Water is kind of assumed – otherwise, that’s #1
1) A ‘general purpose’ fixed blade knife. Not a dedicated chopper, not a dedicated fighting knife. Something just as useful for making a tent peg as slicing veggies for dinner or pulling out a splinter. Cold Steel’s “Canadian Belt Knife” weighs almost nothing, and is the closest to my antique carbon steel “Herter’s” model, which I have carried outdoors for 30+ years.
2) Flashlights (note plural) and batteries. Headlamps are handy too.
3) Waterproof matches, lighters and a firesteel – 2 is 1, 1 is none, so carry at least 3 ways to make fire.
4) Your favorite multi tool. This is as much of a ‘religious’ argument as firearms choice. Pick the one you like, and pack it. A small, cheap backup multi tool is not a bad idea, either, in the kit, or on your keychain.
5) Cheap-o aluminized Mylar ‘emergency blankets‘ – more than 1.
6) Cordage. 550 cord or bankline do not take up much room (I think I’ll have to do a post on ‘survival bracelet braids and double chain sinnets) and can save your bacon.
7) Coffee (or tea). Pick your favorite instant packs or bags. Handy, even if you aren’t an addict, like me.
8) Gorilla Tape. Needs no explanation
9) More zip-top plastic bags and at least 1 large ‘contractor grade’ plastic trash bag.
10) A metal container (that you can also use as a pot) to stick #1-9 in. I like stainless steel “Flan Molds” (available online or at a local Latino market). Circular, about 2 in deep, 6-7 in diameter, 3 or 4 spring load clamps to hold it reasonably watertight. No handle, so if you cook in it, you need the multi-tool pliers to take it off the fire.
GOOD “TOP 10”, Wyzyrd!
Those cheap mylar blankets? I like minimum 4 per person, per Bug Out Bag (or, “Get Home”, if you prefer)– 2 for people, 2 for instant tent. Take them all out of the boxes and place them all in the same zip lock bag; now you have less weight AND one more zip lock bag in your arsenal. And don’t forget your pets!
Waterproof matches are expensive, IMHO. Got a Foodsaver vacuum sealer? Buy regular, “strike anywhere” matches (I pay 85 cents for 6 small boxes) and seal them with your foodsaver; you can do 2 or more in the length of a Foodsaver roll, and only about 3 inches of height. Now it’s lightweight and waterproof. Don’t worry about using the vacuum portion of the unit – just heat seal it; a little air in the sealed space will guarantee that it will float, should you drop it over the side of a boat or in a puddle (before being opened for use, of course).
“2 is 1 — 1 is none — and 3 makes me happy!” :Approve:
Wyzyrd, Good top 10. Each one of has to decide what our top ten will be but you certainly hit mine. The only thing I might add is a way to purify water other than fire. Great job!!!
Just wanted to correct one misstatement about duck or duct tape -“galvanized HVAC ductwork is one of the few things in the world it WON’T stick to”.
I grew up in Central Illinois working in my father’s HVAC shop and he bought and we used literally hundreds of rolls of 3M “Duct” Tape to seal connections on galvanized duct work. I have removed old duct tape that had been in place for years and it had to be cut to get the duct joints apart. The only condition under which it WON’T stick is dampness of the surface its being applied to.
I have no idea what it may have been originally invented for but it has been marketed and used in the HVAC trade for decades as “duct” tape. Thanks for putting out such a great blog.
Those around me will be much happier if I’ve had my daily dose of chocolate! Other than that, I’d add a change of socks. Good, wool-blend hiking socks. Take care of your feet and they will take you places!
Indeed, chocolate – #1 on my list. I slipped in between the coffee and tea (handy if you are an addict like me). Wide grey tape belongs in every vehicle, tackle box, purse … And I agree with wool socks. Even summer nights get chilly or maybe it’s my circulation.
I agree with all of this, would probably add some food like granola bars or candy.
I like this inexpensive camping pot – it can fit almost all of what you mention and should be pretty sturdy to last long.
http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Straight-Blue-3-5-Quart/dp/B0002YRHZK/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1366850420