What’s In My Bag?

If there is one question I get asked a lot, it’s “What’s in my bag?”.

What’s In My Bag?

The last thing the world needs is another bug out bag post, but I am constantly asked “What’s in your bag, Geek?”.

I figured the best way to deal with this was to just tackle it head on and have a post that covers my gear. This post gets updated when that gear changes.

My bag is an ever-evolving collection of gear. It contains the the stuff that has proven itself, up to this point, to be best in breed, for my needs. When I find something better, develop new techniques, or if something reveals itself to be lacking, then I’ll update this post for the world to see.

My Bag

My current bug out bag (I camp with this also, it’s so much more than just an idle bag) is a High Sierra 75 liter, internal frame backpack. This bag won’t be for everybody, and I understand that. Use the bag that works for you, this one just happens to work for a big guy like me.

My Bag’s Contents

My bag may be a bit beefier than some of yours, as I have 3 daughters. Even though they have their own bug out gear and bags, that can subsist independently, I prefer to carry some extra gear to make our bug out a bit more comfortable and effective.

In My Bag:

• Headlamp (with regular and red LEDs)
• Flashlight
• Compass
• Maps (Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer)
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Sawyer Mini water filter
• Military Poncho and Snugpack Jungle Blanket (Jungle Blanket compresses into a smaller size than poncho liner)
• Big Camo Tarp
• Large Ferro Rod (1/2 or 5/8 inch wide)
• 3 Bic Lighters
• Googles or Sunglasses (eye protection)
• Bandanas (2)
• Shemagh
• Paracord
• Lash It (cordage)
• First Aid Kit with QuikClot
• Becker Knife (currently BK-2 or BK-7)
• MoraKniv (for fine tasks and food prep)
• Sharpening Stone
• Bright Orange Frisbee (signal, plate, cutting board, fun time, etc)
• Mess Kit
• titanium spork
• Couple of MREs or Freeze Dried foods (Mountain House or similar)
• Signal Whistle
• Signal Mirror or CD (for signal mirror use)
• Sleeping pad (Klymit Static-V lightweight inflatable)
• Radios (Baofeng 2m/70cm, GMRS or FRS)
• Synthetic Shirts (Wicking)
• Socks (3 pair)
• Nylon / Synthetic Convertible Pants (Yes they have a zipper to convert from pants to shorts. Don’t judge me, you’ll be jealous when it’s really hot and I’m magically wearing shorts!)
• Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Solar Recharging Kit
• Rechargeable AA and AAA Batteries

Strapped under my bag:

• Snugpak Scorpion 3 tent

Strapped to bag:

• Cold Steel Shovel
• Camp Axe
• Rock Climbing or Bike Helmet

 

Daughter’s Bags Contents

In their bags:

• Headlamp (with regular and red LEDs)
• Flashlight
• Compass
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Sawyer Mini water filter
• Military Poncho and Poncho Liner (rain gear, shelter and sleeping bag)
• Large Ferro Rod (1/2 or 5/8 inch wide)
• 1 Bic Lighter
• Googles or Sunglasses (eye protection)
• Bandanas (2)
• Shemagh
• Paracord
• First Aid Kit with QuikClot
• Becker Knife (currently BK-2)
• MoraKniv (for fine tasks and food prep)
• Bright Orange Frisbee (signal, plate, cutting board, fun time, etc)
• Mess Kit
• titanium spork
• 2 MREs or Freeze Dried foods (Mountain House or similar)
• Signal Whistle
• Signal Mirror or CD (for signal mirror use)
• Sleeping pad (Klymit Static-V lightweight inflatable)
• Radio (Baofeng 2m/70cm, GMRS or FRS)
• Synthetic Shirts (Wicking)
• Socks (3 pair)
• Rechargeable AA and AAA Batteries

Strapped to bag:

• Rock Climbing or Bike Helmet