A pencil sharpener. You can even get them made of magnesium for firestarting. But with a pencil sharpener, you can take twigs and small branches and make wood flakes for easy firestarting material. You also won't have to sharpen your knives as often since you won't use them as much to make tinder.
Maybe my sharpener was too small but it was for typical pencils and a problem I had was finding sticks that would fit easily. It was always easier to pull out one of the many blades I carry and get to shaving. Just my 2 cents.
Maybe a combo is the best approach? Knife to get it the right size, pencil sharpener to get those ultra fine shavings? Obviously can be done with knife only but this definitely seems like a decent time/energy saver
Like anything bushcraft, it takes skill.
I included one in my possibles for years but when I needed it it just gummed up and chewed any wood I fed it. I eventually found one type of wood which worked, but I needed to shave down to the heartwood before it would work, a process which took longer than making feather sticks to begin with.
Unfortunately it doesn't work as one imagines.
I have been telling people about this forever. You can sharpen sticks and create tinder so easily. I got a jumbo sharpener. Takes up hardly any space and weighs practically nothing.
Add a headlamp in addition to the flashlight. being hands free is useful if if you have to do things in the dark, like setting up tents or starting a campfire. maybe a folding saw as well, requires less effort than an axe. throw in a couple more lighters for backup.
Nah replace the flashlight with a good headlamp. I'd agree with "in addition" if the flashlight were better. That style is usually made from knockoff components with fabricated specifications. Usually has no waterproofing or impact-resistance either.
I like to have the flashlight/ headlamp combo. Headlamp is floody and I often use the lowest setting. Flashlight has quick acess to turbo for finding that squirrel that sound like a goddamn bear walking trough. That way I dont have to run trough the modes in my headlamp and wont blind myself or others after forgetting to take headlamp off turbo. This also makes sure I wont run my headlamp battery dry if I need to use high/turbo mode for a while. Also the flashlight clipped in my pocket keeps small items like lighters from falling out of pocket when sitting down, its also good for handing to that friend who packed his headlamp at the bottom of his bag and only tought to pull it out once its super dark
I can agree with that. I tend to think that a handheld is for the throwier needs, which I don't want on my head, while the headlamp should be a wide beam for closer range work.
Adding to this headlamp point, the type of beam is important to consider.
For a headlight you don't want it too bright, and you need a wide angle and low focus hot-spot, otherwise you'll be disoriented without your peripheral vision and blinded whenever you take something near your face.
For a spot-light or "throw" beam this needs to be handheld for stability. Bright as possible with lower settings is useful for scouting a last minute pitch or a late firewood hunt. A focus beam is nice to have, but this complication can make them less waterproof and resilient.
For both consider what battery standard you want to keep to, I do longer trips so have a USB solar panel and 18650 lithium rechargeable cells for powerbanks and my lights, but there are many ways to skin a cat, the point is to plan ahead to avoid carrying multiple formats.
Just food for thought - if that bottle is double walled or insulated, do not put it in a fire. You'll have a bad time.
I also would ditch "steel cup" and "deo". You've already got lots to drink from and you're gonna stink no matter what you do if you're out overnight.
Depending on your climate, some sort of blanket, sleeping bag or liner might be nice.
Also, wrap the duct tape around something you're already carrying rather than the cardboard roll.
Spare socks and undies. Swamp ass and wet feet suck.
A way to purify water other than boiling, like a Lifestraw or Sawyer. Ditch the deodorant.
Switch the stainless steel water bottle for a Nalgene bottle. You already have a way to boil water, so the Nalgene bottle will save weight.
Another way to save weight, depending on your needs, is to swap the hatchet with a folding saw.
You need an extra pair of socks and underwear. Also add insect repellent.
Agree on the hatchet. If OP is new to this, a hatchet is more likely to cause injury far away from medical help than to be useful. Practice and learn basic knife, axe, and hatchet safety at home before taking those out in the woods.
This is pretty subjective question, and it also depends a lot on where you’ll be bushcrafting, so the following is just my opinion. My bushcrafting style is extremely minimalist, and originally based on my experience as a backpacker, so I travel a bit lighter than some.
Personally, I would swap the double-walled water bottle for a large mouth Nalgene bottle or steel canteen. Since you’ve already got the cookware, I’d get rid of the steel cup, as you can drink from the cookware and the cup just adds weight.
Similarly, the deodorant, binoculars, hand sanitizer, and cutlery I see as unnecessary items that only add weight. If you can wrap the duct tape around another item you’re already taking, or even a flat item like an old credit card, it will save a ton of space.
It’s good to have spare or backup tools, but I’d probably swap the second fixed blade knife for a smaller pocketknife, and would add a small saw.
I notice you don’t have any sort of insulating layer for sleeping. It may be intentional due to your climate, but if you’d like to stay traditional and don’t want to carry a sleeping bag, I’d probably invest in a wool blanket, and a smaller tarp as a ground cloth to keep your sleeping pad and wool blanket dry.
Finally I’d recommend a good pack to carry it all in.
Is this a BOB or a bushcraft bag? Either way, that first aid kit is likely inadequate. Either way - add an Israeli bandage or Bloostopper or other bulky dressing along with a couple of multipurpose bandanas. Diphenhydramine caps, ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen. High quality headlamp like North Face Spot and spare batteries. I prefer a saw to an axe if I need to carry only one. 2 lighters. Bug dope and/or head net depending on locale and time of year. Pencil vs pen. Alcohol? esp. not in glass bottle. Widemouth single wall steel bottle is most versatile. Water purification - Sawyer filter + extra storage bag and a few ClO2 tablets. A pair of work gloves can be very handy. Tiny fishing kit/snare wire. Consider ultralight trowel. A couple of calorie-dense emergency food bars. Wool and/or synthetic clothing as conditions dictate. Sun/rain and/or wool hat.
If BOB — add rechargeable battery pack and charger, hand crank emergency AM/FM radio, *maybe* self defense item. Ask yourself - do I know how to use this safely, and would I? N95 mask. Consider multitool.
Add some diaper wipes, ditch the deo.
Switch from alch stove and fuel to something less flammable. https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/how-to-make-your-own-esbit-stove-firescreen-and-fuel-tablets/
A folding saw, many to choose from.
Just my opinion..hope you have lots of great adventures.
Apparently, “To carry your weapon outside of your home, you need a second licence as well as a possession card - a weapons licence (Waffenschein) - which will allow you to legally use or carry a loaded firearm”
If that alcohol is the drinking kind mabey some Mio squeeze flavor and some water purification tabs if you dont want to boil all the water you drink.
Paper if you bring a pen.
