Jason Salyer: Purging My Get-Home Bag

[@karl28560]

I learned from a 15 miler walk home after my car broke down in wooded country. I didn't have anything and my dress shoes and office clothes sucked for highway walking. I slowly took all the lessons in life and evolved it from a "BUG OUT BAG" to a "GET HOME BAG". What was everyone doing on 9/11. Getting home! Not bugging out. I've watched my habits over time and realized my life is my city. Not over the river and through the woods to bug out. I really lightened my pack load by concentrating on getting home within 48 hours. I got rid of fishing kits, sewing kits,6 knives, 4 lighters, sleeping bag, canvas tents, space heaters. Think about getting home, not over the mountains fighting zombie hordes. Respectfully submitted.🙂

[@anthonymusso5282]

I did 25 miles with my get home bag, with no training before hand. The backpack was 26lbs. It taught me a lot! Took 13 hours total, 11 hours of walking, 2 resting. Rested a lot started mile 19ish

[@elund408]

could you have done it again the next day?

[@anthonymusso5282]

Absolutely not!!! Lol, i had shin splints and was wore out. And let me let u know, im in pretty good shape 5'8 165lbs. I workout but dont do legs. And people say if ur kids are home you'll get there... but your body cant do but so much... i dont quit easily, some people say I don't every quit. But after 25 miles, I WAS DONE

[@00Klingon]

25 miles is pretty good. It depends on the quality of the path/terrain and how large of a load, but most people average about 16 miles per day on the appellation trail. 25 miles a day is what I believe was typically asked of a Roman soldier with a few exceptional documented feats in ancient times going an astounding 40 a day during a forced march to the battle of Stamford bridge by the Saxons prior to the battle of Hastings. It's amazing that these men would still be in fighting condition after such a march!

[@WillNeverforgetmypasswordagain]

For 12 years I drove long haul and was routinely 1500 miles from home with an international border to cross to get there - I'm Canadian. Every Sunday afternoon when I left home I worried about getting back if the SHTF. I am happy to say that I am now done with driving. I work 15 miles from home, with a 5-6 hour walk from one small town to another along country roads with a work mate or two for company. My pack has gone from 53lbs to 9lbs, with 1lb of that going in my belly before I leave and 2 1/2 lb taking up residence right in front of my appendix. I don't worry any more. Good luck to all if our nightmares do come true.

[@earlgrayman982]

Instead of a bulky sleeping pad I carry a nylon laundry bag that I stuff with foliage. Works great and you can really bulk them up to keep you 6-8 inches off the ground. It folds up flat to a couple of millimeters if you throw it in a pack folded down to the size of a sheet of paper or I can compress it down to the size of a thick wallet if I go crazy folding it down. I recommend spraying some waterproofing on it and seam sealing it if you want to cowboy camp but I'm usually in a small pup tent or a bivy so works fine for me without the waterproofing.

[@brianmorris364]

That can also double as a live well bag for fish or a net with which to catch fish or other small wildlife you can get close enough to. Great for hauling foliage for shelter building or stuffing as a sleeping cushion or pillow, as you mentioned.

[@hobofab]

A couple of contractor strength garbage bags and duct tape will give you a nice debris bed too. Can also double as a poncho or water collection bag too.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I use my get home bag whenever I go on 1, 2, or 3 day hiking trips. This gave me a chance to test my pack weight, and if items were needed or not. A small set of binoculars or even a monocular is beneficial for gathering Intel. A mesh bug tent, and a 10x10 Aqua Quest Defender tarp work great as shelters for buggy environments. A German surplus ground sheet under an inflatable mattress, and a lightweight synthetic sleeping bag, or wool blanket as well. Gloves are important for protecting your hands, if you cut your hands, it will probably be harder to complete tasks, so for me gloves are mandatory. Replace the silky big boy with the gomboy to save a little space and weight.

[@00Klingon]

I consider gloves almost as important as boots. It makes doing rough chores, working around a fire etc so much safer. Your hands are as important as your feet in survival. Second only to your brain.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

@@00Klingon Definitely agree, gloves should always be carried AND worn!

