a water filter? I use my Sawyer for water pretty much anywhere that isn't the town in which I live. They're small and pretty cheap.

Rum Runners There are a ton of sizes on Amazon. I've seen them work great for everything from cruises to sporting events. You won't get them for today, but good resource for the season.

These are pretty well liked in the camping community, and they are pretty well made IMO

https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Aqua-Tainer-Gallon-Container/dp/B001QC31G6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=188BU925CUZ5H&dchild=1&keywords=reliance+aqua-tainer+7+gal+water+container&qid=1571190451&sprefix=reliance+%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-4

This is a more common shape

https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Jumbo-Tainer-Gallon-Container/dp/B000GKDFH4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=188BU925CUZ5H&dchild=1&keywords=reliance+aqua-tainer+7+gal+water+container&qid=1571190481&sprefix=reliance+%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-5

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I've got a pair of the reliance desert tanks. They have poor reviews, but I've been bouncing them around the desert for about 5 years without a leak.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FA2RLX2?pc_redir=1405213547&robot_redir=1

Yes it is. One of the cheapest and also one of the highest filtration ratings on the market. The regular has like a 4 oz field weight. The mini is like 2-3 oz.

If you haven't ready my post the other day, here's my commonly forgot but super handy list:

I do a couple of one or two night adventures across california a few times a year. From my experiences, here are some of the most handy things in my opinion. Note; I have an absured amount of storage on my F650GS Dakar, so some of this stuff is not for light packers:

One of those battery powered string of led lights, for easy dim lighting where you can't have a campfire. eg, something like [this](
https://www.amazon.com/GardenDecor-Decorative-Battery-Powered-Bedroom/dp/B071CFJ52T/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1518029901&sr=8-5&keywords=battery+led+string+lights)

Biodegradable body wipes, for when you reek like B.O. from days of sleeping in the dirt and you have to interact with civilized people.

Water purification tablets, in case you break down somewhere in the middle of bumfuck nowhere and you need water. The bottles are tiny so they don't take up much space.

A chair because 24/7 of either sitting upright on a bike or laying on hard dirt starts to hurt like hell.

Some good undies with a junk pouch, because you are going to be sitting for hours and everything will start to get mashed up and uncomfortable. Best investment I've made, IMO.

Awesome, I'd like to see it in action. I am looking at getting a Sawyer Mini for my trip.

This one. You screw it onto the clean end of the sawyer, then then onto the clean bottle. It also helps with backflushing.

I haven't really looked in to long term storage treatment that much. Usually around this time of year, I'm dumping them into the rain barrel and refilling. The rain barrel is still quite full however.
I have 2 types of 7 gallon container. These ones and these ones. If I get more, they'll be the jerry can style as they are easier to move around and take up less floor space. If you have a lot of space, something like this could keep you in water for a month and maybe be a hero to your neighbors as well.

Here's a few things I've bought off Amazon that I've been really happy with:

Minus33 Merino Wool Day Hiker Sock

Magnesium Fire Starter

Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw

Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System

Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Carbon Steel Blade

Nalgene Translucent Wide Mouth Bottle With Blue Lid

Outdoor Products 3-Pack Ultimate Dry Sack

Rayovac Sportsman 22 Lumen 1AAA Headlight

Adventure Medical Kits Adventure First Aid 2.0

Suunto M-3 D/L Compass

>On a longer trip if I had a second smart bottle you can push the bottle cap on tight enough to get an ok back flush.

FYI, Sawyer makes a coupling to back flush with water bottles.

https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP150-Coupling-Filtration/dp/B018NJC1A6/

If you want something easy and light get one of these https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-5-Gallon-Collapsible-Water-Carrier/dp/B000088O9Y/ref=sr_1_2 especially if you want potable water.

You can also repurpose the big laundry soap jugs. Don't drink from it.

You can get hard plastic water jugs https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Jumbo-Tainer-Gallon-Container/dp/B000GKDFH4/ref=sr_1_4

Otherwise, that's called a wall bucket the lid was likely handmade and honestly, the whole bucket might have been https://www.amazon.com/Panacea-83220-Galvanized-Buckets-Handles/dp/B01N0L4SO4/ref=sr_1_5

These are worth taking note of: rum runners

I love mine!

I'd recommend instead of that the Sawyer product line:
https://sawyer.com/products/type/water-filtration/

I use the Saywer Mini, personally:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MPH1LEU

It's excellently built, light, and filters a lot of water very fast (fast enough to drink easily, basically). I use it all the time with lower-quality tap when traveling. Everything that comes out of it tastes basically exactly the same (completely neutral). Couldn't recommend it enough; I've had it about 1 full year, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

how do you define pure water?

don't water bottles become reusable bottles after yo drink them down?

why cant my tap water be filtered?

question 8, what type of water filter? the ones from question 7 where i had to decide which of two styles i like?

i use one of these. make something better and cheaper and i'll use that. http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_2?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1412024242&sr=1-2&keywords=water+filter

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00TOX6UM6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1/145-0298543-3420436?ie=UTF8&qid=1504365684&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sawyer%2Bmini&dpPl=1&dpID=51ccU8hhfNL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1.

They are fabulous for camping! Not as great for chemical spills, but pretty handy if you can't boil or are out of iodine tablets and bleach.

I thought you might like this a Mini Water Filter. Happy tax day

They're so handy. And they fit in the side mesh pockets much better than nalgenes. I also have one of these coupling bands that's supposed to make it easier to back flush. What I actually use it for is to let gravity filter the water from one bottle through the filter to the other while I lazily sit down. You just have to leave it a little loose, so air can get in the bottle.

I have a cheap old mini fridge from Craigslist. I didn't feel like ripping it up just to fit a bucket so I bought a 7 gal water aquatainer. My first batch is running now but I've seen older posts of people successfully using it.

There are two common plastic containers used in the no-chill community. I use this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Aqua-Tainer-Gallon-Container/dp/B001QC31G6

There's also one from USPlastics that is pretty common:

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?sku=75032&catid=459

Both of these do not melt at or near boiling temps. They deform slightly, which is beneficial because you can squeeze out almost all of the air after pouring the wort in.

I remember reading that the Sawyer Filter is a much better product than the LifeStraw.

LifeStraw claims it can filter 1,000 liters. The Sawyer claims 100,000 gallons. Also the Sawyer filters protozoa much better (99.9999% vs 99.9%)

You will be happy i found a bargain of $33!

http://amzn.com/B00B1OSU4W