Yeah, ironically the webbing straps are still in a good shape, but I blew out the Vibram sole…it still has some tread.  Once I get back to GA, I plan to mail them off to Vibram…not so much for cost saving repairs, but mostly because these sandals lasted over 20 years from desert hiking to swamps to AT trails and a ton of work around the house.  They’ve heavy as well, but well built.

ROCK6

40$ for both soles thru chaco. Just checked.
They dont offer the one like mine which irrc was the uniweep. Now is called tge Colorado. A vibram sole as well.
The terrino iirc is a stars and bars vibram sole.
They'll do complete restrapping as well .
Id contact them .
They called us after they received mine to tell us they had a camo to match that was not on thier online choices.
I didn't expect that.

Ok...here's my list so far...

Main Bag: Kelly Redwing 44 (2.6 lbs, $80)
Non-military looking bag with a good suspension system
Waist pack: Mountainsmith Drift Waist pack or similar. Carried in front for easy access to snacks, and pistol.

Inside clothing bag:
This is a bag containing what I’d put on before heading out. None of this needs to live in the main bag, as I’d be suiting up before I set out.
Hat, Boonie
T-shirt, wicking
Fishing shirt
Skivvies, synthetic
Compression shorts
Fishing pants
Sockes, Coolmax
Socks, wool, light
Boots, Merril Moab Ventilator

Inside waist bag:
Glock 19 loaded (1.9 lbs) w/ 1 extra magazine, loaded (0.45 lbs)
AR 30 round magazine (1)(1 lb)
Snacks
Leatherman PST II
Fenix LD 22 flashlight AA (2.5oz, $55)
Baby powder

Inside Main Bag:

Water/Hydration
MSR Miniworks filter (1 lb, $90)
It’s a ceramic filter that requires occasional cleaning, but lasts a loooong time.
Chlor-floc pouches (30) 0.05 lbs, $14)
2 x 1 quart canteens, Blackhawk full with one canteen cup
100oz camel back bag

Food and Prep
Alcohol stove w flask of everclear.
MSR whisperlite universal stove. (1lb, $100). Burns white gas, diesel fuel, unleaded, isobutane, napalm, whatever.
Fuel bottle for whisperlite,30oz..filled with camp fuel (2.5 lbs, $30)
Aluminum foil wind screen
MSR stowaway pot (1 lb, $20)
Long spoon
1/2 Scrubby
Small bottle cooking oil
Small bottle camp soap
Salt and pepper packets


Clothing
Outer shell jacket
Fleece jacket in stuff sack for pillow
Shirt, base layer, polypropylene
Pants, base layer, polypropylene
Flip flops
Tru-spec pants (1)
Fishing shirt (1extra)
Skivvies, synthetic (1extra)
Socks, coolmax (1extra)
Socks, wool (1extra pair)
T-shirt, synthetic, wicking (1 extra)
Poncho liner (Woobie)
Bandanna
Mechanic’s gloves
Shemagh
Boonie hat
Watch cap
Sun glasses
Clear safety glasses (so I don’t catch a tree limb to the eyeball hiking at night)
Reading glasses (Because I’m old and I can’t read shit without them)

Shelter and Bedding
Sleeping bag, 40 degree (2 lbs, $50)
Foam sleep mat (1 lb, $39)
Bug netting
6 x 9 tarp and Rigging Figure 9s

Fire
Butane Lighter (2)
Ferro rod
Napalm, 32 oz (just kidding)

First aid
Adventure medical kit, .7 (0.4lb, $24)
Nitrile exam gloves
Bandaid brand blister bandages

Hygiene Kit
Tooth Brush
Tooth paste
Deodorant
T/P, rags
Razor
Camp Soap
Mirror
Wet wipes
Small towel
Wash rag

Tools
ESEE laser strike knife
Leatherman pst II (In waist pack)
Worksharp pocket knife sharpener
Vice grip, long nose. 4”
U-dig-it trowel
Morokniv basic, orange
Hack saw blade
Duct tape

Lighting
Fenix LD 22 flashlight AA (2.5oz, $55) (In waist pack)
Princeton Tec Fred Headlamp
PVS 14 (9oz, $3500). A brother can dream

Comms/NAV/power
FM radio, small, AA
Silva Compass
Wire with alligator clips
Maps: State road map, topos.
Lithium AA batteries x12 (0.4 lbs)
Garmin GPSMAP 62 loaded with area topos (0.5 lbs)
Watch - Seiko SKX 007

Self Defense
Glock 19 loaded (1.9 lbs) and spare magazine w 15 rounds 124gr Gold dots (0.45 lbs) (In waist pack)
15 round glock mag w 124gr Gold dots, (0.45 lbs)(extra, in main pack)
25 round box of 124 gold dots (0.7 lb)
AR-15 pistol with shockwave brace, 11.5”, light weight (4.9 lb)
Sling, M1 Carbine style
AR-22 upper with Suppressor. (2.2 lbs)
AR mags with Federal 62gr. Fusion
20 rd (1, in rifle) (0.7 lbs)
30 rd (2 extra) (3 lb)
20 round box of 62gr. Fusion for top up (0.5 lbs)
100 rounds cci suppressor ammo, .22 LR (0.7 lbs)
Boresnake, 223, 9mm
Small bottle break-free, rag, pipe cleaner

Misc
Paracord, 50 feet
Snares, 3 pack
Fishing kit
Frog gig head
Garbage bags, construction (2)
Sunscreen
Ben’s deet field wipes (12)
Notepad, pen
Cash, $500, small bills (0.25lb)

Food:
Mountain house meals, pouch (10) (4.8 oz, 450 calories and $8 each)
MRE entree (5) (8oz, 250 calories and $6 each)
Pop tarts
Peanut butter crackers, snickers, clif bars, Jif power ups,various hiking snacks
Gatorade powder, singles (20)

All bleeding stops eventually.

Total weight?

You got lots of room to trim imho...most by just changing product.

I can't tell if you are listing things like boonie hats twice when you really only have one, or if you have duplicates. You should only have one
Fishing pants? Why? Spare pants? Why?
Your goal should be to lighten the load m=by making what you carry fill multiple roles, in order to reduce overall weight.
Camp soap? Cut it from the list. Deodorant? No one cares if you smell pretty. Cut it from the list.
Shemaughs, bandanas, and wash rags? One bandana can do the job of all three
Spare pair of socks, maybe a pair of shorts to wear to sleep at night so you can air your body out and you aren't wearing salt-crusted clothing to bed.
Headlamps AND handheld flashlights? Stick with the headlamp only. More versatile.
Too many batteries, too much food, too much armament and associated ammo.
Multiple knives? Par it down to one. Cut the hacksaw blade off the list
One construction bag should do it for the journey described
One butane lighter is all you need. You might want to cut the backup methods of fire starting from the list as well.
I get the whole two is one and one is none concept, but all of these ounces are adding up to needless pounds.
A 100 oz Camelbak AND two one quart canteens? Overkill if its all intended for consumption.

