*** CipherNameRaVeN' BOB - PIC Heavy - Critique Welcome

[CipherNameRaVeN]

This post is to be updated. It is couple of years old. Many things have changed. Stay tuned.

Just to explain some things... I do not have a lot of money to create several kits and make a lot of redundancies.
Therefore, I have two kits: EDC and BOB. EDC will become part of my BOB in case of....
Some of the things like multi-tool are not part of my BOB, because it is part of my EDC.

My EDC (Every Day Carry) Bag

Manufactured by UTG. It's a knock off from Maxpedition bag.
Great bag. Good quality. Looks good and manly. I strongly endorse it.
Purchased from cheaperthandirt.com
Price: $29.97
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/BAG227-1.html


CONTENTS OF MY EDC BAG:
1. FAK (First Aid Kit)

This kit is pretty extensive because I also use it when I go biking.
Pouch is by Condor, purchased from cheaperthandirt.com.
Kit contains QuickClot, bandages, medicine, and many many more things.
I will try to show details later.

2. Salt, Pepper, Sugar
3. Clif Bar
4. Nature Valley Bar
5. Starbucks instant coffee (mixes well in cold water also to make Ice Coffee)
6. Sun Glasses
7. Survival Kit with ranger bands:

BIC mini, Scout Firesteel, duct tape, box cutter blade, wire saw, cotton balls w/ Vaseline, fishing kit, some other misc. stuff

8. BIC lighter
9. Marine Whistle (got it free from http://www.itwnexus.com Read viewtopic.php?f=14&t=18698&hilit=free+stuff+buckles)
10. Antibacterial Soap
11. Facial Tissues
12. Notepad
13. Pan
14. After-Bite
15. Bug Repellent
16. Chemlight stick 6-hours (these things run for about 10 hours... no kidding)
17. Pencil (fits in Leatherman pouch)
18. Leatherman Wave (a MUST have for everyone)
19. Folding knife
20. 550 Paracord
21. Cheap LED flashlight (saving $ for Surefire of Fenix, BTW recommendations are welcome)
22. Aquamira Frontier Filter Emergency Straw
23. Floss (stuff gets stock between my teeth )
24. Lip Balm
25. Toothpicks
26. Nalgene bottle (shown in the photo above.


27. TOPO Maps of areas I may be in: home, work, family (printed from mytopo.com...

Though I have them, I am not impressed with them, and would not recommend it. Not detailed enough)

28. Emergency phone numbers ( 911, local police, local fire, local ER, family, friends, neighbors, etc)
29. Waterproof pouch
30. More printed maps
31. Wet Ones

Also, this bag has a hidden pocket for a firearm. Guess what I carry there (not shown in this pic):
32. 3 Diapers
33. Wipes
34. Butt Cream
35. Sun block
What do I use this stuff for you ask? 8) For my little baby girl. This bag serves as a Diaper Bag also.

...This EDC bag is only half full with all this stuff there with plenty of space for day-to-day things to throw in.

EDC things I carry on me:

Most of the items on the keychain came from Ranger Rick's SOS Kit.
Check him out at http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com

1. Car and home keys
2. Pealess Whistle. Glows in the dark. Tie it to paracord and use it for signaling. - http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com
3. Tri-Folding Signaling Mirror with Orange Duct Tape, 2 ranger bands - http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com
4. Mini-Folding Knife - http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com
5. Fire Steel - http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com
6. Compass - http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com
7. Kingston USB Key with hardware-based encryption
8. Mini-light (alternative to Phanton but not as good) - http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com
9. Condom, 4 purifications tabs, ranger band - http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com

10. HTS Droid Incredible (and yes... this thing is incredible)

a. phone & e-mail
b. GPS, Driving, walking, biking Navigation
c. Music
d. 8 mega pixel camera
e. Calendar, data, and maaaanny more things.

