(Part 2) Best products from r/bugout

If you're looking at outfitting a 72 hour kit first before building out into more standard preps, there are some low cost ways to get that done relatively quickly.

• Food: Go to Walmart. They have Mainstay 2400 bars for about $5 each. Each bar weighs about a pound, requires no water to prepare, lasts for up to 5 years, and is good in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees F to 300 degrees F. Throw each one in a gallon sized ziploc baggie as they are not individually wrapped. That's a day's worth of calories per bar, or two if you eat under your calorie requirements. Get three of them in the bag along with a few multivitamins and call food covered.
  
  
• Water: Pick up 2 flats of bottled water. That's like $3-$5 each. Drink from one of them, when that one empties, replace it and drink from the next oldest one. Your water will always be relatively new then, and a flat of water is more than you're going to carry on your back anyway. If you need to grab and go, you can do it easily. You'll also have excess water if you need to throw it in the car. Longer term, get yourself a Sawyer Water Filter. Stay away from Life Straws. The Sawyer allows you to refill bottles from contaminated sources and then filter them out into other bottles. This is critical for cooking and allowing movement away from water sources. The Life Straw does not do this. These are also available at Walmart for around $20.
  
  
• Self Defense: You have a Ka-Bar, so that's solid. Make sure you include a pocket knife of some sort, like the multitool that you mentioned or the swiss army knife (Multitool is the better add IMO), so that you're not hauling out a too-large-for-normal-life blade to do something trivial.
  
  
• Shelter: There are better options, but for staying cheap when getting started, grab some Mylar Blankets and maybe a Mylar Sleeping Bag. Both can be acquired inexpensively and give some options you might not have otherwise. The Mylar Blankets you should probably always keep around. Add some duct tape to the bag and they can make an easily constructable temporary shelter given a little resourcefulness.
  
  There. For less than $100, and maybe less than $50 depending on what you get or already have, your 72 hour kit will be at a base level, ready to get you out of the door. Of course first aid stuff is a smart call, and you can get as finely detailed and over packed as you like with a BOB, but as a base this will get you out and moving for a few days.
  
  As for what you already have... the Flint and Steel fire starter is alright I guess, but there's no reason to get needlessly complicated. Get a couple of $1 Bic's in there. If you actually have to use the bag you'll appreciate the simplicity. If you really want to help yourself out with getting a camp fire started, swab some cotton balls around in Vaseline and store them in an old pill bottle. They burn for 5 minutes on their own which is plenty of time to get a fire going and saves you from needing to put tinder together. You mention a small flashlight, but I'd recommend a good flashlight with two changes of batteries stored externally from the flashlight as well as a head lamp. Moving around in pure dark is no joke, so prep for that more seriously. I'm not sure what the chopsticks are for. If it's eating... something like this knife/spork combo will probably do better for you.
  
  For the rest of the wish list... the big questions are what are you preparing to run from, and where are you planning to run to? If you're bugging out, which should be the last possible option, then you're either fleeing something that is going to make staying at your present location unsafe or you're running away from a bad situation at home. I'd avoid planning on walking into the woods and planning on living there for a good while. If you had the skills to realistically do that well you wouldn't need advice from here. If you're fleeing home, it will almost guaranteed be toward another location where civilization is still present, so you'd want to be prepared for that. The hands down best prep you can toss in your bag at that point? Cash. The more of it you have stockpiled the more flexible you can be in reacting to situations. You'll also for sure want a spare phone charger in the backpack. If you know where you'll be heading in the event you have to run ahead of time then you can research the location a bit to find things like shelters, food banks, have a map/schedule of local public transportation, things like that.
  
  Not knowing the answers to those two big questions, the best general advice I can give you is this. Imagine the situation where you have to grab your pack and be out of the door in 5 minutes. Think through the journey toward your destination. Really get into the minute by minute, hour by hour. Imagine the pain points of that evacuation. Did it start out warm during the day but you're shivering at night? Did you get a random headache along the way? Maybe get a small cut or some bug bites? Are you hungry or thirsty? Is is raining? Are you bored? When you get where you're going are you just lost for next steps? Identify the pain points and plan to alleviate them with how you prepare.

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:

Most of the suggestions I’m about to make are really more so food for thought. If you add all of them, you add weight. But you can do it with pretty minimal weight add if you get the right stuff. My bag is exactly 30lbs and I have WAY more than what I’m about to suggest. Also, I’m in an urban environment, so my bag is focused on that.

Get rid of the seatbelt cutter. You already have a knife.

What are the carabiners for? No rope, no paracord... speaking of which, get some paracord. Load bearing, lots of uses (utility, first aid, shelter prep...), light...

Get a crowbar. Medium size one ideal, but a small one would be fine too. Serves as a weapon and a tool.

A small firearm at minimum would be ideal, but if that’s not your thing, whatever.

At least one bottle of water. People bash that for weight, but if you’re buggin out, you’re moving. You’ll want/need it. Personally, I bought a sturdy bottle with a carbon filter on it, loaded with clean water, but can use the filter for whatever other sources I find.

