Overnight kit/Beginnings of a BOB/GHB - Please Critique!

[74 or more]

At the end of the month I’m going on a simple overnighter with a hike around 4-5 miles. I'm definitely at rookie status here and my kit could use a once over by ZS. This is also the beginnings of my BOB/GHB. Because I work so far from my home my GHB will pretty much be a BOB.





Falcon II - OD
Snugpak Jungle Bag
FAK - very small
GI Poncho
MRE
MSR Miniworks
Nalgene 32oz
Nalgene Canteen - 960z (resupply water for trip home)
Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets
Suunto Compass
Fire Steal
Strike Anywhere Matches
Bic Lighter x 2
LED light -green
Bandana
100' Para cord
CRKT Ignitor-T (not pictured)
Streamlight Nano (not pictured)
Fox 40 emergency whistle (not pictured)
Maxped EDC organizer:
-Instant coffee x 2
-widgy pry
-Burt’s Bees
-nail clipper
-pens/pencil
-pill containers: zyrtec and prilosec
-lighter
-flashlight
-letherman sidekick
-zip ties: 14"


SOON TO BE ADDED:
Snugpak Ionosphere
Bottle holders: 12x5 and 10x4
Integral Designs Siltarp2
Thermarest Prolite or NeoAir (can't decide)
Camelbak 100oz bladder
JetBoil Zip
Gerber LMF
better/higher power flashlight
More Food - MT House meals x 2, clifbars, GORP
Chem lights

So this is what I have and what I need. I'm sure I’m forgetting something or there’s stuff I haven't thought of. So please tell me what you think I need to add, change, or lose. I really respect everyone’s opinions on here.


Those of you that use a Falcon, how do you set yours up? Are there any pouches I should add (aside from the 2 bottle holders)? This trip I’m planning for is only one night but if could find a way to push this system too 2 days that would be great.

[TacAir]

I'd suggest a bit more in chow - you can get hungry out camping - must be the air or something.

Looks like you have all but one of the basic bases covered.

Not knowing what, if any, first aid training you have, I don't see a FAK, something I strongly suggest.

Map of the area where you will be traveling is a real help.

[74 or more]

I'd suggest a bit more in chow - you can get hungry out camping - must be the air or something.

Looks like you have all but one of the basic bases covered.

Not knowing what, if any, first aid training you have, I don't see a FAK, something I strongly suggest.

Map of the area where you will be traveling is a real help.

More food will be added soon. I just happen to only have an MRE right now so I threw it in the picture. My FAK is in the picture and as a testament to how small it is...you couldn't even see it haha. It's the little zip lock bag above my poncho. It's really not much. I've never put one together. To be honest I’ll probably just buy a one or two person FAK.

Right now all it has are:
Assortment of band aids
After bite
Some pain killers - Tylenol
Water proof tape
Neosporin
Quick clot
Tick Key
Bug Spray- Ben's 100

[Merovech]

Food, throw a brick of Mainstays or Pemmican in there.

That bag is pretty small, mine is the size larger and I find it is 'just large enough' for a minimalistic BoB.

Toss the bandana and get a shemagh instead.

I always stress having a silcock key and tarp in your pack.

The big one here is food, include an altoid can fishing kit as well that you can use in conjunction with a foot long stick.

A way to boil water/cook food is also important.

I would also suggest a small 22 pistol and/or slingshot depending on your local laws/situation and a fixed blade knife of some sort.

I also will always suggest a Swiss Army Farmer, the Leatherman is a great tool, but it does everything "ok" but few things "great". A quality folder and fixed blade knife will always be a good addition to a leatherman tool.

[TacAir]

I'd suggest a bit more in chow - you can get hungry out camping - must be the air or something.

Looks like you have all but one of the basic bases covered.

Not knowing what, if any, first aid training you have, I don't see a FAK, something I strongly suggest.

Map of the area where you will be traveling is a real help.