11. Casio Pathfinder Titanium watch (I love this watch)

$400 MSRP
Amazaon price: $240 - well worth it. Looks great.
a. Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping
b. Digital Compass
n. Altimeter
m. Barometer
e. Thermometer
f. Tide and Moon Graphs and Moon Age Data
g. 200M Water Resistant
h. Countdown (Yacht) Timer
i. 5 Daily alarms
j. Full auto-calendar

12. Survival Bracelet - provides you with ~ 12 feet of 550 paracord
Make it yourself: http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-bracelet-with-a-side-release-buckle/

DAMN THAT IS A LOT OF STUFF FOR EVERY DAY CARRY. BELIVE ME IT LOOKS SCARIER ON PAPER.
HOWEVER, MOST PEOPLE (EVEN MY WIFE) DO NOT REALIZE I HAVE ALL THIS STUFF ON ME.
IT'S WELL PACKED AND ORGONIZED.

ALSO: I used to carry a hand gun. However, I am petrified that my daughter may somehow become curious and reach for the trigger while I am not paying attention.
So, I am taking my chances with every day bad guys. I am a suburban dweller, so I live with the false sense of security that keeps me comfy.


NOW TO MY Bug Out Bag....

This is a nice bag. I saw many variations of it. I like this one.
Purchased from cheaperthandirt.com
Price: $21.97
Made by Condor.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemDetail.aspx?sku=BAG-220


1. MSR SweetWater Microfilter
2. Trash Bags, large Ziploc Bags, Foil paper
3. Smaller Ziploc bags, rubber bands
4. 42 gal Contractor bag
5. German ESBIT Stove and 6 Fuel Tablet Folds for Compact Fit In your Pocket or Pack - $4.97 at cheaperthandirt.com
6. USGI Canteen Cup
7. USGI Canteen
8. Candles & WetFire Cubes
9. Cotton Balls with Vaseline
10. Matches in waterproof case
11. Swiss M1 Stove Gel Fuel, Aluminum Stove - purchased dirt cheap from cheaperthandirt.com - $3.97
I think the aluminum stove it comes with is worth just that. Can be used with sterno later.
Unfortunately, no longer available.
12. Aquamira Water Treatment Drops
13. Cobra 2-way radios. I will be bugging out with family. May need to communicate
14. Carabineer
15. Whistle w/ thermometer and w/ compass
16. Firesteel - $6 @ Wal-Mart
17. Lip Balm
18. Eton Crank Radio with flashlight, and USB Phone charger
19. Keychain Flashlight
20. Cheap flashlight - $5 for 2 at Home Depot. Works ok, saving up for Surefire or Fenix
. Edit: Finally upgraded to SureFire 6P LED. Now I see what I was missing.
21. Maglite
22. Headlight
23. 40S&W Hollow Points Rounds
24. Pistol Mag
25. Sugar, Salt, Pepper
26. Blastmatch Fire Starter
27. SaberCut Hand Saw Lightweight - $22.97 at cheaperthandirt.com - this thing is worth every penny.
28. Marine Whistle (got it free from http://www.itwnexus.com Read viewtopic.php?f=14&t=18698&hilit=free+stuff+buckles)
29. 1-Pencils with Duct Tape, 1-Pencil with electrical tape
30. More Duct tape.
31. Automatic Folder - pretty nice little knife- AUS8.
32. P-51 Can opener (P-38's bigger brother)
33. Road Flare
34. Money: $120 in bills, roll of quarters, some broken gold jewelry, "gold" quarters (I don't know... they look cool)
35. Water Purification Tabs
36. 3 Hand warmers
37. 100' of 550 paracord
38. Survival Guide
39. 3 Emergency Space Blankets
40. WetOnes, toilet paper, bug spray, toothpaste, etc.
41. Signaling Mirror
42. Super Glue
43. Blood Clotting Spray - I know it's large. But it is so effective.
For some reason you can not buy blood clotting spray from your nationhood CVS or Walgreen’s.
I had to buy it from zeemedical.com.
44. Camo Face Paint - had it from good old days, decided to throw it in
45. ChemLight sticks.
46. Zip ties
47. Bandana
48. Sawing Kit