Good input, thanks. The double Boonie was an error, but your point on the rest of it is well taken. We’ll try again.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m sure as hell not going to blow a guy for a ride in a row boat...a pontoon boat maybe, but geez, a guy’s gotta have standards.

Fkn...hipsters.......lol

This is all good advice.  I only backpack with one pair of pants (or shorts).  However, I can still wear my rain pants if needed (but they can get hot as hell).  I also have a pair of 2oz Ranger Panty shorts that I sleep in or at least change into once I'm in camp to let my pants/shorts dry out.  I can and have just hiked in those, but I wouldn't try bushwhacking with them on.  Again, think layered.  The Army didn't help when the packing list included "two extra sets of OCP pants and combat shirts"; completely unnecessary.

Where I won't cut is with socks.  Quality merino socks, no less than one pair worn and two spares (sometimes three).  Even in good weather your feet will sweat.  I was able to rotate two pair of socks for 100 miles, and kept a clean pair for sleeping and my last day.  Dry, clean feet are happy feet.  Once I got into a camp site, shoes/socks off, sandals on; socks got hung up and shoes position to get some sun if it was out.  Every night I washed, cleaned and dried my feet.  If temps were cooler, I would put the clean pair of socks on to sleep in.

I totally agree with just going with a headlamp.  I EDC a small single AA Fenix (RC05) light and completely forget I was wearing it until I started feeling a hot spot on my side.  The pack's waist belt was causing it to dig into my side which I finally figured out after mile 50  I don't think I used the handheld light once the whole trip (106 miles, 7 nights).  The only question is that if you plan to travel at night.  A few mornings I was up before dawn and hiked for about an hour with a headlamp.  Of course that has it's own detractors if trying to be stealthy during SHTF, but most variable headlamps can limit the output to just enough to see what's in front of your and limit your illumination signature.  I went back to a AA headlamp (Zebra) as it was more than enough (and I carry a single spare battery...never used on anything less than 10 days) after experimenting with an 18650 headlamp. The headlamp (ArmyTek) is awesome for size and weight, but 18650 was overkill...however, it might be a better choice if you're planning on trekking the majority of your time in the dark.  I used that headlamp in Afghanistan a year ago, an hour or two every night reading and a little bit in the morning and it lasted a whole month; long run times.





For a hygiene kit, you could just get by with a toothbrush and roll of dental floss.  I do have a small eye-dropper of Dr. Bronner's peppermint concentrated liquid soap.  That little eye dropper will last me a month on the trail easy, and you can even brush your teeth with it (doesn't taste like peppermint though!)



I do have a small micro-fiber wash cloth as it's a handy item, but 99% of my "towel" needs are from a lightweight silk bandana (cowboy rag).  I literally use it to wash with, dry with (not at the same time, lol), cool off with, neck gaiter, handling a hot pot, etc.  Being silk is not only lightweight, but it dries super fast.

I'm a knife guy, but when you start counting grams, you really start prioritizing.  If you're kitted out properly you really don't need much as it's not like you're building a cabin or a bonfire.  I still prefer a fixed blade, but went with the smallest Mora knife and it's been prefect.  As you can see both a small pocket folder and mini multitool; that's all I've ever needed and I could likely drop the small Spyderco and not miss it.



I do recommend not just one Bic but two.  Keep one in a Ziploc in case you take a spill and get soaked, but for the size and weight, it's worth it.  I do carry a Firesteel, but if I needed to trim weight, it would just be two Bics.  Don't forget tinder.  Just a few Tinder-Quik or other waxed (or Vaseline) cotton tinder bundles will make a big difference if you really need to get a fire going.  I've done my tests and just trying to find or process natural tinder when you're soaked, shivering, it's raining and or windy...and you'll understand some things have a permanent place in your kit.

I think protus mentioned it, but instead of canteens or water bottles, just have one small bottle (like a Smartwater bottle or even just the smallest 16oz Nalgene bottle...just easier to manage water for certain things like cooking and hygiene), and you can add a couple of 1-2 liter Platypus water bottles that can be kept empty and filled up for more capacity when needed.  Very light, very compact (when empty), and good insurance for keeping potable water portable.

Redundant gear really needs to be scrutinized and leveraged off your experience.  If you have any gear where you justify it by "what-if", that just means you need more dirt time to determine if that's for mental comfort or necessity.  For me, I'll admit, a Firesteel, handgun, inflatable pillow, and fixed blade knife (for backpacking) are mental comfort items.  When you start laying out gear, weighing gear and separating needs from wants, just be honest with yourself...it's okay to take a comfort item, just don't justify it by saying "what-if"...ounces add up quickly to pounds and pounds turn into pain.

ROCK6

To go into list mode..ughh
I type from a phone....i need to add a laptop tonmy preps lol.

Pack- kelty falcon 4k
Sleeping system - snug pack softie elite
Therma rest( usgi issue one).
Shelter- 8x8 sil nylon tarp, 5x8 sil ground sheet, cot sized bug net. 8-10 aluminum stakes.and tie out ropes.
Rain gear- camo h20 proof windbreaker ,snugpak patrol poncho.
Cooking- soda can stove- folding wind screen- 6 oz of denatured alcohol. Sea to summit spork, matches ,stanley cook cup( all the above nest in it.)
Water- filter- katadyn mini, hypochlorite drops,survival straw. Water storage- 3 x2 liter platypus hosers with caps.1 x liter smartwater bottle.
Food- protien bars, mnt house, foil packed chicken, thai kitchen noodle packs-single serve in thai curry flavor, tortillas, soup mixes, gorp. Hard candy .cliff bars, instant ostmeal packs.salt.
Emergen-C drink mixes, instant coffee packets.
Navigation- silva compass on me. Burton map compass. 6 area maps from putman to south lake counties. Ocala national forest map. Small ruler/protractor. Back up wrist compass. Pencil,rite n rsin pad majic marker and ball point.
Comms- 2m w/fold up Jpole. 1 extra battery. Signal mirror.
Fire- 2xbic, ferro rod.
Lighting- small lumen head lamp. Surefire g2. 1 set of batts for both. LED chem lites 1xred 1xgreen.
Tools- gerber eod.
Knives- german issue SAK, mora( the od green carbon steel military one) small stone to hone.SOG folder on me. Glock g81 on my fighting gear( if i used my belt).
Clothing-
1x addias or hanes stay cool/dry what they are called micro mesh synthetic boxers.
1x Sock- cabot and sons wool.
1x UA cold gear long sleeve compression  shirt ( yote brown)
1x reel legends OD green micromesh long sleeve shirt with hood.
1x trekking short
1x silk weight base layer compression pants.
Boonie hat
Large bandana
UA ultralight FR  flyers gloves- OD
1x mechanics fast fits- OD
Micromesh fishing neck gaiter/balacava yote brown.
Waffle fleece watch cap-nike- yote brown.
Puffer jacket. Light weight.with hood.
Shoes- keen targhee2 mids.
Sandals/flops.
Camo bugnet face mask - hunting style.
Wiley X clear glasses.