More food will be added soon. I just happen to only have an MRE right now so I threw it in the picture. My FAK is in the picture and as a testament to how small it is...you couldn't even see it haha. It's the little zip lock bag above my poncho. It's really not much. I've never put one together. To be honest I’ll probably just buy a one or two person FAK.

Right now all it has are:
Assortment of band aids
After bite
Some pain killers - Tylenol
Water proof tape
Neosporin
Quick clot
Tick Key
Bug Spray- Ben's 100

If walking, add moleskin, a blister really is a PITA.

The Red Cross suggests this as a basic kit. -
2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
5 antiseptic wipe packets
2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
1 blanket (space blanket)
1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve) for CPR (optional in your case)
1 instant cold compress
2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
Scissors
1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
2 triangular bandages
Tweezers
First aid instruction booklet

Hope this is some help.

[74 or more]

If walking, add moleskin, a blister really is a PITA.

The Red Cross suggests this as a basic kit. -
2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
5 antiseptic wipe packets
2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
1 blanket (space blanket)
1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve) for CPR (optional in your case)
1 instant cold compress
2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
Scissors
1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
2 triangular bandages
Tweezers
First aid instruction booklet

Hope this is some help.

That definitely helps. I'll get to work on that list

[74 or more]

Food, throw a brick of Mainstays or Pemmican in there.

That bag is pretty small, mine is the size larger and I find it is 'just large enough' for a minimalistic BoB.

Toss the bandana and get a shemagh instead.

I always stress having a silcock key and tarp in your pack.

The big one here is food, include an altoid can fishing kit as well that you can use in conjunction with a foot long stick.

A way to boil water/cook food is also important.

I would also suggest a small 22 pistol and/or slingshot depending on your local laws/situation and a fixed blade knife of some sort.

I also will always suggest a Swiss Army Farmer, the Leatherman is a great tool, but it does everything "ok" but few things "great". A quality folder and fixed blade knife will always be a good addition to a leatherman tool.

It is small. The falcon fits me so well it's hard not to use it. I saw a video on YouTube with a guy who used it in his 3 day system so I figured I'd give it a try as a 1 or 2 day bag. I doubt it can be used for good 3 days, but hey, that’s why we take stuff into the field right?

Fixed blade, I’ll be adding a Gerber LMF before to long and I figured I would bring my EDC knife (CRKT ignitor) for redundancy.

As for cooking, I figured a Jetboil would do the trick. I've heard good things about them.

[deMaccusweil]

I notice that people often have compasses, but I almost never see someone with a Map in their BOB.
If you are bugging out, I assume you will know where you are heading; but even if you know the route, it helps to have a map in case you need to take an unexpected detour.

[74 or more]

I notice that people often have compasses, but I almost never see someone with a Map in their BOB.
If you are bugging out, I assume you will know where you are heading; but even if you know the route, it helps to have a map in case you need to take an unexpected detour.

I have a couple maps on the way to me from DeLorme.com

[phractal]

I like that you chose reputable manufacturers and didn't skimp on quality. Too often I see people filling their BOBs with crap from China Freight.

The Jetboil is cool but I prefer the MSR Whisperlite international. Light weight and multi-fuel.

[Dogan]

VERY sleek and compact. I love it.

Never forget you can always add those small compartments which strap on using the PALS/MOLLE system. One of these would be great for a small pistol like a Ruger Mk 3 with a short barrel. You could have your entire weapon system (ammo, cleaning kit, replacement parts, weapon itself) in one of these for easy access.

The same could be done for the brick of mainstay/DATREX, as those are I think about 3x6x6 inches.

Also, breaking down the MREs/making your own (good ideas here) will allow you to tailor them to suit your needs. You'll lose a few years of shelf life, but you'lll save valuable space and weight.

Also, it looks like you have two light-duty lights in your bag. Given your thought towards space and weight, I'd suggest you check out these guys. And I note that your lights are apparently of different cell types. Having lights or weapons with which you can swap critical components (batteries, bullets) is just always a good idea.

Carry on. You're off to an awesome start.