49. Water Bottle Pouch - holds Swiss Stove or Jetboil, and my utensils in front pocket.
Great pouch, but I think a little pricey.
Cheaperthandirt.com $17.97
50. Swiss Ranger Volcano Stove Kit: Bottle with Cork Lid, Canteen Cup, Stove
Works well, pain to clean, but works with a little bit of wood.
51. Jetboil cooking system
52. Utensils that come with Jetboil Set.


53. This pan also comes in the set, but I doubt if it will make my BOB.


These are my water containers as you seen some before. 5 gallon container added.
I also have a Camelback bladder in my pack, and don't forget the condom on the key chain .


This is my BOB's FAK. It's pretty extensive. I will have to get into it a little later.
I will update this post with the contents later.


If my bugging out will not be in the car, I will have to place my BOB contents into this really nice OSPREY bag.
Pros: Comfortable with internal frame. Inconspicuous. Does not look tactical so does not attract attention.
Cons: Not MOLLE compatible. That sucks!

WEAPONS:

1. UGO SKS - I have plenty of ammo.
2. Binoculars for spotting
3. HK USP40 - if I knew ammo will be so expensive I would settle for 9mm.
4. SOG Seal Pop Elite Knife - I chose nylon sheave because you can carry it horizontally on your belt.
5. Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife- sharpening tool in the sheave


I forgot this guy. He stays in my pack. I saw some people commenting other posts against entrenching tools. I don't understand why. I use my often. I would not want to dig with my knife or my hands.

These are some of the clothes.

1. Hat
2. Swiss Military Alpenflage Ponchos
sportsmansguide.com sells 5 of them for $14.97. Hack of the deal. On ebay they sell one for $18.
The negative of this poncho, you can not use it as a shelter.
I am currently shopping for USGI poncho. I found one brand new in my local Mil Surplus store. Guy wants $45 for it. Is it worth it?

3. Merino Wool Socks
4. Boonie Hat
5. Pants
6. Light Hiking Pants that convert to shorts.
7. USGI Belt with 550 paracord on it.
8. Work Gloves
9. USGI Glove Inserts
10. Thin Gloves - I buy these gloves for $.99/pair at Wal-Mart and stick them everywhere.
They are awesome because they are cheap, warm, thin, and light. When they rip, I throw them out.
My hands are never cold.

DOCUMENTS - picture added on May 14, 2010 Update

Copies of passports, insurance, CC cards, birth certs, etc.
I went to Kinko’s and color photocopied everything.
Placed it in the waterproof bag.

Besides all this stuff, I have a tent, sleeping bags for family, and other camping crap.

OK. This is it for my existing BOB. I am sure I am missing some stuff.

What I am planning to purchase :
Not in any order...
1. Flare Pen Gun
2. ---Surefire or Fenix--- Purchased
3. Casualty blanket - Space Blanket- 8X4 tarp
4. Radiation pills
5. Hatchet - I think I need one...
6. Good compass
7. Snare wire
8. MREs
Note: I know I did not get into food. However, I do have some bouillon cubes, Beef jerky, Cliff Bars. I need to buy some substantial food though.


Edit: June 18, 2010
Purchased couple more things.

1. SureFire 6P LED Flashlight
2. Two (2) SureFire 123A extra batteries - 10 yr shelf life

3. Two (2) NITE IZE Figure 9 Carabiner Rope Tightener
4. Two (2) Light My Fire Sporks
5. SMITH ABRASIVES Diamond Retractable Tool Sharpener


I decided to do it right. I moved my FAKs to First Aid section. Please check it out:
http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=64002

OK I am done for now. Please start ripping this apart as much as possible! The only way to make it better, and make me better prepared.

