Introduction: Survival Pack

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thought i’d share my jetpack with you as my first instructable! it’s still in progress, but these are my contents thus far, minus my edc, cookset, shelter, & clothing system [which so far includes gloves, wicking garb, hiking shoes, thermals, gaiters, facemask, etc]. it’s meant to serve as my backpacking kit and my survival kit, should i need it... but more geared towards the backpacking provisions lately since i’m trying to hone my skills & weight-test my bag.

Step 1: Main Pouch Contents

in this part of the pack, i keep my heavy stuff, clothing, & tools (yay tools!). i keep the squishy components up against my back, to keep the heavy stuff (which is kept near the bottom) from poking at me. it's best to carry the weight at your hips, and keep a slightly forward tilt in your stance. if it isn't a necessity, and i can't find at least a couple uses for it, it's not coming with me. your mind is your very best tool. for instance, my tackle box has split shots. not a necessity, and heavy in their own right, but they can also be used as slingshot ammo. the bandanas have a hundred uses, so i keep three on me, minimum. sunglasses are a little frugal, but they're usually on me, & if i'm in an urban emergency situation, i really don't want eye contact. it isn't necessary to have two microfiber towels, but the smaller one rides outside the pack for quick cleans, and i like staying clean, especially in the forest. the tyvek suit, which repels water, can be worn over my clothes with more coverage than a poncho, and i can stuff it with leaves to help insulate. on to portion two...

Step 2: Mid Pouch: Food & Water

i know it's bulky, but i like having sources of water on me (hence the big water purification bottle in the top left hogging the shot). it's got an advanced filter, which gives me more peace of mind. next to it are a couple non-gmo seed stashes that i combined into one [approx 3500 seeds total]. they don't ride with me on short hikes. the folding dog bowl i use as washbasin or for water carry. the rest is just dayhike comfort stuff.

Step 3: Mmmmrations

thought i'd toss a few homemade mre's into the mix to give you some ideas. i like to break things down into single servings, so i only have to heat a cup of water at a time. most boxed dinners or sides, i have learned, feed a family of four (which i am not), so i portion them down. which leaves me with more fuel, since i'm not using much to heat a cup of water. plus, it fits my cook pot perfectly.

Step 4: Grrrroom Groom!

my basic grooming supplies, which fit in the top compartment, and a brand-spankin-new water pack i haven't procured yet with boiling water. i keep some things on me to protect me from the elements: benadryl, chapstick, sunscreen, etc. and some things to help me stay clean, like handi-wipes and a toothbrush.

multivitamins, benadryl, chapstick, sewing kit, toothbrush, bugspray, Kleenex, gum, lotion, handi-wipes, sunscreen, eyedrops
brand-spankin-new water pack

Step 5: Fire & First Aid

the front lower pouch keeps my fire starting & first aid items. this also includes signaling items for the time being, while i search for some better compartments for my web belt. bag balm can be used as an antiseptic, as it's meant, but also as a firestarting aide. the small film container is packed with lightning flash fireworks that i saved from the holiday, thinking they'd be good compact signaling flares. extra baggies always come useful, even if it's to pack your trash out on a hike. leave no trace!

Step 6: Fire Starting Kit in Detail

up close on this, i have several methods of getting a fire going, under most conditions. the homemade firestarters are curled rectangles of a cereal box, into where i bedded some lint, drizzled it with wax, curled it further closed with twine, and drizzled more to cover its entirety. the trick candles have gunpowder in the wick to keep them from blowing out, and are therefore windproof. the stormproof matches are in a container i got from a bead store.

Step 7: First Aid Kit in Detail

my first aid kit has a good assortment of things i'd use in an emergency situation. it's a bit big, but to me, it's worth its weight. i have several first aid kits and pulled components from each to create this one. i have an assortment of bandages & gauze, waterproof tape, break-swabs of ammonia, sting relief, & iodine, some iodine wipes, benzylkonium chloride wipes, alcohol prep pads, antibiotic ointment, aspirin & non, fever/headache patches, antihistamine tabs, q-tip applicators, scissors, tweezers, a larger 3-inch wrap bandage from the kit in my jeep. the vinyl gloves are kept on top so i can quickly protect myself if i need to assist someone. i have celox in there [for blood clotting] & butterfly strips, as opposed to sutures. without lidocaine or some kind of numbing cream, i won't be in the mood to sew myself up with sutures. i also have melatonin strips, which encourage sleep, and if i'm in the forest by myself, or an unknown area, i'll want that as an option.

Step 8: Strap Up & Go!

i'm continually adding to & revising my pack to suit my needs, whether it's camping or on a simple day hike. there's room to fit my extra clothing & cookset, and reserves for those things still on my list. the molle straps and velcro allow me to add new systems as needed [like a pouch dedicated to signaling items once i find one]. although it hasn't been officially weighed, i'd say it probably comes in at about 20-30lbs, minus water carry. i feel like it's a good weight pack for me, and i could take on a little more as my system adapts. anyhow, thanks for taking a look! i’d be interested in knowing what you’ve got on your shoulders, too, if you have suggestions!