[TripleThreat]

Good luck to all

[TacAir]

So - how did the trip go for you? Bugs carry you away? Rain?

[74 or more]

Deck of cards. And/or one of those traveling chess/checkers/games kits, the kind where the pieces have magnets and it's all very small and light. Never underestimate the importance of keeping your morale and the morale of those around you if things go bad. When things go bad, there are obviously things to do and things that need immediate attention, but there are also lulls and sometimes a lot of waiting. For the same reason, small hard candy of some type isn't a horrible idea either. Or drink powder for your canteen (not sure I'd put it in a camel)

For food, you can empty a can of refried beans in a zip lock. Easier to spread out the weight and the food is dense and you will still have the baggy afterwards for us. Bringing a ong a couple of nails, plain old nails from the hardware store, is not the worst idea in the world either.

Moral is definitely something I’ve considered. Bringing a small chess kit is a great idea. I'll be adding one of those ASAP. I'll also be adding a couple cigars and a pint of Wild Turkey. Nothing wrong with a few vices, right?

So - how did the trip go for you? Bugs carry you away? Rain?

Haven't gone out yet. I'll be heading out in another week or two. My kit still isn't 100% complete. That’s why I’m posting now so I can get some expert advice before I head out. I'll definitely post some updates and some pictures of the trip.

[74 or more]

VERY sleek and compact. I love it.

Never forget you can always add those small compartments which strap on using the PALS/MOLLE system. One of these would be great for a small pistol like a Ruger Mk 3 with a short barrel. You could have your entire weapon system (ammo, cleaning kit, replacement parts, weapon itself) in one of these for easy access.

The same could be done for the brick of mainstay/DATREX, as those are I think about 3x6x6 inches.

Also, breaking down the MREs/making your own (good ideas here) will allow you to tailor them to suit your needs. You'll lose a few years of shelf life, but you'lll save valuable space and weight.

Also, it looks like you have two light-duty lights in your bag. Given your thought towards space and weight, I'd suggest you check out these guys. And I note that your lights are apparently of different cell types. Having lights or weapons with which you can swap critical components (batteries, bullets) is just always a good idea.

Carry on. You're off to an awesome start.

I'm definitely adding some pouches. Most likely 2 bottle holders; a 10x4 and a 12x5 and then whatever else I can fit/need. One for my Nalgene and the other for my cook system (probably a Jetboil) and whatever else I can fit in it. I didn't even think about the different cell types in my lights. The 2 lights I have now are my EDC lights that I’ll add fresh batteries to before I head out. I’m looking to add a higher power light and I’ll probably just carry extra batteries for that one. I'm looking at the Streamlight Protac Tactical. 180 lumens on high, 10 low, water proof. But I’ll take a look at the River Rock lights

[Dogan]

VERY sleek and compact. I love it.

Never forget you can always add those small compartments which strap on using the PALS/MOLLE system. One of these would be great for a small pistol like a Ruger Mk 3 with a short barrel. You could have your entire weapon system (ammo, cleaning kit, replacement parts, weapon itself) in one of these for easy access.

The same could be done for the brick of mainstay/DATREX, as those are I think about 3x6x6 inches.

Also, breaking down the MREs/making your own (good ideas here) will allow you to tailor them to suit your needs. You'll lose a few years of shelf life, but you'lll save valuable space and weight.

Also, it looks like you have two light-duty lights in your bag. Given your thought towards space and weight, I'd suggest you check out these guys. And I note that your lights are apparently of different cell types. Having lights or weapons with which you can swap critical components (batteries, bullets) is just always a good idea.

Carry on. You're off to an awesome start.