[Real_Ale_Act]

Moar socks. The importance of dry feet cannot be overstated. I'd put at least one more pair in there.

Calories. Do you carry enough for a couple of days in the BOB? If that was in there, I didn't see it. Saw lots of food preparation stuff, but no actual food.

Also, you mention a little daughter. Do you have another bag that has preps for her (aside from what's in the EDC)? Since she's in diapers, I'm guessing she's a little too young to carry her own BOB.

Documents. You said you have yours, but make sure you have those for your daughter - including immunization records, which will need to be kept up to date. (I say this because my parents took me to Mexico when I was about 6 months old and they were detained coming home at the border because the Mexican authorities thought my folks were kidnapping me. Fortunately, being proud parents, they had a string of pics of me all the way from wrinkly pink walnut to that present day, and were able to prove that I was indeed their child.)

[CipherNameRaVeN]

Awesome. First good reply!

1. Socks. You are right. I actually have to do the whole set up of clothes for me, my daughter, and my wife.
2. No food yet. One of the last comments in my post is: "Note: I know I did not get into food. However, I do have some bouillon cubes, Beef jerky, Cliff Bars. I need to buy some substantial food though."
3. Daughter. I carry 3 diapers with me in my EDC as described above. Obviously it is not nearly enough for even 72 hours.
4. I have documents for everyone. I did miss immunization records. Thanks for that!

Many thanks Real_Ale_Act

[knight_308]

CONTENTS OF MY EDC BAG:

19. Folding knife

Please tell me that's not the Ozark Trail POS from the Wal-mart camping section.

ALSO: I used to carry a hand gun. However, I am petrified that my daughter may somehow become curious and reach for the trigger while I am not paying attention.
So, I am taking my chances with every day bad guys. I am a suburban dweller, so I live with the false sense of security that keeps me comfy.

Your choice. If you don't think you can retain your weapon from a toddler then don't take the chance . I'd suggest looking into a SERPA holster for your gun - covers the trigger and has retention so unless you leave it completely unattended little hands and bad guys won't be able to get it off of you.

The rest of it looks pretty good. I'd like to see you have a good fixed blade knife in your BOB for utility work (something you can baton with if you lose access to your hatchet). Food is necessary, but you've already mentioned that. I suspect you'll want to upgrade your pack at one point, but you're not there yet.

[Real_Ale_Act]

Awesome. First good reply!

1. Socks. You are right. I actually have to do the whole set up of clothes for me, my daughter, and my wife.
2. No food yet. One of the last comments in my post is: "Note: I know I did not get into food. However, I do have some bouillon cubes, Beef jerky, Cliff Bars. I need to buy some substantial food though."
3. Daughter. I carry 3 diapers with me in my EDC as described above. Obviously it is not nearly enough for even 72 hours.
4. I have documents for everyone. I did miss immunization records. Thanks for that!

Many thanks Real_Ale_Act

You're welcome. I did miss the food mention at the end.
And I love your avatar.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

Please tell me that's not the Ozark Trail POS from the Wal-mart camping section.

No, No. It is not. But, I know which one you mean. This is a much smaller knife and way better quality. Assisted open with a lock. AUS8 steel. I would like to upgrade it to some sort of Benchmade. But, I have other priorities... like food.

I'd suggest looking into a SERPA holster for your gun - covers the trigger and has retention so unless you leave it completely unattended little hands and bad guys won't be able to get it off of you.

Thanks, I will look into it. Though, my wife will still not like the idea of me carrying a gun around with a baby. She is one of the girls that does not like guns. Can you believe there are still women like that?!

I'd like to see you have a good fixed blade knife in your BOB for utility work (something you can baton with if you lose access to your hatchet).

I do have a knife. Look in weapon section. Gerber LMF II is a heavy duty full tang knife. You can baton that socker all you want. I would like to get a Fallkniven, but can not justify spending such money when I have perfectly 2 good fixed blade knives

I suspect you'll want to upgrade your pack at one point, but you're not there yet.

