My thoughts on INCH kits

INCH Kit

An INCH Kit (I’m Not Coming Home Kit), to me, is a kit that supplements your Bug-out Bag, Camping Kit, and EWLS Kit. Bug-out bags have been covered extensively, and most people have their own preferences for camping. The Extended Wilderness Living System kit is basically a much enhanced field survival kit to extend the time one can live in the wilderness in more comfort and with the means to obtain and process wild foods. There are several posts on the EWLS on the boards, too.

INCH Kits have been oft mentioned, but many, if not most, of them are more EWLS kits than true INCH kits in my mind. To me the INCH kit is a starting over kit for when you must leave your current situation and start up new somewhere else, with no real hope of going back to the original location.

To accomplish this, many more things must be taken, with different uses in mind, than just getting away and surviving for a relatively short set time of a month or even two. This is a permanent move.

A working vehicle, with large fuel reserves is the best way to carry an INCH kit. But as has been stated in many other posts, this might not be possible. Animal transport is an option for some, where a person can use the animals to carry the goods. If enough of the appropriate kinds of animals are available, you can ride, as well. But having the starting over materials is more important than comfortable travel.

If you do not have transport animals, then smaller wheeled vehicles other than cars and trucks are an option. Motorcycles and motorized bicycles can be used with a trailer. So can bicycles. And then there are a variety of hand pulled/pushed wagons and hand carts. These options will carry enough for some types of situations, depending on circumstances.

Lastly, there is simply the pack on your back. Which calls for a rather higher dependency on direct financial support due to the lack of materials with which to earn an income. More below on the subject.

Now, when starting over, if your current occupation is suitable for the PAW, then staying with that occupation is the way to go. If you have a job that has little application to survival in the PAW, then you will need to decide on one or more alternative means to provide for your immediate needs, as well as earning enough to obtain those things that you cannot produce yourself, and to provide for future needs.

Included at the end of this article are a list of trades and skills that might have a place in the PAW, plus tools for those skills and others that you might consider. Often any given one will not be enough to make it. You might need to have two or more things going to be able to produce enough income to get you by. Especially if you are not in a position to grow most of your own food, which is a distinct possibility in some situations, though it should be a part of your basic INCH plans.

As stated above, the more you can take with you, the more options you can have, and better ones. In any case, and more or less all cases, you should have documentation with you. Some of it you might have to ditch in some situations to avoid problems, but by having several copies, in various fixed locations, as well as those on you, you can still hopefully have what you need when you need it.

Important documents:

Important records should be kept in such a way as to be safe in case of fire, flood, earthquake and other disasters and to have available for quick access when needed such as a fire resistant documents case.

Keep originals in appropriate places w/copies and/or condensed versions in the various emergency kits including BOBs, BIBs, GHBs, GOOD bags, evacuation kits, hurricane kits, etc.

It is also good to keep a set of copies off-site so they can be retrieved even if you have to leave without anything. If you have in mind one or more INCH relocation points, try to store a set at each one of them. But do carry a set or two with you.

Automotive paperwork: registration, title, insurance card, tire warranties, repair warranties, etc.

Business records: Company ID, business license, bylaws, emergency plan, employee contact list, contracts, supplier info, customer info, incorporation records, partnership records, accounts receivable, accounts payable

Computer records: online accounts, passwords, web/blog host info, etc.

Employment records: Company ID, employee handbook w/emergency plan, pay stub

Family contacts: name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail, code word for proof of identity

Financial records: checking account info, savings account info, bankruptcy decree, credit card info, loan info, utilities info, location of safety deposit boxes, stocks/bonds/brokerage account information

Future death information: will, funeral arrangements, cemetery plots

Household records: Deed, mortgage, appraisals & inventory of home & contents, warranties, home layout drawing

ID: Driver’s license, passport, state ID card, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, birth certificates, adoption records, current photos, physical descriptions (including identifying features)

Insurance records: Auto, home, health, life, disability, insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid card, any other insurance cards

Legal records: marriage certificate, prenups, executor of estate, divorce decree, powers of attorney, death certificates, criminal history, final disposition of any civil/criminal court cases, trust documents, military discharge (DD214),

Medical records: Medical Power of Attorney, Doctors’ info, Dentists’ info, living will, allergies, prescriptions, current illnesses/problems, past major medical history

Professional advisor’s info: Insurance agents, accountant, lawyers, doctor(s), dentist

Professional & Miscellaneous licenses and records: Doctor licenses, other profession licenses, concealed weapons license, Amateur Radio Operator license, Press credentials, Investigator credentials, etc.

Religious records: Christening, baptismal, confirmation,

Retirement account information (401k, 403b, social security statement, IRA, pension plans, etc.)

