There are dozens of sites on the internet with plenty of information on prepping and survival and it can be overwhelming and you might be wondering how you can prepare for a disaster without becoming one your self. It’s actually pretty basic stuff and all you need to do to increase your chance of survival in a true SHTF Scenario is to prepare for your needs in the aftermath of any disaster by stockpiling food, water, and survival gear. The crisis is still going to be there, you are just going to be better prepared than the rest of the masses for the discomfort that can last for days and even weeks.
Don’t let preparing for a disaster turn you into one. Take your location and determine what is the most likely Type of disaster to happen where you live and prepare for it. Then start prepping for next most likely one and so on. Most SHTF situations are caused by natural disasters, home fires, and other normal forces of nature. There may even come a time it may be necessary to stay off grid and hidden from people (like the crazies that came out of the woodwork after Katrina). And zombies, you should always be prepared for a zombie apocalypse.
The population has the mindset that the government will be right there to helping us when our community has been destroyed. Think again. Hurricane Katrina taught us that the government’s response time can be seriously lacking and is probably why the United States government now encourages you to be prepared and have an emergency supply kit. I agree with them; every man woman and child should have an emergency kit ready. Don’t waste time scrambling around looking for your GTFO bag essentials at the last minute. Get it done and be prepared.
You will increase your chances of survival if you have your essential emergency supplies ready. The bag just makes it easy to GTFO. This bag is now commonly known as the “GO-BAG”, BUG-OUT BAG (B.O.B), and READY BAG. It does not matter what you call it as long as you have one ready to GTFO, QUICKLY. Important papers including all licenses, birth and death certificates, inoculation records, passports, deeds, pertinent medical records, and other important papers should be photo-copied and placed in a 100% waterproof pouch, along with (perhaps) a few selected pictures. The pouch should either be put into your GTFO Bag, or placed in an area that would allow quick and easy insertion into your GO-BAG. Along with about $200.00 in cash as well because ATMS might be down along with credit card machines, so cold hard cash will help.
Now we cant forget the women, they are with us for better or worse and when things get worse in a SHTF situation, Keeping Sanitary conditions will be very crucial to survival and my wife as found a few objects that she has packed for her and the girls in their GTFO Bags and has even given me a basic understanding of proper sanitation for women that is necessary to ensure that diseases and illness do not occur. Typically, in a post SHTF situation, we need to think about sanitation conditions because they are going to be at a minimum (at the very least). Therefore, a woman’s personal hygiene is essential to her health and should be considered a Top priority. When sanitary conditions are not up to par, there is an increase of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diphtheria. Typically, women and children are the most affected by poor sanitation conditions. Taking proper precautions and stocking up on sanitary items will help eliminate most dangers for your loved ones.
There are so many variables concerning food, clothing, footwear, personal medications and toiletries to make an attempt at providing a sensible Rock Solid GTFO Bag List. My list is a guide designed to keep it simple and stay alive. You will have to give personal and serious thought to these items yourself. Different people will require different items depending upon location, time of year, health and other factors. Bear in mind you won't be as squeaky clean then, as you are now, so you don't need that many toiletries. Your Axe Body Spray isn't going to keep you alive, and in fact, could kill you. (Body Spray can be smelled from long distances in an environment devoid of those types of odors).
Voodoo Tactical Praetorian Rifle Pack 15-0029 Hydration Backpack Black
Your GTFO BAG as I’ll call it should be designed to carry heavy loads and Voodoo Tactical has combined the best features found in the newest technology hiking packs into one rugged Rifle Pack.
This Voodoo Tactical Praetorian Rifle Pack meets the requirements of prepers on the go. With a fold-out platform for your rifle stock and a cord-lock sleeve to covers the barrel of your weapon for added protection. Perfect for any rifle from an AR15 to a .338 Lapaua. There is a padded space between the front pockets so you can shoot right off your bag. The perfect size pack has padded comfort back and adjustable padded shoulder harness with attached electronic instrument pouches. Multiple side, upper and lower rear pockets, all with reversed YKK coil zippers to keep the sand out. Plenty of universal webbing for various pouch attachments, integrated handles extra straps and buckles. Hook-n-loop I.D. patch on front, advanced harness retention system for maximum load carry and enhanced removable padded waist belt with universal straps. Hydration compatible. Padded side-zip compartment for hauling your laptop with "inside the pack" office pockets. Measures 11"L x 7"W x 20"H. Tools
Weapons
In a true SHTF situation you might be dealing with a “Without Rule of Law” situation, or close to it, and people are likely to do crazy things to survive and those that are not prepared are going to want what you have. Being prepared to defend your self is part of the survivalist mindset. I will not go into specifics about what type of gun you should pack because that is hotly debated and really a personal choice but you need to keep in mind you are going to need durability and reliability because you will most likely have limited access to spare parts, so you want take a weapon that can withstand the outdoors.Whether your thinking of a handgun,shotgun or rifle, there are plenty of choices for survivalist. No matter what you choose is has to be comfortable to you.
