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First of all thanx to Tenaheff for clearing the x-marine thing up.semper fi.
In my pack:Water proof matches,xtra socks,flashlight,bowie style knife,at least 4 quarts of water,I don't need food I will find that(Bugs,snakes,bear,whatever comes my way),some fishing line,and some hooks.(If you need a pole grab a stick).A folding saw to possibly help with building shelter.A signal mirror.A whistle.A blanket.A compass,and map of the area.
This is pretty much a generic list,if in extreme enviroments some things would have to change,thus adding more weight.
If you know where you're going, you may only need one days water and a filter kit. Remember 8 pounds a gallon is a lot to lug if you don't have to. I'd add a reflective thermal blanket. They are helpful is both hot and cold weather and while they do take up some space (Unless you get the really expensive ones), they weigh almost nothing.
International Level: Politics 101 / Political Participation: 5 0.5%
What you put on and in your backpack can make a big differnce in your rate of surviving out in the wilderness. I ususally do not put a lot of food in my backpack as I can live off the land. I will have rope, string, twine and even thread in my backpack. Yes water filters is great and I carry a gallon of water on my person when I am out in the wilderness. I can always refill it as the days go by. A blanket, a tent, shovel, machete, knife, hatchet, fishing line, gun and bullets, flare gun and flares, waterproof case with matches and a fire starter is much needed. Odd things that I take are a magnifying glass, deck of cards, and even a notebook and a tablet with a solar powered charger. The tablet is so I can read books that I have downloaded. I like to keep myself entertained.
Hydration, sustenance, shelter, defense. A good survival bag will at minimum help with the first three.
Some means of carrying water is a must, but you cannot expect to carry enough to last. So some means of acquiring potables is necessary. In most parts of the world, water is easy enough to find, it is turning it into something safe to drink that is the problem. I like having a good filter on hand, sterilization tablets don't eliminate all problems (And taste atrocious besides), if need be though, the sun can be your filter given a few scraps of plastic and the ability to wait.
The task of sustenance is in much the same boat, you can't carry enough for more than a few weeks in a small bag. One of the most space efficient tools to carry would be wire for snares. But setting game traps like that takes a lot of skill, and more luck than many are comfortable relying on. A hunting rifle is a very expensive item (I mean in regards to space and weight), especially with sufficient ammunition thrown in, but if it can be managed, it is a very useful tool, especially if the survival scenario in question includes the need for defense. Prepping the food is the second concern. Very little is safe to just pop in your mouth and chew, especially when it comes to meats
What you need in regards to shelter is going to vary by region, but a tent is an excellent start. One made to readily endure the elements without occupying too much of your weight/space budget is invaluable.
And then there are the other basics. Rope (I prefer 550 parachute cord), first aid supplies, a good knife, machete/hatchet, flashlight, a signaling device usable in daytime, an ignition source, and dry kindling.
Of course, in regards to signaling devices, we live in an age where it is almost impossible to be completely out of touch. Oh, your cellphone probably won't cut it, but devices abound that will help in all but the deep bounds of the earth. Edited: daishain on 19th Feb, 2017 - 5:23pm
I have really enjoyed backpacking. I like to climb mountains when I have a chance. I've learned from this experience the importance of going as light as possible. The first time I climbed a mountain I probably had 40 pounds counting the backpack. It was truly miserable.
I read up on ultra light backpacking. Now I know every ounce counts. I carry a light weight tent. . A good, light down sleeping bag. I'll carry some trail mix and energy bars or gel. I also try to bring the following: light clothes that wick moisture, windbreaker, headlamp, backup light source, one gallon hydration bladder filled with water plus a couple of extra 20 ounce bottles of water, a whistle, light basic first aid kit, blister treatment, lighter and bear spray if in bear country. I might have left something off. I also purchased an Osprey Talon backpack. With this combination I can get it down to 15-20 lbs total. It is just unbelievable the difference it makes. One thing I found that works great for a firestarter is a few cotton balls that have been dipped in Vaseline. Put those in a small plastic bottle and it really helps starting a fire. Longer trips than overnight require more weight. The key is to not carry anything just because. Everything needs a reason to be in the backpack. It might not seem like a big deal having something along that weighs a few ounces. Cut out a few of those items and those ounces become pounds. Edited: Kyrroeth on 21st Feb, 2017 - 3:15pm
I have climbed mountains with my back pack. I like to be prepared. Even when I am riding my bike I have a backpack on that weighs between 25-35 pounds. That little weight does not bother me. When I was climbing mountains I would be prepared for a three day even in case something would go wrong. Usually it did not but like I said rather be safe then not prepared.