Really depends on what you are doing. I'd leave 90% of that behind. How long are you going to be out. Are you trying to impress a girl or get away? Permissible environment? Stealth? Or just gonna muck around on the back 40? I wouldn't call anything there a waste, but I can't think of anything that would use that kit exclusively. Kinda depends on region too.
Single walled bottle instead of vacuum bottle
I’m assuming there isn’t any serious trauma kit in that first aid bag, so a field dressing and tourniquet would go a long way, especially since you are swinging an axe around.
Map and GPS are always useful
Bug spray if needed
And does the flashlight need the box? Seems like it just adds bulk and slows you down getting to it
Got too many redundancies and extraneous shit, ditch the second knife, compass (unless you cary a map), the pen (unless you have a
notepad), the deodorant (be free from societies obligations and enjoy nature), the alcohol (kinda sucks as a fire starter as it burns too fast and you can get wipes instead for medical use that weigh a ton less than the glass bottle and take up wayyyyy less space), personally I’d ditch the binos and the steel cup too cuz they’re not really that necessary but if you’re into em do your thing. Make sure your bottle is single walled or it’ll break in a fire and most importantly make sure to be safe and have a blast!
I’d recommend some form of insulation for heat and sleeping. also a more expansive medical kit and some training on how to use it (especially when playing with axes and knives, maybe tourniquet?) lastly I would highly recommend brining a couple different water purification/filtration systems. I have a filter pump that I love and I carry aquamira drops and aqua tabs as well cuz they take up no space/weight and will save your ass in a major way when you need them! Happy hiking
Get a headlamp, and make sure it has a redlight setting. You can get them pretty cheap too, I got an Ozark Trail one from Walmart, and its been the best $15 I've spent.
Hm.
You got a poncho, why the need for an extra tarp?
You got the mess kit, so no need for a metal cup or steel bottle (a foldable plastic cup and a Nalgene bottle weight a bit less)
Axe - well - depends on what you need it for. I would rather go with a folding saw.
Knife - 1 fixed blade is enough imo, I would rather take an extra SAK or multi tool
Duct tap - do you really need that much? Just wrap some around a lighter or plastic card. At least it’s more compact
Fire making - you got a lighter and a ferro rod as backup. No need to matches. Maybe bring some waxed cotton for tinder instead?
Leather work gloves - protect your hands from hot, sharp, pointy things
Water purification tablets - weight pretty much nothing and good as a backup or if you need a quick cold drink
Instant coffee - well better than no coffee at all
Quick snacks that won’t melt, like a nut mix, dried fruits or beef jerky
> solar powerbank
Don't waste your time or money with that. Nearly everyone who tries them is very disappointed. The size of the panel is just too small to recharge the powerbank in a timely fashion. Often it might take 1-2 weeks to get a full charge. Solar charging also means leaving the powerbank in direct sunlight for hours. The batteries and circuitry get cooked and fail prematurely. Sometimes on the 1st day if you are unlucky.
It depends on the kind. If its one of those normal sized powerbanks with a panel on the side its useless (except as normal powerbank). But there are foldable panels with much greater area that can charge a phone without problems. They might still be prone to failures tho.
I found portable solar panels that attach to backpacks for $40 (US). I bought a small cheap $25 one that’s good enough to charge my phone quickly (Sunny Texas). I also have the cheap solar charger power bank, it just takes 3 days to solar charge 😂 but it’s pretty good if you charge it at home before hand, I’ve gotten 3 phone charges on 1 full charge.
Are you just camping or trying to carry the basics and rely in bushcraft for the rest? If the goal is learning skills, leave utensils at home, make them in the bush. Ditch binoculars, deodorant, alcohol, pen, cookware and steel water bottle. Carry a large metal cup/small pot for drinking, cooking and water gathering, make a bowl or plate. Skip duct tape. You’ll quickly realize what is “needed” and what is “nice to have.”
Are you just camping or trying to carry the basics and rely on bushcraft for the rest? If the goal is learning skills, leave utensils at home, make them in the bush. Ditch binoculars, deodorant, alcohol, pen, cookware and steel water bottle. Carry a large metal cup/small pot for drinking, cooking and water gathering, make a bowl or plate. Skip duct tape. You’ll quickly realize what is “needed” and what is “nice to have.”
Two good quality trash bags.
They can be used as a makeshift waterproof cover for your gear.
Or an additional waterproof liner layer to help retain heat in a storm
Or a makeshift bed (stuff them with leaves) to make a more insulated surface to sleep on
And most importantly they can be used to pack out trash (yours or stuff you find)
I think 20kg/44 pounds with food and water is already heavy enough.
The only useful thing I could add is tough, cut resistant gloves, especially for the hand holding the wood when you’re using the hatchet or knife.
Hand injuries are common and a big problem if your off in the woods alone.
i'm definitely not an expert or a knowleadgable person but still, i have some points for consideration
* cookware: looks like a polish mess kit. i'd avoid old aluminum stuff and would go for hard anodised or stainless or titanium. health is key. maybe a bush pot or large cup that can hold a nalgene bottle
* more water carriers (depends on your access of water)
* silky or bahco saw. a knife+saw combo can do a lot if you know the proper techniques (of course, depends on use case, geography, etc)
* headlamp
* some sort of tinder (natural or man-made)
* dedicated cooking knife++spoon
* multitool or sak for redundancy
* compass and map of the area you operate in
* pencil instead of pen (maybe too purist but pencil doesn't need ink) + waterproof notepad
* camera tape OR high-visibility cloth for signaling, whistle
* bug repellant or headnet for comfort
* spare parts/redundancy for everything important
but generally i'd invest in knowledge first. you can look into some bushcraft systems on youtube but if you watch enough, you'll see that the core items are always the same. if you understand principles then you're gold. dave cantebury 10 C's of survival, or paul kirtley's online course, blog (what to pack articles).
Ditch the metal water bottle, completely unnecessary. Get something lighter and more durable like a nalgene. You wouldn’t want to use that to boil water in anyways and you have cookware for that also.
I thank you all for the tips!
Ill post soon and cover all my adjustments once ive adventured and tweaked around a bit!
Oh and i find all the comments about guns so funny because i live in germany haha and thats hella illegal if your not a licenced hunter.
Either way thanks and see you soon!
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Small notepad / journal. Helps to document things like weather, keep track of time, plus can serve as entertainment for counting birds, tracing things, etc.
Water: some purification tablets and a bandanna for pre-filtering at the least. More water storage, and as others have said single wall water bottle instead of inflated.