FAK- standard boo boo kit, with mole skin etc.
Bleeder kit with 1x compressee gauze 1xCAT tq. 1x6 inch izzy.ace wrap.
SAM splint

Miscellaneous shit-
25ft of 550
Dry bag for clothing
Bug spray
1x extra cap for the platypus bags.
Duct tape.
Camo face paint.
Soap strips or powdered soap
Disposable tooth brushes( they are those small travel style with paste on them iirc)
Babywipes
TP
Powder
Monocular
2 zip locks.

Fighting gear-
UW gear 4 cell rig( minuteman iirc)on it -
4 Ak or AR mags,2 Cats,2x izzys
G17 on my belt - i need to test location,  but would skip my battle belt, put the 17 appendix owb, with the packs belt between the grip and me. Since its just 2 inch strap anyway. Would still allow me to dump the ruck.
4 extra rifle mags in the pack
G17 x3 reloads in pack.

I think thats it.....i may edit.im not done with my coffee yet lol.

So, this has been a challenge for me.  When backpacking, I’ve gone to a Hill People’s Gear Kit Bag.  It’s not as fast to access as an OWB holster, but still not bad and is concealed for “trail-snowflakes”.  I don’t want to put a holster on my pack unless forced to; you simply can’t “fight” with a pack on other than an immediate threat.  You dump your pack, you’ll likely lose your pistol.

I can’t wear anything on under a pack’s waist belt.  I also can’t hike with a drop leg holster rig.  I have tried a “low-ride” holster that rides just below the waist belt but no so low as to require a leg strap to keep it in place (Safariland holster).  The issue is the location.  If your pack has pockets on the waist belt, they can get in the way.

I’ve tried hiking with a fanny pack shifted to the front and somewhat under my pack’s waist belt, but just didn’t care for the location when hiking; not comfortable at all for me.  Most of my classes have been with a battle belt and low-ride holster along with a micro chest rig.  I’m sticking with my Kit Bag for now, but would prefer a micro chest rig; I just have to figure out the best method of carrying a handgun when wearing a pack and if I want to transition to a slimmed down battle belt once I jettison my pack.  I have some experimenting to do.  I like Safariland ALS holsters and have even considered putting a QLS attachment on my pack’s waist belt (has MOLLE type webbing) and having a low-ride attachment on my first-line belt with QLS attachment that wouldn’t interfere when wearing the pack’s waist belt.  It would require some quick detach and attaching when I dump my pack, but that will require some practice to see if it’s feasible.

I guess if I was just going open carry, a chest-mounted holster is really the best option for access and integration with a pack.  I may even see if I can rig up one of my micro chest rigs to hold the pistol?  I’m considering going to my HPG Heavy Recon Kit Bag as I can keep the pistol in the bag and attach a BlueForceGear mag pouch to the front PALS/slots.  The only issue is that it’s not the most stable with the magazines out so far…

ROCK6

Far from perfect i agree. My thinking was since the front of the hip pad is 2 inch flat webbing with 2 inch fastex buckle, just wesr the owb holster at my 2 oclock or cross drawn on opposite side.
Either way. I dont like it.
Id be inclined to keep the pistol on the pack and just carry 2 extra rifle mags on the ready.
The falcons top lid is a chest pack and can be worn as a lumbar pack as well.
I thought packing the chest rig. The chest  pack will hold 4 rifle mags...but...
You dump your psck..your out.
Pics of it. Sorry they suck..im actually going to the woods and am rushing lol.

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Yeah, I don’t have my larger pack with me, but I have my smaller one which uses the same belt and suspension system.  I may see if I can rig up a Safarliand MOLLE adapter with their QLS connector on the waist belt.  It should work okay, but also allow me to quickly detach the holster and add to a slimmed down battle belt attachment or something directly to my pants belt.

I have zero desire to run shooting drills with a 40-50 pound pack on…absolutely zero.  However, can see making hasty movement to cover or dropping behind cover.  If I’m not fully ventilated, that would give me the opportunity to jettison the pack and readjust.  Besides.  My “worst-case” is carrying an AR pistol with some type of chest rig (reloads).  If I have to dump my pack the AR pistol would be my primary defensive tool anyways.

At least with an OWB holster on my pack, aside from not being very covert, it would be much faster for close-range, surprise engagements.

ROCK6

Wow! You guys are fantastic. This is a wealth of info. Thanks. I've hiked in running shorts like the "ranger panties" and they're very comfortable, and drastically reduce the chaffing issue. Maybe not so good for running through blackberry bushes, though.

I was taking with a buddy at lunch today and the route came up. There are several rails-to-trails that would be usable on that route, including the bridge over the Suwanee that I already mentioned as well as a "land bridge" over I-75 which would drastically reduce your exposure at these choke points. I'm sure there are similar trails across the country. There's also the Cross-Florida Greenway, which is a strip of land left over from a failed canal project that offers a fairly safe lane of travel.

Working on my pack list...I think I still don't have nearly enough food. I elected to trim down ammo, and some other stuff. The pack as it stands, including the pack weight, and the contents loaded with food, water and ammo weighs about 40 pounds. The waist pack about 5 and the stuff on my person another 10, including the rifle.

The waist bag has worked well for me in the past, but as Rock6 mentioned it might be a little slow for pistol retrieval, and it isn't for everybody. Maybe a holster rigged up inside the waist pack or in a chest pack like the Hill People Gear Kit bag to keep it properly oriented for quick access would work.