[@pewymcpewerson1395]

It's all about your comfort level. A old saying we had in the Corps was pack light, freeze at night.

[@jaredappleseed7037]

Great info, thanks

[@nickmartino2839]

I'm running an inflatable air mattress with a pc of half inch thick roofing high density foam ! It rolls up pretty compact and doesn't weigh alot!! But provides AMAZING comfort because it's so strong!!!!! It works amazing i just cut myself a pc 25 inches wide by 60 inches long!!! Its perfect

[@damimcute1]

Gloves are a must. I've gone out thinking I had some in the side by side....and I was wrong. Ended up getting a nasty burn and some pretty major abrasions on my hands (unusual levels of clumsiness that trip that normally isn't an issue, lmao). Warm weather, simple leather gloves, winter insulated leather gloves. Just put them in the corresponding jacket or coat pocket as the hand they go on. Knife sharpener, folding knife, small pack of kleenex, phone, bic, fero rod, and multitool are edc. I feel naked without them. lol. I use my get home bag for actually camping sometimes when I simply don't feel like packing a bag to go. Just open the truck door, grab it, and go. Reminds me what's actually in there and what I might want to add/remove. Having gear is great folks, knowing how to use it is priceless when the need becomes real. First aid kit... the one time I actually needed it was for a buddy that missed a hatchet swing and hit his leg. Let it bleed for a minute to remove any crap, quick clean up and butterflied it shut, gauze pad, tape. Damn thing healed up and barely left a scar. He didn't bring his kit.....I ALMOST left mine because it was just a day trip. As was said, it's just extra weight ... until you NEED it. I keep mine simple because I have limited training in first aid, (none actually) so I pack what I know. I usually pack a 10 x10 and a smaller reflective survival tarp. Both have uses, I don't need both, but I like to have them. I threw a hammock in mine just cause I like them spring, summer, and fall. Peanut bars, freeze dried meal kits ... yep. I was panicking till I saw you break out the single wall bottle. lol Just my thoughts. Love the vid and enjoy your channel. Have a good one, sir.

[@BFett-ri8kt]

I went for a Sord brand sleep mat , folds up neat and compact , Ditched the sleeping bag and went for a ranger roll with an emergency thermal blanket inside it plus an extra poncho as shelter or rain protection. My thoughts are if its a real Event you'll be sleeping with your boots on !

[@outdoorkids6062]

Freeze dried pumpkin pie is amazing!

[@devanshugaur6490]

Nice , Thankyou.

[@lewisvillalta2492]

Excelente ideas Jasón thank you very much stay safe out there

[@sissydreams7494]

Thanks for the nice review! I go much lighter with gear designed for thru-hiking (think Appalachian Trail and PCT), with a base weight of around 10 to 12 lbs (not including food, stove fuel, & water). However, I think you've chosen what works for you. Thank you!

[@CorbinMusso88]

That hammer/axe multitool, man…my dad and I constructed a perfect 1:1 replica of the USS Constellation with that thing. The neighbors were pissed when we tested the hydraulic launcher though. 10/10 recommend that multitool.

[@Cetok01]

I agree that most of us carry lots more than we actually need during a given trip. However, life (70 years) has taught me that eventually, the item you need is the one you left behind. If I want to go ultralight, I'll just go for a walk around the neighborhood. If I'm on a survival trek, I'll carry the necessities, and try to squeeze in a backup, just in case ("2 is 1,..."). But hey, to each his own. We'll all make mistakes along the way. I also carry the smaller Grayl; love it. I would wrap the spare filter in kitchen wrap, however, to protect it from dust and contamination of the carbon so it doesn't absorb moisture.

[@Arizona_Skin_Walker]

I keep my filter in a vacuum sealed mylar bag with an oxygen obsorber.

[@jamesa4958]

Thank you

[@timmybugg5792]

That tourniquet is not my favorite either, but as light as it is a almost no space needed I leave mine in there. I over do medical but that can be used for lots of things other than cutting off blood flow. Everything else 100% agree with! I still carry a hatchet and small folding shovel because when I want it I don’t want to have to make it. I can handle the weight so far and when I can’t anymore they can be removed. Love the content. Thanks for all you do.