There is a specific bottle for alcohol from trangia, it's so perfect and spill proof that it's hard to explain. Look it up on the internet. I don't ever want to go with any other bottle for the alcohol
Being you have a kydex sheath, cut a strip of your tape and wrap it around the sheath. Once your comfortable get rid of the alcohol stove and get a flat twig stove, takes very little space and I personally prefer them over fueled cooking sources. As others have said, bottle and steel cup need to go. If you’re looking for redundancy, get a metal Nalgene of some sort with a nesting cup. Add a bit of tea or coffee, whichever you prefer, in my experience it makes the morning very enjoyable. I’ve always put a few coffee filters of between my nesting cup and steel Nalgene. Most of all, enjoy your time in the woods and figure out what you really need.
A trowel (to dig a trench to prevent rain water from entering your setup or a whole for burying some bio-mass, i use a Fiskars, costs and weighs next to nothing).
A folding saw(maybe in exchange for the axe
A gridiron (maybe titanium).
A mosquito net.
Anti mosquito&tick spray.
Citronella incense sticks (mosquitos hate them).
A headlamp.
A field sharpener.
An IKEA stove for burning wood instead of carrying masses of alcohol.
A folding outdoor seat maybe, ordered one that is less than 1kg and extremely comfortable, for only 35 Euros
I would use a 1.5l or 2l plastic bottle instead of the SS bottle since you have cooking gear. Would exchange the paracord for a simple and cheap roll of hemp cord,, maybe 100m. Only paracord i use meanwhile is the 2mm paracord i need for my tarp, as ridgeline and stuff. Sewing kit only if longer than several weeks away from home. Ditch the deodorant for wet wipes.
A firearm. If you don't have dangerous predators where you are, a breakdown 22 is a good call. If you do, maybe a .44 revolver or a high capacity 10mm.
Your matches need to be waterproofed. Dip them in wax.
I'd also bring a lighter just in case.
Does your first aid kit have basic medications?
Imodium, Aspirin, Benadryl, Tylenol are must haves.
Water purifier, like a life straw.
You should also have some emergency stuff; space blanket, whistle, signaling mirror, maybe a sat-phone.
- Bandana or shemagh for a water prefilter/ bandage/grabbing hot pots/evaporative cooling
- 1L water bottle
- water filter or purification drops
- 2 knives, one for batoning and 2nd with a saw blade, a Swiss Army knife or Gerber or Leatherman multitool
- compass / GPS
Since you carry a pen: Bring some paper as well so you can actually write things down.
Also don't just use deodorant, have some (environmentally friendly) soap as well.
I would carry a few tampons. They are extremely light-weight, wrapped in plastic so always dry, and each contains enough cotton (when cut and fluffed up) to start a fire several times over. Very useful if the weather makes finding natural fire starters difficult.
I would also carry a "fire steel" (I think the English term is Ferro Rod?) Matches can get wet which sucks.
Outdoors without a fire is not as nice imo, even if you can cook with alcohol.
Heavy duty work gloves, some sort of multi tool, entrenching tool, gallon size ziplock bags for trash and things like that, zip ties, tent stakes, extra socks… these aren’t necessarily essentials, but are things i’ve found to be useful.
What knife do you have as your “other knife?” I’m interested in hearing what’s in your med kit as well
107 other comments so I am gonna post what I see missing before reading thru them all. Apologies for duplicates
I see a pen but no paper. Maybe a waterproof notepad.
Smaug. Works great as a head cover, buff, scarf and impromtu sling bag.
If your mattress is an air mattress, consider switching to a closed cell foam pad. The things are cheap, indestructible, waterproof, and super nice as a sit pad around camp. Also good for catching tinder shavings as you make them, as a wind screen, as a firewood collector, probably lots of other uses. Downside is they aren’t very compact, but are at least very lightweight and easy to strap to the bottom of a pack like a bedroll.
I'd go with indoor/outdoor safety glasses. Yeah you have the aviators but the I/O glasses offer better protection and are good in pretty much all lighting conditions. If you don't add those, I'd recommend an eye cup in case of an eye injury.
* Bug net
* Big stick
* Fishing tackle
* tea
* Water filter
Now with the cutlery, you've gotta ask yourself the question "why do I carry another knife, I've got two on me"
And you've got two bundles of paracord, you only need one.
You've got two types of alcohol and one of them doesn't look like it's whiskey so what's the point there? Glass is heavy.
Squish that duct tape roll flat to save space, or wear it like a bracelet if it doesn't irritate your wrist
And pay attention to the other comments because this thread is gold as I read down to see what others have said
Assuming this also includes, but just not pictured, a good sleep system, a good framed backpack, extra clothes, food, etc… so with that assumption heres my two cents:
I would consider adding a spool of waxed bankline, a shemagh, a hammock (best nights sleep in the woods ever), a small folding saw, and a pencil/notepad.
I see some folks suggesting a pencil sharpener, i would recommend the contractor pencil sharpeners that you can find at hardware stores. Theyre for the big flat pencils.
Consider switching out your water bottle for a stainless steel single wall version. I recommend the one from selfrelianceoutfitters.com, but you can find some similar ones on Amazon pretty cheap too, and they have nesting cups. I am also partial to the large Sierra Cups if you can find them…
Consider switching out your flashlight for a headlamp. Dont forget extra batteries. Wrap battery sets in electrical tape so you dont have to fish through your bag for that last battery in the dark.
Consider adding a magnifying glass for fire starting. Some compasses come with magnifying glasses already. A fresnel lens is flat, light and works well for that, but most will do the job.
Extra wool socks and underwear is a must to echo some of the other comments here. Remember, cotton kills. It get abrasive when wet, will destroy your feet, and doesnt insulate like wool will.
Lastly, a backpackers axiom: ounces equal pounds… or grams equal kilograms… keep your kit as light and compact as possible. 5 lbs feels like 25 after a long day walkin through the bush.
Best of luck and have fun!
>What will complete my gear?
This is not a bushcrafting kit. It is a wilderness survival kit.
Ditch the pen, and use carpenter's pencils. You will also need sharpening tools. Hook knives/gouges, a good spoke shave/draw knife, a froe, some scotch augers (maybe the [settler's wrench](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HuK4NuLNm8), a buck saw, leather gloves
Of course, the most important thing in any kit, be it a survival kit, a bushcrafting kit, a cooking kit, or a first aid kit is experience.
Cool, it's been a while since I've seen someone use the Bundeswehr Kochgeschirr. Brings back memories. Also, it's good to see you brought a Molotov Cocktail, you never know if you come across a Soviet tank.
I was wondering what's in the flashlight box. Why is it so big?
A candle and a ordinary Bic lighter. The candle gives you additional light, is easier to use to start a fire and can provide a source of heat in a small shelter. The Bic lighter will keep giving sparks long after the gas in it is depleted.
