Any fellow survivalists utilize their truck?

I'm torn on packs. I like a bag I can throw down to the ground when I'm done putting on the miles. But, I love cutting ounces and having the load carry comfortably. It's an internal battle with my practical self.

I recently outfitted my 5.11 Rush 72 very comfortably as my 3-5 day bag. If I put my sleep system (military patrol bag and goretex bivy) in the body of the bag, I have less room for any cold weather clothing but everything else fits. If I suspend my sleep system below the pack, the load carries very nicely when the bag is adjusted properly. Totally packed without food or water, it's 16 lbs. With full 3L bladder and 3 days of dried food, it's 24 lbs. It rides close enough to my body that I can wear a patrol poncho over me and the pack with room to move. The only thing strapped to the molle outer of the bag is a 13" kukri machete which sits very flat to the side long pouch. The Rush 72 is a great pack to bushwack with because it's so durable.

Now for hiking the JMT this summer, I'm using my Kelty Coyote 80. Scored it at REI on sale a while back for $149 and I like how it handled 40# of sandbags during the test fit. But, I wouldn't throw that pack down on the ground nor would I bushwack with it for fear of tearing it.

 

I had a coyote 80 and I though that thing was pretty damn durable. We actually used it as our client packs when I was working for a wilderness program. And no one or nothing is more hard on a pack than a client haha

 

It's funny how everyone feels their own particular brand of pack is the best. It is the best, for you and what you do. Having served for a decade in our great Army I am a strong proponent of mission specific gear. These days joes get issued several types of packs, from a camelback good for half a day to two sea bags and a large ruck for deployments that last more than a year, and several options in between.

How all this fits into the prepper world for me is learning to scale every pack for a specific purpose, and to have my EDC and A bag ready to roll at all times. My EDC is a Lowe Alpine I've been lugging around for over a decade. It is rarely out of my sight. It's contents constantly change depending on weather, but the baseline is three days worth of supplies, basic tool kit, large med kit, pistol with spare mags and ammo, etc. It has saved my ass more than once.

During hunting season, I need an expandable pack to carry gear in and meat out. Often times I used a military issue medium ruck I have had since 1998, and it works well. When you have 50+ pounds of venison on your back, that heavy metal frame comes in handy. It's only uncomfortable until your kidneys get mushy.

The point is, buy good quality gear that works well for what you do and your own "survival" scenario. When the SHTF, we'll see who packed the right stuff.

2004ish. After a "25 mile" ruck march that the GPS said was actually 34 miles. Started at 6 pm, this was just before sunup. 35lb scale verified with rifle. It was a long night.

 

Nice gear list, but I didn't see any food or water on the list. If you really want to plan for to bug out, I would utlitize Taco's 13 cup holders and store some water.

I try to have at least 5 bottles in the truck. You can also look into water filters for when the zombies finally invade.

 

What?! My Tacoma only came with 9 cup holders.. I got jipped!

 

Lol at least they didn't get high before designing the cup holders in the 2nd gens. I've got 2! And they're SQUARE! everything spills

 

Yeah, I don't miss that about my '99. And since it was a 5 speed I couldn't even spare a hand to stabilize my drink. I lost a lot of coffee with that truck (and had to wash the carpet a lot, too)

"You know of what I speak..."

 

yeah at least my 98 had round cup holders even though they were awkward and flimsy. Ivmiss having a 5 speed too

Oh well, other than the cup holders this truck is awesome!

 

Pro tip: These tea's fit perfect.

 

Hahaha those wouldnt feed my energy drink habbit though

 

Urk.

 

Since we are on the subject of packs. I have this one:

Deuter Guide 45+


Rugged as hell. A tad more weight than the softer nylon ones, but its a worthy trade for me. I beat the shit out of my gear usually and it gives me that extra peace of mind.

 

Hell all them places have less ammo than most of us lol

 

I have no idea what you're talking about...

 

Well maybe more ammo of calibers that we dont need

 

It's just a conditioning thing. I'm trying to get back into/stay in shape. I hate running long distance and really I don't find it particularly useful in overall fitness. I run about a mile and a half a couple times a week with the Crossfit Cult I joined but other than that I have no real desire to do it. I always felt like rucking was much better exercise and cardio. I rather be able to pick something heavy up and carry it way the fuck over there, then just run way over there quickly.

If I get into backpacking it should help there too, but for now, it's just a fitness goal.

 

Wow how did I just find this thread?? Sub'd for sure!

I always keep a Bug out bag in my truck. It has lighters, first aid, emergency blanket, water filter, tent, sleeping pad, flashlights, Energy bars, some dehydrated jerky, propane, extra clothes, a bunch of random items, the usual.

In my cab I have fluids for the truck, my Benchmade Adamas 375 Fixed Blade, an led flashlight mounted to the front seat, batteries.

In my bed I have another maglite mounted to the sidewall, a fire extinguisher mounted.

I missed a ton but I am working on it every day! Hope I never have to use it as a BOV but happy that I could!

 

does anyone keep a gun in there truck at all times?

 

I wouldn't unless you had the center console modded to be a safe. Our back windows are so easy to break into and you don't want a bad guy to get ahold of your gun.

 

yeah i feel that. Im trying to figure out a way to keep something in there majority of the time. except when i am at home & few other times