Important Survival Gear to Remember - By Reddit Users

Gear you may not have considered
I've seen a lot of bugout bags on this sub. Many are lacking elements to them that could easily be the difference between life and death. I've spent a few months backpacking in the Appalachian mountains. I'm by no means an expert, however, I do have some experience which some people may be lacking. Not everyone will like this post, but if it gives even one of you a better shot, it's worth the effort.

Also, many of us have locations in mind and have designed their bags around getting to “point B.” This is good, but not all of us have the luxury of a “point B”, and there's no guarantee you'll get there even if you have one. Go for something both mobile and capable of getting you through most weather. Here's some gear that will give you more of an advantage than digital camo ever will.

1: Clothes

Nobody ever, ever talks about clothes on here. These are extremely important. If possible avoid cotton at all costs. It's cool, yes, but it is also very heavy, and takes a long time to dry. Don't assume you'll be bugging out in 65 degree weather on a sunny day. Cotton will freeze before it dries at any temperature below 32. For the same reasons, consider synthetic sleeping bags, as they will dry faster and be lighter. I would recommend synthetics wherever possible. Zipoff hiking pants are extremely lightweight and dry inside of an hour. REI and Columbia both makes versions of these I can recommend. Merino wool is also your friend for base layers to keep warm. It is especially helpful to have merino socks to keep your feet dry. DarnTough and Smartwool are excellent brands. Consider something like ExOfficio for undergarments. This will reduce chaffing, and dry quickly even when being worn.

2: Hiking shoes/Boots

Military boots are a big no-no. Any type of waterproofing is a big no-no. Yes, they look badass, but lightweight footwear, like trail runners, are ideal. I've had my shoes soaked through while pitching camp and dry by morning. A good pair of dry merino socks will keep your feet dry and warm even in damp shoes. This isn't just about comfort- wet shoes are cold, heavy and most importantly can easily lead to blisters. Think you're too tough for blisters? I've seen grown, athletic men all but crippled by these bad boys.

3: Waterproof stuff sacks

These are invaluable and everyone should have a couple. I recommend two- one for your sleeping bag and one for your clothes. They will reduce the bulk of your items and keep them completely dry. Keeping your gear dry is paramount. A wet sleeping bag is useless. And heavy. Sea-to-Summit E-Vent bags are great, lightweight and affordable.

4: Sleeping bag liners and insulated pads

SHTF can happen at any time. Try to create an all seasons kit. Silk bag liners are very lightweight and can keep you alive. A sleeping pad that is insulated and keeps you off the ground is a must for most environments. My worst night was -5 degrees and snowy, and even with my cheap tent and dubious sleeping bag, these two items made the night bearable. As an added bonus, they both add comfort and the liner can be used alone on hot nights. There's a ton of great offerings for both these products.

5: Backpacks

Hiking backpacks are literally designed to be loadbearing, durable, practical and lightweight. Unless you have a very light kit (under 15 pounds), consider investing in one. They will be much better than tacticool bags with little external straps or heavy army surplus supplies. Invest in something that's actually designed for the job in mind. Get a rain cover for your pack as well, no matter what you choose. Most gear is useless wet, and all gear is heavier wet.

6: Food bags

Steel woven, bite-proof bags will keep your food safe from one of the largest threats: Mice. Before getting one of these, there's been several occasions I woke to find my food supplies completely destroyed by a single rodent, and still days out from resupply. Keep your calories safe, you might need them.

Above all, take your gear and field test it. Really test it. Find out what actually works for you and, more importantly, your environment. Hike a couple of consecutive 10-15 mile days carrying your gear, and 'survive' only with whats in your bag. Backpacking and bugging out are not the same thing by any means, but there's a lot of gear and practices with backpacking that translate practically and easily to the bug out situation. Stay safe guys.

• user out_of_relish