Outside of guns your survival knife could be used as weapon if you had to. Also something as simple as a big walking stick or club can be a strong deterrent for bad guys. It’s all about giving your self options.
My options to handle those pesky zombies are my trusty HK45 Combat Tactical and my CM901 equipped with a Leupold 1-8 Mark 8 CQBSS Scope Running a SureFire Suppressor
KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight
As a Former Force Reconnaissance Marine I carry the most famous fixed blade knife in the world. My trusted USMC Fighting knife.
The Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife was designed to serve our troops during World War II and is still going strong nearly 70 years later.A fixed Blade have its advantages over folding blade knifes for extended survival situations. With less moving parts fix blades are more durable while folding blades and multi-tool blades have there place in your GO-BAG they don’t do it as good as a fixed blade knife.
A BUG-OUT PLAN/TOPOGRAHIC MAP & COMPASS
a BUG-OUT PLAN needs to include the location of emergency areas, rallying points, multiple evacuation routes, maps of the area, trail maps, etc (make sure you use a water proof laminate to protect your plans). If you don’t have a compass I would recommend you get a quality Compass like the417 OFFICIAL U.S. MILITARY TRITIUM LENSATIC COMPASS (MODEL 3H)
and a topographic map that uses contour lines torepresent elevated
terrain and show man-made structures and start practicing old-school
navigation until it becomes second nature because you never know when
you may need this skill to dramatically increase our chances of staying
alive in true SHTF scenario.ASR Tactical Technora Ultra Composite Survival Cord Rope (50', 450lbs Breaking Strength)
Cordage can be made in the wild but having some in your GTFO bag can be the difference between life and death. If you need to make a shelter, a tourniquet, or make a snare to trap dinner, cordage is going to be invaluable. This particular cordage has smaller diameter cordage inside the larger cordage which can be used for small traps or other purposes.
Surefire Minimus Tactical 100 Lumens Variable-Output LED Headlamp, Desert Tan HS2-A-TN
Having a Headlamp is a must, allowing you to keep your hands free. This SureFire Tactical Headlamp features a high-efficiency LED that provides brilliant white light, adjustable in output from zero to 100 Lumens via the knurled no-slip right-hand control knob. It runs on a single 123A battery contained within the tilt-control knob, and features a battery access cap with a short leash so you can’t drop it. The proprietary refractive optic produces a wide beam optimized for your natural field of view, and included red, blue and green filters give you the option of low-signature light that also preserves dark-adapted vision. Another valuable SHTF feature is a setting for a long-running SOS beacon for when you want to be found. The fine-weave SF camo headband is strong yet comfortable, and features a moisture wicking Breath-O-Prene forehead pad. Built from tough polymer and aerospace aluminum, hard-anodized in Desert Tan, the Minimus Tactical is lightweight, and tough.
Light My Fire Original Swedish FireSteel Army 12,000 Strike Fire Starter - Black
These types of fire-starters are preferred over matches or lighters because they produce consistent sparks. Good fire starting principles apply for any kind of fire. You will need a nest of tender to receive the spark and kindling ready. If you’ve made traditional flint and steal or a bow drill fire you will appreciate 5,500 degree sparks these strikers produce. Be sure to carry some tampons as a quick start tender or cotton balls soaked in Vaseline...(NO JOKE)
Camelbak Groove 0.6 Liter Bottle, Graphite
Water is a priority. You should have at least 3 litters in your pack. A liter a day is the absolute minimum you need to live, but you could need up to a gallon a day. Get a good survival water bottle to make non-potable water safe such as this quality gift from my awesome wife. The CamelBak Stainless steel water bottle filters all the unwanted particles as you sip, so you can hydrate on the go. It is a re-usable, BPA-free, spill-proof bottle with a filter inside giving you many advantages over plastic and polycarbonate bottles. Stainless canteens can boil water, be used for cooking, and are nearly indestructible. They also keep your water tasting clean. Many canteens made of plastic maintain a memory of liquids you’ve had in them. In the Military and survival settings I’ve seen these bottles go through hell and back. They are incredibly tough and versatile. They are also easy to clean and never leak. The loop on the lid can be used to snap it to your GO-BAG
Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
This Pocket water filter is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers. Has a Private Military contractor working in very extreme conditions, Traveling abroad having access to clean water is crucial. I've used the same Katadyn Pocket Micro filter for many years, on many "trips," and under very extreme circumstances. If your budget will allow it, I guarantee you that the purchase of a Katadyn Pocket Filter will turn you into a very happy camper. No pun intended. If, for whatever reason, you're unable to secure a good quality water filter, make sure you provide another method of treating water. Boiling the water and/or treating it with bleach will work. But I don’t like drinking bleach so I also keep a box of Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Tablets handy.