Inside clothing bag:
This is a bag containing what I’d put on before heading out. None of this needs to live in the main bag, as I’d be suiting up before I set out.
Hat, Boonie (0.75 lbs)
T-shirt, wicking (0.4 lbs)
Fishing shirt (0.45 lb)
Skivvies, synthetic
Tru-spec pants (2 lbs)
Sockes, Coolmax (0.2 lb)
Socks, wool, light (0.3 lb)
Boots, Merril Moab Ventilator (2 lbs)

Waist bag:
Waist pack: Mountainsmith Drift Waist pack or similar. Carried in front for easy access to snacks, and pistol.
Glock 19 loaded (1.9 lbs) w/ 1 extra magazine, loaded (0.45 lbs)
Snacks (2 lbs)
Leatherman PST II (0.45 lbs)
Baby powder
Total Weight 5 Pounds

Slung
AR-15 pistol with brace, 11.5”, light weight (4.9 lb)
Sling, M1 Carbine style
AR mags with Federal 62gr. Fusion
…30 rd (1, in rifle) (1 lbs)
Total Weight 6 lbs

Main Bag:
Kelly Redwing 44 (2.6 lbs, $80)
Non-military looking bag with a good suspension system

Water/Hydration
MSR Miniworks filter (1 lb, $90)
It’s a ceramic filter that requires occasional cleaning, but lasts a loooong time.
Chlor-floc pouches (30) 0.05 lbs, $14)
1 quart canteen, Blackhawk full with one canteen cup (2.5 lbs)
100oz camel back bag full (7 lbs)

Food and Prep
MSR whisperlite universal stove. (1lb, $100).
…Burns white gas, diesel fuel, unleaded, isobutane, napalm, whatever.
Fuel bottle for whisperlite,30oz..filled with camp fuel (2.5 lbs, $30)
Aluminum foil wind screen
MSR stowaway pot (1 lb, $20)
Long spoon
1/2 Scrubby
Small bottle cooking oil
Salt and pepper packets


Clothing
Outer shell jacket (0.6 lbs)
Fleece jacket in stuff sack for pillow (1 lb)
Shirt, base layer, polypropylene (0.3 lb)
Pants, base layer, polypropylene (0.3 lb)
Flip flops (0.25 lb)
Short pants, Ranger Panty (0.125 lbs, $14)
Skivvies, synthetic (1 extra)(0.2 lbs)
Socks, coolmax (2 extra) (0.2 lbs each)
Socks, wool (2 extra pair) (0.3 lb each)
T-shirt, synthetic, wicking (1 extra)
Mechanic’s gloves (0.3 lb)
Shemagh (0.4 lbs)
Watch cap (0.25 lb)
Sun glasses
Clear safety glasses (so I don’t catch a tree limb to the eyeball hiking at night)
Reading glasses (Because I’m old and I can’t read shit without them)

Shelter and Bedding
Jungle blanket (1.6 lbs, $40)
Foam sleep mat (1 lb, $39)
Bug netting (0.25 lbs, $12)
6x9 nylon tarp (1 lb)

Fire
Butane Lighter (2)
Ferro rod

First aid
Adventure medical kit, .7 (0.4lb, $24)
Nitrile exam gloves (0.125 lb)
Bandaid brand blister bandages (0.125 lb)

Hygiene Kit
Tooth Brush, colgate whisp (0.05 lbs)
Tooth paste (0.05 lb)
Deodorant (0.18 lb)
T/P, roll (0.5 lbs)
Razor
Wildeness wash, super concentrated (0.08 lb, $4)
Mirror
Wash rag

Tools
ESEE laser strike knife (0.6 lbs, $300)
Leatherman PST II (In waist pack) (0.43 lbs)
Worksharp pocket knife sharpener
Hack saw blade
Duct tape, camping roll

Lighting
Princeton Tec Fred Headlamp (0.2 lbs)

Comms/NAV/power
Silva Compass
Maps: State road map, topos.
Lithium AA batteries x8 (0.25 lbs)
…10 year shelf life, much lighter than a solar charging kit
Garmin GPSMAP 62 loaded with area topos (0.5 lbs)
…Might work, might not. I can chuck it if it doesn’t.
Watch - Seiko SKX 007

Self Defense
Glock 19 loaded (1.9 lbs) and spare magazine w 15 rounds 124gr Gold dots (0.45 lbs) (In waist pack)
25 round box of 124 gold dots (0.7 lb)

20 round box of 62gr. Fusion for top up (0.5 lbs)
Boresnake, 223, 9mm
Small bottle break-free, rag, pipe cleaner (0.1 lbs)

Misc
Paracord, 50 feet (0.2 lbs)
Snares, 3 pack (0.2 lb)
Fishing kit
Frog gig head (0.3 lbs)
Garbage bag, construction (1)
Sunscreen (0.25 lbs)
Ben’s deet field wipes (12) (0.25 lbs)
Notepad, pen (0.3 lbs)
Cash, $500, small bills (0.25lb)
Advil, Sudafed, Benedryl, Caffeine
Total bag weight ~40 pounds

I put some thought into the soap comment, and I'm keeping it because...uncleaned camp utensils and pots can get you sick, and not washing your balls (or the rest of you) for 25 days is likely to lead to boils, rashes or other nastiness that is best avoided.

The hack saw blade doesn't weigh shit and it might get me out of a jam or into something I need.
...and I'm keeping the deodorant because I want to smell pretty.

Agreed.  I've got six Kit Bags. I haven't take a rifle class with one yet, but I've got close to 2500 miles on them (mostly the "original Snubby"), not too mention closing in a couple hundred for the smaller snubby/runner's kit bag for running.  For just the pistol, it's the bees knees with a pack.  I wear my as a stand-alone.  It does get hot, but you're going to sweat regardless in 90+degree/80+humidty in the SE Summers!

Good list.  It's important to weigh stuff and really figure out what you need.  Some options for food items that I've used in the past:

(2) Datrex 3600 survival rations
(4) MRE entrée meals
(6) Freeze dried entrée meals
(4) Dehydrated Soups (four-serving sizes)
(4) Penne pasta (boil in bag, 2-serving size)
(4) Dehydrated marinara sauce
(2) Dehydrated beans and rice mix
(8) Lipton cup/soup mixes
(12) Instant Oatmeal
(1) Freeze dried mixed vegetables
(4) Foil packs of tuna
(4) Foil packs of salmon
(4) Foil packs of chicken
(4) Foil packs of spam
(12) Bullion packets
(20) Flour tortillas
(4) MRE Crackers
(6) MRE wheat bread

(1) 8oz tube of hazelnut butter spread
(20) Breakfast, energy bars (i.e. Clif, Pro-Bars, etc.)
(1) Beef Jerky (one pound)
(24) Coffee, instant (BRCC)
(12) Licorice Root Tea (bags)
(4) Hot coca mix, instant
(6) Hot apple cider, instant
(2) Nuun electrolyte tablets
(1) Trail mix (nuts/dried fruits, 1 pound)

The Datrex rations do very well in higher heat...but you really need to eat them with water despite they're supposed not use much water to digest.  Good for when on the move.  Instead of MRE entrées, I've been using OMEALS which are similar "ready to eat" meals for backpacking...pretty damn tasty.  Soups are a good option if you plan to hunt/fish/trap, or you have foil wrapped chicken, etc.  They won't be calorie dense, but they will be pretty nutritious.  I really like the Harmony House soup mixes.  One pouch will yield 4-6 servings (closer to 2-3). I've been able to mess around and just make a smaller pot of soup, but they are light and compact.



