Basic Minimum Essentials for a 24 Hour Scenario?

[870 Shell Shucker]

I see that a bunch of people here are packing a LOT of gear, trying to be prepared for almost anything that could ever happen; including trying to be prepared for a 72 Hour+ scenario. That's equivalent to a camping trip, per se.

What would you consider to be the basic minimum essentials for a 24 Hour scenario? My worst case scenario away from home, or away from assistance of some kind would most likely not last more than 1 night in the woods / or on the side of the highway, etc.

If you had to rough it for 24 hours, what would you consider to be the basic kit?

[TDW586]

For a 24 hour scenario, the absolute essentials are shelter and water. I'd suggest picking up a copy of Cody Lundin's "98.6 Degrees" for a great how to on short term kits like that.

Basically, focus on how people die in short term "survival" scenarios. The answer is overwhelmingly exposure in one form or another. Too hot, you run into heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Too cold, hypothermia. Either one will kill you with the quickness. Both are prevented by regulating body temperature, which means water and shelter (to include clothing).

You also have to consider how you became stranded in the first place. There's a good chance an accident of some kind was involved, which means possible trauma, which can also mean dead right there. So, first aid supplies and more importantly, training are right beside water and shelter.

Finally, you want to get out of there, right? So, signalling and communications gear is a must.

Exactly what gear you need depends on your skill level and your environment. Any kit I carry will include a few basic items, for example:

Tarp (shelter, multiuse)
Knife/cutting tool (multiuse)
Water/water containers/water purification
Fire starting kit (shelter, signalling, multiuse)
Cordage (multiuse)
First aid kit

Other items will be necessary depending on environment, for comfort, and for just in case. Food is always advisable, but falls to the least important category for a 24 hour kit. You're not starving to death in a day, although hunger makes everything harder to deal with.

Build a kit with those priorities in mind. Shelter, water, first aid, signalling. Food of some kind is next in importance. Learn to use your gear and build confidence, which will help you keep your cool, which is the most important factor of all.

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[PackLemming]

Toothbrush
Soap
Hairbrush
Deoderant
Chewing gum
Towel

I would then proceed to live in a brush shelter/cave/sewer for the allotted 24 hour.

[Regular Guy]

If I maybe so bold as to suggest.

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopi ... 14&t=87566

This is my get home bag. It's designed for 24hr with possible time up to 72 hrs. Would not be fun but it will help me to survive the 20 mile hike home from work or where ever.

[GunsUp]

I'd agree that it should mostly focus on first aid, shelter then water.

3 minutes w/o oxygen (stop bleeding)
3 hours without shelter (get dry, stay dry, start fire)
3 days without water <- only applies to the guy sitting in the shade, more like 12 hours of walking in the full sun (2 liters of water per day per person minimum, don't plan on "filling up" on the way, start with 2 liters MINIMUM)
3 weeks without food <- a snack sure does make life tolerable though.

Generally most get-home bags are what you are looking for.... there are lots of good ones on the site.

definitions vary from person to person but:
GHB <= 24 hours
BOB <= 72 hours
INCH > 5 days (some people claim 'forever', but I'm doubtful many people could survive out of even a 100 lb pack for more than a few months)

In my GHB I have:
First aid kit focused on major trauma and blisters (blowout kit in my sig + blister kit).
Clothing: Long sleeve t-shirt, nylon pants, watch cap, wide brim cap, shemagh, gloves, UA boxerjocks, smartwool socks, old running shoes
Poncho
3 liters of water
Mora knife
Pocket survival kit (EDC & PSK in my sig)
Small snack (400-500 calories)

It's pretty small other than the water and clothes, but those are the most important things.

[870 Shell Shucker]

OK then, a 24 Hour Get Home Bag sounds right.

Toilet Paper
Compass
Hopefully a charged battery in my cell phone
2 Liters of Water
Small Amount of Food
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Knife, Folding Saw, and Pruning Shears (Lots of Versatility for very little weight)
Lighters and Matches
1 or 2 types of Tinder, and a little Dry Kindling
Small Tarp with tieouts and stakes, or a Poncho
Some type of hammer for the stakes would be nice, but I could cut a stick to use
Plastic Zip Ties and Duct Tape
Candles
String / Cord / Rope
First Aid Kit

[MacAttack]

I was just thinking about this type of situation.

