INCH Bag

Shelter

• Compact, camouflaged tent (low-profile, sleeps 1)
• Sleeping bag (rated for your destination's climate)
• Sleeping/mattress pad
• Mylar emergency blankets (2–3) Use under or around you, not over — prevents condensation

Water Critical

• LifeStraw or similar personal filter
• Water purification tablets
• Canteen or hard-sided water bottle
• CamelBak or water bladder
• Metal container (for boiling water)

Food & Foraging

• Ultralight backpacking meals (2–3 days)
• Energy/protein bars
• Basic fishing kit (line, hooks, small lures)
• Slingshot (small game / urban use)
• Heirloom/survival seed pack

Fire

• USB rechargeable arc/Tesla lighter
• Magnesium fire sticks (2–3)
• Waterproof matches (backup)
• Tinder (char cloth or fire cubes)

Cooking

• Compact cook kit (pot, pan, utensils)
• Portable stove (for urban/low-profile cooking)
• Fuel canisters

Tools

• Multi-tool (Leatherman or similar)
• Sheath knife (fixed blade)
• Folding saw or hatchet/ax
• Folding shovel
• Machete
• Portable tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
• Duct tape
• Baling wire
• Nails (assorted)
• Sewing kit

Clothing

• Sturdy boots (the best you can afford)
• Cargo pants with multiple pockets (2 pairs)
• Wool or moisture-wicking socks (multiple pairs)
• Cold-weather hat + warm gloves
• Sun hat
• Rain gear / poncho
• Extra bar of soap (for laundry)

Medical Critical

• Basic first aid kit
• Trauma/serious-injury kit (tourniquet, hemostatic gauze)
• OTC medicine kit (pain relief, antidiarrheal, antihistamine, antacids)
• Prescription medications (as much supply as possible)
• Medical reference book or printed guide

Comms & Navigation

• Cell phone (with case)
• Solar charger / hand-crank power bank
• Solar/hand-crank radio with USB charging port
• Topographic maps (waterproofed) of your route
• Orienteering compass
• Ham radio (optional)

Personal Hygiene

• Soap (bar)
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Razor
• Comb
• Toilet paper + trowel
• Handkerchiefs (reusable)
• Feminine hygiene products (as needed)

Defense

• Rifle + sling
• Sidearm + holster
• Spare ammo (prioritize rifle) Extra ammo doubles as barter currency
• Tactical belt or vest for carrying gear

Documents & Money

• Cash (spread across pack, socks, money belt)
• Credit cards + prepaid debit cards
• Driver's license
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Property title/deed + insurance policies
• Watertight document sleeve or tube

The Bag & Packing

• Large frame backpack (60–80L) with padding + adjustable straps
• Waterproof stuff sacks (sleeping bag, pad must be waterproofed)
• Smaller internal packs to compartmentalize by function
• Thigh/waist pack for quick-access items
• Military-style belt for ammo, knife, radio
• Tactical vest (optional for carrying gear externally)
• Personal items (photos, sentimental items — keep small)
• Pocket items: compass, knife, fire starter, small first aid kit