ROCK6

You, sir, are a wealth of information. Thanks.

Thanks.  This was just a good thread as I recently had to go through this whole thought process given my current job location being over 500 miles from home...really makes you think...and traveling on foot with a backpack is my option #3/last resort

For those that read the story or saw Morgan's gear list, you'll notice he mentioned the Maxpedition Devil Dog.  I wish they would bring them back; they were a large fanny/lumbar pack/shoulder bag.  A very good design, but I laugh when I think about how big you can make this thing.  I "piggy-backed" my Devil Dog to a 65 liter pack:











I couldn't really wear it while backpacking, but I guess you could make it work if you didn't overload it.  Even when attached to my pack, I couldn't quite keep it fully loaded.  I did use it as a part of a "patrolling" kit once I dumped my pack and had my camp setup and it's what I used to go get water (big drought that year and I had to hike about a 3/4 mile to a spot to access water).

This concept was my epiphany from several years ago.  I was invited to a little survival group outing in Arkansas.  Just some fun survival camping (took the son), patrolling, survival training, and good conversations.  The owner of the property was a guy I knew (retired 18A).  After we had set up camp and we hiked down to a spring to filter and collect water, he brought up a very cool scenario where the camp was immediately compromised and you had to E&E right then and there.  The question was, did you have enough kit on your right now to help you cover the basics?  Water was mostly good, weapons were mostly good (we all had ARs/AKs and handguns); but what about shelter, map, compass, fire-making, FAK, etc.  It was a good mental challenge that I've tried to adhere to, even when backpacking (I always have my HPG Kit Bag on my person or close enough to grab if needed).

So, while you contemplate and load out your main pack, consider options if you have to jettison the pack, do a more discreet patrol a few miles away, travel some distance to get water (and not wanting to haul your pack with you), etc.  There are some light or heavy ways to do it.  The small pack above, the Sea to Summit ultra-sil or "nano" pack stuffs into a small bag that are very small and only weighs about 1-2oz (Nano being only 1oz)



For some situations, it makes larger quantities of water collection much easier in steep terrain.  If you choose a platform or bag (fanny pack, RIBZ, Kit Bag, etc.) to carry a firearm and small amount of essential kit, make sure it integrates with your pack and if you jettison your pack, and that it stays with you.

There's a lot of knowledge sharing here, but once you kind of figure out your kit and how to piece it together, get out and see how it actually works.  I've always had a military-minded philosophy that doesn't often translate to SHTF missions.  Too much redundancy is not practical for long distance trekking on foot.  Where I've always been an advocate of the "Lines-concept" when it comes to gear philosophy (Line-1: EDC; Line-2: fighting kit/immediate survival kit; and Line-3: your main ruck/pack...and some variations in-between), the reality is they're not always practical.  I simply can't "backpack" with a very robust Line-1.  Crap in pants pockets, on the belt, in cargo pockets...all the staff is fine for a short day hike, but when you're cranking out miles, traversing serious elevation changes, scrambling over rocks or even some bushwhacking...that shit gets extremely uncomfortable and can create hotspots or even limit your mobility.  For backpacking, my Kit Bag has really become my Line-1.5; mostly EDC and a few survival/navigation essentials.

Now, don't get wrapped around "comfortable" should or shouldn't have anything to do with survival, that's not what I'm saying.  What I'm saying is that if something is uncomfortable, it may cause physical injury, slow your pace, limit your mobility, or distract your mind enough to where you end up with a mechanical injury.  A lot of verbiage to just say figure our what your plan is, build your kit around that plan(s), and take that kit out and rehearse how it fits, integrates, and works when moving.

ROCK6

For me, the expectation is that if I am going to be at the point of surviving out of a bag, its going to be heavy. Lightening the load works towards a priority of being able to carry more essentials, like food and water.

I have multiple bags for multiple situations.  With that said, I have a set of constants that I keep and rotate between them.  For example if I am going to just carry a normal bag to work, im not schlepping around my entire survival loadout. But there is a bare minimum I would like to have, so I triage the essentials in smaller kits and they go with me wherever I go, no matter the bag I use.  Every single bag I own has a first aid kit, which at this point is upwards of 12, but they vary on size and scope.

I do have one large grab and go bag that essentially has almost all of this stuff as well, but i'll never be carrying that around in regular fashion.

The one on the left has power generation, with a solar panel, external battery, and cables.  Then a basic toiletry bag, then travel chargers for the whole family. The two bags on the right pretty much go everywhere, one has water filtration items, mostly sawyer, the other has a headlamp, multitool, firestarter, small bottle of gun lube, boresnake, etc.  I added the lube and boresnake through personal experiences where things get really bad mud and other obstructions in your barrel can pretty much be a death sentence if you are relying on that weapon.  If you are travelling cross country or evading in the rain that quickly becomes a real issue.


I also keep a couple dry sacs to rotate things like jackets and wet weather stuff, as im not going to buy a $200 softshell or rain jacket just to squirrel away in a dedicated go bag I will never touch until the balloon goes up.  I try to keep things realistic with regard to use and just make it more efficient to always have the best of what I need at any given time.



I will get on my soapbox and rant a little, I always see so many people so concerned with weight.  If you are elderly or have disabilities, I fully understand, but if you dont there is nothing stopping you from being completely mobile with a significant amount of weight on your back.  Making excuses about carrying less to travel more, ounces equal pounds can all be somewhat valid....but turn into bullshit at a certain point.  Following the example of the elite ultralight backpacker is not the way to go, because not only is that guy not looking for survivability in all situations (ie with weapons, no access to food) but you also arent traversing the AT to simply meet a time hack you can post on instagram.  The point is to not unnecessarily weigh yourself down, but dont take that to mean you shouldnt be carrying any real weight.  Dont overload on redundancy and nonsense, but also dont cut it out and just high five yourself for making your day more comfortable.  You can never have enough of some things, like food and water.