I was wondering exactly how I would get into such a situation.

If I was out day hiking.
Car accident stranding me in a remote area in bad weather.

Around here Its hard to find a place that's out of sight of some type of habitation. And thus help is only a short walk away. Unless you can't walk.


Everyone should always have their every day carry with them always.
Mine is a fire starter(kershaw), leatherman Fuse, Pistol(CCW) plus extra mag. Add in Keys and wallet. The wallet carries some nice dry tinder.

What can one carry in a fanny pack plus a one liter water water bottle to get one through a 24 hour period if lost or hurt and stranded while hiking? This stays in my car since I will not be day hiking with out driving to the trail first.
Metal water bottle, a couple granola bars, 50 foot 550 cord, duct tape, first aid(ouch kit plus), water purifier pills, matches, lighter, pair of socks, survival blanket, el cheapo plastic poncho, Altoids type fishing kit just for possible fun and lunch, two tea light candles, two hand warmers, small compass.
Sorry forgot the small flashlight.

And in the case of auto accident I should have my vehicle bag in it. Which should get me through 48 hours easy.
Army blanket, first aid kit plus, 100 foot 550 cord, two mre's, 3600 datrex block, 2 liters water, 6 hour candle, fixed blade knife, extra ammo for CCW, small tarp plus wire stakes. Wool hat, gloves and socks, 2 hand warmers.
Sorry forgot to add in the head lamp.

And my BOB is at home. Its built to get me through almost a week at a shelter, hotel, motel, relatives home or three days in the field without foraging. Just in case some natural disaster hits and drives me out.


Each bag can stand alone but works best when added to the others when possible.

[870 Shell Shucker]

My #1 scenario would be getting lost or injured during an afternoon hunting trip, and not being able to get back to my truck.

My #2 scenario would be my truck breaking down and stranding me on the highway or interstate.

In either scenario, the absolute worst I'd anticipate would be an overnight inconvenience.

If things ever got really bad, I'd either bug in at home, or with my extended family. I don't plan on leaving my home and relocating my family to the woods. That would take an enemy invasion of some sort, I suppose.

[Jamie]

The good news is that for 24 hours, in most places and at most times of year, you can survive with adequate clothing and nothing else...

Next in line is water, then food, then a tarp or some such...

I mostly travel, work, and play with a small kit (in addition to my other gear) consisting of: a nalgene, Gorp, fleece hat, tiny space blanket, tiny FAK, SAK, matches/lighter, Clorox in a visine dropper...this takes up very little room, and weighs almost nothing.


Jamie

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[ninja-elbow]

Already some good advice in this thread. Rule of 3s, exposure, clothing...

As opposed to one kit, go with a layered concept. When I go into the woods:
1) Proper clothing.
2) Pocket EDC - multitool, puukko, lighter, matches, wallet, hanky, keys, iPhone, gloves, buff, flashlight, smokes.
3) Woods bag with "5Cs" (container, cover, cutting, combustion, candle) - Guyot bottle and nesting cup, emergency blanket (orange), axe or extra knife, fire kit, head lamp.
...add to 3) some Pur tabs, tea, extra batteries, cordage, duct tape, boo boo kit, map and compass, and a Cliff bar.

ETA: I forgot to type that 1) and 2) will cover most "normal" emergency needs. If one had to stay out overnight in the dirt, you'll be fine with that and some knowledge/skill.

[scurvy]

honestly, for most scenarios 24-48 and even up to 72 hours all you really need is adequate clothing and knowledge, anything else will make things easier and more comfortable, but really isn't ESSENTIAL.

that being said, you asked for a BASIC minimum kit, how about:

two liters of water,
large garbage bag,
duck tape

I figure those would cover most ~needs~...

[PackLemming]

honestly, for most scenarios 24-48 and even up to 72 hours all you really need is adequate clothing and knowledge, anything else will make things easier and more comfortable, but really isn't ESSENTIAL.

that being said, you asked for a BASIC minimum kit, how about:

two liters of water,
large garbage bag,
duck tape

I figure those would cover most ~needs~...