School records: high school diploma, college diploma, college degrees, trade school diplomas

Tax records: Social Security Card, personal tax records for 5 years, business tax records for 5 years, property tax info

Depending on the situation, ‘civilization’ might make some kind of comeback, or not be completely destroyed in the first place. It is very important to be able to prove various aspects of your life if either of these situations occur. Have that documentation.

With documents carefully stowed, hopefully you will find yourself travelling mostly alone, with no assistance, and little interference. In this case, a full INCH kit, with a minimum of a cart or bicycle with trailer, should allow you to start over in a self-sufficient method with the basics such as hunting, gardening, shelter building, etc. You would be able to stop anywhere there is arable land, put up a shelter, hunt or otherwise acquire meat, start up a business, and go from there. Besides the appropriate skills, tools, and finances, you will need all the paperwork you would normally need, including forms of ID, ownership papers, licenses and permits, insurance info, financial records, 'paper' assets, etc. Finances may or may not be extremely important, though you do always want some form of 'money', plus you can have trade/barter goods.

If you cannot do a full self-sufficient INCH kit, things change, but are not hopeless. Though many will consider you a refugee, you will not be a true refugee, since you have a destination in mind, and the means to take care of yourself.

A full INCH kit might be impractical due to location, the authorities are confiscating everything, there are lots of people and your gear is likely to be taken, you have to travel set routes where a heavy cart is not practical, you will have the opportunity (or requirement) to travel on transports that will not be able to take large amounts of gear. In this case, you will need to travel light, and be as 'gray' as possible to blend in with everyone else. In order to start over, it will take monetary value, since you will not have the means to do things with your own gear, equipment and other resources. So 'money', and other lightweight, concealable valuables that can be easily converted into acceptable forms of payment will need to be carried. So will the same paperwork as stated.

To make this as easy and secure as possible, some specially made or modified clothing can be used to carry these valuables clandestinely. Hidden pockets to carry items, or having some of the items completely sewn in or constructed as part of the clothing and a small pack or bag. Anything of any size might not be allowed to be kept with you, or at all. So keep the carrier small. In some cases wearing all, or most of your clothing, in layers, is better than carrying them in a suitcase or such. If nothing else, have plenty of cordage so you can tie slings on clothing and parcels and carry them slung over a shoulder, or tied to a belt.

As part of the clothing, PMs can be incorporated in the design and construction. As a refugee, you are probably heading for 'civilization' where such things can be converted into spendable resources, unlike in a true PAW situation where converting raw materials could be a real problem. At the refugee destinations there will most likely be people eager to take valuables off your hands. Some will give real value, others will try to lowball you, but that is the case now, anyway. You just need to learn some trade and barter skills now, so you can get the value of the items that is reasonable. Just remember that what you paid in current FRNs now for that item has no bearing on what that item will be worth in disaster refugee situations.

Things like (14 carat minimum gold/sterling silver minimum) real gold or silver buttons, collar stays, belt buckles, purse hardware, and such, plus ring/bracelets/necklaces with or without real gold coins; watches, business card cases, pens, key chains, and all sorts of items that most will take to be costume jewelry or just gold toned. They will need to be carried concealed, for the most part, with one or two items such as an extra wedding ring or a gold chain necklace worn openly. I would do only some jewelry, with much of the value in simple gold and silver items that the value can be strictly the bullion value, with little value in the design of the piece where there will be a major difference of opinion of what that value is. Much better to have 500 dollars in gold bullion value in a five hundred fifty dollar item than 200 dollars of gold value in a 500 dollar necklace. You will only get the 200 dollars for the gold, if that.

Gold and silver coins, and any investment grade gems you might acquire, should be kept carefully hidden for use in extreme circumstances. The other items are to be converted to whatever is the local currency, whereas the coins can be used as actual currency, most likely. Everything of valuable should be spread out over the body, in the clothing, among any bags, and across the group if you are part of a group.

In terms of non-financial items, the second, and possibly third set of clothing already mentioned should be carried. At the very least several pairs of socks and two or three sets of underwear should be kept on your person. Some personal sanitation items, including small containers of cleansers for yourself, your clothes, and your eating instruments should be on you. And do take your own eating tools, at least a tablespoon size spoon. Fork should be okay. A table knife might or not make it. A sharp knife if at all possible. A multi-tool and/or large Swiss Army knife could take the place of table knife and fill several other functions, too. Carry a folding handle stainless steel cup at least 12 ounces, up to 24 ounces, with 16-18 ounces probably the best. Can be used for drinking or eating.