The human male can actually carry quite a bit of weight for quite a ways, if you cant it is because you conditioned yourself not to be able to.  Variables like small children change things, but realistically that should make you try and be able to carry even more to support others, while maintaining the mobility to react to defensive situations.

When I work out of a pack I am a fan of tuna packs and high calorie protein bars (ones that dont melt).  The tuna is great on protein but doesnt give you the carbs you need.  I also carry a bunch of individual protein or meal replacement shake servings which give you a lot of nutritional bang for the buck in a small package.  You can carry a small container with meal replacement shake versus the individual packs, or even keep a bottle prepped with powder and you just add water when you need it.

Another thing I personally do when carrying and living out of a pack is I bring BCAA's in a small container.  Just a scoop here and there do amazing things for recovery and give you some energy when you are starting to drag.  I kind of have a ritual when I can support it. While on mission I make it to the first strong point, which is usually the hardest movement, then I slam a bottle of water with aminos and a meal replacement shake. I have the powder pre prepped in a 16oz nalgene.  Almost always that gets my second wind up and keeps me from starting to cramp or get sore.

Good 13 page thread started by _RAGNAR_ morning in 2007 chock full of GHB goodness and still running...

My cross country GHB

It’s a great thread, and I’ve read through it many times, but it mostly focuses on getting home using the transportation system. He has coffee heaters and phone chargers and stuff to make you comfortable hanging out at airports. Different focus, but good stuff for that situation.

Nutrition is definitely tricky here, the freeze dried stuff is hands down the most calories per pound, but as you said, it requires you to stop, boil water and hang out for a bit.
I’m still working on that part of the plan, but I think I’m going to have to have a few meals like MRE entrees that can be opened and eaten without any preparation for times when extended prep isn’t practical.

The day hikers I generally do local group hikes with consistently make comments how "how big" my day pack is that I bring on our hikes
Its basically got the basic ten essentials and weighs in with water at around 25 lbs.
And it feels like nothing, compared to what I used to lug around in the old days.
I keep telling them I'm going to come on one of our hikes with my old MOLLE or large ALICE packed according to our old packing lists.
People with no prior military service just don't get  that aspect of it
Age is also a factor. You're still pretty young, as I recall. As I find myself in my late 50s, I'm simply not going to weigh myself down with the loads I had in my mid-20s.
Its simply not feasible.

All of that being said, the modern day US military weighs its people down with too much stuff.
Throughout history all the way back to the Romans, the traditional foot soldiers had packs and gear that totaled around 30 lbs or so.
If technology improves stuff in the US military gear, they find something else to add to the packing list to make up for it.

People should be planning on avoiding a conflict in these scenarios. Not carrying multiple weapons and hundreds of rounds  expecting to engage in and survive in multiple firefights as a solo person.
Pack a few days food, sure. Have a way to filter and treat water, sure. But there are lessons to be learned from those thru-hikers you think have no value.
There is no need in places outside of a desert environment to pack 5 or 6 liters of water, as a for instance
But environment will dictate a bit of that.
This threads scenario is cheating a bit by placing itself in FL, which is most certainly not a four season locale. How I would pack in Upstate NY in June is different than how I would pack in January.

I would strongly reconsider using tuna packets and quest bars as any sort of energy supplying food while out and about.  You are going to want some protein, some sugars, lots of fats and lots of carbs.   Tuna and quest  bars typically don't have the really important stuff for high caloric output.   Look into Gu Shots (or similar) for fuel on the go, along with small, bite sized candy bars.   And if you guys want some of the best energy to weight ratio food out there:  take a jar of peanut butter, open it and take a massive spoonful out of the center.  Fill that crater with natural honey and stir it up.   I use this when im mountaineering and am at altitude for days at a time.

It's a valid soap box rant.  My experience is kind of the opposite, especially hiking the GA part of the AT.  I've seen some pretty significant loads from inexperienced hikers.  I don't necessarily think it's the weight so much as it is the physical (and mental) conditioning.  I do find a lot of irony when talking with people on the AT who are wealthy novices.  They will talk about ultralight gear cutting grams when they themselves could stand to lose about 15-20 pounds

Often, it's not so much the weight as it is the conditioning.  I do a lot of trail-section hiking, which is what I would equate to a SHTF situation.  You can workout and train all your want, but unless you're actually putting on a backpack and hiking 5-6 hours every day, your body will require time to adjust.  When on the trail, after day three or four, your body adjusts.  When we resupply the extra weight sucks, but doesn't affect our pace.  I only say this so for those planning to bug home or wherever, understand your first few days will be painful and you need to plan accordingly to allow your body to adjust, not only to the foot pounding and pack-weight, but to the temps, weather, etc. that will put some stressors on your body.  Many hikers get constipated their first few days as their body reacts to the shock of constant pounding and exertion, or they're not use to the need for increased hydration and electrolytes and they cramp up.  In fact, most backpackers won't eat much their first couple of days as they're body is stressed and appetite isn't as noticeable.

I know at my age, my ideal pack weight for distance backpacking is 30-35 pounds.  That's where I stay on the trail for 8-9 hours and average 12-15 miles a day.  It's usually day 7-8 where I can start to add miles to my daily average, but I know I can sustain longer distances with that pack weight and that 12-15 miles/day.  My upper range is about 50-55 pounds, but that does impact my speed and distance and I haven't tried to hike anymore than 40-50 miles with that kind of pack weight.  I still laugh at those in the Army who always tout that they do the standard of 12 miles in 3 hours with a 35-pound pack.  Yeah, I've done my share of them, but they always did them on a Friday and everybody drank and recovered over the weekend  Most wouldn't be able to sustain that kind of pace for several days, but despite your personal pace and weight-load limits, you body will acclimate if you don't over-do it the first few days.  So if you are planning to average 10-12 miles a day, your first few days probably should be 6-8 miles depending on your personal conditioning and how your body feels.  We always plan for 8-10 the first couple days, but if we feel okay, we have alternate plans for sites if we add an extra mile or three.  It just depends on how the body is feeling and you need to listen to it or you'll end up with something that may sideline your or a mechanical injury.

Recovery time and sleep are as important as calories and water for me these days.  Pounding for 8-10 hours (especially in hot/humid weather), my body is pretty sore. However, I've found a few hours of rest and good sleep, a hot meal, and a little body-maintenance, I'm good to go the next morning.  This is an area I have to balance light-weight with a certain level of comfort.  If you don't think poor sleep, bug bites, cold-wet, hot spots, chaffing, etc. won't affect you the next day, you haven't really been backpacking or did much time in the dirt whether in uniform or recreation.  Feet, sleep, calories, hydration, and listen to your body...pack weight only plays a role on your pace and distance and your body will adjust in a few days if you take care of those other aspects.

