There are many types of emergency kits and everybody has an idea of what should go in them. This series will highlight different emergency kits, the gear that goes in them and the general purpose or role they fill.
What is a possibles bag? As the name suggests, a possibles bag is filled with gear with as many situations as possible. I like to think of this as more substantial than my every day carry but also as an addition to boost the capabilities of a bug out bag or 72 hour kit. But enough intro, let’s talk gear.
Small bag big potential.
I went with the rapid deployment bag from Condor for its size and external attachment options. I like this stile of bag because it can fit under a car seat or attach to many backpacks.
Tools.
- Multitool and driver bit set – Honestly the most use I give a multitool is the screwdriver, so I chose one that focused on that as a major function.
- Rescue hook – These are great in the place of trauma shears and with some practice just as fast if not faster.
- Backup pocket knife – Odds are I have one in my pocket. But just in case right?
- small pry bar – great for opening things
- Allen keys – common sizes 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm.
- Silcock key – These will get you access to water fixtures inside and outside commercial buildings. some will also open utility and electrical cabinets.
- Wire – a million uses. but make sure you have the tool to cut it.
- Alice clip or carabiner – great for attaching extra things you might grab or find.
Protection from the elements
- Socks – Clean dry socks will make a world of difference when it gets cold or when the miles home add up.
- Mask – The type of mask depends on the level of protection you need. Do you need protection from particulate matter or chemical fumes?
- Emergency blanket – Mylar blankets will do great in a pinch and some will double as a signaling device and a decent shelter.
- Disposable poncho – No matter what, being soaked makes it worse. I like ponchos because they can double as a pack cover and shelter.
- Shemagh/bandana – lots of great uses for this piece of gear.
- Gloves – I like thinner ones because I maintain dexterity, but at the cost of protection. All about your needs.
Hygene.
- Wet wipes – I like disinfecting wipes because hand washing might not be available, and in a pinch they can be used to disinfect small cuts and abrasions.
- Clorox wipes – Having the ability to sanitize a piece of equipment is a must.
- Bottle soap – Those small tablets are a good way to wash a water bottle with a small amount of water.
- WAG Bag – These are awesome if the need for #2 hits. everything included to do what you need and clean up after. great for urban environments where contamination hazard is high.
Light.
- Flashlight – Flashlight or headlamp. Even a small one will be extremely helpful when the lights go out.
- Batteries – I try to keep all electronics in the same bag to one battery type. It simplifies storage and maintenance. The crazy glue box fits AAAs perfectly.
- Glow sticks – I keep standard size and mini chem lights for both illumination and marking or signaling.
- Rubber covers – I cut these from a bicycle innertube. Useful when you want to control the amount of light emitted.
Power.
- Battery bank – Something that will charge a phone at least once.
- Charging cables – I keep the two common ones because I might need to charge something other than a phone.
- Ranger bands – a piece of a bicycle innertube makes a very strong and durable rubber band.
Food and water.
- Snacks and food – Calory dense and foods that provide longer term energy than simple sugars. Make sure you like and already eat these things. It would be terrible getting the scoots from a new food that does not agree with you.
- Electrolytes – These can improve your performance and hydration. They can also make treated water taste better.
- Water purification tablets – If you need to, include the instructions. it is easy to forget the dose for some of these.
- Water bottle – I didn’t add one to my bag because this is part of my every day carry but it might be something you want in your kit.
Cordage and rigging.
- Paracord or similar – Useful for setting up shelter and repairs, but the possibilities are endless.
- 2 foot loop – This can be used to create a handle or step to get you an assist in hard-to-reach areas. it can also be used to create an anchor and pulley system.
- Rope or tubular webbing – All the uses. I preffer one length no less than 30 feet, rated for climbing or anchors.
- Carabiners – Not the cheap keychain ones but ones rated for climbing.
Fire.
- Lighter – I like to wrap duct tape around it to save space and have multiple uses.
- Ember wick – One of my favorite ways to start a fire. Light this and you can control an ember to then more easily light a fire.
- Matches – I like stormproof matches. getting an advantage however I can.
- Candles – Great for light, fire, and even warming up a small space just enough to keep you alive.
- Flares – Last ditch effort to start a fire in terrible conditions, and a great signaling device at night and day.
Communication and other.
- Radio – Not all radios are created equal. Find one that will meet your needs while also being within your capabilities.
- Signaling flag – I like to use a bright yellow dry bag to double up uses in case I need to pack more things or keep things dry.
- Firecrackers – They can be heard over a long distance. Also a good fire starter. Observe your local laws on this one.
- Super glue – Repairs things in a pinch.
- Note pad and pen – I like waterproof ones just for the extra protection.
- Heat pack – It wonk stave off hypothermia, but it will warm your fingers enough to maintain dexterity.
- Extra ammo – To supplement my every day carry if necessary.
First Aid. Do not stock items you do not know how to use. Please seek formal training.
- Nitrile Gloves – I like to keep some on the outside of my bag so I don’t contaminate the contents inside.
- Tourniquet – In this bag I keep the R.A.T.S tourniquet. Stock what you are skilled with, please buy from legitimate brands.
- Pressure dressing/Israeli bandage – 6 inch is best
- Chest Seal – An easy way to save a life.
- Hemostatic agent – Great tool to stop bleeding
- Gauze or ABD pads – bleeding control
- Tegaderm – Helps seal wounds to keep them clean.
- Alcohol wipes – keep wounds clean.
- Tape and Coban – To secure bandaging
- Anti chafe cream – If you need it you need it! Great for treating those hot spots before or after activity.
- Assorted band aids – Not all injuries are major.
Make this your own. Add or change items to better suit your needs. Most importantly, try things out and see what works best for you.