Have two or three bandanas, for use as handkerchiefs, dust masks, first-aid uses, water filtration, hair band, and all the other hundred or so uses bandanas have. A wide brimmed hat and inexpensive but UVA/UVB sunglasses can be important in some situations. So can gloves. Socks have already been mentioned. If you do not have gloves, having lots of warm socks means you can use a pair or two as mittens, if needed. You want good, but worn in, low hiking boots. Sneakers may sound good, but you might have to traverse some rough ground where sneakers will not hold up. And you sure do not want expensive looking, not even fake, ‘collector’ type footwear.

Make sure none of the items make you stand out. You do not want gold or silver flashing, you do not want bright orange beanie, colorful clothing, expensive looking clothing (even if it is expensive due to its construction or materials, you do not want it to look that way). The same goes for handbags, packs, and such. A really good leather jacket, that is not too adorned, would be the high limit of something that might look valuable or coveted.

Have a good water bottle. Normally I would recommend a large Stainless steel water bottle, but you might have trouble hanging on to it. Better as a refugee to have several small plastic water bottles that you can stash in your gear so you never look like you have a lot of water. Might have one uninsulated SS bottle to heat up water for warmth or to purify water. Or the folding handle stainless steel cup can be used for that.

The same goes for food. Small individually wrapped portions are better than large packages of food. Try to eat and drink privately, if at all possible. And never eat or drink very much at a time, unless your times are very limited by circumstances or the authorities.

When traveling, and usually when making stops, try to stay with a group of people. But stay near the edge of the group so you can break away if needed. But you do not want to be a lone target under most circumstances. If you are travelling with family or a cohesive group, have at least one person travel separately, but close enough to help from the outside if needed. There should be no contact between anyone in the group and the person, except for the same type of casual, minimal contact one would have between all refugees.

Once you get to a place where you can safely separate from the refugee group and set up your own operation, convert a portion of your assets to usable currency and start getting some type of homestead started, if possible. If not, arrange for a place to live; start a viable business or get a job to get an income stream started. Then you can decide what you want to do permanently.

That pretty much covers the very minimum of an INCH kit/Starting Over kit. Now the more advanced kit elements.

The first is a good BOB. I will not go into this in this article, since there are literally hundreds of posts on the subject. You are going to need this to provide some additional equipment and supplies above the very basics you would carry as a not quite refugee. There is a good chance you can take this with you under many circumstances, if you can carry it on your back. If you need a cart or better to carry enough for 3 days to 2 weeks, you still need a 5 pound to 10 pound pack with at least a few more items than what you carry in your clothes and pockets and on your belt/in your purse.

Next part of the INCH kit is a basic camping kit suitable for the areas where you will likely be. Better to prepare for worse than expected conditions than usual in normal camping. The elements of this, are incorporated in the EWLS (extended wilderness living system) for the purposes of the overall INCH kit.

(Note: All of the lists below are for one person. If you are equipping a group, be aware that not everything listed will need to be duplicated for each person. Some of the items will serve for several people, or a multi-person version of the item can be chosen instead of the one person one I have listed. And these lists are reminder lists so people do not overlook something. Not every person or group will need everything listed. Pick and choose only those items you will likely need. Keep everything as light as possible without compromising effectiveness and safety.)

EWLS kit of an INCH kit

Worn:

Propper khaki public service Tactical Pants – best quality/price/feature I’ve found
Propper khaki public service Tactical shirt – as above
Bullhide brand brown leather money belt (with 1/10 ounce gold Eagles and 90% silver US circulated dimes and quarters, and $500 cash) (emergency stash)
Rustedfables The Grizzly Leather Suspenders (brown) – hold the pants up better than elastic ones
Wintersilks Boxer briefs (white) – very light, dries quickly
Wintersilks v-neck T-shirt (white) – very light, dries quickly
Wintersilk silk liner socks – good wicking, very light, dries quickly
Merino wool socks – very warm even when wet
Danner Ft. Lewis boots – just all around good boots w/goretex lining
Akruba Territory Hat with chin strap wide brim hat (brown) – for sun protection
Peltor Comtact II dual radio talk through hearing protection communications headset – best available I’ve found
Petzl TacTikka + RGB LED headlamp on hat – has the features I want
2 tan bandannas – Gotta have two. One for the nose, one for the neck or whatever
Hatch Operator lightweight gloves – good for mild weather tasks that are hard on the hands.
Hatch XTAK tan elbow pads – I fall down a lot
Hatch XTAK tan knee pads – Ditto above
Seiko SNZG15K1 Automatic Self-winding watch – No worries about batteries or winding, good price compared to others
Wiley X JP-2-510 photochromic sunglasses – the only ones of quality I could find
Zippo lighter with 2 single fill fuel canisters – And a Bic disposable or two
Pantac Wallet C wallet w/cash & ID (tan) – just a nice simple nylon wallet. Cash… well, can’t have too much
Maglight Solitare LED flashlight w/spare Duracell Quantum AAA battery in a cache tube – extremely bright for 1 AAA
Cold Steel Voyager medium plain edge pocket knife – good size/function/quality/price combination
Spyderco CO8 Harpy pocket clip knife – hawkbill serrated blade for getting out of lines, nets, and is a wicked last ditch weapon
Tec-tite Tekna Ocean Edge Arm knife – an option for the boot knife. Already has harness for arm use
Cold Steel Counter Tac II boot knife – good quality and price if you need a boot knife
Nikon compact binoculars on chest harness (alternate: 7x50 Steiner Commander XP C
Write in the rain notebook in left shirt pocket – for note taking. Works well for a nice price
2 Fisher Tactical Space pens in left shirt pocket – can’t lose the cap since there isn’t one. Write anywhere
1 Write In The Rain tactical mechanical pencil in left shirt pocket
Arrowtech W-742 Dosimeter in left shirt pocket – if planning for nuke situation. Good price for new production
Arrowtech W-138RM pen type rate meter in left shirt pocket – can use this instead of W-742 plus has rate meter function
Smart phone in right shirt pocket – w/prep and survival apps, many useable w/o cell or wifi service
Dakota Alert M538-HT MURS hand held radio in pants radio pocket – Best option I’ve found for short rang comms.
Garman Oregon 550T GPS in pants left cargo pouch (opt) – best of the bunch in my opinion, if you’re going to use one
Kestrel 4500NV weather instrument in pants right cargo pouch (opt) – again, the best of the ones I’ve found if you need one
Key ring w/Lansky pocket knife sharpener, whistle – Sharpener is very small and very effective, whistle is for signaling
Leather change purse w/silver coins (brown) – the coins are for emergencies. The change purse keeps them together, separate from other things in the pocket
Beretta Tomcat .32 ACP w/4 spare magazines in pocket holster in right rear pants pocket – great hideout gun, and the .32 ACP is useable in cartridge adapters in .308 and .30-’06 rifles for almost silent hunting of small game

A combat LBE rig of your choice with magazine pouches for 4 20-round magazines, 2 large utility pouches, 2 small utility pouches, medium field pack

8 20-round .308 magazine in 4 double pouches – about the maximum I can carry plus the rest of the items in the combat LBE
Cammenga 3H Tritium lensatic compass in 1st small utility pouch – Very good quality/size/price option
Motorola HT-750 low band business band handheld radio in 2nd small utility pouch – Low Band VHF (just above CB) gives the best medium range comms I think that are available besides Amateur radios Expensive
Survival kit* in first large utility pouch – See below
Hardware and tools kit** in second large utility pouch – See below
MSR 3-liter hydration bladder in attached field pack – MSR is as good or better than the competition. Had good luck with their products. I’m in the high desert. Need a lot of water.

 
On Tactical Assault Gear MOLLE Belt: - easy adjust, high quality

Glock 21SF in Tactical Taylor MOLLE holster (alternate: ParaOrdnance P-14) – Glock for price & capacity, holster can be configured in several ways
Surefire G2 LED flashlight in Specter Gear MOLLE pouch – Great basic light, not too expensive. The pouch is the only one I’ve found specifically for the G2
Cold Steel Oda in Spec-Ops MOLLE sheath – Based on the Randal #1, the Oda has a good sheath, but not MOLLE. The Spec-ops sheath solves the problem
IFA kit in Custom Tactical SAR MOLLE pouch*** - See below
Kleen Kanteen 40oz SS water bottle w/fold down loop lid, folding handle Olicamp cup & Maxpedition 4x10 MOLLE carrier – extra capacity/large opening/can be heated/big cup, & the pouch carries both plus room for other things, too.
Soldiers Optimized Butt pack w/GI Poncho & Wiggy’s liner attached, 3 days food (jerky, gorp, Millennium ration bars, tea/coffee/hot chocolate), Otis Tactical gun cleaning kit, CD V-750 Model 6 manual dosimeter charger – SOB is laid out fairly well. Best of the aftermarkets I’ve found. Otis Tactical will clean all the weapons I have or plan to get. The V-750M6 doesn’t need batteries to charge dosimeters
Kleen Kanteen 40oz SS water bottle w/fold down loop lid, folding handle Olicamp cup, & Maxpedition 4x10 MOLLE carrier – second one for same reason
OKC-3S bayonet in MOLLE sheath – like the Oda, the OKC-3S is much like the Randle R-1. Comes with the MOLLE sheath
HSGI MOLLE Dump pouch – I like the construction of this one better than the competition for holding empties
Leatherman Surge in one pocket of Spec-Ops brand dual MOLLE pouch – best balance of function vs weight. The dual sheath is easy to adjust and can different sized items
Victorinox Workchamp Swiss Army Knife in one pocket of Spec-Ops brand dual MOLLE pouch.
Spec-Ops brand double MOLLE pouch w/2 pistol magazines – have extra magazines in the other gear. Two is enough. Same thing on the double pouch as above