Chlorine Dioxide has a number of advantages over other purification methods. It’s compact and does not take up much room in your GTFO Bag. It tastes better than iodine tablets or bleach. The instant purification straws are handy but don’t provide protection against smaller organisms. The bottom line however, is that without some method of treating water you WILL PROBABLY DIE!
BackUp Water-MSR Dromedary Bag with Fill Handle, 10 Liter (Black)
You can Ditch the extra water bottles and fill your bladder. NO Joke filling a water bladder is preferred over adding extra water bottles because they are light and can carry a lot of water. You may consider getting the six or ten liter bags since water supplies may be few and far between. You can always use 1 or 2 liters if you don’t want the added weight and having the extra capacity may be a good idea in the long run. These bladders are preferred over plastic bladders (from Platypus or CamelBak) because they don’t get old and rigid. The MSR bags are a little more puncture resistant and durable. These bags are versatile and can be hung from a tree limb and provide easy access for hand washing, rinsing pots, and can even be used as a shower. You might want to add a hydration tube with a bit valve for added convenience. It will you save time by providing quick access to your water without having to stop and pull out your water bottle. When connected to the water bladder you will have two liters of drinking water accessible. The tube can also be used for a variety of survival techniques, including a solar evaporative still.
Emergency Survival Food Supply - 72 Hour Kit - 16 Servings
Food is a must have and having tried all brands of prepared meals while camping with my family over the years my family has voted that the meal kits by patriot pantry are the ones we take and rely on. It’s not a gourmet meal at a four star restraunt but you can’t go wrong with the meals in the 72 Hour Kit. It provides one person with 16 servings of healthy, delicious storable food for 3 days. Packaged in convenient and lightweight 4-Serving Mylar pouches, the low-head dehydrated food seals in the flavor and high-nutritional value. I also have some trail mix and Cliff bars in my bag as well to snack on.
This kit is Great for emergency preparedness, camping, hiking, or to serve as a quick and cost-effective meal for your family even when camping and hiking.
• Blue Ribbon Cheesy Chicken Rice - 4 Servings
• Granny's Home-style Potato Soup - 4 Servings
• Lumberjack Vegetable Beef Stew - 4 Servings
Southwest Enchilada soup - 4 Servings
G.I. Plus Brand - Enhanced Woodland Camouflage Rip-stop Poncho
Staying Warm & Dry is going to be essential to your survival when you have to BUG-OUT or even if you happen to get lost and the temperature starts dropping fast or it’s raining. The Rothco poncho is designed to keep you and your GTFO Bag dry while you’re hiking and doubles as a tarp for a quick shelter. When the weather turns bad you’ll be prepared. The benefit of this poncho over a tent is its light weight and multiple uses. If you do add a tent consider a bivy or this tent from Eureka. Even if you add a tent consider adding the poncho for protection while hiking. You might want to consider adding a Poncho Liner for added warmth and for use as a ground cloth when you sleep. Another item that is a must have is Gore Tex Bivy for your sleeping bag. With this item you could sleep in a foot of snow and stay dry and warm. No matter what they say about down sleeping bags, a wet sleeping bag is going to suck, no matter what it’s made out of.
Military Modular Sleep System 4 Piece with Goretex Bivy Cover and Carry Sack
I bought my modular sleep system a few years ago after my old one failed me while on a training exercise and the Special Warfare Grunts I was training with woke up nice and dry in the Morning. This was the best investment I made because I sleep like champ and my wife loves it when the temperature drops when we go out for our little excursions. The 4-Part Modular Sleep System sleeping bags and other components are constructed to be used in conjunction with each other, or separately to complete an interoperable system known as the extreme cold weather sleeping bag. The MSS is designed to provide comfort in temperature ranging from 50ºF to -30ºF when wearing various layers of extreme cold weather clothing.
Adventure Medical Kits Weekender Kit
My little weekender kit was sitting under the Christmas tree this past Christmas and is a handy kit to have with you when a loved one needs medical attention. A first aid kit is one of the most used items in extended survival settings and one of the most overlooked items, a well stocked first Aid kit will help increase your chance of survival. The Adventure Medical Kit is ideal for situations where basic medical treatment is needed.
Clothing
The clothes you wear and pack are the most important items that will be part of your survival strategy. Being prepared for all types of weather conditions with a good coat, rain jacket, and good boots will play an important role in your comfort and survival.JUST REMEMBER YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
• Hat (Wide Brim and breathable in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter.)