I do... I would like a nice 3-day assault pack. But because I already have something, I would rather concentrate on other things.

[Mister Dark]

An excellent, well thought out kit! Only thing that really stood out (besides that food bit, but hey) was a lack of shelter - I know the poncho could sorta be made into a rainshelter of some kind, but with a wife and small child, I would look into something more substantial. Even a cheap blue (gander mountain has em in camo!) tarp would do wonders. Throw a tarp and a couple of surplus wool blankets in the car or next to the front door, and you are set.

It is obvious you have thought this out, keep up the good work!

[CipherNameRaVeN]

...Only thing that really stood out (besides that food bit, but hey) was a lack of shelter - I know the poncho could sorta be made into a rainshelter of some kind, but with a wife and small child, I would look into something more substantial. Even a cheap blue (gander mountain has em in camo!) tarp would do wonders. Throw a tarp and a couple of surplus wool blankets in the car or next to the front door, and you are set.

Thank you. I am planning to buy a small tarp, and actually a wool blanket or two. I do also have an OK tent. It's a 4 person camping tent, but it is not ultra light.

[Mister Dark]

I do also have an OK tent. It's a 4 person camping tent, but it is not ultra light.

Preach on. Its just part of the UL life - the heavier the pile of money spent on it, the lighter the gear.


So maybe a bug out kit for the car?

[Stormrider]

Why do you have all that black plastic stuff on your SKS?

[Lonely Raven]

Awesome photos and outline!!

I'm a BOB-noob, so I have nothing else to say.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

Awesome photos and outline!!

I'm a BOB-noob, so I have nothing else to say.

Thanks! Technically, so am I! I have only been around this forum for couple of months.
This is my first post initiated by me.

P.S. Another Raven, huh?

[CipherNameRaVeN]

Why do you have all that black plastic stuff on your SKS?

I like the stock because it is Dragunov type with skeleton grip with ambidextrous thumbhole pistol grip. Reduces weight and looks good! It is made from DuPont Extreme Temperature Glass Reinforced Polymer. I hope that answers your question.

[Stormrider]

I should have been more specific; it's the (I assume, because I don't think yugoslavia produced any SKS-D models) aftermarket conversion to take AK mags that bugs me, and more than anything else the rear scope mount. I have never seen a rear mounted scope on an SKS that could hold a zero for shit, and they always get in the way of being able to reload properly.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

I should have been more specific; it's the (I assume, because I don't think yugoslavia produced any SKS-D models) aftermarket conversion to take AK mags that bugs me, and more than anything else the rear scope mount. I have never seen a rear mounted scope on an SKS that could hold a zero for shit, and they always get in the way of being able to reload properly.

I don't know why conversion to take AK mags would bug you so much. Actually I did this conversion at different times. I put the Polymer stock on it right away and I like it a whole lot. The 40 round capacity mag I put on after the Assault Weapon Ban was over and that just make sense to me. I don't use it for hunting, so target shooting without having to reload it 4 times is very appealing to me.

I will agree with you on the scope... some. My scope does not hold zero for very long. However, it is most likely because my after market scope AND mount are cheap junk. Also, I have never seen anything BUT rear scope mount available for SKS, but that does not mean anything. I am no weapon expert.

[Geppato]

How is the Ugo SKS working out for you? I am really wanting to get one and I was leaning towards the Ugo from what I have read, I wanted a detachable magazine, and possible a newer stock for gucci gear attachments. But I like your setup.

