jimLE
A True Doomsday Prepper
IMO it really depends on the scenario. I usually hike with a mostly empty bag but if I know what I'm going out for I'll bring stuff associated with that.
Since bugging in is my first likelyhood for between April and October, I have my gear, but most of it is non essential for specific situations, and is not the same as what I would hike with. example I'm not likely to take a gas mask and chem suit with me hiking, although I might take a car tow rope hitch for use to shimy up a tree. I have first aid kits that I can bring but I almost always end up using mud, and sap, bracket fungi to cover up cuts that are bleeding. For a serious injury I think a whole lot of pain killers would be in store. None the less I've learned a bit about the forest up here so I know some uses for things like cedar leaves, birch, pine, spruce, and other trees, medicinal and modern nutirition. I'm not expert woodsman though.
If I need to bug out what is in my bag will depend on the situation but it would take total civil chaos for me to bug out, or pandemic, or something like a forest fire. In most cases the municipality would manage an evacuation for a forest fire unless it was out of no where but my solution would likely be throwing my inflatable kayak into the lake that is 100meters from me and waiting out the fire. with a dry suit on perhaps burrying a few item if I have time.
If government is still in effect I would expect them to lock everything down, road blocks, military and reserves called up with even potentially more government called into support roles. The only bug out would be to the back woods, and for that I'd be very concerned about availability of food because carrying food with me likely would not be enough to last more than a month to two months. although some could definatley be supplimented but with no certainty. But in non summer months bugging out is not much of an option unless it is bugging out to another country that has not been effected. I can't imagine bugging out up here past September, without having a winterized tent and more arctic survival gear, it could be doable but I think it would be more dangerous than bugging in. Now I have an interesting situation coming up in september I can't really go into but I'll perhaps say more when the time arrives.
Now for things I would likely carry with me in most bug out situations
-backpack
-camelpack with water bladder.
-hatchet
- food items (flour, rice, vanilla protein powder)
-compass/themometer
-water filter.
-lighter and matches
- I also like but not essential my cheap baofang uv5r - which also has a low light led that can strobe dual band, useful for team communications, there are lots of other small items but not essential.
-crossbow or firearm if extended or real back woods but I consider this just a safety measure as most wild animals might be able to be kept at bay with sharpened stakes.
- bug netting can also make life easier.
- a bivy bag can also improve ones sleep
- in colder times a sleeping bag can save time that would otherwise be spent collecting grass and leaves.
-- and of course extra socks.
-Im also considering taking an extra pair of boots with me too, not sure yet though.
Swimming trunks and a towel might be good too.
Apparently an easy way to get a lot of food is to leave your food out in the open and be prepared to eat whatever comes for it, now this likely isn't legal so it should only be used in emergency situations. Although I have maximum respect for animals and I'm not sure I have that sort of survivor spirit but it is a survival strategy in bear country.
---- Personally my prepping is more about capacity building. in a civil collapse situation things get very grey very fast. ArmyofOne
why on gods green earth would you go hikeing with a empty bag?? to me thats foolish.id make real sure that i take every thing needed for a hikeing trip.be it 1 mile each way.to hikeing way out and spending the night.either way,i take every thing needed instead of a empty bag.