[@19jamesbradshaw92]

Thermarest 💯

[@fearthetriangle]

I use the crazy creek folding chair as a sleeping pad. It can be used as a chair or sleeping pad its very durable and it can be coupled with the trash liners.

[@scottbee501]

I’ve done, many times, what you’re doing and that’s why you test the gear. I have half your bag but I’m much older and lean on the light side. My heavy weight is my personal protection, water, phone charger,blade, 4-way water key and my favorite….small binoculars. Cheers!

[@ONThree]

Love it! Thanks!

[@charlessalmond7076]

Ounces make pounds. Excellent video sir.

[@woodstrekker6345]

Thanks

[@markoruotsalainen5480]

Thats going to work very well. Here in northern europe we use Jerven bags if it gets super cold

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Thanks! I haven’t heard of a Jerven bag. I’ll have to look it up.

[@terryqueen3233]

Since you're not going to be all that far from home I think you got it pretty well packed right and I'm pretty positive you know what you can forage during the winter months in the mountains so I don't believe you would starve but as far as keeping warm at night you know how these mountains can be even in the summertime sometimes it can get kind of chilly so think about it. It's kindly strange that you are showing this video now because my pack is sprawled out all in my living room and I'm going through it because well spring is right around the corner and I'm changing a few things out myself. Along with my blow-up sleep pad I have one of those blue roll up pad that I used to sleep on when I was younger and I use that as a ground Pad under my blow-up doll I mean pad. I hope your walk back home is fine and you're probably in shape for it anyway if you're not you need to do a little walking before then and you know this but as far as your pack I believe at set up pretty good. It kind of looks like we got basically the same kind of stuff in our packs and I keep mine in my vehicle at all times because well if I'm over at my daughter's house it's 15 mile walk back to my house which is about the only place I go anymore. Have a good time I don't forget to stay vigilant! Thanks

[@LadyTSurvival]

This is inspiring me to go through my own bob.

[@bbhome1717]

We love watching you. Info is great and will test out some of the gear. We are close to becoming gear junkies and need to get down to the basics.

[@ike8236]

Did the same 2 weeks ago, stuff came out but other things went in, feels heavier now😂

[@anthonysharp9136]

for my 3 weeks on the JMT i used an ultralight inflatable sleeping pad (neoair xlite) with a 1/4 inch foam underneath it. never had a puncture, and the 1/4" foam is super light and isn't too bulky.

[@jamesparker6383]

I would add a poncho liner to that.I would have kept the gloves, beats getting blisters or splinters on or in your hands not forgetting picking up something hot.

[@Arizona_Skin_Walker]

I love that wood fish fishing/sewing kit you have. Did you make it?

[@VETERANPREPPER1]

I keep necessary items in my get home bag, for a 72hr scenario. Other items in a lockable pelican case, for a 2 week scenario. My pack is 19lbs in the summer & 31lbs in the winter. Depending on the situation/ emergency, I can take from the pelican case as needed or secure it to the truck with a thick cable lock for future recovery.

[@Wrick01]

I like the poncho and saw. Items that don't weigh alot are the key. I like to take traveling Gillette razor, zipties, plastic baggies and sharpie. Invisible tape and beef Jerky are also a plus

[@acrobaticalpaca6675]

Yes beef jerky every time

[@blueridgerealtor]

I’d put more instant coffee in My bag ☕️

[@minab7390]

Try vacuum sealing your clothes in a Mylar bag. Will fit better in your pack.

[@reallybigfan7803]

Great video... well thought out!

