"Dynamic Airflow System"-- Pretty cool; when I was a kid we just called them holes but those were simpler times. Nice bag. The Maineprepper did a review on those food cubes and basically he said they have little nutritional/energy value if I remember correctly. One additional item to consider is a good sturdy walking stick in the trunk. Helps take the weight off the knees and has many other potential uses.
Love the gear. Got some good ideas. As I'm 15 miles from home in carry shelter for if I need to camp along the way. I also carry less as I carry my bag every day on the bus to work. As a guy in a suit I have no problem walking home in it. I'm not carrying other shoes etc. every day. I just ordered the radio. Thanks for sharing!
Great video, I modeled my bag on a lot of what you did. I also added thin work gloves. I like Carhatt or Mechanix Wear. Great to protect your hands while still maintaining dexterity. Also useful during the summer when you don't have your winter gloves with you. Also a headlamp as a backup light and to keep you hands free. You might also add in 10-12 zip ties, tons of uses. Keep up the great videos.
Superb kit, really, really well thought out. I love the restraint, just enough of just the right gear. No redundancy, no overkill, not tactical, excellent. Really good job. There is so much tactical, paramilitary rubbish on you tube from fantasy survivalists, it's really refreshing to see a sensible, well thought out kit. I like the FAK too, just enough of what you need. Personally, I would resist the temptation to add an airway and pneumo kit even if you're a qualified medic. You cant use it on yourself and if you start packing for every possibility, where do you stop? I draw the line on what I can use on myself. If I need to use my own kit on someone else, then I will obviously. I'm not going to walk past someone in need of help, but I'm not going to pack additional gear with the intention of playing the disaster medic either. That's a personal decision but IMO the objective is about getting me home to my loved ones and making sure my family is safe first and foremost. Excellent video.
+Martyntd5 Thanks for the kind words. I tried to be intelligent about what I put in it. Its really a matter of how much do you want to be prepared for. You could carry a whole hospital if you wanted, but I think its better to figure out what situations you are likely to be involved in and how much you are going to want to try and fix. I agree on the NPA and chest seal. They never made it into the pack.
SnareMan //Thanks for the kind words.// Credit where it's due my friend. I like the lack of ego in your kit. The choice of a Kelty pack is superb. All it needs to be is comfortable and effective. There is no need whatsoever for ballistic nylon and PALS webbing, you are not going on a tour of duty and dressing up like an off duty Navy SEAL frankly just makes you look like a fantasist. The bad guys will see through it in a second. They will do a risk assessment. The trick is to look like you can handle yourself, while also looking like you have nothing of interest. That makes jacking you more trouble than it's worth and you are far more likely to get ignored, while the fat guy in the Navy SEAL costume is getting all the attention. I also like the lack of redundancy. Whoever came up with 'two is one and one in none', couldn't count. The military don't issue you with two rifles in case one breaks. Get good quality, dependable gear, then learn to depend on it. Get confidence in it by practising with it, look after it properly, don't lose it and redundancy becomes redundant. //I think its better to figure out what situations you are likely to be involved in and how much you are going to want to try and fix.// Again, your lack of ego is refreshing and I totally agree. Personally, I am often some distance from home, so my FAK has a strong bias towards foot care. Blister management isn't as sexy as trauma management, but my day is far more likely to get ruined by blisters than gunshot wounds. I think if someone is going to copy a kit list, they are generally far better advised to ignore the vast majority of the paramilitary survival nuts and instead, looking at the ultralight backpackers. They are all about travelling light and fast. They carry only what they need and no more and most importantly, their credentials are solid because they actually do it. Your kit reminds me more of a backpackers kit which I think means you are more likely to secure your objective - getting home quickly and safely.
We have very similar setups and mindsets for this kind of bag. Some minor differences in my bag that you may or may not agree with. It gets hot where I am at, so I have two separate, one liter Smart Water bottles. On a 12 plus mile walk home with a broken down vehicle, if I could take only one item it would be a full water bottle. Having walked/hiked/rucked long distances many times, I typically drink at least 2 liters in 3-4 hours of movement, in the heat. I have a metal cup that I keep survival stuff in (like a whistle and a flare) rather than a collapsible cup in case I have to boil water. I feel that the need to boil anything in a short term situation is very unlikely, so I may actually switch to your collapsible setup on this. You can mix the meds without them touching if you stuff a bit of cotton ball between them in the tube. I also use Datrex, but I suggest you try Mainstay and the Walmart, apple flavored survival food brick. I think they taste slightly better. Rather than the bivy, I use a casualty blanket because I feel it's a bit more versatile, in that it can also be a tarp or fire reflector. Also, the bivy can make you sweat a ton. I use a red first aid pouch just so its easier to locate for me and anyone else that needs to use my bag. You can use a military PT belt for signaling if you want to cut down on bulk with signaling. Final thought, I use a paracord spool tool. It gives you a lighter for fire starting and it just makes using and cutting paracord a whole lot easier. Awesome bag. I am on the road a lot and live in tornado alley, so I always have a bag ready in case of a long walk home or a sprint to the shelter.
Thanks for the reply. I found your channel when I was searching RUclips for the Aimpoint Pro review. I am also in the process of building a get home/bug out/ vehicle bag. For my family that we can take and move from car to car. It is surprising how much stuff you need. But I buy a little at a time, every time I'm at the store. And it's funny people laugh and think that I'm paranoid but they always ask me for a blade, light, or any kind thing they need when it comes up. I live in Ca. I am planning on putting a red dot on my G19 when I get my new slide from zev(expensive) thanks for your videos, they are helpful.
Yeah. For some reason I had fun buying all the stuff for the bag. It was kind of fun researching it and shopping for the stuff. Glad the video was helpful.
Good video. I can see you put a lot of thought into your system. It's a good one if you're within 1 days hike of home, but not so good if you have to overnight in the open. Some suggestions: 1. change out the cheap raincoat for a poncho with corner grommets. With a little paracord you can make a shelter to get out of the elements; could be a lifesaver. 2. That little knife will not serve to process wood for a fire; get a PocketBoy folding saw or a lightweight hatchet. 3. Add a 3-mil thick 45-gallon drum liner (trash bag); you can fill it with leaves and it will get you up off the cold, damp ground for sleeping. Trust me. There are a lot of other lightweight items that are efficatious for survival in the open. I think you have the desire, and will eventually find them.
