I have wanted to put together a emergency kit for a very long stay. I found that the kits for 72 hour kits were very lacking in the more essential items, meaning they only provided food and shelter, but didn't have defense or extended stay provisions. The plan here is to keep weight and cost down. This pack can be for 2 people for 72 hours, or 1 person for a week or more. The plan is to be able to hit the back country for at least 7 days and carry in everything I need, and then be able to stay for an extended time as needed.
It is more costly, it is more complete, it assumes you don't have your home to return to. With each Item I will try to explain why I selected it, and why I think it is needed in your pack.
If you have more than 2 persons in your party add food, water, and shelter items (as needed).
So much of this is dependent on additional knowledge that it is hard to not say "You need to spend 3 weeks studying out how to use it, and several times a month at least train in response and how to do it. If you don't use it you lose it.
Images are from Amazon and the Sellers linked, they will be removed upon request.
If you are new to this get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Survival-Dummies-Cameron-Smith/dp/0470453060/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1332478462&sr=8-8
Yes they are going to go against some of the things I've said. I am a survivalist, I can go into the woods and be fine for extended periods of time.. These people want you to be rescued, the purpose of a B.O.B. isn't to be rescued! With a B.O.B. I want to make a home and let the government folk wonder where the crud I disappeared too.
Shelter
Over Head or Tent
You have to decide about your level of functionality for your equipment. You can select a limited use item like some of the tube tents put in the $100 prefab packs, or a single purpose item like a tent.
I decided I wanted to have a multi-use Item. So I selected a tarp to be made into a tent. The tarps I am selecting are the bare minimum. I would never expect these to be used over an extended stay, personally I will using slightly heavier tarps that will last longer.
Tarps can also be made into a backpack, a water capturing devise, clothing, a wind block, a signaling flag...
When you know what you are doing you can live very nicely in a tarp tent. I suggest at least 2. They are fairly light and have so many uses you may want 4. Below is linked the size that is the minimum. I would suggest getting a larger size if it is available.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053QUAAG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=A1UJOHKTS8SVG9
Other items you will need, 7 Stand 550 Paracord, and sticks I selected hiking sticks.
If you must have a tent choose one that has an extra person worth of space. This will give you room to store your gear, supplies, or work if someone in your party gets hurt.
Ideally if you are in an extended stay position you will begin to build a more substantial structure, or you have a RV or Camper that you can use.
Warmth
Emergency Reflective Blankets
No they aren't as comfortable but they are more useful as regular blankets. This back has 10 in them. That is enough to make a solar stove, a fire started, a SOS reflective pad. They are light, and they work good for the application..
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GCRWCG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3Q92T9QXQ6HSJ
Wool Blankets
Yes they come smelling poorly, they are often as harsh as sandpaper, but with a few tweaks they will keep you warm.
First when you get them you put them in the laundry for 2 complete cycles the first you run normally, the second you add fabric softener and just fill the washer up, most people use at least double the regular amount, one person even used an entire bottle. Personally I think you'd be fine using a single use dose and letting it soak over night.
DO NOT MACHINE DRY.
Take it outside and hang dry it it. If it still smells you are going to use something like frebreze to get the smell out.
Secondly go to the local discount store. Pick up a cheap set of sheets. Sew the sheets into the blanket, no longer will you have the like sand paper feel against you, or beneath you.
If you can get them cheap I'd get 3 or 4 of these. Unless you are trying to keep the weight down. (For example: If you are 1 person, if you have a spouse you can always split the pack and agree to take turns with the children)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K2OWDY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1PVJENL0IJHJ4
Clothing
Clothing is essential! You should have a change of clothing available in your kit, in the right sizes, for every member of your family. If you have more space or time you should consider 3 days of clothing.
The kit in my car changes based on summer and winter. I add additional things to my winter pack.
Heavy Boots or shoes.
Never Ever get Moon Boot style boots, you will break an ankle. Your shoes here should be hiking shoes or boots. They need to be tight enough to support you ankle if broken. If you stupid enough to have high heels in you survival pack you deserve to get your sorry but eaten after you break you leg!
Gloves and Work Gloves
Trust me You'll be glad you have them.
