[Aceman]

Inspired by a couple of responses to my bug out bag thread.

The following items were mentioed:

Wash Rag: Never thought of that - but I can immediately see the value!

Nail clippers: Not something I'd think about, but i would be hating life after a week if I couldn't.


What other items would you say seem non-essential, but could really make life much more pleasant - or very unpleasant with out them! While perhaps not life-threatening...

[Big Bird]

Tooth brush. No matter how bad things get--they will get a lot worse if you don't take care of you mouth. Surviving a catastrophe sucks real bad--but with a toothache? You need to brush your teeth regardless.

[cowboy1964]

I could go a few weeks without clipping nails. Plus you have small knife blades and a file on your multi-tool.

[Hour13]

Toilet paper. Scissors to cut hair/trim beard. Tweezers. Butt-loads of wet-wipes.

Outside of that, some form of entertainment. Books, porn, boardgames, deck of cards... whatever floats yer boat.

We always think of the "action" involved in a SHTF situation. Attackers, securing a food/water source, etc... But the fact is, once you reach a safe area and hole up, things are gonna get real dull, real quick.

Five things that will seriously ****** with your head;

1) Fear
2) Thirst
3) Hunger.
4) Fatigue.
5) Sheer boredom.

Oh, and a pillow. A pillow would be nice...

[UtahIrishman]

A deck of playing cards comes to mind.

[DJ Niner]

A small notepad and writing implement(s). Useful for recording general observations, thoughts, things to do later, maps/lay-of-land/directions, people movements, resources seen while moving through an area, storage caches for future use, areas to avoid, etc. Many, many uses.

[Hour13]

Originally Posted by DJ Niner

A small notepad and writing implement(s). Useful for recording general observations, thoughts, things to do later, maps/lay-of-land/directions, people movements, resources seen while moving through an area, storage caches for future use, areas to avoid, etc. Many, many uses.

^^^ This! Didn't even think of that, but it makes perfect sense. It'd take me all of an hour to wish I'd packed a pen & pad.

[TangoFoxtrot]

To add to DJ's pen and pad also add a marker to leave messages to followers if you need to be found (or not).

[RatDrall]

After learning to make and use a bow-drill to make a fire, I never take for granted ferro rods, lighters, matches, etc.

Same thing for containers, they suck to make and are crude when forced into it. A stainless steel canteen is probably what I would give up last. Drinking directly from ponds or creeks is not cool...

[pugman]

Originally Posted by Hour13

^^^ This! Didn't even think of that, but it makes perfect sense. It'd take me all of an hour to wish I'd packed a pen & pad.

Originally Posted by TangoFoxtrot

To add to DJ's pen and pad also add a marker to leave messages to followers if you need to be found (or not).

I would trade in the pen for a pencil.

Pens break, explode ink on everything, run in the rain, dry out.

part of my kit are two golfers pencils

My item: chapstick. I would have gone with Bird's toothbrush/paste first. I have moved myself and others thousands of miles. NOTHING makes me feel better than stopping at a truck stop and brushing my teeth.

[kirgi08]

sun glasses.'08.

[yukon2004]

Nice pen that will be reliable. Take extra refills.



http://www.spacepen.com/trekker-1.aspx

Good notebooks:



http://www.riteintherain.com/default.aspx

[G29Reload]

Matches. Yeah, you can rub two sticks together, but when you need it in a hurry...

Salt. Bland food sucks. So does dehydration after an afternoon hike...or bug out.


Shoes/boots. Mall's closed, people...and it aint comin' back.

[Bilbo Bagins]

Originally Posted by Hour13

Toilet paper. Scissors to cut hair/trim beard. Tweezers. Butt-loads of wet-wipes.

Outside of that, some form of entertainment. Books, porn, boardgames, deck of cards... whatever floats yer boat.

We always think of the "action" involved in a SHTF situation. Attackers, securing a food/water source, etc... But the fact is, once you reach a safe area and hole up, things are gonna get real dull, real quick.

Five things that will seriously ****** with your head;

1) Fear
2) Thirst
3) Hunger.
4) Fatigue.
5) Sheer boredom.

Oh, and a pillow. A pillow would be nice...

+1 on the pillow. I have a stuff sack in my BOB that is waterproof nylon on the outside and fleece lined on the inside. Pull it inside out and stuff it with extra clothing, crunched up paper, leaves, or whatever and you have a decent pillow.

http://www.rei.com/product/795043/rei-pillow-stuff-sack

I also agree with the wipes, soap, a toothbrush, and maybe a deck of cards or a book.

[jellis11]

I have a few pairs of socks stuffed on various bags. I hate wet feet.

[quake]

Have to agree with toilet paper & wet-wipes. I'm not as tough & invulnerable as I used to be. (Or at least used to think I was...)

Originally Posted by pugman

...My item: chapstick.

The light-blue medicated chapstick is also good for putting on small cuts, scrapes, etc to help prevent infections. Same medications (camphor and menthol iirc) that kill viruses and micro-bugs on the mouth kills them elsewhere as well. My normal treatment for a minor cut when out & about is simply let bleed a little, clean as best possible, chapstick & then krazy glue. Works pretty well when you're out away from things.

[puckhead]

Dont forget medications, especially if you have something bad like asthma or diabetes.

[Hour13]

Originally Posted by jellis11

I have a few pairs of socks stuffed on various bags. I hate wet feet.

This! ^^^

Lol, I'll probably be carrying more weight in socks, than in ammo. Kinda OCD bout socks. I change 'em twice a day, sort 'em by the wear from my feet left & right, and I buy ONLY "GoldToe" brand. The only socks I've ever had that don't creep down & bunch up in my shoes.

My "sock thing" provides my GF with endless entertainment. When she wants to screw with me, she only folds and puts away my 'left' socks, and hides the rest.

AAAAAAAARGH!!!!

[JimIsland]

Floss, Q tips, my trusty handheld GPS with pleny of batteries among just a few.

[Pro 2A]

Originally Posted by Hour13

This! ^^^
I buy ONLY "GoldToe" brand. The only socks I've ever had that don't creep down & bunch up in my shoes.

Go to a sporting goods store and get the socks intended for soccer players. I used to only buy Goldtoe till I found these!! They last WAY WAY longer than Goldtoe, are slightly thicker and they stay up! I get the black ones, but they come in various colors too.

[Hour13]

Originally Posted by Pro 2A

Go to a sporting goods store and get the socks intended for soccer players. I used to only buy Goldtoe till I found these!! They last WAY WAY longer than Goldtoe, are slightly thicker and they stay up! I get the black ones, but they come in various colors too.

Thanks! I'll definitely try that. Love how they stay in place, but ya, they really don't last very long.

[Dexters]

Wet Ones

[Jake514]

Originally Posted by Hour13

Thanks! I'll definitely try that. Love how they stay in place, but ya, they really don't last very long.

I recently found Under Armor socks - black ones that are great in hot weather.

[barbedwiresmile]

Tobacco. Many of the great survival stories of history hinged on the sweet leaf. Staves off hunger, soothes nerves, emboldens the spirit.

[kirgi08]

1000lbs sealed,We live in NC btw.'08.