Don't know if anyone has already pointed this out but I would add some type of water container.. maybe a Nalgene bottle and purification tabs or some bottled water. Also, I would carry at least two magazines for my handgun (2 is 1) Aside from that I think you have a pretty good set up.
You calculated well and have put together a very sensible bag. I am forever repacking mine in an effort to fine tune it that much more. I was thinking you might want to include one of those blue camping cups and maybe a boulion cube or some instant coffee/tea. Thanks.
Excellent video, SnareMan! Well thought out, easy to follow, and very informative. You did a great job in breaking down your layers and making it personable for the average viewer. My kit looks very similar to yours, with the addition of an Esbit stove and a small, lightweight aluminum pot by Primus. If you've not checked out Esbit style stoves, you should. It's amazing what a hot drink or meal can do for the soul and psyche when conditions are less than ideal. Keep up the great work!
Just a comment from someone who works in a drug store. Don't mix different drugs in one container. Interactions can occur and make them ineffective or dangerous.
Nice video, and well thought out bag. I have a bigger one for winter, and I often wonder if its too much. I drive all day and can be up to 100 miles from home, so I plan for a more multi day problem. I carry 3 liters of water in the 4 oz. life boat style pouches, along with an insulated empty bladder, an empty Seyshelle filtered water bottle and a Nalgene bottle for collecting water along the way. I also carry a small space blanket style tarp for shelter building a small sleep pad to keep me off the cold ground, rain pants/poncho, outer soft shell jacket, heavy long underwear extra wool socks fleece hat and gloves. here the nights can get into the 40s, sometimes 30s this time of year. I carry it all in a kelty redwing 3100. Its similar to yours, otherwise. Too much do you think?
I also keep a well stocked GH / BO Bag in my car; but, I also just on my person I keep a swiss card in my wallet made by victorinox, a leatherman squirt a very small ferro rod with one end wraped in 2 feet of duct tape as well as a lighter which I wrap a ranger band around, a victorinox trecker knife on the little key chain on the end I keep a tiny little high power flash light and one of my old dog tags from my military days. I also always wear my timex wrist watch that has a thermometer and a compas as well as a 550 paracord wrist band. I live in western Cananda now so I do not or am not alllowed to carry a hand gun or rifle EDC which is fine, I don't believe we have the population density to make that as important- back home in Alabama I would definately keep a firearm though. Great video brother, good work.
Well done video and thought-out bag. You might want to consider some cheep sunglasses, maybe some extra batteries for your flashlight and laminated map of your state or local area, I think you have a good bag. I will be using some of your ideas. I like the idea of having the $100 in small bills. Good job!
There are a lot of resources at the hospital, both food, medical and people. Its also a large stable structure that will likely withstand storms without a problem. It has backup power. And we have a lot of armed security.
And some anti-diarrhea pills. Put your tape in a bag if it gets warm glue will come out the side and stick to your bag. Keep a a pair of gloves if you have to climb a fence or pick up a pipe/wood protects your hands. Well thought out bag. Thanks for sharing.
Very well thought out GHB, thank you for sharing. My thoughts: a more robust IFAK with anti-diarrhea pills and assorted bandages. The defense pouch should be more readily available. When you need to defend yourself, there's no time time to waste, though I see you have the handgun holstered so I presume you would carry it concealed if having to walk home. The food and nourishment section: while the emergency block is good for a last resort, I would sacrifice a bit of space & weight and have a couple of MRE's in the bag. Also, there are now very practical tuna lunch packs (int your grocery store canned tuna section) that include crackers and some even relish, they're quite tasty, filling, lightweight, and compact, I've used them and they will bail out a hungry tummy in a hurry. Last, please remember that in a SHTF scenario and having to walk home, ANY bag, whether plain or tactical looking, will signal to two-legged predators that there are resources inside, so don't fool yourselves thinking you will not attract attention with any type of bag. Thanks again.
Great set up and well presented. Two things you might consider. One is some goggles or other eye protection. If you lose your sight, you're done. Second is some leather gloves or something to protect your hands. Cuts and scraps on your hands can cause longer term harm in an emergency situation. Other than that, well done.
Well, I have a blanket and a CAT tourniquet. Water will work just fine for wound irrigation. There should be plenty of that around and I have 2 bottles of water already in my bag. There generally isn't that much of an 'emergency' to irrigate a wound. Sooner is better, but its not really a seconds type of thing. All good things to have in general though.
pepper spray just makes you eyes burn, they will run for a wile and it isn't nice but other than that it is not lethal unless you are allergic to something in that specific spray they make cleaning cloths specially for cleaning after being sprayed I would suggest getting a few if you carry pepper spray, this will help if you get some in your eyes wile spraying in windy conditions. milk and any base liquid works too
Great video, and I liked that you noted it will change with the seasons. Snap shot in time I think Nutinfancy would say. Got to get me one of those IFAKs and soon. Being the new training guy for Safety and Security at work we're looking to upgrade some of our old equipment and get some new ways of thinking. Your videos have really helped our department out.
I don't have a ton of knowledge on the 95 vs 100. When we had the big flu outbreak here at the hospital every got trained on and was issued N95 masks as they are what's approved for influenza. I'm sure the 100's are better, although I think more expensive. Are they better enough to warrant getting them? I don't know for sure. As for the bag, it took awhile to find that one. I think enough people have backpacks that it won't be a problem. Its at least not tactical looking.
great stuff, I've carried a get home bag for years, even did a video of it a couple of years ago now. Cash on hand is always a good idea, it's saved the day on many "non-emergencies". I too keep food in my get home bag. Like you mentioned it down on the priority list, but if I have room I'm packing it in to help keep energy UP. Great video, subbed!
I don't know that I'd really change much. Perhaps a chest seal/needle for pneumothorax. There were a ton of medics there so there didn't seem to be the need for much outside help. It wasn't hard to get home once you were out of the area. Do you have any ideas for some new items?
Very nice setup. One suggestion, move the radio from the outside edge to the middle where it can be padded by the clothes. I broke mine when it got banged on the edge of my trunk. (accidentally of course). And I do have a GPS in mine.