[@visamedic]

The swat-t’s are worthless as a tourniquet, but coupled with a 5x9 they make an excellent Izzy bandage I keep one in my smaller kits and I have CATs. 2 in my center consul and 1 in or attached each kit. The SOL bivy is an excellent pull. I have one in each bag and vehicle box. Theyre so lite and compact, I use to carry an extra in my pack when I was with SAR. And I agree with your thought of USING your gear. You can’t learn to use if you don’t use it. Just have the sense to repack it the same. And the pumpkin pie looks amazing 😁👍

[@jeffechols5302]

See ya on the next one

[@delanorrosey4730]

Keep the pen and paper. You need to record your directions. Add a Ranger Bead to keep tally of pace.

[@nickmartino2839]

Your kit looks extremely well thought out while providing almost everything else you would need.... mine is very similar except I keep a hammock with my kit it's light and small enough to keep versus the reward of a good night's sleep with easy set up if I'm somewhere or I wanna use it!!! The option of having it i feel is totally worth its size combined with my tarp !!!!!I can have an amazing place to sleep dry and off the ground or even as a place to take a break......a hammock is absolutely worth its weight

[@ONThree]

I switch to a hammock in the summer time.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

No bug repellent and mosquito head net?

[@robertbates6057]

I'm such a gear junkie! When I was younger, I would march up those mtns. with 60 lbs. of STUFF until I did Cold Mtn. like that. That cured that crap! Being a gear junkie, it's always a challenge for me to go light. On your hike home, I wouldn't bring that giant saw, maybe a little one. Leave that beast in the truck. I still say, I'd take a larger tarp lol.

[@jory6781]

I mean, you can go multiple different ways with the sleeping pad. You can get a lightweight bivy to stuff it in and still sleep on top of it or me personally I use a hammock all year round.

[@MikeWood]

Wet wipes come in individual packets that take up so much less room than th 10:08 mega pack of wipes. And they can be stowed anywhere. 7:21 I have the SOL Escape Bivvy in my bag. it is a one or two time use piece of kit, and certainly not Gortex, but it takes little room and is there. Not sure if they are made anymore, but less likely to be a sweaty mess in it compared to solar blanket single layer bivvys. and a sleeping bag liner will fit nicely in it.

[@shiftyeyedphoenix]

For what it’s worth, I took a stop the bleed class that pointed out the main reason to have the swat-t type tourniquet is for people with smaller limbs, i.e. children. I carry both a CAT and a swat-t simply because of the info I picked up in that class and the fact that I have four kiddos to worry about as well as my wife and myself. As with everything else on the internet, take it with a grain of salt and YMMV.

[@tomsmith2587]

Anything but a full length ground pad will leave your fett freezing. I only used my 3/4 length unit once and put it away after that. It's fine in warmer weather but then you don't need it as much.

[@xXSPADEGG]

SWAT-T’s work great as a secondary tourniquet if your primary tourniquet didn’t fully stop the bleeding.

[@randybrown140]

How many times have I adjusted and adjusted my bag's,. TOO MANY TIMES. Have A GREAT WEEK ALL 👍

[@ahmadcampbell2626]

Inflatable SleepPad 💯 in a pinch it could be a raft

[@repsfo]

Is the extra filter the correct size for the smaller bottle you took?

[@dutchvanderbilt9969]

I would personally consider having some stormproof matches in there just in case. And in addition to the saw I'd suggest having a Gerber versafix in case you need to split some firewood.

[@johnjacobs3160]

The dog keeps watching for either a chew toy to get pulled out or beef jerky.

[@backwoodsmisfit5448]

Great setup buddy. I'd prefer the pump up style sleep pad myself if need be you can always patch with duct tape. God Bless

[@xderiwx]

Hey Jason, When you opened your Grail filter from the packaging and put it into the container, does that start the 3 year lifespan on it? Thanks!

[@mallyredfearn6834]

Extra pants? I swapped out a heavy pair for a very lightweight pair, always only as spare just in case. I generally avoid inflatable pads, preferring a roll mat, just because I can be sure it's not going to let me down. Less comfort though but greater peace of mind. A Savotta roll mat is a chunky piece of real estate though. In warmer months, a somewhat smaller mat will do.

