What to actually buy when building your go-bag — curated gear recommendations across every category, from the pack itself to fire, water, shelter, and more.
Building a 3-Day Bag doesn't require the most expensive gear on the market. It requires the right gear — reliable, lightweight, and appropriate for your environment. These are the products our instructors recommend and that students use to complete their Basic Preparedness coursework.
The Pack
Your bag needs to carry 15-20% of your body weight comfortably over distance. Look for a 50-60L pack with a structured hip belt, load-transfer frame, and MOLLE webbing. A built-in rain cover is a bonus.
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 2.0 (55L)
55L, MOLLE-heavy, proven in the field.
Osprey Atmos AG 65
More comfortable carry for longer distances, great suspension.
Water System
Start with 2 liters stored per person and a filter so you can collect from any source.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
Lightweight, filters up to 100,000 gallons, no batteries.
Sawyer Mini Filter
Ultra-compact backup option, same filtration quality.
Nalgene 1L Wide-Mouth Bottle (x2)
Durable, BPA-free, works directly with Sawyer.
Food
Target 2,000-2,500 calories per day. Prioritize weight-to-calorie ratio and shelf stability.
Mountain House Freeze-Dried Meals
Just-add-water, 2,500+ cal/day options, 30-year shelf life.
Datrex 3,600 Cal Emergency Ration
Compact, 5-year shelf life, no prep needed.
Cooking & Boiling Water
Jetboil Flash Cooking System
Fast boil, integrated system, fuel-efficient.
Fire Kit
Always carry at least three ways to start a fire. Store them in separate locations in your bag.
Bic Classic Lighters (3-pack)
Reliable, cheap — pack multiples.
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel
Heavy-duty ferro rod, works wet.
WetFire Tinder Cubes
Lights in rain and wind, burns hot.
Light
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
400 lumens, rechargeable, waterproof.
UCO Original Candle Lantern
Area light, heat source, and fire-starting in one.
Shelter
Aqua Quest Guide Tarp 10x10
Silnylon, waterproof, packs small.
SOL Escape Bivy
Emergency mylar sleeping bag, weighs 3.8oz.
Cutting Tools
Mora Companion Fixed Blade
Best value fixed blade, full tang, Scandinavian grind.
Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
Pliers, knife, saw, and drivers in one.
First Aid
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight 3.0
Comprehensive, organized, field-tested.
QuikClot Gauze
Hemostatic dressing for serious bleeding.
Don't let perfection stop you from starting. Buy the basics first and upgrade over time. A complete budget kit beats an empty expensive one every time.
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