Nice Kelty pack... I would have additional fire starting capability... redundancy... Fire starter, etc. I would also consider a heavy duty 55 gal garbage bag and a light-weight 6x8 painter's plastic drop cloth, just in case you need shelter. Some Gator Aid packets would be good for water taste and electrolyte replacement... sun screen, sun glasses, baseball cap... all and all nice pack and nicely packed. Thanks!
No, the hospital is a good place relative to many other places. As someone who has worked in the ER for 15 years I can say that its a good place. Not to stay forever, but certainly a good starting place. As I said, there is a lot of 'stuff' here. People can come to the hospital, but it doesn't mean they are going to bust through and run rampant through the hospital. We have lots of heavily armed security here. The generators will run plenty long enough. Not really nervous there.
I do leave it in my car, but I guess I'm either not worried about people breaking in or its just an acceptable risk for having the bag when I need it. I do take it out for times like when I take the car to the dealer. I guess if you totally don't want to leave it in the car ever then you'd have to come up with a smaller bag that you wouldn't mind carrying everywhere you go.
You mean a camping cup for some hot stuff? Because I have that collapsible cup, although it probably wouldn't hold anything hot. And I don't have any way to heat water up. Something with some flavor like coffee/tea isn't a bad idea though.
radio signals are sound waves and get weaker and weaker as you get further away from the source. So, if someone picks up your signal, if they can pick it up from at least three separate locations, they can pinpoint your location!
and u can also drop a water bottle or two and replace it with a wide and short stainless steel water bottler which can be used to store water (obviously) but it can also serve to keep things dry (like a cell phone or radio) if it is raining of u have to swim. and it can also serve as a cooking container!!! and i noticed u had nothing for cooking in! just an idea.
good video, may I suggest glow sticks, water proof matches, 550 para-cord, compass, walky talkies(small), sun screen, chap stick, neosporan, safety glasses, sunglasses. all small items but it may take you three whole days to get home.
what I am going to start doing is have 2 separate packs one for fall winter and one for spring summer of course if I got to bug out ill still grab both they will both have more or less the same kit in them except for clothing I go to the dollar stores alto you can find great stuff to add rain ponchos thermal blankets fire starting stuff ropes tarps ect but for the main stuff the hunting store is best
I enjoyed the video. And thank you for not telling us about 'how once upon a time when I was tracking a.... blah blah..." Nice clean review. And I really like the whitewash background - never seen that before on an EDC show-and-tell. I have a suggestion as follows that I learned from someone else. This should be in your med kit in case someone needs a sugar fix if they are diabetic or just as a simple dietary supplement... A no-nonsense easy prep... Propel water beverage individual mix packets for electrolyte, sugar, and vitamin balancing purposes... for more reasons than we can think of, but those situations we can't for see. Water is just fine of course, and necessary... But for few packets of instant drink mix at very little space/weight consumed it's a good idea for the many things it provides, one of which is a sense of a pseudo-sustainable as well as a trade-able item especially so if there is a food shortage.
Good idea. Thanks. I try and have that clean white background in almost all of my vids for a little cleaner look. I hate the people that do their vids on their bedspread with their dog running through and the TV on.
add a blister preventative like hydropel and a blister treatment because you may me walking for a long time and would be bad if you were stranded. also I would add quarters for a pay phone or buy a disposable phone from a convenient store. great bag though and I agree that the best way to keep safe is to look unprepared but carry a strong defense system.
a map of your area is a good idea and you had the bivy but I would suggest a good sized tarp to protect you from rain ,sun and wind. it doesn't need to be an expensive one just something to keep u out of the elements
Good vid mate, I see you have a lot of paracord in there, is it for anything in particular or 'just in case', a tarp or the like might be useful with the paracord to provide shelter. I've no idea where you stay so maybe nowhere to 'string' but my first thought was shelter, you might live somewhere where its not an issue so fair enough.. You seem to have most stuff covered and being in the UK I don't have the need for the firearms, the rest of it seems pretty well thought out. I've got a car kit for my missus that's ticks a lot of the same boxes as your bag, I was constrained by her general lack of interest in anything 'prep' but she has her bag. That reminds me, batteries will need checked etc. so I'll need to give it a once over.
dont worry I missed the first minute.. re-watched .. got the info.. thanks for the videos... still trying to figure out a EDC bag ... i like this one...
Good vid and kit. Some recommended additionals: gorilla/duct tape, zip ties, steel container (boiling/cooking), compass, copies of essential documents/ID, repair kit, "roof", bin bags. How u gona keep all kit dry?
Yea, that's an idea. I guess its a matter of what you think you need to be prepared for or what type of badness you might find yourself in and then prepare for that. I'm mostly planning for (I feel like this is a statement from doomsday preppers) being stuck somewhere away from home or getting stuck on the way home and having to survive for awhile until I can get back home. Hopefully no camping involved for me. :-)
Yea, since buying it I've learned that its not the best. I originally got it because it was much more compact than putting an MRE in there. Thanks for the sub btw!
HM, well i have a small stove that would fit into a waist pack but i don't know that i would need it for just a get home bag, i mean this isn't a full size bug out bag or an inch bag, this is an "i was at the office when a tornado tore apart town" bag or an "i was driving down the 5 when the EMP struck" bag, the idea is that it will get you from where you are to where you need to be, its like a day pack or a 2 day pack tops... it is a very nice kit but it seems a bit excessive.
Love this bag but datrex food bars don't have long shelf life and it doesn't have a lot nutrition. I think you shoud get mayday or mainstay food bars but otherwise this get home bag is awesome.
Just did a bunch of reading on civies with handcuff keys. Pretty much all of it said that its not illegal to own one. I'll see if my cop friends have any different view on the matter.
thanks for a great vid. My question is, do you really carry a 17-18lbs bag daily? i am trying to build an Urban get home bag around 8 lbs at the most, including my laptop. I live in Texas so i think i can make that happen without sacrificing too much.
Thanks. No, it stays in my trunk. If I had to, I could get around with it and there are a few things like the shoes that I could remove to save weight if I needed to.
Nice kit ! The only thing extra that I carry is optics... A small monocular, high quality - doctor optic as carried by nutnfancy....other than that, pretty damn good... Like the celox !
Thanks. I'd thought about it, but I don't really have room for a stove and don't really plan on being stuck for that long (nor do I have heatable food). I already have a lighter and a few other fire starting things though. I'd thought about a saw.