Ponchos
Keeping dry is essential to your survival in the cold. Plus it is a great moral builder when it isn't cold. These have several advantages, anything designed to keep water out can be used to keep or gather water in. Get 2 for each member of your party.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OD76YE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?ie=UTF8&m=A38QA1EVCQJCMF
Food and Eats
3600 Calorie Bars
These are a great way to get you there. Essentially they are the food 1 person needs for a 72 hour period. I need a little more than 1200 Calories a day to function and my peak, because I have a large frame to push around when I am packing a fair amount of weight, like a B.O.B. I'll need more.
Get at least 1 for each person in your party, including children, any extra can be saved.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QZ3CWC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?ie=UTF8&m=A2UDNPGKURPVSY
Prepackaged 72 Hour Water Packs
These are ready to go and do not require treatment or filtering.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CS53E2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3UA9GHGU33U4N
You are going to want the ability to pack other water in and treat it. At very least you want 2 liter bottles. They have options for up to 5 gallon bags that fold down mostly flat and weight a few ounces when empty. That will allow you to not have to treat or gather water ever day.
Potable Water Treatment
This doesn't make the water taste any better but it does make it more drinkable. Other options include a steripen, which needs batteries, and is much more expensive.
Both options will need a filter to get the crap out of. It is also linked, remember this is the bare essentials (20 gallons only) and there are better options but they are heavier. I figure 1 gallon per person per day. Which includes cooking and washing.
Tablets: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001949TKS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Steripen: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003A1U3DA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Filter: http://www.amazon.com/Aquamira-Frontier-Emergency-Filter-System/dp/B000OR115W/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1332460983&sr=1-2
Including Fork, Spoon, and Bowl for each member of your party. Metal will last longer. You decide on your size and needs.
Lite pots or pans
Again you will need to decide your needs. Do NOT take everything in your kitchen. Pay attention to what you use while camping. Find the lightest version of these and put them in your kits. They do make Aluminum Dutch Ovens, I've never used them.
Stove
I highly recommend an Denatured Alcohol Stove. You can buy one or you can make one. This can also be used for heat as required. Remember your fuel, it will add around 8 pounds per gallon. If it doesn't come colored add a couple drops of food color so you wont drink it.
If packing for extended stay:
You may want to put together some meal plans using freeze dried veggies (buy in the 1.5 pound cans) and dry soup mix. You may also consider that use of dehydrated foods, but they don't have the same shelf life.
Below will include options for gathering food.
Tools and other essential items
Toiletries
Toilet Paper and if you are a lady your lady things. If you don't take some with you get really used to the idea of the multi uses of a 'toilet tree!'
A good knife, and a sharpening kit.
Nothing is as essential as a good knife. I suggest a strait knife for your pack and a small strait or folding knife for your hip.
If you have to a strait knife can be used to split wood. I am found of the Kurki Design.
Kurki: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJRR2K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Knife: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00178CS4K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=A1FMUOMSDTCB8X
550 ParaCord
Mentioned above but it has a ton of uses. The 7 strand version can be split into 7 cords. So if you buy it in 100 foot lengths you have up to 700 feet of cord. It can be used to secure your supplies out of the reach or animals. To make snares. To sting your shelter up. or to bind additional things to your pack. This can also be used in first aide or for splints for injuries.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005728Q3O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&m=A3GS3CD9G1MDLS
Tomahawk
Cutting wood will be important. You will want fire and you will may want to make a better or hard shelter. This also will help this butchering game, or in personal protection.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030DBHGU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_10?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Wire Saw
Used for felling larger trees.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E96CZ4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=A1UJOHKTS8SVG9
A Multitool (With wire cutters)
Because you never know when you may need more than just a knife. The wire cutter is useful if you plan on making snares.
Wire for Snares
This will allow you to eat game like rabbits and squires. It can also aide in the making of a hard shelter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EX01RO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?ie=UTF8&m=A49V9TC7GQB3A
Collapsible Fishing Rod, Fishing Tackle Kit, and Fishing Net 5'x10' (or bigger)
The fishing net can be used for several things. You can place it over a shelter and then put branches in it to help with the runoff. It can be used to make a fish trap. It can also be used to help hold equipment in place or over head.