Newspaper/Toilet paper/Newspaper...makes a nice material to fold a hat from as well.

[GunsUp]

honestly, for most scenarios 24-48 and even up to 72 hours all you really need is adequate clothing and knowledge

Depends on weather and your health going into it.

I can think of numerous scenarios that start with you getting soaking wet (like driving into a lake or getting washed off the road by high water), if it's cold outside and you don't have a change of clothes and/or a quality fire starting kit.... your in trouble.

If you go into the situation dehydrated (hangover, diarrhea, or just got too busy to drink enough water) a desert could really kick your ass.

Also a 24 hour inconvenience can easily deteriorate into a multi-day fight for your life.

Any kit should be evaluated by the cost (both financial and convenience), the likelihood and the risk. However I don't see many scenarios where the cost of carrying an extra set of clothing and 2 liters of water isn't worth it, especially if that pack is in your car and not on your back.

GHB stays in my car 24/7.
PSK goes in my pocket if I'm leaving line of site of civilization/camp.
GHB or equivalent day pack goes on my back if I go more than 1/4 mile from civilization/camp.

[Bubba Enfield]

Daysack, containing:
2x 1L water bottles, one of which is stainless steel
Sweater, rain jacket, socks
6'x8' tarp
First aid kit including Immodium, moleskin, and Ibuprofen
Food that needs no heating: nuts/raisins, chocolate, hard candy, granola bars, etc.
Lighters
Flashlight with extra AA's
Duct tape business card
$50.00
Folding knife or multi-tool.

ETA: toilet paper and hand sanitizer ina ziploc bag.

[Boondock]

honestly, for most scenarios 24-48 and even up to 72 hours all you really need is adequate clothing and knowledge

Depends on weather and your health going into it.

I can think of numerous scenarios that start with you getting soaking wet (like driving into a lake or getting washed off the road by high water), if it's cold outside and you don't have a change of clothes and/or a quality fire starting kit.... your in trouble.

If you go into the situation dehydrated (hangover, diarrhea, or just got too busy to drink enough water) a desert could really kick your ass.

Also a 24 hour inconvenience can easily deteriorate into a multi-day fight for your life.

Any kit should be evaluated by the cost (both financial and convenience), the likelihood and the risk. However I don't see many scenarios where the cost of carrying an extra set of clothing and 2 liters of water isn't worth it, especially if that pack is in your car and not on your back.

GHB stays in my car 24/7.
PSK goes in my pocket if I'm leaving line of site of civilization/camp.
GHB or equivalent day pack goes on my back if I go more than 1/4 mile from civilization/camp.

I like this mindset.

[870 Shell Shucker]

So now I've realized that this is an ongoing process.....

OK then, a 24 Hour Get Home Bag sounds right.

Toilet Paper
Compass
Hopefully a charged battery in my cell phone
2 Liters of Water
Small Amount of Food
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Knife, Folding Saw, and Pruning Shears (Lots of Versatility for very little weight)
Lighters and Matches
1 or 2 types of Tinder, and a little Dry Kindling
Small Tarp with tieouts and stakes, or a Poncho
Some type of hammer for the stakes would be nice, but I could cut a stick to use
Plastic Zip Ties and Duct Tape
Candles
String / Cord / Rope
First Aid Kit

I just realized that there's no way I'm taking all of that stuff with me every time I go into the woods.

I have to shrink that list.

Toilet Paper
Compass
Flashlight
1 Liter of Water
Fire Kit
Candle
Large Knife
Folding Saw
Band Aids
6' x 8' Tarp

[sigboy40]

So now I've realized that this is an ongoing process.....
I just realized that there's no way I'm taking all of that stuff with me every time I go into the woods.

Congratulations on your evolution, it's not for everytime you go to the woods, its how far you are going and what you are doing.

Dont let your gear drive your mission, let your mission drive your gear.

Lets use GunsUp as an example, here is his post:

PSK goes in my pocket if I'm leaving line of site of civilization/camp.
GHB or equivalent day pack goes on my back if I go more than 1/4 mile from civilization/camp.

he knows what he wants and for what scenario, and there is always enough in his truck to get him home. He doesnt carry it all, all the time, just what he needs.