As far as your firearm goes, if you did not already know. Smith & Wesson put out a recall on all Shield firearms that were made before August 19th, 2013. If you haven't had it inspected, you should do so. The trigger bar pin has a possibility to damage the lower trigger and cause the firearm to discharge if dropped.
I would replace the rain jacket with a decent poncho. It will protect your head, your backpack and your legs in addition to what the jacket would protect.. Plus you can get them with grommets in the corners so you can use it as an emergency tarp/shelter..
What essentials would you pare down to to fit in only a waist pack? That'd be tough. I don't disagree that its large, but what would you get rid of to make it smaller? Some people have suggested I need more, like a stove.
I have a lighter and kindling. There is also a knife in the bag plus a knife that I'd always be carrying. So I'm good there. I do need to get a map though.
Thanks. I have the hat and gloves in there now with the winter and then I'll replace those with some Mechanix gloves come warmer weather. Glasses are a good idea.
"big pocket" hat and gloves - go marino wool dust mask - keep it paracord - maybe half of that daytrex 3 day bars - keep it radio - there are much smaller radios out there rain coat- get an orange one signal vest - ditch it shoes - keep em socks - keep em
eliminate enough small things and i think you can get it down. again, i am not criticizing you here, i think its a good pack. i just think that it is a bit gear heavy, now the ideas that i gave may not be the end all answer but i think that they are a solid start, i mean what i have lined out here does take a 50+ item pack and reduced it to 26 items, i think that is a serious step right there...
good starting point but like you said ill need to personalize it but i was thinking what if you good somewhere you don't really know i think adding a map would be wise as well.
like always good video good info. My get home bag is a 5.11 covrt 18 backpack i just love this pack i have one in the wife car's as well. for firepower my pack has a G26 with 3 mags / wife pack has 9mm berretta px4 storm with 3mags
Only thing I would add is making sure you've got copies of your identification and maybe a thumb drive with password protected back ups of important documents. Maybe an extra water bottle in the side pocket. I know it's a get home bag but in a real crisis you don't always know what shape home will be in when you get there.
very nice kit, still a little large for a get home bag in my opinion, would love to see you try a stripped down version of this, something that maybe fits a waist pack? any thoughts on that?
Getting through all of your reviews. Have you considered adding an Esbit stove and metal cup? A true hot meal or cup of instant coffee could make your situation much better.
Thanks for sharing. How far are you from home normally? My office is 7 miles from home but around 2 weeks out of the month, I travel and could be anywhere from 100-300 miles from home. I need to pack more stuff in my GHB but it still only weighs 20 lbs. Keep up the good work!
+Preparedglueguy1 Thanks. I work just just a 15min drive from my house so if I had to walk it I could, although the hospital is a good place to get stuck if I had to.
Nice Bag, I have nearly the same in my bag except for a gun (gun regulation laws) and the vest (going to add it, so thanks for the idea), but 2 things I'm missing at your bag: a space blanket and a digital and a physical copy of your papers, like passport, insurance papers and emergency numbers, like creditcard lockdown, local emergency assist and other numbers you might need to have in case your cell broke down. Also some coins for that matter would be nice. But apart from that really good bag!
May I suggest moving your pepper spray to your flashlight pocket or in one of the side pockets in case you find yourself in an "I need it now" situation. Great well thought out pack.
Well, the bag is in my trunk and if I got out to walk somewhere with it my plan is to get the spray out and maybe clip it on my belt or into one of the water bottle pockets for quick access. Good idea though. Glad you liked the vid. :-)
Very good and informative video. If I may make a suggestion for something to add to your bag is either a small pair of binoculars or a monocular. Just so you can see what is ahead of you. Perhaps also some chocolate bars in case you are with some people or perhaps you yourself might need a sugar boost.
i have a Kelty hip pack i cut the fanny pack straps off and use that for my EMS bag at work.. for EDC i use the 511 COVRT 18 check that out it looks just like this bag almost but 1000x better
"Dynamic Airflow System"-- Pretty cool; when I was a kid we just called them holes but those were simpler times. Nice bag. The Maineprepper did a review on those food cubes and basically he said they have little nutritional/energy value if I remember correctly. One additional item to consider is a good sturdy walking stick in the trunk. Helps take the weight off the knees and has many other potential uses.
Love the gear. Got some good ideas. As I'm 15 miles from home in carry shelter for if I need to camp along the way. I also carry less as I carry my bag every day on the bus to work. As a guy in a suit I have no problem walking home in it. I'm not carrying other shoes etc. every day. I just ordered the radio. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Very nice bag! I like the non-tactical, sporty look, perfect for the "gray man" approach. Well well thought-out with good stuff. Subscribing.
+Rangersly Thanks! :-)
Great video, I modeled my bag on a lot of what you did. I also added thin work gloves. I like Carhatt or Mechanix Wear. Great to protect your hands while still maintaining dexterity. Also useful during the summer when you don't have your winter gloves with you. Also a headlamp as a backup light and to keep you hands free. You might also add in 10-12 zip ties, tons of uses. Keep up the great videos.
Superb kit, really, really well thought out. I love the restraint, just enough of just the right gear. No redundancy, no overkill, not tactical, excellent. Really good job. There is so much tactical, paramilitary rubbish on you tube from fantasy survivalists, it's really refreshing to see a sensible, well thought out kit.
I like the FAK too, just enough of what you need. Personally, I would resist the temptation to add an airway and pneumo kit even if you're a qualified medic. You cant use it on yourself and if you start packing for every possibility, where do you stop? I draw the line on what I can use on myself. If I need to use my own kit on someone else, then I will obviously. I'm not going to walk past someone in need of help, but I'm not going to pack additional gear with the intention of playing the disaster medic either. That's a personal decision but IMO the objective is about getting me home to my loved ones and making sure my family is safe first and foremost.
Excellent video.
+Martyntd5 Thanks for the kind words. I tried to be intelligent about what I put in it. Its really a matter of how much do you want to be prepared for. You could carry a whole hospital if you wanted, but I think its better to figure out what situations you are likely to be involved in and how much you are going to want to try and fix. I agree on the NPA and chest seal. They never made it into the pack.