The only cons I can see was I think already mentioned, your cooking gear is a cheaper plasticy jump off, I would settle for a solid metal NOT STAINLESS God I hate stainless steel. Your pan for cooking I can see won't last you very long (I cook) in a rugid environment. That is my opinion I could be wrong it could be an awesome pan... however I would invest in a good iron skillet something in the medium to small size because those bad boys are heavy. But they can also double as a weapon for bludgeoning (I checked the spelling) small animals or zombies . Also a little deeper for self comfort, cleaning supplies? A good wire brush or brissel pad with soap maybe all wrapped in plastic for spillage and integrity. I would have a seperate bag for that stuff and have it in a day ruck type set up maybe. You can buy vacuum sealed meat or do it yourself which is better because you can salt it or season it prior so it is ready to go. Get a couple pounds of bacon or whatever and vacuum that stuff up with some other easily vacuumed products like fresh fruits, greens... I am trying to think of high calorie foods... well you get the idea. But I mean other than that, you got it together you have what I am working on. But let me know about that damn Ugo though because I REALLLLLY wanted to get one, not on a gamble though.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

1. I bought my UGO 10 years ago. It was brand new wrapped in original brown factory paper. It cost me $120. Ammo for it used to be dirt cheap. It was a no-brainer. It is a fun weapon to shoot. Now that the ban was over I added the detachable mag. But that ban can be reinstated any time by Obamanator. It is fairly heavy. Precision is just OK. I do love my stock over original wooden one, no matter what Stormrider says. There are better bi-pods than the one I have. Though mine is nice too. Now that UGOs cost close to $300 I don't know if I would get it again. I would like to have the money for an AR-15 type of weapon.

2. Thanks for comments about my BOB. That is actually what I am looking for.
What exactly are you talking about?

"...your cooking gear is a cheaper plasticy jump off, I would settle for a solid metal NOT STAINLESS God I hate stainless steel..."

That pan came with Jetboil Set. I never actually use a pan when camping.It does seem very flimsy to me. I have not really used it yet. Don't know if I ever will. As I mentioned in the post, I doubt it will
make my BOB.

...Your pan for cooking I can see won't last you very long (I cook) in a rugid environment.

I do have those. Forgot to take them out. They were inside of Swiss Volcano Stove. I carry a sponge and steel wool. When steel wool gets old I use it to start fires.

Also a little deeper for self comfort, cleaning supplies

Thank you for food advices. I am thinking about buying a vacuum sealer.

I am curious what you will decide on Yugo. Let me know.

Edit: After posting this response, I re-read it. For some reason I sound defensive. It was not my intention. Actually, I really liked your post.

[Stormrider]

I have seen scout scope mounts on SKSs, they're supposed to be pretty nice. Personally I don't see much need for an actual scope on a weapon that won't ever shoot past 400 yards, if even that.
The detatchable mag conversions just have shoddy reputations. The SKS was designed with an internal mag and stripper clip loading, I would either keep it that way or get a different rifle (i.e. an AK) but that's just me.

If it works for you then it works for you, I was just commenting that most of your aftermarket attachments don't look like they would stand up to any moderately hard use.


Also, I don't see a problem with your cook kit. You have a reputable lightweight backpacker's stove (the jetboil) and back it up with an alternative system that will burn wood, just in case. (the volcano). Cook kits are pretty important BOB items to me anyway, I think you have the right idea here.

[retrospeaks]

cipher-

great kit man, and other than the minor things mentioned before me, you've got a hell of a start.

one question though, any reason why you chose a shoulder bag over a backpack of some sort? i imagine hoofing it fro more than a couple of miles with that gear would be tire the shoulders and back out a little more quickly.

let us know down the line how that bootleg maxpedition works out for you. surprisingly some knockoff stuff holds up surprisingly well.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

Thanks retrospeaks,
Actually, shoulder bag is a mistake on my part. One thing I like about it is that it is cheap and build for bugging out. I am planning to upgrade later to a some sort of 3-day assault MOLLE compatible bag. But, I do not want to buy a cheap bag so I have to wait. Since I have a nice Osprey pack I will wait until I have extra cash laying around (does that ever happen? ) before I do it. I really would not want to bug out with this thing on foot. It's more of a car kit right now I guess .