[@effeojnedib7208]

My pack(s) are dynamic, depending on weather, distance and surrounding areas. Clothing repair ? I carry safety pins in my wallet. Small and versatile. The safety pins are on a 40" length of paracord with some paper clips. Again, stashed in my wallet.

[@sheilagaleano365]

I love your videos and always learn things.... you must have taught me.... take the gloves...hahaha : )

[@mallyredfearn6834]

Something I never see on any KZbin channel! I'll paint the scene! Imagine, for whatever reason, you're out indefinitely. Kind of homeless I suppose, but obviously a situation attached to it! You're potentially out through all seasons, so you need for all seasons. You're also on the move; not particularly major mileage and there might be days at a time in an area. Also, there will be urban. The ability to re-supply is still there. What do you think? Gets the mind studying.

[@unfi6798]

Cowabunga mate.!

[@alesiaholliday7376]

Making two survival bags used one modify the other so far using it all😅

[@axcx5951]

Grayl Titanium (expensive) and You will have 2 in 1 (titanium bottle and a filter).

[@reneewood3171]

Didn't see any bug repellent looks like everything thing you would need

[@deceptionsdemise]

I know this video is a year old, but I do have a genuine question that I want to ask... Regarding high desert temperatures and storing gear in your vehicle, do you have any tips? With the exception of a couple of items, I literally have my get home bag packed out and take it down with me wherever I go (within reason). The inside of the vehicle has actually reached 120°, slightly lower with the windows cracked. I guess this has forced me to really consider what I carry, but a vehicle kit would be nice.

[@michaelcain4154]

I combine 2 bobs! On top cache,,,and a "scout pack"? One for travel/ scout the area? One a aback up?. However,,,I m providing for 3 people and failure cannot be a option.

[@michaelcain4154]

My family does the same, but for themselves. Exception being shelter.

[@MobleyMovie]

what is the multi tool with the hammer

[@SurvivalDispatch]

A joke!

[@joes7838]

what saw was that?

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Silky Big Boy

[@rickeymarsh5863]

Get s small sheet of Tyvek and the air pad. Regards

[@bayoubushcraftandsurvival8842]

Im 57years old and i work over 20 miles from home so i know im not getting home in 24 hrs. My pack is supposed to be 47 lbs and its about 55lbs. Then i have my defensive gear because i believe a grid down isn't going to be the only problem. Oct 7th in 🇮🇱 is what i believe we will face here at some point soon due to all the serious bad people who have engered our country unchecked. So what i have done because i work both day shifts and night shifts, i have located grocery carts that have been where they are for awhile. While on night shift i have hidden those grocery carts around the area where i work. I have several hidden so even if one is found by the homelss and gets taken i have others concealed. These carts will be used to haul my gear as much as possible. If i have to ditch the cart due to uneven terrain i will have to hump that gear until i come up on another cart. Even if i have to hump my gear for over 50 percent of the trip i know i will have to rest more but i will have the equipment to shelter, hydrate, and protect myself and what i have for my survival

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

I would have kept the gloves

[@JohnWicksPencil14]

I'd love to hear your opinion on the "gray man theory" and whether or not you really think it makes a difference what your pack looks like. So many youtubers in this community harp on staying under the radar and not appearing to be any kind of police or military entity, yet I've seen many get home bags that have that "tactical" look.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

2+2 = 4. That's an absolute. However, very few other things are. With regards to Grayman principles, sometimes there's an advantage to appear as a tougher than average target.

[@JohnWicksPencil14]

@@SurvivalDispatch I agree. I enjoy having molle on my pack for customization purposes. I don't plan on being an easy target, and I think most who are going to prey on people are the unprepared and untrained.

[@SouthernBear71]

have you been in a shtf get home bag situation to have to use the bag before? then how can you say you haven't used items so you took them out....

[@ONThree]

For real? No. However I have camped, hiked and trained with my gear a lot. Many training scenarios that have formed my opinions.

[@tarinindell8217]

A bit late to the party. Regarding the Swat T Tourniquet. They make good secondary tourniquets, theyre more versatile for more people, especially smaller people like children, and they are multipurpose cosidering they can be used as a simple pressure dressing. Most people (especially those with or around firearms) might prefer a different style of tourniquet, but that doesnt mean that Swat T dont have their place. Every tool has times when it is or isnt the correct tool to use, and this is no different.