Rod: http://www.amazon.com/Trailworthy-Telescopic-Rod-Reel-Set/dp/B002MA6IHU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1332476540&sr=8-4
Tackle Kit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B7OUNK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Net: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00066ZZIA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
FireStarter
Sure you can carry matches but they are mostly useless when wet the link below will produce sparks hot enough to start a fire with wet tinder. Keep this in a pack on your hip along with your knife.
http://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-1005-Flint-Striker/dp/B002KV3518/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1332462491&sr=8-8
A Sling Bow (Make your own) with 3-6 carbon arrows.
Google it. I like the ones with the whisker disks. These told down to the size of your hand and have the power of a small bow. If you make your own and get flat bands you can get into the 60 pound compound bow range.
A PVC Pipe with a end cap tethered to you pack can hold them nicely.
Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6LxKfpAPYA
Sling: http://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Powerline-B52-Slingshot-slingshot/dp/B000N8KHLG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332478010&sr=8-1
Whisker Disk: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009TRR62/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Arrows: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003RXV76I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Tips:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F0MCDW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000B0EJZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&m=A3QBJJBPATOPGN
Radio Solar Powered
Not an essential item. However if you can find one with a USB out you can get USB battery chargers and keep your phones, GPS, and Flash Lights in the go. It is also nice to know what is going on in a state wide emergency.
Find one you like, They even have winding solar power ones.
Compass and Maps of Area (if available in topographical IN PAPER)
If you don't have one of each these IN PAPER and you head into the back country you are a fool! Electronics break and fail. Without these you are most likely to get lost, and die! Even if you have cell signal not being able to accurately provide your location results in longer search and rescue.
Compass: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000093ILT/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
For Maps call your state wildlife or forest department. Often they are free.
Glow Sticks
Lighting that doesn't require power. They last for 8 hours, and can be used to signal, distract, and of course keep the monsters out from under the bed.
4-6 Times the number they give you in the prefab packs:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HK7DOO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=A2Q9RHC4PM3Y5Z
First Aide Kit
One of the most important items beyond shelter, food, and water. This should be a good kit. Including wraps, large band aids, and potentially military grade items designed to stop bleeding.
The very very basic kit: http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-First-Safe-Travels-Pack/dp/B001E96M3K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1332478259&sr=8-5
Advanced kit: http://www.amazon.com/First-Aid-Only-Responder-Emergency/dp/B000YMANLA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332478313&sr=8-1
Flash lights
If you can get the winding or solar kind, do it. Batteries are just another expensive heavy thing to carry around. Also get backup bulbs.
Fire Arms
.22LR is capable of taking everything you need to kill up to and including human. It isn't the best option for medium game, or humans, but it is small and light, and you can carry 500 rounds in 3.7 pounds. I suggest a pistol and a lite scoped rifle. I prefer a bolt action so you don't spray ammo out, and use too much to get too little.
I am sure I am going to get trolled over this. So I'm going to make it simple. Shot Placement and a Fire Arm you are willing to carry will 100% of the time win in takedowns verses a hand cannon left at camp. 9mm or .45ACP are heavy to pack and 500 rounds of them is in the 13 and 25 pound range. That is 1.4 or 3 gallons of water you are NOT carrying because you carried bigger. In fact you can carry a .22lr Pistol and 250 rounds of ammo and weigh in at the weight of a typical 1911 with 7 round clips and a spare clip. In an extended gunfight... wait, you can't do that... can you!?
Walking Sticks
I'd suggest 2 per member of your party. They can be used as a splint. As defensive items. and to hold up your tarp tent. No that many isn't actually needed, but what happens if you lose you fishing rod?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013KON18/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?ie=UTF8&m=A3NUNNXXHUJDMF
Pack
All of which you need to fit into a pack. Finding the right pack isn't the most fun you will have all day, but finding one that sits right on your back will make the rest of the day much more fun. The right back packing set up will allow you to carry a lot more weight a lot longer distance. This can be best done at a sports shop, and I recommend going for a rigged frame with the posts outside the pack, why? Because you can zip tie other things to your pack. The right pack will be the difference in a a day hike and death by back pain.
Other Items to Consider
Shemagh