SnareMan
//Thanks for the kind words.//
Credit where it's due my friend. I like the lack of ego in your kit. The choice of a Kelty pack is superb. All it needs to be is comfortable and effective. There is no need whatsoever for ballistic nylon and PALS webbing, you are not going on a tour of duty and dressing up like an off duty Navy SEAL frankly just makes you look like a fantasist. The bad guys will see through it in a second. They will do a risk assessment. The trick is to look like you can handle yourself, while also looking like you have nothing of interest. That makes jacking you more trouble than it's worth and you are far more likely to get ignored, while the fat guy in the Navy SEAL costume is getting all the attention.
I also like the lack of redundancy. Whoever came up with 'two is one and one in none', couldn't count. The military don't issue you with two rifles in case one breaks. Get good quality, dependable gear, then learn to depend on it. Get confidence in it by practising with it, look after it properly, don't lose it and redundancy becomes redundant.
//I think its better to figure out what situations you are likely to be involved in and how much you are going to want to try and fix.//
Again, your lack of ego is refreshing and I totally agree. Personally, I am often some distance from home, so my FAK has a strong bias towards foot care. Blister management isn't as sexy as trauma management, but my day is far more likely to get ruined by blisters than gunshot wounds.
I think if someone is going to copy a kit list, they are generally far better advised to ignore the vast majority of the paramilitary survival nuts and instead, looking at the ultralight backpackers. They are all about travelling light and fast. They carry only what they need and no more and most importantly, their credentials are solid because they actually do it. Your kit reminds me more of a backpackers kit which I think means you are more likely to secure your objective - getting home quickly and safely.
We have very similar setups and mindsets for this kind of bag. Some minor differences in my bag that you may or may not agree with. It gets hot where I am at, so I have two separate, one liter Smart Water bottles. On a 12 plus mile walk home with a broken down vehicle, if I could take only one item it would be a full water bottle. Having walked/hiked/rucked long distances many times, I typically drink at least 2 liters in 3-4 hours of movement, in the heat. I have a metal cup that I keep survival stuff in (like a whistle and a flare) rather than a collapsible cup in case I have to boil water. I feel that the need to boil anything in a short term situation is very unlikely, so I may actually switch to your collapsible setup on this. You can mix the meds without them touching if you stuff a bit of cotton ball between them in the tube. I also use Datrex, but I suggest you try Mainstay and the Walmart, apple flavored survival food brick. I think they taste slightly better. Rather than the bivy, I use a casualty blanket because I feel it's a bit more versatile, in that it can also be a tarp or fire reflector. Also, the bivy can make you sweat a ton. I use a red first aid pouch just so its easier to locate for me and anyone else that needs to use my bag. You can use a military PT belt for signaling if you want to cut down on bulk with signaling. Final thought, I use a paracord spool tool. It gives you a lighter for fire starting and it just makes using and cutting paracord a whole lot easier. Awesome bag. I am on the road a lot and live in tornado alley, so I always have a bag ready in case of a long walk home or a sprint to the shelter.
Great video.Well done for daring to prefer the Gerber multitool and of course,you are correct about the "grey man" theory!
Thanks. Yea, I like the Gerber better, nice as the Leatherman is.
Thanks for the reply. I found your channel when I was searching RUclips for the Aimpoint Pro review. I am also in the process of building a get home/bug out/ vehicle bag. For my family that we can take and move from car to car. It is surprising how much stuff you need. But I buy a little at a time, every time I'm at the store. And it's funny people laugh and think that I'm paranoid but they always ask me for a blade, light, or any kind thing they need when it comes up. I live in Ca. I am planning on putting a red dot on my G19 when I get my new slide from zev(expensive) thanks for your videos, they are helpful.
Yeah. For some reason I had fun buying all the stuff for the bag. It was kind of fun researching it and shopping for the stuff. Glad the video was helpful.
Good video. I can see you put a lot of thought into your system. It's a good one if you're within 1 days hike of home, but not so good if you have to overnight in the open.
Some suggestions: 1. change out the cheap raincoat for a poncho with corner grommets. With a little paracord you can make a shelter to get out of the elements; could be a lifesaver. 2. That little knife will not serve to process wood for a fire; get a PocketBoy folding saw or a lightweight hatchet. 3. Add a 3-mil thick 45-gallon drum liner (trash bag); you can fill it with leaves and it will get you up off the cold, damp ground for sleeping. Trust me.
There are a lot of other lightweight items that are efficatious for survival in the open. I think you have the desire, and will eventually find them.
Thanks for the comments. Some good ideas.
Don't know if anyone has already pointed this out but I would add some type of water container.. maybe a Nalgene bottle and purification tabs or some bottled water. Also, I would carry at least two magazines for my handgun (2 is 1) Aside from that I think you have a pretty good set up.
You calculated well and have put together a very sensible bag. I am forever repacking mine in an effort to fine tune it that much more. I was thinking you might want to include one of those blue camping cups and maybe a boulion cube or some instant coffee/tea.
Thanks.
The video just came up as I was searching for EDC bags I believe. I enjoyed it. I need to focus on the medical side of things in my bags.
Excellent video, SnareMan! Well thought out, easy to follow, and very informative. You did a great job in breaking down your layers and making it personable for the average viewer. My kit looks very similar to yours, with the addition of an Esbit stove and a small, lightweight aluminum pot by Primus. If you've not checked out Esbit style stoves, you should. It's amazing what a hot drink or meal can do for the soul and psyche when conditions are less than ideal. Keep up the great work!
Thanks! I thought about a stove, but my bag is already pretty full and I'm hoping to not be stuck for quite that long. Perhaps in my BOB though.
Just a comment from someone who works in a drug store. Don't mix different drugs in one container. Interactions can occur and make them ineffective or dangerous.
why is everyone talking about drugs on here, the you tube cops could be watching.
I live in FL, so I included a small sunscreen and bug spray.
Great idea
Nice video, and well thought out bag. I have a bigger one for winter, and I often wonder if its too much. I drive all day and can be up to 100 miles from home, so I plan for a more multi day problem. I carry 3 liters of water in the 4 oz. life boat style pouches, along with an insulated empty bladder, an empty Seyshelle filtered water bottle and a Nalgene bottle for collecting water along the way. I also carry a small space blanket style tarp for shelter building a small sleep pad to keep me off the cold ground, rain pants/poncho, outer soft shell jacket, heavy long underwear extra wool socks fleece hat and gloves. here the nights can get into the 40s, sometimes 30s this time of year. I carry it all in a kelty redwing 3100. Its similar to yours, otherwise. Too much do you think?