ROCK6

Decent points, but i'm over 40 and I still ruck and run all the time.  This is in conjunction with some pretty serious injuries as well.  There is a lot that can be overcome by simply conditioning yourself.  At my age my standard training baseline right now is 6 miles, 45lbs on flat terrain with 11 minute miles.  That obviously changes when other variables change, I have spent significant time at elevation in Colorado and Afghanistan to know this, but training that baseline still improves my ability to act more effectively when things change.  Thats not what I am saying everybody should be doing, but I am throwing it out as a goal that is definitely attainable if I can do it at my age and with my physical limitations.

I dont really factor in what the military says I need to have since that isnt the same situation.  Ive also been pretty lucky to have a lot of latitude, with nobody really telling me what I need and dont need for the most part.  Its because of that I have really learned how to assign value in certain thing and disregard others. That also was kind of my point, dont take anything because you assume its on a survival list, do an unbiased assessment on how that item will bring value to you personally, versus using that space and weight for universal items like food and water.

Thats very true, but that body shock can be mitigated through regular conditioning, which isnt necessarily dependent upon training that specific situation.  A few months ago I did 75 miles in 4 days with a 45lb pack, with most of it off-trail and bushwhacking.  You are right in that there was an adjustment period but honestly it wasn't very severe at all.  That was 100% due to prior conditioning.  I wasn't regularly walking through the woods and climbing hills prior but I was regularly carrying a pack for distance versus time which helped immensely, and I consistently trained areas of my body relevant to this task individually as well.  I found a few muscles I didnt remember I had when climbing uphill, but I managed.  I have never hiked the AT but I am confident in my training enough to throw on a pack tomorrow and go for it if given the opportunity.

Therein lies my point.  Anyone can rise to the occasion and overcome hardship through determination, but there is a real limit on how much that determination can actually physically push you through.  You increase that limit through regular training and conditioning.  Find your weak points.  Most people's shortcomings on weighted movements isnt simply that they need to ruck more, its more specific than that.    Your hamstrings and traps ache after you pull 6 miles in training, make a plan to attack those specific areas with focused training, since if you had to rapidly move up to 25 miles in extremis those would definitely be a point of failure.  Actual training is comprehensive and goes much more in depth than just throwing your pack on and getting more miles under your belt.  A person may be wheezing and running out of breath at mile 8 every time, that is something that can be trained by working on their VO2 max, which doesn't mean they have to get to that 8 mile mark over and over to fix.  A lot of times people walking uphill dont realize the strain it puts on your calves and hip flexors, but again, those specific points of failure can be mitigated through training those specific areas.

You actually do the hikes both as an assessment of your deficiencies, and as a validation that your plan to correct them is working.  Not a lot of people have the time to go on long weighted hikes, but most people have 20 minutes here and there to focus on the specific areas they are lacking in which inhibit their ability to hike.

Spot on, conditioning won't address everything, but it does make acclimation and recovery much, much faster at the outset.  My wife asked about this as she doesn't do much cardio during the winter, but her work out routines are a high-tempo, fast-paced 40-50 minutes.  She keeps up with me just fine but feels better after day two or three.  I tell the thru-hikers on the AT that section hiking is much harder...you keep having to start over every time which is the hardest part of the hike and as soon as you start hitting your stride, your hike is over

Anybody who takes their health and phsyical conditioning serious enough that it's a regular routine will fare much better than the arm-chair survivalist who's exercise is an hour on the riding lawnmower every weekend and who only does car-camping.  I do caution those that rely on what they did 20-30 years ago in the military or the mental stress they survived on the street or in combat that the mental part is extremely important, but must be balanced with the phsyical readiness and fitness.  As I always say, if some crazy SHTF scenario forced everyone to bugout on foot, there would be a lot of well stocked, mentally tough corpses that will be a great roadside cache for those a little more balanced in their training, fitness, and decision making

ROCK6

You won't get by without water, but you can add water to dehydrated and let it reconstitute while you continue to move, then either eat as is, or heat and eat in less time, with less fuel when it is safe to do so.

It won't be delicious partially reconstituted and cold, but it will get the same amount of nutrients into you.

What wrong with car camping....

I did 8+ miles today. I can tell it's been awhile...mostly on ankles. But ive deztroyed them both..
We'll see how i feel in the AM. Lol.

It may be useful to break out of the mental model that bugging out=camping and hiking. Consider all the resources we have absolutely everywhere, as well as all the people who won't magically disappear in a disaster.
If I was in OPs scenario, I'd buy, borrow, beg, or (last resort) steal a bicycle. A bike can turn that month-long journey into 3 days. I very much doubt the average survivalist will last a month out in the wild. You absolutely must move faster to survive. Find a horse or something, people back in the day didn't walk everywhere.
Speaking of the wild, why sleep in the bush like an animal? Commercial buildings will be available to sleep in, and if you know non-distructive entry techniques, nobody will even know you're there. Think anybody will be guarding a random office building with only desks and paperwork inside? Unlikely.
As for avoiding people, that might be a good idea, but you may also need resources to survive. Put on a big smile and try to finesse what you need out of people. The lone wolf life is probably more of a risk. Practice talking to strangers now, it's a skill that might save your life.

So my list:
Bicycle
Camelback with in-line filter
Plenty of honey stinger cookies
Beef jerky
Electrolyte drink mix
Multi-tool
AA headlamp
Rain jacket
Lockpicks
Silcock key
Fishing line (to set up alarms for when you sleep)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Beretta PX4 9mm compact and extra mag
Motivation and optimism

Food:

One of the biggest challenges of this…challenge…is food. It’s a long way to go, it will take a long time and you can only carry so much weight.
So…the first question we have to answer is “How much food does it take to walk 10 miles a day for 25 days?”

Lucky for you I because a google expert over the weekend, so here we go.
How much food you need is based on your Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR. Your BMR is how many calories it takes to maintain your weight if all you’re doing is lying around.

The formula is…
(Your weight in Kilograms x10)+(Your height in centimeters x6.25) – ((Your age in years x5)-5)=BMR

I am a large dude. I weigh 295 lbs and I’m 6’6”. 1 kilogram is 2.2 pounds, so 295/2.2=134 kg. 6’6” is 78 inches. There are 2.54 centimeters in an in, so I’m 198 cm tall.
(134kg x 10=1340)+(198x6.25=1238)-(I’m 54, so 54x5=270-5=265)
1340+1238-265= 2313 calories a day.

