Using the standard 72 hour Bug Out Bag idea, Is there any real difference in that and the old "Ten Essentials" lists for hikers? Does there need to be? Everyone is an individual and has individual needs, but just for a standardized kit. The basics. 

Well, I would say it depends on your bug-out plan. Depending on where you're going, your pack may change. Also, I would include some cash and some silver or gold for bartering if you end up bugging out for longer than you thought. Maybe some alcohol also for bartering and sterilization purposes.

Quote from: Dr. Meh on February 11, 2015, 06:56:14 PM
Well, I would say it depends on your bug-out plan. Depending on where you're going, your pack may change. Also, I would include some cash and some silver or gold for bartering if you end up bugging out for longer than you thought. Maybe some alcohol also for bartering and sterilization purposes.

Hmm...Eyes did say. "Using the standard 72 hour Bug Out Bag idea," that for 3 days in my book.   If over that say an unknown time then I could see silver and gold for bartering.  It also depend on how far and how fast you would like to move.  Along with the time of year and if your taking someone along.   For my wife it's toothbrush, toothpaste, Rx's, compass, map and her sidearm.  Her back pack runs around 25lb.  My back pack runs around 50lbs.

Quote from: walkstall on February 11, 2015, 07:43:26 PM
Hmm...Eyes did say. "Using the standard 72 hour Bug Out Bag idea," that for 3 days in my book.   If over that say an unknown time then I could see silver and gold for bartering.  It also depend on how far and how fast you would like to move.  Along with the time of year and if your taking someone along.   For my wife it's toothbrush, toothpaste, Rx's, compass, map and her sidearm.  Her back pack runs around 25lb.  My back pack runs around 50lbs.

Yeah, that's why I said in case he's out longer than he expected.

Thanks Dr. Meh. Expecting the unexpected is important. Even for the 72 hour limit, a little extra cash and a flask is a good idea; neither are suggested in the average ten essentials list.  I am trying to keep this list for the average "kinda ready" persons who might be just starting to put together an effective bag. My current lifestyle is greatly different from my recent past, and my bag is evolving because of that. My previous bag was about the size of a shoebox and I am capable of living off the land for extended periods of time without it , but I am trying to see what people of varying experience think is effective and necessary to take with them.

Quote from: Eyesabide on February 12, 2015, 07:03:16 AM
Thanks Dr. Meh. Expecting the unexpected is important. Even for the 72 hour limit, a little extra cash and a flask is a good idea; neither are suggested in the average ten essentials list.  I am trying to keep this list for the average "kinda ready" persons who might be just starting to put together an effective bag. My current lifestyle is greatly different from my recent past, and my bag is evolving because of that. My previous bag was about the size of a shoebox and I am capable of living off the land for extended periods of time without it , but I am trying to see what people of varying experience think is effective and necessary to take with them.

Good points, especially if you're young and strong.
As I age, my perspective evolves as well, and how I once viewed the first three days out, is 180 from what it was a decade ago.
A decade ago I'd have been looking for fellow travelers, (safety in numbers), however, as I age, I see numbers as a threat, one that may deem what's your's, should be shared by all.
So when I think 72 hr bag, I'm thinking that should be just enough to get me to my real stash of food and weapons.

In other words, stash your one year survival cache no more than 2 days walk from your normal radius of daily existence.
Always assume you'll be on foot for 90% of your journey .

if it's going to be for more than a week, you'd better have a LOT of supplies at  your BOL, and that BOL better not be more than walking distance from  your normal area of operations.  A concealed dugout is all you need. If you stay in same during daylight hours, in wooded hills, and have NVD goggles and passive IR capability 100 people can be in the same square mile with you and they'll never know of your presence.