24 Hour Bag
William McKeehan

24 Hour Bag

24 Hour Bag

I have a "24-Hour Bag" that I built to take with me anytime I go on a short hike. I started using the bag because I don't like to hike with my vest on and I needed a way to carry my "essentials" without the vest. Since building that bag, I've found it to be useful for more than just hiking trips - it's a bag I take with me often (not EDC, but close).

Contents

Generic

  • Bic lighter
  • mini Maglite flashlight
  • resqme tool (glass breaker/seat-belt cutter)
  • gloves
    • Mostly for pulling winch cable, stacking rocks, moving logs out of the way, etc. These gloves are work gloves, not for warmth.
  • sweet-and-low (my wife and father-in-law both use this for tea/coffee)
  • Garmin foreTrex 401 GPS unit
  • 3-AAA batteries (for GPS)
  • button compass
  • I'll also toss in a map of the area that I'm going to - can't beat paper maps IMHO.

Communication

I will typically have a HAM radio HT that I attach to this bag to take with me. The FRS is mostly used when I take this bag on a Jeep trip and for jumping out of the Jeep to spot someone and be able to provide direction to them without yelling. I can also give this device to someone else without worry about licenses.

Device Power

As is the case for most people, my phone is always on me, so this kit has the tools to help me charge the phone and keep it functional. I also have other devices that need power, so this section helps keep everything running for a while.

  • USB battery pack
  • 12-volt (cigarette lighter plug) to USB charger
  • 110-volt USB charger
  • a few USB cables to connect to my phone or other devices
    • USB-A to USB-C
      • iPad
      • Olight iR2
    • USB-A to USB Mini (used by the foreTrex 401)
    • USB-A to USB Micro (used by Android tablet)
    • USB-A to Lightning (used by iPhone)

Shelter

Minimalistic on the shelter - I do not intend this to be an overnight bag, just something to get me through if I get stuck.

  • packable blanket (great for a quick picnic)
  • emergency poncho

Hygiene

  • Wet Ones
  • Tide to-go pen
  • a pack of Kleenex
  • lens-cleaning wipes

First Aid

This area is one where I need to do some significant improvement. I have nothing to handle any trauma.

  • Trauma Shears
  • Sharpie pro
  • Benadryl Itch Relief Stick (for stings/bites)
  • antiseptic towelettes
  • Aleve/ibuprofen
  • Liquid skin
  • various sizes of band-aids

Food

  • a couple of Cliff bars

Water

  • a 20oz insulated Klean Kanteen water bottle
    • I choose insulated because I'll use this bottle on the motorcycle, in the Jeep, etc. and it's nice to have my cold water kept cold for a while as I sip on it.
  • Sawyer MINI water filter (with bag)
    • There have been times when I was out on a short hike and needed more than my 20oz of water. Having the Sawyer allows me to replenish my water supply from streams and other water sources (of which there are generally plenty in my AO).

Security

  • Ruger Security 9 with an extra magazine
  • folding knife
  • knife sharpener

Other

  • Trash bags
  • Zip-loc bags
  • binoculars