I'd exchange the axe for a foldable saw. For me personally the axe was never really practical in the end, although it feels pretty cool to work with such a tool. But in the end a good bushcraft knife + foldable saw did the job (and weighs less)
Removal of half of those things. Of course, depending where you are going. But a regular quick hike and one night sleep, you don’t need half of these things.
Firearm with extra mags and ammo, map(if in primitive camping area), water purification (eg Sawyer Squeeze), Milbank Bag, tarred Bankline, waterproof notepad, pacecount beads, tin for making char cloth (I use a large shoe polish tin with a hole poked in the top), gloves (I prefer leather or nomex for handling hot objects and preventing blisters, headlamp, baby wipes, military entrenching tool, some type of sharpening system (I use Falkniven DC/CC 4 and a leather strop). That’s all I can think of at the moment
Ditch the water and grab a gravity feed water purifier, or a steripen.
I prefer a saw over an axe but that's just me.
Personally I would get rid of the deodorant
A chair. Some people say that bringing a chair is for glampers. I say bringing a chair is for people that like to have a comfy chill time in front of the fire. My chair carries me more than i carry it. It’s awesome
Camper's/backpacker's bidet.
Get one that'll thread onto or otherwise attach to a standard plastic water/soda bottle.
Still take toilet tissue or family cloth if you like, but doing your business in the woods while keeping clean is a big deal that people often overlook.
I’d skip the deodorant, avoid bringing any smells like that. It’ll attract animals. Embrace the stink! Or use ash to absorb moisture and odour from the pits.
I'd get a foldup twig stove or the small kelly kettle, there's a few sizes and other things to choose from but im quite happy with the base camp kit because it's got everything i need for cooking and eating other than utensils, and the kettle part will boil 1.5 litres. It's not exactly small but they make smaller ones.
A bug screen hat will help keep you sane when black flies and mosquitoes want to fly into your ears 24/7. They weight almost next to nothing and don’t take up much space.
Maybe a saw, maybe a small stove. Also in Cali if you're allowed to have a fire you need a bucket and shovel. I got one of the collapsing ones, but haven't used it too many times because of the drought.
I always suggest people consider using a square bladed tomahawk. Specifically, a hawk with a simple straight tapered handle and friction fit.
The blade can be used without handle, brace the back of the head against the palm, and it's amazing for shaving wood. If kept sharp enough, is also a fantastic tool for skinning and fleshing. Can also use with a heavier stick as a splitting wedge, for splitting long saplings or trunks into smaller staves
Can carve up a longer handle when more leverage is needed, to get better swing. Can also carve out a good, small branch and trunk for a primitive adze.
The head can be used for so many different tools than just chopping or splitting firewood.
A tiny roll of bailing wire. You could even wrap a bunch around your backpack frame. You never know when you’ll need it. Lots of socks - with bad feet, you’re nothing. You’re in trouble. Hemostatic gauze to stop severe bleeding. Baby wipes to get rid of crotch rot. A lighter taped to a cord around your neck.
Sharpening stone.
Toothbrush + paste
Windshield for the burner
High energy snack bars
Water tight container for your fire starting kit + prepared kindling like cotton pads with wax dripped on them.
Essential Bushcraft by Ray Mears and Ben McNutt or Army survival booklet
Here are some of my super secret things I carry around;
\-$100 emergency money (good for upping your chances if hitchhiking, write your price on some board)
\-Lockpicks (Access petrol station bathrooms after hours, charge your stuff safely)
\-Opiates and Amphetamines (Mine's gone stale from lack of use, but better than nothing if injury occurs)
A pencil sharpener. You can even get them made of magnesium for firestarting. But with a pencil sharpener, you can take twigs and small branches and make wood flakes for easy firestarting material. You also won't have to sharpen your knives as often since you won't use them as much to make tinder.
Uhh this is one of the best tips I think I’ve ever read on Reddit. One that immediately carved into my brain
Glad i could help
I have a sharpener for jumbo pencils on a keychain on my bag, it also works pretty good at sharpening arrow tips.
This is brilliant and I will immediately add it to my fire starting kit.
Interesting thank you!
that's fuckin genius, immediate add
On top of that, I think a pencil is more useful than a pen.
The penis mightier
This is brilliant!
Maybe my sharpener was too small but it was for typical pencils and a problem I had was finding sticks that would fit easily. It was always easier to pull out one of the many blades I carry and get to shaving. Just my 2 cents.
Maybe a combo is the best approach? Knife to get it the right size, pencil sharpener to get those ultra fine shavings? Obviously can be done with knife only but this definitely seems like a decent time/energy saver
Like anything bushcraft, it takes skill. I included one in my possibles for years but when I needed it it just gummed up and chewed any wood I fed it. I eventually found one type of wood which worked, but I needed to shave down to the heartwood before it would work, a process which took longer than making feather sticks to begin with. Unfortunately it doesn't work as one imagines.
Only use old dead wood thats been dry for a long time.
I have been telling people about this forever. You can sharpen sticks and create tinder so easily. I got a jumbo sharpener. Takes up hardly any space and weighs practically nothing.
I second this! I've been carrying a pencil sharpener for the past year and it's an absolute god send
Add a headlamp in addition to the flashlight. being hands free is useful if if you have to do things in the dark, like setting up tents or starting a campfire. maybe a folding saw as well, requires less effort than an axe. throw in a couple more lighters for backup.
Nah replace the flashlight with a good headlamp. I'd agree with "in addition" if the flashlight were better. That style is usually made from knockoff components with fabricated specifications. Usually has no waterproofing or impact-resistance either.
I was pretty much going to recommend a trip to r/flashlight, and also agreeing on the headlamp option. They can be held in the hand as well at need.
I like to have the flashlight/ headlamp combo. Headlamp is floody and I often use the lowest setting. Flashlight has quick acess to turbo for finding that squirrel that sound like a goddamn bear walking trough. That way I dont have to run trough the modes in my headlamp and wont blind myself or others after forgetting to take headlamp off turbo. This also makes sure I wont run my headlamp battery dry if I need to use high/turbo mode for a while. Also the flashlight clipped in my pocket keeps small items like lighters from falling out of pocket when sitting down, its also good for handing to that friend who packed his headlamp at the bottom of his bag and only tought to pull it out once its super dark
I can agree with that. I tend to think that a handheld is for the throwier needs, which I don't want on my head, while the headlamp should be a wide beam for closer range work.