Sounds reasonable for the distance and winter factors.
I also keep a well stocked GH / BO Bag in my car; but, I also just on my person I keep a swiss card in my wallet made by victorinox, a leatherman squirt a very small ferro rod with one end wraped in 2 feet of duct tape as well as a lighter which I wrap a ranger band around, a victorinox trecker knife on the little key chain on the end I keep a tiny little high power flash light and one of my old dog tags from my military days. I also always wear my timex wrist watch that has a thermometer and a compas as well as a 550 paracord wrist band. I live in western Cananda now so I do not or am not alllowed to carry a hand gun or rifle EDC which is fine, I don't believe we have the population density to make that as important- back home in Alabama I would definately keep a firearm though. Great video brother, good work.
Sounds like you are well prepared!! Stay safe.
Well done video and thought-out bag. You might want to consider some cheep sunglasses, maybe some extra batteries for your flashlight and laminated map of your state or local area, I think you have a good bag. I will be using some of your ideas. I like the idea of having the $100 in small bills. Good job!
There are a lot of resources at the hospital, both food, medical and people. Its also a large stable structure that will likely withstand storms without a problem. It has backup power. And we have a lot of armed security.
And some anti-diarrhea pills. Put your tape in a bag if it gets warm glue will come out the side and stick to your bag. Keep a a pair of gloves if you have to climb a fence or pick up a pipe/wood protects your hands. Well thought out bag. Thanks for sharing.
Very well thought out GHB, thank you for sharing. My thoughts: a more robust IFAK with anti-diarrhea pills and assorted bandages. The defense pouch should be more readily available. When you need to defend yourself, there's no time time to waste, though I see you have the handgun holstered so I presume you would carry it concealed if having to walk home. The food and nourishment section: while the emergency block is good for a last resort, I would sacrifice a bit of space & weight and have a couple of MRE's in the bag. Also, there are now very practical tuna lunch packs (int your grocery store canned tuna section) that include crackers and some even relish, they're quite tasty, filling, lightweight, and compact, I've used them and they will bail out a hungry tummy in a hurry. Last, please remember that in a SHTF scenario and having to walk home, ANY bag, whether plain or tactical looking, will signal to two-legged predators that there are resources inside, so don't fool yourselves thinking you will not attract attention with any type of bag. Thanks again.
Very good setup. I gathered some good ideas that I can add to my GTH bag. Thank you!
Lyle Caudill You're welcome Lyle!
Out of every bag I've seen this one resembles mine the most! nice job SnareMan!
Thanks Daniel!
I believe this is the first video of yours that I've seen. I definitely enjoyed it. Thank you!
Thanks Mike! How did you come across it? Only about 225 more vids to go. :-)
Thats why I love my truck, chevy 1500, but my tool box is more of a survival chest, thank you for the help on how to better make my kit. Great vid man
Great set up and well presented. Two things you might consider. One is some goggles or other eye protection. If you lose your sight, you're done. Second is some leather gloves or something to protect your hands. Cuts and scraps on your hands can cause longer term harm in an emergency situation. Other than that, well done.
Well, I have a blanket and a CAT tourniquet. Water will work just fine for wound irrigation. There should be plenty of that around and I have 2 bottles of water already in my bag. There generally isn't that much of an 'emergency' to irrigate a wound. Sooner is better, but its not really a seconds type of thing. All good things to have in general though.
pepper spray just makes you eyes burn, they will run for a wile and it isn't nice but other than that it is not lethal unless you are allergic to something in that specific spray
they make cleaning cloths specially for cleaning after being sprayed I would suggest getting a few if you carry pepper spray, this will help if you get some in your eyes wile spraying in windy conditions.
milk and any base liquid works too
Great Video. maybe compression , NPA and perhaps a chest seal. all good stuff. I like the idea of the non tactical bag.
Thanks. Some good additional ideas.
Great video, and I liked that you noted it will change with the seasons. Snap shot in time I think Nutinfancy would say. Got to get me one of those IFAKs and soon. Being the new training guy for Safety and Security at work we're looking to upgrade some of our old equipment and get some new ways of thinking. Your videos have really helped our department out.
New to your channel. Very interesting, clear, and informative presentations. Subscribed.
I did think about it, although it takes up some precious space that isn't really left in the bag. I agree though - hot would be nice.
Good ideas. I thought I had a space blanket in there? I'll have to go look. Good thing summer is coming. Copy of the papers is a good idea.
I don't have a ton of knowledge on the 95 vs 100. When we had the big flu outbreak here at the hospital every got trained on and was issued N95 masks as they are what's approved for influenza. I'm sure the 100's are better, although I think more expensive. Are they better enough to warrant getting them? I don't know for sure.
As for the bag, it took awhile to find that one. I think enough people have backpacks that it won't be a problem. Its at least not tactical looking.
great stuff, I've carried a get home bag for years, even did a video of it a couple of years ago now.
Cash on hand is always a good idea, it's saved the day on many "non-emergencies". I too keep food in my get home bag. Like you mentioned it down on the priority list, but if I have room I'm packing it in to help keep energy UP.
Great video, subbed!
Sounds like some great ideas. Thanks! Yea, I have some protection stuff, but I'm not planning on fending off an army.
I don't know that I'd really change much. Perhaps a chest seal/needle for pneumothorax. There were a ton of medics there so there didn't seem to be the need for much outside help. It wasn't hard to get home once you were out of the area. Do you have any ideas for some new items?
Great bag. Well thought out and without all the "redundancy weight" everyone seems too fond of.
+Jay Barr (Mr. Pink) Thanks!
+Jay Barr (Mr. Pink) I think redundancy is a bad habit that makes you carry unnecessary extra weight.
Very nice setup. One suggestion, move the radio from the outside edge to the middle where it can be padded by the clothes. I broke mine when it got banged on the edge of my trunk. (accidentally of course). And I do have a GPS in mine.
Nice Kelty pack... I would have additional fire starting capability... redundancy... Fire starter, etc. I would also consider a heavy duty 55 gal garbage bag and a light-weight 6x8 painter's plastic drop cloth, just in case you need shelter. Some Gator Aid packets would be good for water taste and electrolyte replacement... sun screen, sun glasses, baseball cap... all and all nice pack and nicely packed. Thanks!