Kifaru Xing 2,700ci MOLLE back pack w/gun bearer option – Great quality. The gun bearer lets me carry my long gun and have both hands free

In Xing:

MSR 3-liter hydration bladder – second bladder. Just have to have plenty of water
Collins compact SAS Survival Handbook – Best of the field manuals in my opinion.
Food for 3 days (Jerky, gorp, Millennium ration bars, tea/coffee/hot chocolate) – light, compact, nourishing, and tastes good
Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter w/MP-1 tablets – best of the small filters in my opinion
Extra underwear – standard reasons
Extra socks – standard reasons
Double zip-locked packet of important papers (copies of licenses, deeds, insurance, etc.) – might not be able to recover the originals

On Xing:

PTR-91 MBR in gunbearer (alternate: Springfield M1A) – best value for the money in a .308. Prefer the .308 for its versatility
Left side 64 oz Kleen Kanteen water bottle in Maxpedition 12 x 5 pouch – just more water. Unlike the bladders, can be poured from canteen to pot
Right side 64 oz Kleen Kanteen water bottle in Maxpedition 12 x 5 pouch – ditto above
Cold Steel E-tool – multipurpose. Digging, cooking, making debris huts, CQC weapon, best of the bunch in my opinion
Cold Steel Rifleman’s tomahawk – prefer a hawk with a hammer head. I like Cold Steel’s quality vs price

Game cart w/350 – 750 pound capacity

1st Cabela’s Plano 58-quart O-ring sealed trunk w/additional clothing
2 sets Propper outerwear
1 set Orvis brown herringbone wool pants & Filson original wool button down shirt – cold weather
2 sets Wintersilks heavyweight silk long john bottom , v-neck top, & liner socks, merino wool socks – for medium cold weather
2 sets Eddie Bauer merino wool long john bottom, zip neck top, liner socks & Carhartt boot socks - for very cold weather
5 sets Wintersilks silk v-neck T-shirts & boxer briefs
5 sets each of: silk liner socks, wool liner socks, merino wool socks, Carhartt wool boot socks
2 sets each of: silk glove liners, wool glove liners
10 bandanas – can’t have too many
1 extra pair Hatch Operator lightweight gloves
1 Travelsmith leather safari coat medium coat (brown) – medium weather
1 pair of Tempest insulated/water proof gloves – cold weather gloves
1 Tasman lined drover’s coat (brown) – Cold weather coat
1 set Hat Flap ear warmers – to keep ears warm when wearing wide brim hat
1 Adventure Medical Kits Backpacker’s sewing kit – small, inexpensive and effective
1 pair Cabela’s Elk moccasins w/shearling lining – for those safe camps in the fall, winter, and spring
1 pair Keen Newport H2 sandals – For water work
1 pair Wiley X Nerve Goggle w/4 spare lenses – Best effective goggles I’ve found for the price
1 Pick-of-life ice escape picks – carried handy in the winter when around the water/ice