I'm definitely adding some pouches. Most likely 2 bottle holders; a 10x4 and a 12x5 and then whatever else I can fit/need. One for my Nalgene and the other for my cook system (probably a Jetboil) and whatever else I can fit in it. I didn't even think about the different cell types in my lights. The 2 lights I have now are my EDC lights that I’ll add fresh batteries to before I head out. I’m looking to add a higher power light and I’ll probably just carry extra batteries for that one. I'm looking at the Streamlight Protac Tactical. 180 lumens on high, 10 low, water proof. But I’ll take a look at the River Rock lights

I'm assuming you're looking at the the 2L? Just a suggestion, but if you get a 2AA batteries will be much cheaper, you can use rechargeable batteries, and your hiking buddies will likely be more likely to have AAs than CR123As.

(I've been beating the hell out of a 2AA as my EDC for who knows how long now, so I'm biased)

[74 or more]

I'm assuming you're looking at the the 2L? Just a suggestion, but if you get a 2AA batteries will be much cheaper, you can use rechargeable batteries, and your hiking buddies will likely be more likely to have AAs than CR123As.

(I've been beating the hell out of a 2AA as my EDC for who knows how long now, so I'm biased)

Ya the 2L is what I'm looking at. I didn't know they made a AA version. Might end up getting that.

[TacAir]

Deck of cards. And/or one of those traveling chess/checkers/games kits, the kind where the pieces have magnets and it's all very small and light. Never underestimate the importance of keeping your morale and the morale of those around you if things go bad. When things go bad, there are obviously things to do and things that need immediate attention, but there are also lulls and sometimes a lot of waiting. For the same reason, small hard candy of some type isn't a horrible idea either. Or drink powder for your canteen (not sure I'd put it in a camel)

For food, you can empty a can of refried beans in a zip lock. Easier to spread out the weight and the food is dense and you will still have the baggy afterwards for us. Bringing a ong a couple of nails, plain old nails from the hardware store, is not the worst idea in the world either.

Moral is definitely something I’ve considered. Bringing a small chess kit is a great idea. I'll be adding one of those ASAP. I'll also be adding a couple cigars and a pint of Wild Turkey. Nothing wrong with a few vices, right?

So - how did the trip go for you? Bugs carry you away? Rain?

Haven't gone out yet. I'll be heading out in another week or two. My kit still isn't 100% complete. That’s why I’m posting now so I can get some expert advice before I head out. I'll definitely post some updates and some pictures of the trip.

LOL

I used to go camping with a surplus wool blanket, a tarp (jeep trailer cover) and a WWII GI messkit. Cookpot was a billy made from an old coffee can. Had fun and I'm still alive today. Go, get wet or cold or even dirty - you'll have fun.

[deMaccusweil]

I need a 'like' button for the above post
As for torches, you might want to consider a headtorch in order to keep your hands free.

[74 or more]

LOL

I used to go camping with a surplus wool blanket, a tarp (jeep trailer cover) and a WWII GI messkit. Cookpot was a billy made from an old coffee can. Had fun and I'm still alive today. Go, get wet or cold or even dirty - you'll have fun.

Im sure all of these thing will happen no matter what i do. Im also sure that after this trip ill have figured out a bunch of stuff i dont need

[jdavidboyd]

Myself, I would leave out the case of beer, in the wooden box. Although I'm sure the box keeps it colder.

Damn, actually, what am I talking about. It's BEER! It works as food, in place of water, as drugs to make you feel better, it does it all.

Beer, beer, the magical fruit. Hmm, no, that's not right, is it? :->

[Honeypot]

duct tape

More later, once I've rebooted from almost a month on the road!
You've got a great start, that's "good enough" as-is, and bravo for buying quality stuff instead of doing a Walmart raider simulation.

[Flying Lead]

Put about 6 wraps of duct tape around a water bottle. I would get a small headlamp instead of a flashlight. Hands free is handy when gathering firewood of setting up a tent in the dark.

[74 or more]

Put about 6 wraps of duct tape around a water bottle. I would get a small headlamp instead of a flashlight. Hands free is handy when gathering firewood of setting up a tent in the dark.

Any recommendation on the headlamp? I have bee looking at the zebra lights. They seem like they have a good money/lumen ratio.

As for the duct tape, I'm going to put about 10-15' on an old hotel card.