[@PizzaDylan]

Bro you need a Refuge first aid kit

[@mrf5347]

Refuge Medical! 5 Bear fack, My daughter is MP, but Son in law is 82 airborne, I am a submariner, in other daughters cars. I'm broke, they will live. Added suture kits and wound care buckets,, to house and retreat.

[@granitejeepc3651]

you must work in the rocky or cascade mountains with a ghb like that....by default your not gonna use lots of your ghb items as there emergency not day use items...

[@jasonvickers2265]

Maggie doesn't care. She's the diva star.

[@KungFuTweety1]

Big Agnes sleep pad

[@jonathanrogers9961]

A bug out or get home bag should be static or seasonally adjusted. Build your bag, test the gear and leave it alone, it should be ready to go and good to go at any given time. What you did was pack for a camping trip not a test of your get home/bug out bag.

[@rckburris]

I just happened upon this video while researching preparedness ideas and really enjoyed it. In fact, based on your suggestions my wife and I are putting together a "Get the heck out bag" this week. I look forward to following you in future videos.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Wow! Thanks so much for watching! Glad we could help.

[@rckburris]

What do you think about carrying a firearm?

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Highly recommended.

[@mickeycrawford121]

is your fire kit just a bic? if so i'd add one more, and maybe some stormproof matches. didn't see a knife. i guess there's one in the multitool. i have the sol escape bivy. but it's not too big. i've never tried to put a sleeping bag in it. not sure it will fit. i've used a fleece blanket in mine. but i've never used it in below 40 degree weather. i would keep the gloves too. well have fun on your hike and camp out.

[@enricojaun2880]

What kind of dog do you have?

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Maggie is a pure Appalachia cur. Which is a totally made up breed of mutt.

[@enricojaun2880]

@@SurvivalDispatch lol, thanks. She looks a little like my dog, which is a carolina turd hound. 😁

[@sheilagaleano365]

Take the gloves : ))))

[@finnishlinedetailing4311]

Z rest won't go flat and will be warmer than air

[@colinbrown4008]

7 feet?

[@_Shonda_]

Yeah, I have that question too

[@ONThree]

Sorry, what is the question?

[@chris1638]

I bet it’s a lot lighter

[@chrisjones3688]

I think you got black bags ditch the sleeping mats

[@highchamp1]

Experience Teaches you a lot more. Last (basic gear) Will it last TEWAWKI (6 months 1 year) After re-packing re-supply. RANGER School Will it survive. Outdoors Are you doing it. Adventures domestic and overseas. Otherwise you might be wasting a lot of time and effort.

[@SouthernBear71]

Ummm, "get home bag". If you are using what's in it... Then there is action issues. It is intended on emergency use to get home. Now if you are describing your "EDC bag/kit". It is ment for contstant use. But of course that is my opinion for myself. I have and EDC kit. ButI also have a season specific get home bag.

[@A_Meek_lake_Dweller]

Shemagh?

[@jamesjackson4831]

In my opinion, NEVER be without leather work gloves. Boomer Sooner.

[@robertsatterfield9822]

How come no one ever mentions toilet paper

[@laanierhae]

Excellent point. I have tp in my bag as well as coin towels.

[@shanhutchison7332]

You should lighten up on clothing. Maybe flip flops, underwear and a tank top. 🤪🤣🤣

[@ONThree]

That would be a good look for sure!

[@Bruce6001]

For 1 week all you need is shelter, water, knife, fire, maybe first aid your thinking to much

[@rodneyf7340]

If you are hiking put some moleskin in your first aid kit, you can thank me later.

[@pegleg1717]

Def. Inflatable. Work on finding a patch kit for it.

[@BobanMisevic]

So people make a video about putting bunch of stuff they don’t need in their bob and than they make videos about getting out all the stuff they don’t need. Got it! Clown world we live in