I think if you look at sheer numbers the majority of preppers are in an urban or suburban environment. Unless things have gotten completely out of control and have devolved to tribal hysteria then you will want to fit in as much as possible. Camo is great once you are out in the country but for in town you will want to hide in plain sight. Subdued colors, simple, durable clothing, a pack of subdued colors as well. If you are all decked out in camo you will stick out like a sore thumb. Same with assault vests. You are making yourself a target to the population, military and law enforcement. If you only have one pack and that pack is camo then get a cover that you cana put over it. Better yet get a two wheeled shopping cart that you can strap your bag to. Hang all kinds of crap off it so you look like just nother refugee. Dress like a refugee as well... tattered clothing..layers... Make yourself appear to be a VERY low value target. It is easier to move with wheeled "transport" plus if you are jumped you don't have to take your pack off to fight. Of course keep a basic load of impliments on your person.. knife, food, etc so if for some reason you lose your pack you at least have some stuff. Just a few thoughts.

JAB

Nice idea about having a few items on your person.
My 3 day pack is multi purposed for GHB and BOB,
It is one of those old exterior frame packs we all had as boy scouts...low profile but can hold a surprising amount of stuff.
On top is a change of clothing...cargo pants...normal everyday, not actual army style, and a tshirt (sweatshirt for winter).
Nothing about my gear looks military or professional grade...just old crap.
I had thought about using my mountain pack, but thought it might look too upscale and therefore make me a target.
I will now pack a few items like a days worth of food and water, first aid kit etc. on top with the clothing to stuff in my pockets...

Sure, I understand where you both come from with and have raised valid points. JustABear mentioned about having some kit on your person in case of having to dump your main pack, or not being able to get it. This is something that I have already planned for, and was going to mention in a separate post, along with recommended kit and contents. As for Denob's suggestion of urban friendly kit - this holds logic and a very sound principle however, my belief is that if people are desperate, seeing you with any supplies or what they suspect may be survival kit, then you are a potential target, especially if they have nothing what so ever! Your comments about camo being a bigger attractant to law enforcement again, holds a very valid point. With this in mind, a plain and solid colour that may serve all scenarios like green, sandy/beige, black, brown makes for sensible prepping. That said, depending on the whole concept of what SHTF; I believe, in most circumstances, bugging-in, is a very risky endeavor, especially long term. I believe homes and urban environments are going to be the most dangerous. It is my plan, to head-out and not be potentially "trapped".

Colonel,

I for one would be very interested in what you suggest be in a BOB, GHB, EDC, or GOOD Bag.

There are many aspects of survival that must be taken into consideration in a SHTF scenario, depending on your skill set and experience will determine which items are given a higher priority with the information available at the time of the incident. Those with the most skills and experience will have the most choices to chose from. Armchair generals and couch potato survivalists will be at the mercy of what they think they know and Lady Luck. As we all know is a fickle b!tch who can turn on you in a heart beat.

But the time is now to learn skills, ideas and practice skills and develop and practice your plan.

Mountainman.

I have 3 bug out bags one for my wife one for me and one in the car just in case each has 73 hours supply for family of 5 and weapons fire sources and shelter like tarps and one tent and mine had a water purification system but working on getting more to make it lighter and easier to stash if need to but some days I think I need more any suggestions mounting I know got some brother lol

As intended, and to answer your request also, Mountainman and all the other fellow preppers out there, here is my list of personal survival kit. Those items in bold, are recommended to be on your person, in case you either can not get your BOB, or should you have to dump it for any reason. This list is neither comprehensive, nor is it absolute. Pack and carry what is practical for you and your circumstances.

Clothes - for warm, cold and wet
Personal care/hygiene kit (with non-scented products)
First Aid kit
Rope & string
Basher/ground sheet/tarp
Tent & ground pegs
Bungee cords
Torch/Flash light - preferably with red bulb or lamp (red light hardest to detect, when you do not wish to be seen) & spare batteries
Unbreakable mirror
Compass x2
Maps
Notepad (preferably waterproof) & pen/pencil
MRE's / Rations - recommended for 7 days
Toilet paper
Sleeping bag (recommend rated to at least -20c or colder)
Water & purification tablets/filter
KFS set (Knife, Fork, Spoon)
Firestarter, Waterproof matches and cotton wool
Hunting/Survival knife
Knife sharpening tool
Camp stove
Mess kit
3 in 1 camping tool - shovel/axe/saw
Fishing net
Firearm & ammo (though caution to stay within the Canadian laws of storage and transportation)
Spare boot laces
Thermos & metal drinking cup/mug
Whistle
Camo face paint
Monocular/Binoculars
Two-way radio or VHF radio
Sawyer extractor for snake bites
Pocket knife/Mulitool (such as Gerber or Leatherman)

Wow I don't think I have half those things

Ditch the camo face paint, instead get some corks. Cheap, no weight, char with fire on one side and then use that for camo, if needed. Not a lot of snakes in Canada to worry about though so unless your in the Bruce Peninsula and worry about the rattlers there, or in the Okanagan Valley in BC, why keep the Snake bite kit?