2nd Cabela’s Plano 58-quart O-ring sealed trunk w/tools, spares, and extras
1 Grand Shelters Icebox Igloo building tool – for deep snow areas, not needed most places
1 Grand Shelters Igloo door ditto above
1 Duraworx mini-planting tool – substitute for the GI pick mattock
1 Channellock Model 88 rescue tool – wire cutter, pry bar, wrench
1 8” mill file – to sharpen axe/machete/e-tool
1 small block & tackle
1 EZE-Lap diamond paddle sharpening set – for extreme sharpening
1 Wyoming knife w/3 spare blades – the classic for skinning big game
300’ coyote brown 550 cord – used for all kinds of things. Can’t have too much
Icom R6-16 wide band all mode handheld receiver w/Miracle Ducker TL antenna (if you can find one) – smallest, most capable of the all band/all mode handheld receivers. The antenna keeps things compact, but better than the original
1 Used Yaesu FT-897D w/Miracle Ducker TL tunable whip (if you can find one), Yo-Yo 6-reel dipole antenna – 100w HF/VHF/UHF all mode amateur radio/all band/all mode receiver
1 Dakota Alert M538-HT MURS handheld radio – extra short-range radio
2 Dakota Alert MAPS vehicle detectors w/MURS transmitter – perimeter security works with M538 radios
4 Dakota Alert MAT motion sensors w/MURS transmitters – ditto above
1 Night Watch 2 circuit tripwire alarm w/tripwire – hard to find, but effective and not too expensive
1Lightstorm CL-1 LED flashlight – capacitor instead of batteries
1 Brunton SolarPort 4.4 & BattJack AA/AAA solar battery charger – keeps AA/AAA nicad rechargeables up to snuff
1 Brunton Servo 120 & 2 Solaris 26 PV panels solar power supply – high priced, but effective portable power
2 Limeade 13,000mAh power pack w/mini-B USB charger port
1 Solio smartphone mini-B USB port solar charger
1 Gill net – best fishing option I’ve found
1 Mobley’s Frog/fish gig head w/extra tines & telescoping pole – compact, inexpensive, effective on small game as well as fish and frogs
1 set Bow string, nocks, fletching, binding, various arrowheads, B&A tool – to make expedient bow in the field with best chance of success
1 reel Heavy fish line, for fishing arrows & gig head – don’t want to lose the arrows or gig
1 Dozen Snare One 7x7 5/64” 42” cable snares w/swivel end – some of the best snares in my opinion. Used in lieu of hunting when camped in one place for a while
1 Exploration Products Fresh Water Fishing kit w/kite string winder – nice inexpensive kit. String winder to save the hands from getting cut up on the line
2 CR-1 spares carriers w/G-2 bulb & 6 CR-123A spare batteries each – keep the bulb and batteries together & protected
Extra CR-123A batteries in 4-cell carriers -
Extra AA rechargeable batteries in 12-cell carriers
Extra AAA rechargeable batteries in 6-cell carriers
Extra pair Danner boots – if possible
Extra boot laces
Extra Zippo fuel, spare wicks & flints
Extra butane fuel for lighter
Extra butane torch fuel
Extra first aid supplies
Extra hardware
Extra ammunition in bandoleers
Extra Otis gun cleaning patches and Breakfree CLP

3rd Cabela’s Plano 58-quart O-ring sealed trunk w/cooking, water, & sanitations items
1 Berkey Go-Berkey stainless steel single element water purifier w/primer – best of the purifiers in my opinion
1 10”x4” Maxpedition water bottle carrier
4 10-liter MSR water bladders – can carry plenty of extra water in a conformable bladder
1 MSR Campers washcloth & towel, AGS Labs Camp soap, compact hair brush, toothbrush & tooth powder, other hygiene items normally used – gotta stay clean
8 Charmin To-Go Toilet paper packets/wipe rags(boiled and sun dried to sanitize) – gotta go
1 Gold Bond Foot powder – essential in very hot or humid conditions
1 Chapstik SPF-15 lip balm – prevents lip burn
1 4oz bottle Herbal 22 Insect repellent – keeps the insects away in a good container
1 pocket pack Q-tips – I have waxy ears
1 pocket pack round toothpicks
1 MSR Dragonfly multi-fuel stove – Very effective, good price, reliable
4 MSR fuel bottles – at least one spare. Four are better
1 German GI nesting knife/fork/spoon/can opener set – heavy, but also heavy duty, includes good can opener
1 MSR SS cook set w/tea kettle & kitchen tools – a bit heavy, but tough as all get out
8 SS cooking skewers – for cooking small game, roasting tubers, etc over open fire
1 Coleman SS steel double wall cup – keeps the hot chocolate and hot tea hot for a while in the cold mornings and evenings
1 REI Backpackers fire grill – for when you have an open fire but building a pit/fire ring is difficult or impossible
1 GSI pressure cooker w/liner pot – an option that allows quicker cooking of many dishes. Can leave behind
1 Lodge Cast iron skillet w/lid – for set camps using fresh foods. Can leave behind
1 Lodge Dutch oven w/lid – as above
1 Fire tongs – when planning open fires
1 Grilling basket – as above
1 pair 19” fireplace fireproof gloves – as above

4th Cabela’s Plano 58-quart O-ring sealed trunk w/food - basic cooking supplies and foods
Salt
Pepper
beef bouillon
sugar
spices
baking powder
coconut oil
honey
flour
corn meal
powdered milk
lentils
dried beans
rice
tea bags
hot chocolate packets
Emergen-C packets
lemon juice
hard candy
waxed chocolate
Tootsie Rolls
Chickletts 2-piece chewing gum
Millennium ration bars
Snickers Marathon Protein Bars
Jerky
Pemmican http://ift.tt/1SCBRwV
dried fruit
fruit cake
gorp (~equal amounts of premium mixed nuts, chopped dates, and M&Ms)
Mountain House meals
MREs
Instant oats packets
Instant grits packets
Instant potatoes packets
18 ounce SS flask Hennessy Paradis Extra Cognac

5th Cabela’s Plano 58-quart O-ring sealed trunk w/more food

 
Lashed on top of totes:

1 combat LBE set up for Remington 11-87 shotgun – same as other LBE only for 12 gauge
1 NetPack 5354 wheeled 40” duffel bag w/2 pair silk liner gloves, 2 pair wool liner gloves, pair
Cabela’s Pinnicle Gortex cold weather insulated gloves, Cabela’s Pinnicle Gortex cold weather insulated mittens, Carhartt Arctic Bibs, Carhartt Arctic Parka w/hood, NEOS over boots, Mustang Survival auto inflate flotation vest, Millennium respirator, OptimAir 6A PAPR, CBRN suit, gloves, boots, acc – cold weather and CBRNE gear kept together in one place. Easier to stow in a soft bag than totes
1 set MSR Denali EVO Snow shoes & MSR Denali III poles – if in snow country. Leave behind if not
1 12’ sling rope w/2 snap rings – general purpose short rope. Pulling/lifting/rescue/securing/etc
2 Edelwies 200’ static climbing rope w/set of carabiners & pulleys – Only if you know what you are doing and are likely to need to climb or belay
1 Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 3 person/4 season tent w/fly – best compromise of price/size/weight/capability (alternative: Cabela’s Outback Lodge 8’x8’ or 10’x10’ modified pyramid tent)
1 Slumberjack sleep system w/Thermarest self inflating mattress – System is good from warm weather down to -30°F. I need lots of comfortable sleep when I can get it.
2 silnylon tarps w/poles, stakes, and para cord – Additional protection when camping on one place for a while
1 Hardigg iM3300 gun case with Remington 11-87 custom shotgun, Remington 700 .30-’06 scoped rifle w/.30 Carbine & .32 ACP adapters, Glock 30SF spare pistol – Hardigg cases are the best I’ve found for a critical item. The 11-87 is dual purpose. The .30-’06 is sniping/hunting. The G30 is a spare
(optional: 2nd case w/Vigilance VR-1 .408 Cheytac or Remington 700 .375 H&H Mag)
1 Alpacka Fjord Explore cargo raft w/oars, oar frame, seat, attachable skeg – for areas where crossing streams too deep to wade. Small/light/capable
1 D-handle small round point shovel – easier to use than the e-tool in many situations
1 Cold Steel 24” Latin machete – for general machete work. I like the 24” for its capabilities and heft
1 Stanley 30” Entry tool – multipurpose tool for getting into and out of several situations
1 Iltis Oxhead double bit axe – for times when camping in wooded area in the cold call from some serious firewood
1 Sven 21” folding saw – for general use around camp for firewood, poles/etc.
1 ATAS-25 multiband portable antenna w/tripod – a longer range antenna for the FT-897D
1 Fire tripod – when anticipating open fires
1 Fire spit & supports – ditto above
1 Kifaru pulk w/steering & brake package – for deep snow areas. One of the best. Expensive

*Survival Kit (in FMCO vest utility pouch) – I think most of these item are pretty self-explanatory

1 SAS Essential Survival Guide (compact version)
1 Buck 110 folding belt knife
1 Fisher black bullet pen
1 Write In The Rain note pad
1 BCB explorer button compass
1 Maglite Solitaire LED single AAA flashlight w/lithium AAA battery
3 AAA Lithium batteries in individual geo-cache tubes
1 Lightning Strike ferro rod fire starter
1 container UCO matches
1 packet fatwood tinder
1 Bic lighter
1 length #42 bank line to make fire bow
1 shot glass (outside wrapped in duct tape to make fire bow
4 Daytrex 4.2 oz water packets
1 Storm whistle
2 neck lanyard (whistle & knife)
1 mini can Orange spray paint
1 1”x200’ orange survey tape
1 mini-Air horn
1 Starflash 3”x5” signal mirror
1 TrueFlare penflare kit (launcher, 12 flares, case)
1 emergency hooded space blanket
1 lightweight space blanket bag
1 tube tent
1 300’ 550 cord
1 P-51 can opener
1 old style beer can and bottle opener
1 long handle SS/titanium spoon/spork
4 beef bouillon cubes
12 Millennium energy bars
1 fresh water fishing kit
1 gill net
1 30-count package Katadyn Micro-pur MP-1 water purification tablets
1 1-liter water bag
1 coffee filter support sheath w/20 filters
4 sheets aluminum foil
1 Esbit stove/Tommy cooker
4 12-count Esbit stove fuel tablets
1 small roll Gorilla duct tape flattened
1 24 gauge x 55’ brass wire
1 pocket chainsaw
4 heavy duty contractor bags
2 Israeli 6” trauma bandages
12 Medique Medi-Lyte heat relief tablets 2-pack
4 alcohol prep pads
4 Pepto Bismo 2-pack
4 Excedrin 2-pak
1 Charmin To Go 55 sheet pack toilet paper
1 pair emergency sunglasses

**Hardware & tools kit list (in FMCO double .223 bandoleer pouch on belt) – extra small tools, plus some items for general use, to make repairs, and to fabricate items in the field. Some are for urban situations.