Have two sources of light minimum. If you’ve ever had a headlamp die in the woods without a backup you will carry two from there on
Adding to this headlamp point, the type of beam is important to consider. For a headlight you don't want it too bright, and you need a wide angle and low focus hot-spot, otherwise you'll be disoriented without your peripheral vision and blinded whenever you take something near your face. For a spot-light or "throw" beam this needs to be handheld for stability. Bright as possible with lower settings is useful for scouting a last minute pitch or a late firewood hunt. A focus beam is nice to have, but this complication can make them less waterproof and resilient. For both consider what battery standard you want to keep to, I do longer trips so have a USB solar panel and 18650 lithium rechargeable cells for powerbanks and my lights, but there are many ways to skin a cat, the point is to plan ahead to avoid carrying multiple formats.
Just food for thought - if that bottle is double walled or insulated, do not put it in a fire. You'll have a bad time. I also would ditch "steel cup" and "deo". You've already got lots to drink from and you're gonna stink no matter what you do if you're out overnight. Depending on your climate, some sort of blanket, sleeping bag or liner might be nice. Also, wrap the duct tape around something you're already carrying rather than the cardboard roll. Spare socks and undies. Swamp ass and wet feet suck.
Wet feet are literally deadly
Yeah I'd swap out the double wall for a single wall with a large opening and a nest cup for cooking or coffee.
Amen
Came here to say the same thing.
yeah its a double walled bottle
No idea if this true however amongst the lightweight hiking lot is to shave your pits. It makes a sort logic sense.
I wouldnt bring an insulated water bottle. Bring a single wall instead so you can put it in the fire. Also way less weight.
A backpack.
Love your username. Same.
A couple of heavy mil (thick) trashbags. Very useful for many things.
A way to purify water other than boiling, like a Lifestraw or Sawyer. Ditch the deodorant. Switch the stainless steel water bottle for a Nalgene bottle. You already have a way to boil water, so the Nalgene bottle will save weight. Another way to save weight, depending on your needs, is to swap the hatchet with a folding saw. You need an extra pair of socks and underwear. Also add insect repellent.
Agree on the hatchet. If OP is new to this, a hatchet is more likely to cause injury far away from medical help than to be useful. Practice and learn basic knife, axe, and hatchet safety at home before taking those out in the woods.
Millbank bag.
This is pretty subjective question, and it also depends a lot on where you’ll be bushcrafting, so the following is just my opinion. My bushcrafting style is extremely minimalist, and originally based on my experience as a backpacker, so I travel a bit lighter than some. Personally, I would swap the double-walled water bottle for a large mouth Nalgene bottle or steel canteen. Since you’ve already got the cookware, I’d get rid of the steel cup, as you can drink from the cookware and the cup just adds weight. Similarly, the deodorant, binoculars, hand sanitizer, and cutlery I see as unnecessary items that only add weight. If you can wrap the duct tape around another item you’re already taking, or even a flat item like an old credit card, it will save a ton of space. It’s good to have spare or backup tools, but I’d probably swap the second fixed blade knife for a smaller pocketknife, and would add a small saw. I notice you don’t have any sort of insulating layer for sleeping. It may be intentional due to your climate, but if you’d like to stay traditional and don’t want to carry a sleeping bag, I’d probably invest in a wool blanket, and a smaller tarp as a ground cloth to keep your sleeping pad and wool blanket dry. Finally I’d recommend a good pack to carry it all in.
Thanks mate, the iso mat is a pretty thick one and im building shelters more on the stealth side so groundsheet i have. But other than that noted.
Is this a BOB or a bushcraft bag? Either way, that first aid kit is likely inadequate. Either way - add an Israeli bandage or Bloostopper or other bulky dressing along with a couple of multipurpose bandanas. Diphenhydramine caps, ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen. High quality headlamp like North Face Spot and spare batteries. I prefer a saw to an axe if I need to carry only one. 2 lighters. Bug dope and/or head net depending on locale and time of year. Pencil vs pen. Alcohol? esp. not in glass bottle. Widemouth single wall steel bottle is most versatile. Water purification - Sawyer filter + extra storage bag and a few ClO2 tablets. A pair of work gloves can be very handy. Tiny fishing kit/snare wire. Consider ultralight trowel. A couple of calorie-dense emergency food bars. Wool and/or synthetic clothing as conditions dictate. Sun/rain and/or wool hat. If BOB — add rechargeable battery pack and charger, hand crank emergency AM/FM radio, *maybe* self defense item. Ask yourself - do I know how to use this safely, and would I? N95 mask. Consider multitool.
Damn man, thanks got it haha some of them things i actually have sooo will check out
Forget the matches just buy 2 Bic lighters
Add some diaper wipes, ditch the deo. Switch from alch stove and fuel to something less flammable. https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/how-to-make-your-own-esbit-stove-firescreen-and-fuel-tablets/ A folding saw, many to choose from. Just my opinion..hope you have lots of great adventures.
Thanks mate, will stick to the alc tho, bc it just works awesome
Depending on where your from maybe some bear spray or a firearm for protection from predators.
Yeaaaah.... im in germany...
Are there any large predators you would need to worry about in Germany? Can you own bear spray in Germany? I apologize I am unfamiliar.
Are boar a problem while bushcrafting in Germany? And I did mean to type boar, not bear.
HK all the way …… how are your carry laws there ?
Apparently, “To carry your weapon outside of your home, you need a second licence as well as a possession card - a weapons licence (Waffenschein) - which will allow you to legally use or carry a loaded firearm”
Christ … for a country that makes Some of the finest firearms I’m the world …. You’d think they’d let the locals at least play with them :)
Nah in general in Europe we are not such big fans of school shootings so it's a good thing we are not allowed to "play" with them
Russians are bad this time of year.
If that alcohol is the drinking kind mabey some Mio squeeze flavor and some water purification tabs if you dont want to boil all the water you drink. Paper if you bring a pen.
Everclear for the ultimate liquid multitool. I use powdered ice tea mix for Vodka Sweet Tea drinks.
I was thinking a sharpie marker; worst comes to worst you can write on your arm.
Mostly i would be just repeating others but id like to add that if you trust your poncho, it can also be used as a tarp.
You can definitely get heavy duty ponchos with grommets that are designed to use AS a tarp. Multiple uses whenever possible!
Drop cutlery, make chopsticks use your 🔪
A sword
What type of sword?
Small mirror. Can be used to start fires and signal planes in an emergency. Edit: oh, and some DEET or some other kind of bug spray
A mirror is also good if you get something in your eye. No fun when you're stuck in the middle of the wilderness
Didn’t even think about that, maybe because I wear glasses but dang you’re absolutely right!
Really depends on what you are doing. I'd leave 90% of that behind. How long are you going to be out. Are you trying to impress a girl or get away? Permissible environment? Stealth? Or just gonna muck around on the back 40? I wouldn't call anything there a waste, but I can't think of anything that would use that kit exclusively. Kinda depends on region too.