• Underwear – It feels good to change into something fresh after a few days.
• Socks – Wool in the winter and a pair of replacement socks in the summer.
• Fleece Jacket – Try to avoid cotton and get something that pulls the moisture away from your skin.
• Work Gloves – Good for going through brush, working, and cooking with a campfire.
• Flip Flops – After a long hike it feels mighty good to put around camp in a pair of these. Getting out of your boots is a good way to prevent fungus and foot rot.
• Insect Head Netting – This can be used to leach acorns, catch small minnows, and fend off hordes of mosquitoes and other bugs.
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Rescue Gear
There may be times you really want to be found. In addition to a good signal fire add these items to your bag.
• Flares
• Signal Mirror
• Bright orange poncho
• Whistle or a Fog Horn
• EPIRB
Extended Camp Items
I have made a list of items that would be useful in extended camp situations. These are items that would weigh you down if your bug out bag was only intended for three days but would be valuable if you needed to bug out for an extended period of time (a week to a month). If you think you’ll be bugging out for more than a month you should plan on having a bug out location complete with seeds, replenish able water, and a solid (low profile) shelter.
• Tactical Knife/Tool – This knife can dig, pry, hammer, chop, cut, and saw. It can replace a hatchet, crowbar, and folding shovel.
• Hammock
• Ground Mat
• Fishing Kit (10 LB Fluorocarbon Line, Treble Hooks Size 14, Bait Hooks Size 6, Clear Casting Bubble, Clip-on Weights)
• Fish Net – Buy a replacement fishing net or remove the fishing net from a the frame
• Knife Sharpener
• Folding Saw
• Folding Shovel
• Hatchet
• Leatherman – Multitool
• Ruger 22 Rifle – For hunting and defense
• Tarp
• Dish Soap
• Fork and Spoon
• Mess Kit
• MSR Titanium 0.85 Liter Pot – If you have the stainless steel water bottle you may not need this addition weight but it might be nice. This titanium pot is extremely light weight and very strong. Pots are preferred over mess-kits because they have the ability to boil more water. The lid on this model fits tight making for a quick boiling time and it keeps out ashes. The metal handles won’t melt in the fire and fold out of the way. These can boil stew and cook like a small skillet too. It can be used in a buried ground oven. If you have one thing for cooking it would be this pot.
• Universal Fuel Backpacking Stove – I like the MSR International Whisperlite
• White Gas Fuel with Container
• Salt & Spices (Pepper & Garlic)
• Tin Foil
• Dish Rag
• Trash Bags – Try to get black and clear bags but if you have to pick one go with clear
• Duct Tape
• Zip Lock Bags
• Metal Coat Hanger and Snare Wire
• Sewing Kit (with safety pins)
Communication Items
• Water proof Notepad and Pencil
• Solar/Crank Radio with built in solar charger.
• Two Way Radios
• Digital Camera
• Cell Phone (with USB Cord)
• Spare batteries
Comfort & Entertainment
• Alcohol (Booze for trading, for comfort, or as an antiseptic or pain killer)
• Tobacco ( Extremely valuable barter item)
• Book for Reading (Survival, edible plant guide, and inspirational)
• Deck of Cards
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Chap-stick
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Toilet Paper
• Feminine Hygiene… if applicable
Don’t waste your Time or Money on:
• Emergency blankets – They keep water off but they do not keep you warm. You will freeze to death if you try using them for warmth.
• Excessive guns, knives, ammo. Ideally your bug out bag should get you to your bug out location or at least to a temporary stash of more supplies. In order to move quickly only carry enough ammo to get you to your retreat destination. Speed and concealment will be extremely important.
• Butane stoves or lanterns – they won’t light when it’s cold and are usually heavy. You’d be better off getting multi-fuel stoves that can burn white gas, unleaded, and kerosene fuels.
• Most Snake Bite Kits – From what I could tell most snake bite kits are outdated and dangerous to use. Research the snakes in your local area and put together your own kit based off your research.
SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH THIS PREPARED GO-BAG!
Combat Ready 2 Survival 72 Hour Bugout Bag with FOX Tactical Advanced 3-Day Combat Pack (Black) Ontario Knife Company SP1 Marine Combat Knife with Leather and Cordura Sheath Ameriqual APack MREs SOS Food Lab Emergency Water and 2400 Calorie Bars Adventure Medical Kits Sportsman First Aid Kit Ultimate Survival Technologies UST Stormproof Floating Butane Lighter (Orange) UST WetFire Fire Starting Tinders Gladding Paracord Emergency Blanket/ Poncho and more
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