Andy, I agree. In more military terms, I’d say one needs to think of the possible “missions” that your bag(s) need to support. What is the crisis/threat instigating the mission? Duration of mission? Possible scenarios that could play out during the mission? What can you depend on, and not depend on, during the mission? I know there are countless reasons to be prepared. Myself, I plan less for end-of-the-world scenarios than things that are quite probable, either because they have ALREADY happened to me before, or there is legitimate reason to believe they COULD happen where I live: house break-ins, car stuck in hours of traffic during inclement weather, I find myself in my car in the middle of a race riot, a tornado or hurricane strike (don’t forget that looting often happens after a natural disaster). I’ve actually had one incident recently where I needed to grab my EDC bag and bug out to a neighbor’s house. I was so, so glad I was prepared. The incident turned out OK, partly out of good fortune, but also because of good planning: my EDC (by my bedside) had my car key, cell phone (fully charged plus extra fully charged battery), and weapon. Sounds nutty, maybe, but also because I knew the situation was possible, I was sleeping in clothes and shoes–which allowed me to get out of bed and bug out in literally seconds. Andy is right that being prepared is a “mentality”, not just a bag.

Hey Andy,
You are right, it is easy to get caught up in the acronyms. I think the philosophy/mentality you take is a good one and you could base any useful survival kit on it.

Thanks,
Chris

Hey Jacko,
There are many approaches and the one(s) you outline seem very well thought out and sound. Thanks for sharing!

Chris