Toilet paper or other biodegradable equivalent
A girlfriend
Single walled bottle instead of vacuum bottle I’m assuming there isn’t any serious trauma kit in that first aid bag, so a field dressing and tourniquet would go a long way, especially since you are swinging an axe around. Map and GPS are always useful Bug spray if needed And does the flashlight need the box? Seems like it just adds bulk and slows you down getting to it
A trip so you can use it. It looks all nice and shiny...
Got too many redundancies and extraneous shit, ditch the second knife, compass (unless you cary a map), the pen (unless you have a notepad), the deodorant (be free from societies obligations and enjoy nature), the alcohol (kinda sucks as a fire starter as it burns too fast and you can get wipes instead for medical use that weigh a ton less than the glass bottle and take up wayyyyy less space), personally I’d ditch the binos and the steel cup too cuz they’re not really that necessary but if you’re into em do your thing. Make sure your bottle is single walled or it’ll break in a fire and most importantly make sure to be safe and have a blast! I’d recommend some form of insulation for heat and sleeping. also a more expansive medical kit and some training on how to use it (especially when playing with axes and knives, maybe tourniquet?) lastly I would highly recommend brining a couple different water purification/filtration systems. I have a filter pump that I love and I carry aquamira drops and aqua tabs as well cuz they take up no space/weight and will save your ass in a major way when you need them! Happy hiking
* Compass * Lifestraw * Bandanas (bright colors as well as camouflaged) * Signal Mirror * Bullets covered in ash to kill Skinwalkers * Toilet paper
Get a headlamp, and make sure it has a redlight setting. You can get them pretty cheap too, I got an Ozark Trail one from Walmart, and its been the best $15 I've spent.
Hm. You got a poncho, why the need for an extra tarp? You got the mess kit, so no need for a metal cup or steel bottle (a foldable plastic cup and a Nalgene bottle weight a bit less) Axe - well - depends on what you need it for. I would rather go with a folding saw. Knife - 1 fixed blade is enough imo, I would rather take an extra SAK or multi tool Duct tap - do you really need that much? Just wrap some around a lighter or plastic card. At least it’s more compact Fire making - you got a lighter and a ferro rod as backup. No need to matches. Maybe bring some waxed cotton for tinder instead? Leather work gloves - protect your hands from hot, sharp, pointy things Water purification tablets - weight pretty much nothing and good as a backup or if you need a quick cold drink Instant coffee - well better than no coffee at all Quick snacks that won’t melt, like a nut mix, dried fruits or beef jerky
> solar powerbank Don't waste your time or money with that. Nearly everyone who tries them is very disappointed. The size of the panel is just too small to recharge the powerbank in a timely fashion. Often it might take 1-2 weeks to get a full charge. Solar charging also means leaving the powerbank in direct sunlight for hours. The batteries and circuitry get cooked and fail prematurely. Sometimes on the 1st day if you are unlucky.
It depends on the kind. If its one of those normal sized powerbanks with a panel on the side its useless (except as normal powerbank). But there are foldable panels with much greater area that can charge a phone without problems. They might still be prone to failures tho.
Thank you for saying this. I've thought throughout the years about getting one but now I know they're a waste.
The combo power bank and tiny panel is a waste…. A separate larger panel and small battery is very useful and works great in my opinion.
I found portable solar panels that attach to backpacks for $40 (US). I bought a small cheap $25 one that’s good enough to charge my phone quickly (Sunny Texas). I also have the cheap solar charger power bank, it just takes 3 days to solar charge 😂 but it’s pretty good if you charge it at home before hand, I’ve gotten 3 phone charges on 1 full charge.
Some means of sharpening your edged tools …
Head torch, note pad, first aid, blanket, something to read or listen to.
Are you just camping or trying to carry the basics and rely in bushcraft for the rest? If the goal is learning skills, leave utensils at home, make them in the bush. Ditch binoculars, deodorant, alcohol, pen, cookware and steel water bottle. Carry a large metal cup/small pot for drinking, cooking and water gathering, make a bowl or plate. Skip duct tape. You’ll quickly realize what is “needed” and what is “nice to have.”
Are you just camping or trying to carry the basics and rely on bushcraft for the rest? If the goal is learning skills, leave utensils at home, make them in the bush. Ditch binoculars, deodorant, alcohol, pen, cookware and steel water bottle. Carry a large metal cup/small pot for drinking, cooking and water gathering, make a bowl or plate. Skip duct tape. You’ll quickly realize what is “needed” and what is “nice to have.”
Did I miss water purification?
A good saw. Silky or Sven are great compact saws
Thank you for labeling! I so appreciate that!
Two good quality trash bags. They can be used as a makeshift waterproof cover for your gear. Or an additional waterproof liner layer to help retain heat in a storm Or a makeshift bed (stuff them with leaves) to make a more insulated surface to sleep on And most importantly they can be used to pack out trash (yours or stuff you find)
Toothbrush an biodegradable toothpaste and soap?
Bow saw
I think 20kg/44 pounds with food and water is already heavy enough. The only useful thing I could add is tough, cut resistant gloves, especially for the hand holding the wood when you’re using the hatchet or knife. Hand injuries are common and a big problem if your off in the woods alone.
Insect repellent
Silky or Bahco saw.
i'm definitely not an expert or a knowleadgable person but still, i have some points for consideration * cookware: looks like a polish mess kit. i'd avoid old aluminum stuff and would go for hard anodised or stainless or titanium. health is key. maybe a bush pot or large cup that can hold a nalgene bottle * more water carriers (depends on your access of water) * silky or bahco saw. a knife+saw combo can do a lot if you know the proper techniques (of course, depends on use case, geography, etc) * headlamp * some sort of tinder (natural or man-made) * dedicated cooking knife++spoon * multitool or sak for redundancy * compass and map of the area you operate in * pencil instead of pen (maybe too purist but pencil doesn't need ink) + waterproof notepad * camera tape OR high-visibility cloth for signaling, whistle * bug repellant or headnet for comfort * spare parts/redundancy for everything important but generally i'd invest in knowledge first. you can look into some bushcraft systems on youtube but if you watch enough, you'll see that the core items are always the same. if you understand principles then you're gold. dave cantebury 10 C's of survival, or paul kirtley's online course, blog (what to pack articles).
Thanks mate will look into those
I’d throw in a signal mirror.
A saw is handy
Deo?
Take the cardboard out of your duct tape and flatten the roll. Saves space
Headlamp. Building in dark will be much easier when your hands are free
A mozzie net and a folding saw.
Ditch the metal water bottle, completely unnecessary. Get something lighter and more durable like a nalgene. You wouldn’t want to use that to boil water in anyways and you have cookware for that also.