[scurvy]

honestly, for most scenarios 24-48 and even up to 72 hours all you really need is adequate clothing and knowledge

Depends on weather and your health going into it.

I can think of numerous scenarios that ...sic... can easily deteriorate into a multi-day fight for your life.

I agree 100%, I was just going for 'bare minimum' and 'essential', for a 24-48 hour deal. When thing's 'go wrong' it usually means you aren't dressed for your climate, you aren't in the best of health, etc.

I imagine we've all tried to start a fire in a driving rain and failed at one point, and succeeded after some practice.

any of us can have the best gear around but, without the ABILITY to improvise and overcome a 'bad situation' it's just gear to carry around.

that being said, you've made an excellent point. Murphy made laws for a reason.

So now I've realized that this is an ongoing process.....

yep, and now it's time to hone your experience and skills. No matter how prepared you are, things can always take a turn but, practicing for the worst can be fun.

That's why we contribute to this forum.... right?

good thread... good input...

[sarky]

You can't base any kit on some arbitrary time line. Most of look at the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in our area and base our kits on a worst case scenario for those types of disasters. If I worked 30 miles or more from home here in the SF Bay area(which is quite common), and based on ten miles per day travel, it would take 3 to 4 days to get home on foot. If Bridges go down like the Bay bridge did in the last big earthquake. a 10 mile hike could turn into 50 or 60 going down one side of the bay and up the other. So if your worst case scenario is 24 hours worth, good for you. But the rest of us need to haul what we need to cover our asses.

[870 Shell Shucker]

if your worst case scenario is 24 hours worth, good for you.

I live in the southeast U.S.
I have a work commute of 13 miles each way, with no rivers to cross.
I hunt 1 to 2 miles from where I park my truck several times per year.
I seldom travel more than an hour's drive from home. Normally less.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

if your worst case scenario is 24 hours worth, good for you.

I live in the southeast U.S.
I have a work commute of 13 miles each way, with no rivers to cross.
I hunt 1 to 2 miles from where I park my truck several times per year.
I seldom travel more than an hour's drive from home. Normally less.

My GHB (it's the manpurse I carry every day) could likely last me 36 hours-ish. My bags are for when I have to go farther than "home," such as leaving the state in case of a larger emergency (Cat 5 Hurricane with massive flooding? I might have to leave the swamp for that. Same if wildfires attack.)

24hrs is a PSK.

[Jamie]

I keep coming back to this thread because the fact of the matter is that most of us are much more likely (by orders of magnitude) to face a 6-24 hour get home (or services interruption) crisis than we are a 72 hour, "weapons hot", shamblers or CBN-hazard intensive journey across a post-apocalyptic wasteland to our secure stronghold...yet it is the latter scenario that is more fun to prep for, so that's what people do...dangers of a zombie-prep site...

Just sayin'

Jamie


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[Doctorr Fabulous]

I keep coming back to this thread because the fact of the matter is that most of us are much more likely (by orders of magnitude) to face a 6-24 hour get home (or services interruption) crisis than we are a 72 hour, "weapons hot", shamblers or CBN-hazard intensive journey across a post-apocalyptic wasteland to our secure stronghold...yet it is the latter scenario that is more fun to prep for, so that's what people do...dangers of a zombie-prep site...

Just sayin'

Jamie

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Different levels of prep. I just never feel comfortable assuming I'll only be in trouble for 24 hours, when it's too easy to roll an ankle (there goes my forced-march pace) or get to my house to find that it and my car are piles of slag/rubble (how far's the walk to my next site?) or to have to take an extended alternate route.

[Boondock]

I just never feel comfortable assuming I'll only be in trouble for 24 hours,

Yup. For me, that's the tricky part in deciding how/what to prep. It stems from having gone on missions that were supposed to last a eight hours and ended up being 50 or more. And there's always the time we rolled out for three days--and returned two weeks later.

That's why I think a little cash--everyone's got to decide how much for themselves--is a good addition to any kit. Unless it's a total, end-of-the world scenario, cash usually enables procuring additional food, water, even a hotel room or cab fare, to deal with the unexpected.