Some good ideas. Thanks. I do have several fire starting options in there already
Thanks. Yea, with lots of space in a truck you have a great place to keep stuff. Glad you enjoyed the vid!
No, the hospital is a good place relative to many other places. As someone who has worked in the ER for 15 years I can say that its a good place. Not to stay forever, but certainly a good starting place. As I said, there is a lot of 'stuff' here. People can come to the hospital, but it doesn't mean they are going to bust through and run rampant through the hospital. We have lots of heavily armed security here. The generators will run plenty long enough. Not really nervous there.
True. That would be a different situation. Just a matter of how much you mind carrying with you all the time or just how prepared you want to be.
I do leave it in my car, but I guess I'm either not worried about people breaking in or its just an acceptable risk for having the bag when I need it. I do take it out for times like when I take the car to the dealer. I guess if you totally don't want to leave it in the car ever then you'd have to come up with a smaller bag that you wouldn't mind carrying everywhere you go.
Yea, I agree. I had those more winter gloves in there for the winter, but I need to throw some work gloves in there.
You mean a camping cup for some hot stuff? Because I have that collapsible cup, although it probably wouldn't hold anything hot. And I don't have any way to heat water up. Something with some flavor like coffee/tea isn't a bad idea though.
An inflatable travel pillow in case you have to sleep at a bus station or something?
Great video ; thanks for putting it together.
radio signals are sound waves and get weaker and weaker as you get further away from the source. So, if someone picks up your signal, if they can pick it up from at least three separate locations, they can pinpoint your location!
and u can also drop a water bottle or two and replace it with a wide and short stainless steel water bottler which can be used to store water (obviously) but it can also serve to keep things dry (like a cell phone or radio) if it is raining of u have to swim. and it can also serve as a cooking container!!! and i noticed u had nothing for cooking in! just an idea.
good video, may I suggest glow sticks, water proof matches, 550 para-cord, compass, walky talkies(small), sun screen, chap stick, neosporan, safety glasses, sunglasses. all small items but it may take you three whole days to get home.
A sillcock key might be helpful for getting water in the city environment.
what I am going to start doing is have 2 separate packs one for fall winter and one for spring summer of course if I got to bug out ill still grab both they will both have more or less the same kit in them except for clothing I go to the dollar stores alto you can find great stuff to add rain ponchos thermal blankets fire starting stuff ropes tarps ect but for the main stuff the hunting store is best
I enjoyed the video. And thank you for not telling us about 'how once upon a time when I was tracking a.... blah blah..." Nice clean review. And I really like the whitewash background - never seen that before on an EDC show-and-tell. I have a suggestion as follows that I learned from someone else. This should be in your med kit in case someone needs a sugar fix if they are diabetic or just as a simple dietary supplement... A no-nonsense easy prep...
Propel water beverage individual mix packets for electrolyte, sugar, and vitamin balancing purposes... for more reasons than we can think of, but those situations we can't for see. Water is just fine of course, and necessary... But for few packets of instant drink mix at very little space/weight consumed it's a good idea for the many things it provides, one of which is a sense of a pseudo-sustainable as well as a trade-able item especially so if there is a food shortage.
Good idea. Thanks. I try and have that clean white background in almost all of my vids for a little cleaner look. I hate the people that do their vids on their bedspread with their dog running through and the TV on.
add a blister preventative like hydropel and a blister treatment because you may me walking for a long time and would be bad if you were stranded. also I would add quarters for a pay phone or buy a disposable phone from a convenient store. great bag though and I agree that the best way to keep safe is to look unprepared but carry a strong defense system.
That's if a radio is transmitting, like a station. I don't think this type of radio actually puts out any signals. Its just a receiver.
a map of your area is a good idea and you had the bivy but I would suggest a good sized tarp to protect you from rain ,sun and wind. it doesn't need to be an expensive one just something to keep u out of the elements
I agree - its not a full out BOB. Certainly no need for a stove. So what would you take out or find unnecessary in it?
Good vid mate, I see you have a lot of paracord in there, is it for anything in particular or 'just in case', a tarp or the like might be useful with the paracord to provide shelter. I've no idea where you stay so maybe nowhere to 'string' but my first thought was shelter, you might live somewhere where its not an issue so fair enough..
You seem to have most stuff covered and being in the UK I don't have the need for the firearms, the rest of it seems pretty well thought out. I've got a car kit for my missus that's ticks a lot of the same boxes as your bag, I was constrained by her general lack of interest in anything 'prep' but she has her bag. That reminds me, batteries will need checked etc. so I'll need to give it a once over.
Thanks. Nothing specific for the paracord, but it comes in that amount and is fairly cheap and small so I went with it.
dont worry I missed the first minute.. re-watched .. got the info.. thanks for the videos... still trying to figure out a EDC bag ... i like this one...
Thanks. Kelty makes some great bags.
Good vid and kit. Some recommended additionals: gorilla/duct tape, zip ties, steel container (boiling/cooking), compass, copies of essential documents/ID, repair kit, "roof", bin bags. How u gona keep all kit dry?
Good ideas, thanks. I could use some form of a rain cover.
Very good practical get home bag! Thanks for sharing. -Woody
Thanks Woody!
Yea, that's an idea. I guess its a matter of what you think you need to be prepared for or what type of badness you might find yourself in and then prepare for that. I'm mostly planning for (I feel like this is a statement from doomsday preppers) being stuck somewhere away from home or getting stuck on the way home and having to survive for awhile until I can get back home. Hopefully no camping involved for me. :-)
Yea, since buying it I've learned that its not the best. I originally got it because it was much more compact than putting an MRE in there. Thanks for the sub btw!
HM, well i have a small stove that would fit into a waist pack but i don't know that i would need it for just a get home bag, i mean this isn't a full size bug out bag or an inch bag, this is an "i was at the office when a tornado tore apart town" bag or an "i was driving down the 5 when the EMP struck" bag, the idea is that it will get you from where you are to where you need to be, its like a day pack or a 2 day pack tops...
it is a very nice kit but it seems a bit excessive.
Love this bag but datrex food bars don't have long shelf life and it doesn't have a lot nutrition. I think you shoud get mayday or mainstay food bars but otherwise this get home bag is awesome.
Thanks. Yea, I've discovered that since making the vid.