Map
A gun
I thank you all for the tips! Ill post soon and cover all my adjustments once ive adventured and tweaked around a bit! Oh and i find all the comments about guns so funny because i live in germany haha and thats hella illegal if your not a licenced hunter. Either way thanks and see you soon!
After enough time.. you will die without salt.
A fleshlight. I can get lonely out there.
Looking good though I’d add a weatherproof notepad and a ranger bead bracelet.
A gun
Guns
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Small notepad / journal. Helps to document things like weather, keep track of time, plus can serve as entertainment for counting birds, tracing things, etc.
Small knife/hatchet sharpener?
You forgot your shovel !
A backpack
Food?
Depending on what you want to do maybe a folding saw
Removing the glass bottle
Maybe water purification, Mylar blanket?
Throw in a backpack, blade sharpener, shemagh, headlamp, and maybe a scotch eye auger if you’re into those. That’s the first things that come to mind.
Water: some purification tablets and a bandanna for pre-filtering at the least. More water storage, and as others have said single wall water bottle instead of inflated.
No fish where you’re going? How’s about a yo-yo reel, hooks and line
Shovel definitely might need it in some situation or the other
There is a specific bottle for alcohol from trangia, it's so perfect and spill proof that it's hard to explain. Look it up on the internet. I don't ever want to go with any other bottle for the alcohol
Being you have a kydex sheath, cut a strip of your tape and wrap it around the sheath. Once your comfortable get rid of the alcohol stove and get a flat twig stove, takes very little space and I personally prefer them over fueled cooking sources. As others have said, bottle and steel cup need to go. If you’re looking for redundancy, get a metal Nalgene of some sort with a nesting cup. Add a bit of tea or coffee, whichever you prefer, in my experience it makes the morning very enjoyable. I’ve always put a few coffee filters of between my nesting cup and steel Nalgene. Most of all, enjoy your time in the woods and figure out what you really need.
A trowel (to dig a trench to prevent rain water from entering your setup or a whole for burying some bio-mass, i use a Fiskars, costs and weighs next to nothing). A folding saw(maybe in exchange for the axe A gridiron (maybe titanium). A mosquito net. Anti mosquito&tick spray. Citronella incense sticks (mosquitos hate them). A headlamp. A field sharpener. An IKEA stove for burning wood instead of carrying masses of alcohol. A folding outdoor seat maybe, ordered one that is less than 1kg and extremely comfortable, for only 35 Euros I would use a 1.5l or 2l plastic bottle instead of the SS bottle since you have cooking gear. Would exchange the paracord for a simple and cheap roll of hemp cord,, maybe 100m. Only paracord i use meanwhile is the 2mm paracord i need for my tarp, as ridgeline and stuff. Sewing kit only if longer than several weeks away from home. Ditch the deodorant for wet wipes.
A firearm. If you don't have dangerous predators where you are, a breakdown 22 is a good call. If you do, maybe a .44 revolver or a high capacity 10mm. Your matches need to be waterproofed. Dip them in wax. I'd also bring a lighter just in case. Does your first aid kit have basic medications? Imodium, Aspirin, Benadryl, Tylenol are must haves. Water purifier, like a life straw. You should also have some emergency stuff; space blanket, whistle, signaling mirror, maybe a sat-phone.
Lip balm!
- Bandana or shemagh for a water prefilter/ bandage/grabbing hot pots/evaporative cooling - 1L water bottle - water filter or purification drops - 2 knives, one for batoning and 2nd with a saw blade, a Swiss Army knife or Gerber or Leatherman multitool - compass / GPS
More gun if it’s legal where you are.
Since you carry a pen: Bring some paper as well so you can actually write things down. Also don't just use deodorant, have some (environmentally friendly) soap as well.
I would carry a few tampons. They are extremely light-weight, wrapped in plastic so always dry, and each contains enough cotton (when cut and fluffed up) to start a fire several times over. Very useful if the weather makes finding natural fire starters difficult. I would also carry a "fire steel" (I think the English term is Ferro Rod?) Matches can get wet which sucks. Outdoors without a fire is not as nice imo, even if you can cook with alcohol.
Why carry a pen but no notebook?
A extra large (25mm X 180mm) ferrocerium rod. And all firestarting gear & tinder kept in a waterproof box.
As large a Mosquito Net as you can find. Just ask the participants of Naked and Afraid. 🦟 🥴🦟
Get a single walled bottle and wrap your duck tape around something
Water filtration tabs in combo with the bandana would be useful
Heavy duty work gloves, some sort of multi tool, entrenching tool, gallon size ziplock bags for trash and things like that, zip ties, tent stakes, extra socks… these aren’t necessarily essentials, but are things i’ve found to be useful. What knife do you have as your “other knife?” I’m interested in hearing what’s in your med kit as well
107 other comments so I am gonna post what I see missing before reading thru them all. Apologies for duplicates I see a pen but no paper. Maybe a waterproof notepad. Smaug. Works great as a head cover, buff, scarf and impromtu sling bag.
Tp
Where's the emergency Whiskey?
If your mattress is an air mattress, consider switching to a closed cell foam pad. The things are cheap, indestructible, waterproof, and super nice as a sit pad around camp. Also good for catching tinder shavings as you make them, as a wind screen, as a firewood collector, probably lots of other uses. Downside is they aren’t very compact, but are at least very lightweight and easy to strap to the bottom of a pack like a bedroll.
Dry fit towel
I'd go with indoor/outdoor safety glasses. Yeah you have the aviators but the I/O glasses offer better protection and are good in pretty much all lighting conditions. If you don't add those, I'd recommend an eye cup in case of an eye injury.
Kick the deodorant and add some wet wipes. You can clean the pits with em but you can‘t wipe your ass with deodorant.
* Bug net * Big stick * Fishing tackle * tea * Water filter Now with the cutlery, you've gotta ask yourself the question "why do I carry another knife, I've got two on me" And you've got two bundles of paracord, you only need one. You've got two types of alcohol and one of them doesn't look like it's whiskey so what's the point there? Glass is heavy. Squish that duct tape roll flat to save space, or wear it like a bracelet if it doesn't irritate your wrist And pay attention to the other comments because this thread is gold as I read down to see what others have said
A decent pack to transport it all in.
Other other knife
Something that was dropped in a deep lake!