Colonel,

NO arguement from me. You list covers many possiblities and gives you options.

I might suggest that the SOG Para-Tool be considered as an acceptable multi-tool.

I have been in snake country in Western Canada and have not crossed paths with a rattler, but I guess if you spend more time in snake country a snake kit may be good to have. They certainly aren't heavy or very large, but can the kit be used for anything else?? I like items in the bugout gear that can do multi-duties.

Cheers,

Mountainman.

I agree with wildernessman about corks, which is something I already keep in survival kit but forgot to mention lol. He is correct that can be used for camo, fires and in fact may also be used for writing or could use on a rock if u wanted to leave a sign for yourself or others; as he said u must char it though for this use. Western Canada like Alberta prairies where I am,does have a high population of snakes including rattlers. I believe it has a scalpel so could be used for other medical and surgical needs.

Hey CAlvin,
great answer and follow-up, yes after I wrote that I remembered the little critters in the Prairies as well.
Corks for writing? Great for trail marking, but never heard of the writing aspect. Since you mentioned the scalpel remember if you lose the cap, just stick it in the cork. That is what carvers do with their knives, scalpels etc. Much better than it sticking itself anywhere it wants to!

GC brought up the SOG, I do like the high quality multi tools myself as well, mine has the spike on one side and needle nose pliers on the other side. Been using it for years, but that blade is next to useless, never holds an edge even when I honed it on my leather stromp.

My fire kit has 2 types of matches, striker/flint, cotton balls dry/&/coated, 2 different types of lighters. Additionally since I have been bying the Dollerama Esbit stoves, I have added in the alcohol tabs to my kit to be used for starting fires in the rain and wet. I made up a couple of variations on the cat can stove and penny stove, with a small can that has been modified to be used either as a hobo stove or a pot holder for the alcohol stoves. Purchase the Methyl Hydrate at Home Depot or Canadian tire, they have 99.9% pure Methyl now. I put the fuel in little bottles (fondue fuel bottle and looking for the little 6 pack type of winter additive for gas) They nestle in the cans and weigh next to nothing, the bottle can go in an outside pocket, safer that way.

In the military we had Sgt Brew up David, every-time we stopped out came the little Esbit stove, and he brewed up his strong Tea. He always was awake and the most able to do any task, he learnt that in the Airborne Pathfinders. Both him and another Sgt that was in Vietnam, taught us why things are seen, smell if often forgotten about. That is why I carry the duel systems, hobo with twigs and alcohol for when odour might attract visitors and for speed of brewing up.

Here is the stoves in use, will post a pick later of the Hobo/pot stand with everything nestled together.


hope they are not too big!

Good prepping. WildernessReturn, you have done some good prepping and nice to associate with another vet. In fact this goes out to all preppers - there will be many items and quantities with in your survival supplies that may, at some time, be deemed to be too big, too heavy or too much of...however, I had a valuable rule in the military which i still hold true today. It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!!! You can always dump it if you need to, or even use it to trade for something else. But if you don't have it in the first place.....well then you are SOL!
Another reason why I believe in a minimum of a three-tier system of equipment:
1. What you have on your person - real basic level
2. Combat/Assault Vest or equivalent system, including a small day pack, that can be added to your main pack
3. Your main pack or BOB.

4. You then may add additional levels such as, vehicle, trailer, home, bug out location, supply cashes, family/friends, survival group, etc, etc. But never rely on any of these, which is why the first three are the most vital!

I have a similar list to Colonelalvin's with just a couple of differences:
(1) Hennessy Hammocks instead of the tent (adapted for the season as required) and tarp/groundsheet. They're lighter, easier to set up and you're off the ground.
(2) Swedish firesteel for starting fires with an extra firesteel rod.
(3) Moistened wipes instead of toilet paper. The wipes can be used as toilet paper and to clean minor wounds.

I will be adding in Diarrhea Medicine!
(just do not ask why) important for if it hits, your body will get depleted so fast to the point of exhaustion, you will not be able to soldier on.