I do like my EDC bag a lot and greatly recommend it. I've head it for couple of months now. It goes everywhere with me. I had nothing but good comments about it. Before, I used a leather "man-bag." Everyone made fun of it at work, even women. They called it my man purse. Not anymore. This $30 UTG bag is great. I really really like it. It does not look or feel cheap. Believe me.

[Lonely Raven]

Inexpensive (closeout) bag suggestions:

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/blackwatergear.html

I don't have much experience with MOLLE bags, but I got the Long Range Patrol Pack and it's really nice for what I paid.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

If any of you have other suggestions on what to ADD or REMOVE please do not hesitate!

Hopefully, tonight I will be able to expand this post with the content pics and description of my EDC FAK and BOB FAK.

[Geppato]

1. I bought my UGO 10 years ago. It was brand new wrapped in original brown factory paper. It cost me $120. Ammo for it used to be dirt cheap. It was a no-brainer. It is a fun weapon to shoot. Now that the ban was over I added the detachable mag. But that ban can be reinstated any time by Obamanator. It is fairly heavy. Precision is just OK. I do love my stock over original wooden one, no matter what Stormrider says. There are better bi-pods than the one I have. Though mine is nice too. Now that UGOs cost close to $300 I don't know if I would get it again. I would like to have the money for an AR-15 type of weapon.

2. Thanks for comments about my BOB. That is actually what I am looking for.
What exactly are you talking about?

"...your cooking gear is a cheaper plasticy jump off, I would settle for a solid metal NOT STAINLESS God I hate stainless steel..."

That pan came with Jetboil Set. I never actually use a pan when camping.It does seem very flimsy to me. I have not really used it yet. Don't know if I ever will. As I mentioned in the post, I doubt it will
make my BOB.

...Your pan for cooking I can see won't last you very long (I cook) in a rugid environment.

I do have those. Forgot to take them out. They were inside of Swiss Volcano Stove. I carry a sponge and steel wool. When steel wool gets old I use it to start fires.

Also a little deeper for self comfort, cleaning supplies

Thank you for food advices. I am thinking about buying a vacuum sealer.

I am curious what you will decide on Yugo. Let me know.

Edit: After posting this response, I re-read it. For some reason I sound defensive. It was not my intention. Actually, I really liked your post.

Oh not really defensive, I mean if you were I understand some guy was picking on you because you put polymer on YOUR gun and you are defending it... understandable. That jetboil system looks pretty cool but I haven't ever used it. I was doing some after thought and I think that if people aren't train in forest survival or whatever surroundings they are in, they make pocket books for what berries are good to eat, what is the best plants for medicine etc etc etc. I have a SERE book that I keep in my Go Bag, but then again the stuff in my Go Bag is military only lol.

Anyways on a yugo, if they are putting a great aftermarket stock on there along with some other stuff I would want added then I might get one. But I don't see myself spending 300 bucks on a 100 dollar gun regardless of how durable they are. I just wanted a great survival gun, and the SKS is up on the list from what I have researched, I shot a lot of rounds out of SKS before and I really thought it was pretty good, it was a Chinese model though... hmmmm

Other than that, I mean I guess the only other thing you would have to do, is now Bug Out for a day and use your gear. Live off of it and see what happens, you will know immediately what is needed and what you can shit can. I am certain I can get a +1 out of someone about that.

[Geppato]

Oh and I forgot,
I meant your cooking utensils... that plastic shit I wouldn't cook with at home boss. I know companies try and throw in extra shit that doesn't amount to very much. I would invest in a wooden set or something with a durable metal (NOT STAINLESS STEEL). Wooden spoons.... They are a pretty durable utensil and if you are bored enough you can probably make one lol.
That is what I meant. Plastic cooking stuff is a no-go for me personally, I'm not harping on you, this is all written in a calm tone