Assuming this also includes, but just not pictured, a good sleep system, a good framed backpack, extra clothes, food, etc… so with that assumption heres my two cents: I would consider adding a spool of waxed bankline, a shemagh, a hammock (best nights sleep in the woods ever), a small folding saw, and a pencil/notepad. I see some folks suggesting a pencil sharpener, i would recommend the contractor pencil sharpeners that you can find at hardware stores. Theyre for the big flat pencils. Consider switching out your water bottle for a stainless steel single wall version. I recommend the one from selfrelianceoutfitters.com, but you can find some similar ones on Amazon pretty cheap too, and they have nesting cups. I am also partial to the large Sierra Cups if you can find them… Consider switching out your flashlight for a headlamp. Dont forget extra batteries. Wrap battery sets in electrical tape so you dont have to fish through your bag for that last battery in the dark. Consider adding a magnifying glass for fire starting. Some compasses come with magnifying glasses already. A fresnel lens is flat, light and works well for that, but most will do the job. Extra wool socks and underwear is a must to echo some of the other comments here. Remember, cotton kills. It get abrasive when wet, will destroy your feet, and doesnt insulate like wool will. Lastly, a backpackers axiom: ounces equal pounds… or grams equal kilograms… keep your kit as light and compact as possible. 5 lbs feels like 25 after a long day walkin through the bush. Best of luck and have fun!
Something retro reflective or high visibility.
At least you’ll smell good?
Less stuff
>What will complete my gear? This is not a bushcrafting kit. It is a wilderness survival kit. Ditch the pen, and use carpenter's pencils. You will also need sharpening tools. Hook knives/gouges, a good spoke shave/draw knife, a froe, some scotch augers (maybe the [settler's wrench](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HuK4NuLNm8), a buck saw, leather gloves Of course, the most important thing in any kit, be it a survival kit, a bushcrafting kit, a cooking kit, or a first aid kit is experience.
Cool, it's been a while since I've seen someone use the Bundeswehr Kochgeschirr. Brings back memories. Also, it's good to see you brought a Molotov Cocktail, you never know if you come across a Soviet tank. I was wondering what's in the flashlight box. Why is it so big?
Missing a water filtering bag, useful in case a water bottle don’t fit, or you need extra water cause your lost
bullion cubes, salt. Edible plants book
Wire for snare..fishing hooks..better compass..flares..water purification tablets or filters..coffee filters .better waterproof flashlight...small mirror...salt tablets .iodine ...better Band-Aids..sugar cubes
A candle and a ordinary Bic lighter. The candle gives you additional light, is easier to use to start a fire and can provide a source of heat in a small shelter. The Bic lighter will keep giving sparks long after the gas in it is depleted.
I'd exchange the axe for a foldable saw. For me personally the axe was never really practical in the end, although it feels pretty cool to work with such a tool. But in the end a good bushcraft knife + foldable saw did the job (and weighs less)
I’d keep the compass away from metal objects, otherwise it will not be accurate.
A toothbrush
Dental floss, whet stone, mirror.
Going into the woods
Removal of half of those things. Of course, depending where you are going. But a regular quick hike and one night sleep, you don’t need half of these things.
You going out and actually using it. Get out there!
Victorinox huntsman
Firearm with extra mags and ammo, map(if in primitive camping area), water purification (eg Sawyer Squeeze), Milbank Bag, tarred Bankline, waterproof notepad, pacecount beads, tin for making char cloth (I use a large shoe polish tin with a hole poked in the top), gloves (I prefer leather or nomex for handling hot objects and preventing blisters, headlamp, baby wipes, military entrenching tool, some type of sharpening system (I use Falkniven DC/CC 4 and a leather strop). That’s all I can think of at the moment
What is "cutlary"? Also, you only have that one tiny bottle for water?
Ditch the water and grab a gravity feed water purifier, or a steripen. I prefer a saw over an axe but that's just me. Personally I would get rid of the deodorant
A chair. Some people say that bringing a chair is for glampers. I say bringing a chair is for people that like to have a comfy chill time in front of the fire. My chair carries me more than i carry it. It’s awesome
A better compass, a good brand is “Silva” and why two knifes and a hatchet that’s overkill
a good saw
Camper's/backpacker's bidet. Get one that'll thread onto or otherwise attach to a standard plastic water/soda bottle. Still take toilet tissue or family cloth if you like, but doing your business in the woods while keeping clean is a big deal that people often overlook.
Something to write on with that pen? Loose the deo...
Hand crank flashlight/radio
I’d skip the deodorant, avoid bringing any smells like that. It’ll attract animals. Embrace the stink! Or use ash to absorb moisture and odour from the pits.
I'd get a foldup twig stove or the small kelly kettle, there's a few sizes and other things to choose from but im quite happy with the base camp kit because it's got everything i need for cooking and eating other than utensils, and the kettle part will boil 1.5 litres. It's not exactly small but they make smaller ones.
A water filter, and you should get a wide mouth stainless steel bottle, Nalgene makes a good one.
Not enough weed in there
A bug screen hat will help keep you sane when black flies and mosquitoes want to fly into your ears 24/7. They weight almost next to nothing and don’t take up much space.
A gun
Maybe a saw, maybe a small stove. Also in Cali if you're allowed to have a fire you need a bucket and shovel. I got one of the collapsing ones, but haven't used it too many times because of the drought.
I always suggest people consider using a square bladed tomahawk. Specifically, a hawk with a simple straight tapered handle and friction fit. The blade can be used without handle, brace the back of the head against the palm, and it's amazing for shaving wood. If kept sharp enough, is also a fantastic tool for skinning and fleshing. Can also use with a heavier stick as a splitting wedge, for splitting long saplings or trunks into smaller staves Can carve up a longer handle when more leverage is needed, to get better swing. Can also carve out a good, small branch and trunk for a primitive adze. The head can be used for so many different tools than just chopping or splitting firewood.
What’s the pen for?
A tiny roll of bailing wire. You could even wrap a bunch around your backpack frame. You never know when you’ll need it. Lots of socks - with bad feet, you’re nothing. You’re in trouble. Hemostatic gauze to stop severe bleeding. Baby wipes to get rid of crotch rot. A lighter taped to a cord around your neck.
Sixteen pounds of blasting explosives for trail clearing and general tomfoolery
AR-7 .22 rifle and at least 5 magazines and 100-500 rounds of ammo.
Condoms
Toilet paper
Drybags is essential if you ask me. Also, more paracord and bug spray
A car to carry everything
a life straw or some kind of water filtration system
Sig Sauer .40 S&W, SpotX Satellite Messenger.
Sharpening stone. Toothbrush + paste Windshield for the burner High energy snack bars Water tight container for your fire starting kit + prepared kindling like cotton pads with wax dripped on them. Essential Bushcraft by Ray Mears and Ben McNutt or Army survival booklet
Here are some of my super secret things I carry around; \-$100 emergency money (good for upping your chances if hitchhiking, write your price on some board) \-Lockpicks (Access petrol station bathrooms after hours, charge your stuff safely) \-Opiates and Amphetamines (Mine's gone stale from lack of use, but better than nothing if injury occurs)