But…that’s just laying around. If I’m hiking I’m thinking that puts BMR in the “Very active” category, which is my BMR x 1.725, which means to maintain my weight I’d have to consume just shy of 4000 calories a day. That’s 100,000 calories for my 25-day trip…which is a lot. (That’d be 67 boxes of twinkies, just to put things into perspective)

The good news is that I don’t need to maintain my weight. I could stand to lose a few pounds anyway, and I can still function effectively on far less than 4000 calories a day. How much less?

Well…research shows that most people can’t function on less than about 1200 calories per day. Below that number they don’t have enough energy to do things, and they get sick. There are obviously variables here. A hundred pound 90-year-old who doesn’t get out of bed can function on much less. A sasquatch like myself isn’t likely to be able to function on less than 1200. I’m going to go with 1400 calories per day because of my size and the level of activity.

We also have to keep the ratio of fat/carbs/proteins in the right ranges. They are
Carbs: 45-65% of daily calories.
Fat: 20-35% of daily calories.
Protein: 10-35% of daily calories.
Olive oil is very calorically dense, you could get enough calories by consuming 6 ounces of olive oil per day, but it’s all fat, so you’d die. If all you eat is lean meat you get this thing called rabbit starvation, whereby you have lots of protein and calories, and no carbs or fat, so you starve to death. The point is, whatever you chose, those three things must be available in the right proportions.

What does a balanced 1400 calories a day look like?

Breakfast: Mountain House granola with milk and blueberries: 0.25 pounds, 520 calories.
Lunch: A clif bar: 0.15 pounds, 260 calories.
Dinner: Mountain House Beef Stroganoff: 0.3 pounds, 650 calories.
That’s 0.7 pounds of food per day, so we only need 17 and a half pounds to make it 25 days.

The bad news is you’re going to be pretty miserable at that level of caloric intake, the good news the challenge allows for two resupply stops, so you don’t have to haul the whole thing at once, which may allow is to increase our daily intake plan by quite a bit.

The other good news is that with food and other consumables, the weight goes down every day as we go, so we wouldn’t have to carry the whole load the whole way.

The bicycle is a good idea, and would certainly shorten your trip by a lot. In order to go that far without being injured you're going to need a bicycle that at least marginally fits you. A bike that's too big or two small for you is going to hurt you over those distances. You also need stuff to keep the bike moving. Bikes are finicky bitches. They need spare tubes and maybe other spare parts as well as tools to adjust the derailleurs as cables stretch, etc. It's also be nearly impossible to ride a bike any distance with a 40 pound pack on your back, so you'd have to find a way to carry your stuff.

You might make 40 or 50 miles a day if you're in reasonably good shape and you're on smooth, clear roads.

Your point about getting help is a good one. I don't think the whole world is going to go Mad Max 8 minutes after the lights go out.

My experience from hurricane events is that people actually try to help each other as much as they can in most cases.

I also don't think the people who enforce the law, make food, or provide power are just going to give up and go home. They're going to try and get things going again the best way they can.

There can be a million variables in situations like this. You could get shot in the face by some crazy bastard the first day, or you could get picked up by the Swedish Bikini Team's tour van and deposited on your door step in a day.

Those kind of variables can make you nuts while you're trying to think these things through.
The purpose here is to put together a specific scenario and see what we come up with.

Full stop.
I didn't know that we had a cinematic celebrity in our midst
Hello Tallahassee!
No one else would focus on the nutritional requirements of a Twinkie like that.

I use these. But after a couple of months in my GHB they become Datrex "powder".

I’m a lot of things, but Woodie Harrelson isn’t one of them.
That’s funny though. I didn’t even think of that. I was just trying to think of something with a ton of calories that everyone could relate to.

I’m not sure what would happen if you ate nothing but Twinkie's for 25 days, but I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be good.

Beef jerky and cookies sounds like an interesting diet. Please eat only that for a week and report back to us. :)

I can pick a master lock in a few minutes, but commercial five or six tumbler locks are another story. That might take a while ...or not happen at all... if you’re not well practiced.

I also think I would not like to be caught “looting” somebody’s office when someone stops by to pick up a laptop or something. If shit’s missing and you’re camped out inside, I think you’re in trouble.

I've found I average about 2.25 pounds per day for backpacking, but the majority is "ready to eat" stuff that keeps me moving.  We no longer use fuel for breakfast, we just drink water and snack on the trail.  This is a more expensive method (and heavier), but I buy in bulk for longer trips, so it evens out.  My caloric intake is usually around 2200-2500 calories a day; HOWEVER, my food intake is much less for the first couple days as I just don't have much of an appetite until about day three.  We really had to experiment and find what works for us, as it really sucks running out of food and it's sucks almost as much carrying a few pounds of excess food (not survival, just lightweight backpacking).

Here's a typical daily package of food:

Granola bar: 190cal
Honey Stinger Waffle: 160cal
Clif bar: 250cal
Fruit chew snacks: 200cal
Hazelnut chocolate butter: 200cal
Two four tortillas (medium size, one for lunch, one for dinner): 200cal
Pro Bar: 350cal
Trailmix (100grams): 450cal

Dinners are freeze-dried meals mostly (although my wife does do some home-made dehydrated meals as well), and they average about 400-600cal.  After day 7 or 8, you'll probably devour a two-serving meal.  I try and mostly choose meals I can finish of with a my tortilla "plate", roll it up like a burrito and no dishes!

Total is usually between 2200-2500 calories, we hit that level about day three and after day 6-7 all you start thinking about is food.  I also pack along some supplements and multivitamins.

Now, I've done the bug-home planning and I can actually carry less weight with more dehydrated/freeze-dried foods and fewer "on the move" food.  The trade off is it's going to take more fuel, more prep time, more down time, and possibly more cleaning time.

I can say from experience, that the stress of hiking with a heavy pack over long distances is not the time to think you can trim your diet and lose weight.  You will lose weight, but cutting calories at the outset is going to require some severe mental fortitude because it will consume your thoughts, distract you, and likely end up in you making mistakes.  Most of the backpacking foods also require more hydration and most people don't drink enough water as it is (and that often leads to constipation which has it's own problems). That's when you're "fat" and healthy and your body is conditioned to a "normal" diet.

Yeah, that can happen.  I typically store food, batteries, and other consumables in a separate bag attached to my pack.  It just makes it easier to rotate, and it's a "grab and go" system where I can cross-load into the pack when I get the opportunity.  Not the most ideal situation, but it works for me and allows me to avoid crushing some items and rotating consumables or rechargeable batteries, etc.

ROCK6

For the scenario id stick to a basic HT and basic signal stuff( led,laser,mirror,his viz panel etc).
I'd only want to signal the homestead before entry. To ensure its still friendly.