On that note, I live in a dense city and have a silcock key to access water from other buildings. If you’re in a suburb or rural area, this won’t matter to you (but honestly it’s such a negligible weight add that it is worth it).

I also have reasonable amount of backup cash, an encrypted USB drive of all my most important documents (birth certificate, insurance, deeds, identification, account statements, etc). all in a faraday bag inside a dry bag (with some other electronics). This makes your BOB double as an “oh shit, my house is on fire starting with the place where I store that stuff at home” bag.

Speaking of electronics. I have (2) 30 mile range hand radios.

Speaking of documents, I have a few of my expired IDs because something is better hand nothing (and you’ll probably have your regular ID on you anyway).

Also, don’t forget creature comforts. In an emergency, or once you’ve made it to safety, this is extremely important for personal morale. So I have a travel toothbrush and toothpaste (the small collapsible type), a packet of “wet ones” sanitary wipes (or something similar).

Personally, I opted for a trauma kit that had a bit more than your first aid (stuff that handles gunshot and puncture wounds), and added some over the counter meds. This is the one I went with. I also loaded my back with Amoxicillin, which is a pretty basic antibiotic. Be sure you know what to use it for. It’s one of the few you can get without prescription because sometimes fish get sick and you don’t have time to go to the doctor, and in an apocalyptic event, ya gotta take care of Nemo (I shit you not, this is the exact same stuff they give humans... the pills are printed with the identifier that you can check for yourself). EDIT: somthat last one is a broken link. Guess amazon yanked it. But it is called “AmoxFin” and it is amoxicillin for fish. You can probably find it from other places.

I also got this, which serves several great purposes in one and reduces weight, but to save you the click, it’s a handcrank powered flashlight with USB charging port (cable to you device not included), waterproof, window breaker, and that seat cutter I told you to get rid of because you already have a knife...

A multi tool wouldn’t hurt. I also have a lockpick kit, but you’ll have to teach yourself to use it.

Hope that all helps. I could probably go on.

EDIT: broken links.

This is a pretty good start. I've put together a couple of notes.

• The duct tape you listed is a rip off. What I did for my bug out bag was buy a roll of duct tape, then wrap it neatly around a pencil.
  
  
• Instead of a SOG fixed blade knife, you might consider spending $20-$30 more and getting a ka-bar. I've personally had bad experiences with SOG and love the ka-bars I have. If you go this route, be sure to find a true ka-bar... there are a bunch of fakes out there.
  
  
• For radios, I would get something more versatile. The downside to the one you listed is they don't support many bands. Also, I may be wrong, but I'm very suspicious of the 35 mile range that is listed. The BaoFeng UV-5R is a hidden gem that does everything the motorola you've listed does and a whole lot more. the only downside is you need a HAM license to operate one legally (assuming you are in the US) https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A
  
  
• The carabiners you've listed don't appear to be CE or UIAA certified for climbing. Here is a link to a set I recently bough that are both CE and UIAA rated and are more than strong enough for climbing with equipment. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6DD42Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc
  
  
• 550 paracord would do the same job as the speciality shoe laces you've listed for cheaper.
  
  
• You can make your own snare kits, fishing kits, and first aid kits for much, much cheaper that what is in your list.
  
  
• I personally would skip the bit kit unless you have a very specific need.
  
  
• The "Maxpedition Single Sheath" is very expensive for what it is. You can find something equivalent for about 1/4 the price.
  
  
• The bag you've listed may not be big enough for all of your gear. This is difficult to gauge, but your choice of bag is important.
  
  All that being said, I think you've done a good job of planning and selecting products that will be useful. I've been waiting on my wife to put together a sewing kit, but your post has spurred me to buy one instead (I don't think she's ever going to get around to it)....(this is the one I ended up buying: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015L46N96/ref=pd_luc_rh_sbs_02_01_t_img_lh?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1).
  
  Thanks and best of luck with your prepping!

I use a 5.11 covrt 18 backpack and a pair of 5.11 covrt tech sleeves for situations very similar to what you describe, and this is perhaps the last "urban" backpack I'll ever buy. I've had it since 2012, and I've used it for everything ranging from airplane travel, light-duty day walks in the woods, EDC for work, motorcycle riding, and other odds and ends where it gets tossed around, and it hasn't faulted me yet. A lot of smartly placed pockets, and when you add the tech sleeves to the shoulder straps (there's velcro that will accommodate the sleeves that's integrated into the shoulder straps), it's almost like it's not necessary to have pockets in your clothing anymore. It will accommodate a 2L water reservoir, but IMO that's pointless since I feel an urban pack loses some discretion with a water tube coming out of it. So I've re-purposed that portion of the pack and go with the water bottle holders on the sides. There's tons of flexibility in this bag, which is why I love it and always recommend it.

What about 5.11 Tactical? Check out some of their bags.

I also have one of these for medical Voodoo Tactical Deluxe Professional Special Ops Field Medical Pack - Coyote Brown / Tan 15-8174 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YW5L36/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_d87dub05HT3V4. It's pretty big but great for internal storage.