Just did a bunch of reading on civies with handcuff keys. Pretty much all of it said that its not illegal to own one. I'll see if my cop friends have any different view on the matter.
thanks for a great vid. My question is, do you really carry a 17-18lbs bag daily? i am trying to build an Urban get home bag around 8 lbs at the most, including my laptop. I live in Texas so i think i can make that happen without sacrificing too much.
Thanks. No, it stays in my trunk. If I had to, I could get around with it and there are a few things like the shoes that I could remove to save weight if I needed to.
Nice kit ! The only thing extra that I carry is optics... A small monocular, high quality - doctor optic as carried by nutnfancy....other than that, pretty damn good... Like the celox !
Nicely done. I would add the Bahco 396-Laplander 9" folding saw, stainless steel bottle, alcohol stove and Heet, lighter, fire rod.
Thanks. I'd thought about it, but I don't really have room for a stove and don't really plan on being stuck for that long (nor do I have heatable food). I already have a lighter and a few other fire starting things though. I'd thought about a saw.
+Carlos Sepulveda // I would add the..../
Why? Are you planning on going camping on your way home?
I could do that, but I still actually need to have the water. Still the Berkie bottle isn't bad idea though. Just takes up space.
As far as your firearm goes, if you did not already know. Smith & Wesson put out a recall on all Shield firearms that were made before August 19th, 2013. If you haven't had it inspected, you should do so. The trigger bar pin has a possibility to damage the lower trigger and cause the firearm to discharge if dropped.
I would replace the rain jacket with a decent poncho. It will protect your head, your backpack and your legs in addition to what the jacket would protect.. Plus you can get them with grommets in the corners so you can use it as an emergency tarp/shelter..
very well thought out, and a sound kit idea. subscribing
+Will An Thanks Will!
What essentials would you pare down to to fit in only a waist pack? That'd be tough. I don't disagree that its large, but what would you get rid of to make it smaller? Some people have suggested I need more, like a stove.
I have a lighter and kindling. There is also a knife in the bag plus a knife that I'd always be carrying. So I'm good there. I do need to get a map though.
Thanks. I have the hat and gloves in there now with the winter and then I'll replace those with some Mechanix gloves come warmer weather. Glasses are a good idea.
I don't, but both of those are great ideas. I'll have to head over to AAA and pick up a map and then over to walmart for some zips.
have you thought about ditching the signaling vest and using a yellow rain poncho instead or just a slimmer reflective belt?
"big pocket"
hat and gloves - go marino wool
dust mask - keep it
paracord - maybe half of that
daytrex 3 day bars - keep it
radio - there are much smaller radios out there
rain coat- get an orange one
signal vest - ditch it
shoes - keep em
socks - keep em
The main reason was a space issue trying to fit in a few MRE's. I might try and put a few and see how they fit.
Imodium pills might also be a good idea to pack. Great pack. Gave me some good ideas.
Delta Firearms LLC Good idea. Thanks!
eliminate enough small things and i think you can get it down.
again, i am not criticizing you here, i think its a good pack. i just think that it is a bit gear heavy, now the ideas that i gave may not be the end all answer but i think that they are a solid start, i mean what i have lined out here does take a 50+ item pack and reduced it to 26 items, i think that is a serious step right there...
good starting point but like you said ill need to personalize it but i was thinking what if you good somewhere you don't really know i think adding a map would be wise as well.
like always good video good info. My get home bag is a 5.11 covrt 18 backpack i just love this pack i have one in the wife car's as well. for firepower my pack has a G26 with 3 mags / wife pack has 9mm berretta px4 storm with 3mags
+Carlos Aguirre Sounds like a good pack
Only thing I would add is making sure you've got copies of your identification and maybe a thumb drive with password protected back ups of important documents. Maybe an extra water bottle in the side pocket. I know it's a get home bag but in a real crisis you don't always know what shape home will be in when you get there.
Not a bad idea.
Oh! A pair of work gloves. Great bag, really good ideas, thanks for the video!
Good idea.
very nice kit, still a little large for a get home bag in my opinion, would love to see you try a stripped down version of this, something that maybe fits a waist pack? any thoughts on that?
Yea, good idea. I had those winter ones in there, but I took them and the hat out now that its summer. I'll have to throw some gloves in there.
Yes, that side of things makes sense as well. I agree. Although maybe unless you are a group of 10 bad guys who can overpower the 1 tactical guy.
Getting through all of your reviews. Have you considered adding an Esbit stove and metal cup? A true hot meal or cup of instant coffee could make your situation much better.
Thanks for the comment and the sub! I keep meaning to look into getting a fixed blade. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for sharing. How far are you from home normally? My office is 7 miles from home but around 2 weeks out of the month, I travel and could be anywhere from 100-300 miles from home. I need to pack more stuff in my GHB but it still only weighs 20 lbs. Keep up the good work!
+Preparedglueguy1 Thanks. I work just just a 15min drive from my house so if I had to walk it I could, although the hospital is a good place to get stuck if I had to.
Thanks! I'm glad some of my vids have come in handy!
Nice Bag, I have nearly the same in my bag except for a gun (gun regulation laws) and the vest (going to add it, so thanks for the idea), but 2 things I'm missing at your bag: a space blanket and a digital and a physical copy of your papers, like passport, insurance papers and emergency numbers, like creditcard lockdown, local emergency assist and other numbers you might need to have in case your cell broke down. Also some coins for that matter would be nice. But apart from that really good bag!
May I suggest moving your pepper spray to your flashlight pocket or in one of the side pockets in case you find yourself in an "I need it now" situation. Great well thought out pack.
Well, the bag is in my trunk and if I got out to walk somewhere with it my plan is to get the spray out and maybe clip it on my belt or into one of the water bottle pockets for quick access. Good idea though. Glad you liked the vid. :-)
Thanks! What's a doctor optic? Or do you just mean a regular monocular instead of binoculars?
Very good and informative video. If I may make a suggestion for something to add to your bag is either a small pair of binoculars or a monocular. Just so you can see what is ahead of you. Perhaps also some chocolate bars in case you are with some people or perhaps you yourself might need a sugar boost.
well rounded for say.. would add small fire kit and maybe a turnskit , sorry for misspelling
i have a Kelty hip pack i cut the fanny pack straps off and use that for my EMS bag at work.. for EDC i use the 511 COVRT 18 check that out it looks just like this bag almost but 1000x better