Learn to Maximize the Minimum

The Critical Edge Defense Solutions staff is always prepping and preparing because no one knows when tragedy will strike so have to be able to think fast and react even faster.When a SHTF moment happens and you find that you need to GTFO in a moments notice,you probably are not going to have the time or space to pack alot in your vehicle.In case you don't have a GO-BAG ready, you can follow these tips by packing ultra-light in a gallon plastic bag.

WATER:
Water is an absolute must for survival, so it's essential that when you rush out of your house in a SHTF scenario you have a way to hydrate your self.I'm not talking about having 20 gallons of water in your bag because that is not ideal,so be sure to have a water filter that allows you to make any water you come across drinkable. you have several options like using a Life Straw or Aquamira, These will not take up any room in your bag and will will eliminate almost every biological threat in North America.
In addition, water purification tablets also work great at eliminating pesky bacteria from water.In Leiu of this you could make sure you have more garbage bags and a small bottle of bleach or iodine.Both of these options are effective in purifying water by mixing two drops of bleach or five drops of iodine per one liter of water.
The water must be clear for both options so pack a small bag of coffee filters to filter your water through but if you need to you can crude filter through a T-Shirt or bandanna.Just be sure to wait 30 minutes before you consume your treated water.

SHELTER:
Shelter is another key element to survival,so unless you have a bat cave or BUG-OUT location prepared, you should pack a military style poncho with grommeted corners.This can help serve as a make shift shelter.An emergency space blanket is better than nothing and can be used as a poncho,gear cover,shelter,ground cover or even be used as a rain collection tarp.
Para cord is also a must have in your bag to help with building shelter.(para-cord is actually eight lenghts of rope-comprised of the seven inner strands and the outside sheath).
Don't freak out if you don't have para cord because any rope will work for a shelter line.
now if you run out of the house and you don't have any para cord or rope at least grab your floss so you can floss while you hang your shelter line because floss has a tensile strength of 20 pounds and a roll normally holds a 100 yards so you should be okay.

FIRE MAKING:
In a SHTF situation a fire will be in high demand on those cold nights so be prepared by packing a disposable lighter,a ferro rod and some cotton balls mixed with petroleum jelly in your pack.
these cotton balls  will ignite with just a spark and  burn for at least seven minutes giving you time to get your logs burning so cook any fish,meat or veggies you come across.

SELF DEFENSE:
Now once your all warm and cozy by your fire you should have some protection to defend your self so packing a small hand gun would make a good choice if you have one.
If you don't have a gun you should at least have a  knife in your bag. A knife will be very important bug-out tool that will get a lot of use.I prefer to carry a fixed blade for durability but a folder will work if its all that is available

LIGHT:
Light will be a necessity so pack a good dual output led flash light. even a small key chain led light will work for small storage spaces so you can have something to use for night time travel or work.

MOTHER NATURE:
If you have the skill and ability to adapt, all your needs can be attained from nature but unless you're an avid hiker or camper,the chances are that you don't have the experience and knowledge to survive this way.
so I suggest you read The Ultimate Survival Manual (Outdoor Life): 333 Skills that Will Get You Out Alive