1 Leatherman Crunch
1 Leatherman Supertool 300
1 Victorinox Swiss Army Work Champ Swiss Army Knife
1 Stanley Multi-tip screwdriver
1 Glass cutter
1 Commercial building outside hydrant key
1 300’ 550 cord
1 Small roll Gorilla duct tape flattened
1 12 gauge x 15’ insulated electrical wire
1 16 gauge x 50’ mechanic’s wire
1 24 gauge x 55’ brass wire
1 Roll 3M ¾” x 66’ electrical tape
6 popsicle sticks
1 Industrial JB weld
1 Tube of Goop
1 Tube of clear Shoe Goo
1 Small spray can WD-40
1 Small can 3-in-1 oil
12 11” releasable tie-wraps
12 small screw eyes
12 medium screw eyes
12 small screw in J-hooks
12 medium screw in J-hooks
12 4” 20d nails
4 7” spike nails
4 Mini sharpies
1 Mini spray can orange paint
1 1” x 200’ orange survey tape
1 Blazer PB 207 2500 degree micro torch
1 red lumber crayon (for marking trails, coding items, etc)
1 yellow lumber crayon (for marking trails, coding items, etc)
1 box bright pushpins (marking trails, etc.)
1 box clear pushpins (stealthy marking trails, etc.)
12 marbles (to tie off tarp)
12 medium firecrackers (signaling, bear scare, diversion)

***First-aid kit (in one of the FMCO vest utility pouches)(additional supplies on cart) – All the items are my personal preferred items

1 CPR safety shield
4 pair exam gloves
2 1-oz bottle Purell hand sanitizer
10 single use thermometer
1 Fisher space pen
1 Storm-Saf note pad
4 individual wrapped tongue depressors
4 individual wrapped cotton tip applicators
1 small roll Gorilla duct tape flattened
4 bite sticks
4 ammonia ampoules
1 small flask Everclear 190 proof PGA
4 honey packets (for hot toddies)
4 lemon juice packets (for hot toddies)
10 Medi-Lyte re-hydration tablets 2-pack
12 Excedrin 2-pack
12 Alka Seltzer 2-pack
1 25ct bottle Dulcolax laxative
12 Pepto Bismol 2-pack diarrhea medication
12 NyQuill daytime cold medicine 2-pack
12 NyQuill nighttime cold medicine 2-pack
12 Benadryl antihistamine/allergy med 2-pack
2 Chloraseptic throat lozenges 6-pack
1 Acidophilus pills 30-count package
2 Miconazole 3-day treatment packs
6 Water-Jel Burn relief 3.5g packets
6 Water-Jel 1/32 oz triple antibiotic ointment packet
6 hydrocortizone 1/32 oz packet
3 15g jell glucose
4 Sting-kill wipes
4 IvyX cleanser wipes
4 alcohol prep pad
4 PAWS antimicrobial wipes
4 Providone/Iodine prep pad
2 Hyfin chest seal
1 20cc irrigation syringe
1 250ml bottle sodium chloride irrigation solution
1 4 oz bottle eye wash
1 eye wash cup
1 combat application tourniquet
1 self applied restricting band
1 1”x10yd adhesive tape roll
1 Dr. Scholls moleskin deluxe
4 1”x3” bandaids
4 fingertip bandaids
4 knuckle bandaids
12 ½” x 2 7/8” butterfly wound closures
4 2”x3” medium patch bandage
2 2”x4” elbow/knee bandage
2 Emergency Israeli 6” trauma bandage
2 sterile oval gauze eye pad
4 2”x2” gauze pads 2-pack
8 4”x4” gauze pads
1 2” gauze roll
1 4” ace bandage
4 4”x4” Water-Jel burn dressing
2 31”x31”x51” triangular bandage
1 SAM finger splint
1 7 ¼” utility scissors
1 3 ½” tweezers
4 single use Krazy glue
2 Chux/underpads (to lay out instruments and supplies)
1 surgical stapler kit w/35 staples
1 Sawyer bite & sting kit
1 brown recluse spider F/A kit
1 deluxe emergency dental kit
1 birthing kit
1 field kit of döTerra Essential Oils w/travel case (On Guard, Lemon, DigestZen, Melaleuca, Helichrysum, Peppermint, Frankincense, Lavender, Oregano, Deep Blue, TerraShield, Breathe)(additional options: AromaTouch, Purify, Clove, Lemongrass & Fractionated Coconut carrier oil)

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My thoughts on INCH kits