This guy also comes highly recommended if you want to get away from all the tacticool stuff. I don't have one yet. SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack 1900 (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006HFJA12/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_u97dub0JK5TWT

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.

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.

For extended bugout, it's better to carry a nestable camp cooking set.

I got an old Primus one with 2 stackable quart sized pots and a frypan as a lid.

Means you can boil water in one, then cook food in the other while the water is cooling down. If I'm not frying with the lid, that gets uses as a plate.

When it's packed down, I keep various kitchen items inside (seasoning/condiments/penny stove etc) giving you an efficient use of space

I have a smaller BoB, so I recently got a Stanley camp cook set, without the plastic cups, and will get a titanium cup that will fit on the bottom (with all the various items inside)

I'd throw in a ziploc with some different sizes of zipties and wrap about 10 feet of gorilla tape around the handle of the trowel of flashlight like this.

https://imgur.com/S3vb782

You can shave some weight by ditching the 550 and getting a roll of UHMWPE line. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BKT42P4

You can shave even more weight with better hammock straps.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0741GQ5WS

Highly recommend:

Gerber shard

USB Buck Converter (I keep mine in a chunk of 1 inch schedule 40 pvc with a couple endcaps)

I like the 32 ounce single walled stainless steel nalgene bottle. The one with straight walls is best because it nests snugly in the GSI/Walmart steels cup. Because it is single walled, you can boil water in it with a campfire. It is also the exact right size for a single dose of water purification tablets if you don't want to boil it.

It is hard to find now, Nalgene has switched to a tapered design closer to a tall coffee cup. That one rattles around in the GSI/Walmart cup, but apparently fits snugly inside the Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Kit.

You have fishing line, hooks and lead but no knife. I see a multi tool but I think it’s worth the weight to add a fixed blade knife. It’s useful for preparing fish, cutting wood, and so much more.

Watch this or one like it to drop in price (CamelCamelCamel) like it does a few times a year:
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTJKB00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vvAPBbJBENH05

Yep! I run two in the rush series

1. Rush 72 (bug out): https://www.amazon.com/5-11-RUSH72-Tactical-Backpack-Military/dp/B0019MPNNC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YMF5VLO44QJS&keywords=rush+72&qid=1549667428&sprefix=rush+72%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1
   
2. MOAB 10 (get home/EDC): https://www.amazon.com/5-11-Tactical-Sling-Backpack-Style/dp/B004D1SMES?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2581599011
   
   In case of the big one you connect one to the other and walk. They're amazing. Well made, well thought out, and durable as hell.

Well the actual price would be like 100 bucks right? (at least it is in Euro)
Theres one for sale for 40 Euros right now, should I get it?

http://www.amazon.de/Gerber-Grylls-Survival-Ultimate-GE31-000751/dp/B003R0LSMO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425314802&sr=8-2&keywords=gerber+bg+knife

Here is the list of gear. It is meant for both myself and my wife, so I doubled up in some places. (Links where I have them)

• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
  
• yueton Shatterproof Stainless Steel Ultrathin Folding Travel Mirror
  
• S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bar
  
• Mini Foldable Folding Shovel
  
• Coleman Dome Tent
  
• GreenLight Diamond Strike on Box Matches,
  
• Zippo Typhoon Matches and Match Kit
  
• My Amazing Outdoor Inc Camp Mess Kit
  
• Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
  
• Aootek Upgraded first aid survival Kit
  
• AxPower Dust Masks
  
• Dust mask filter pack
  
• Esky Portable Emergency Weather Radio Hand Crank Self Powered
  
• Foxelli Disposable Rain Ponchos
  
• TOUGH-GRID 750lb Paracord/Parachute Cord
  
• Aquatabs AQT200 Water Purification Tablets 200 Pack
  
• REEBOW GEAR Hard Knuckle Tactical Gloves
  
• Sharpie Plastic Point Stick Water Resistant Pen
  
• Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Top-Spiral Notebook
  
• Buck Knife 119
  
• 1 quart zip lock bags pack
  
• 1 gallon zip lock bags pack
  
• 2 Days worth of clothes
  
• REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Assault Pack Backpack, Capacity: 34L
  
  Total Combined weight 27.4969375 Lbs (assuming my measurements are correct, couldn't get a good read on the tent so I had to use manufacturer info)
  
  Stuff I don't have yet, but which I plan to include as I get them:
  
  
• Passports, and other document copies
  
• Extra cash
  
• 9mm pistol
  
• Better water storage
  
• Solar charging and power banks

I'd consider a Morakniv fixed blade for each kit. They're so durable, great grip, sharp as heck, and are cheap enough to get a few easily from Amazon: Morakniv on Amazon

This one is the one I plan on picking up Friday. It is waterproof which is a big plus and seems to have a good selection. I watched a review video on youtube where they listed everything. Once I get it I will be going over what I should add with my brother who is an EMT.

something like this?

I've tested this one, and at the price. It's worth it, Does everything my Yeasu mobile and my Vertex handhelds do. http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-136-174-400-480-Dual-Band/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374259094&sr=1-3&keywords=amateur+radio

Been using this for a few years now....

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005188T90/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B005188T90