Rifleman's Possibles Bag

R

ronin308

New member
No this ain't a black powder question. I want to know what everyone thinks about the viablilty of a modern rifleman having a possibles bag. Rifleman today in general do not rely on their rifle for their survival, thus I'm led to believe we don't come prepared all the time. If your scope breaks, drive home and get it fixed, if a screw is loose stop shooting, case it and bring it home right? Well what I'm thinking of is that even modern riflemen need to carry a possibles bag just like our forefathers did. What I envision is taking something like a Rocky fanny pack and putting certain things in it. They would include, but aren't limited to, the following: backup iron sights, allen wrenches, screwdrivers, high energy food bars like a Clif bar, scope caps, cleaning kit, assorted small parts, compass, matches or firestarter, and a silcone cleaning rag . I saw a Rocky bag that has a main pocket (that I could use for the firearms and survival stuff) and another little pocket that I could use for food bars. There's also a water bottle on it too. I think this would make the perfect modern possibles bag. Any other equipment that you think I should include in the bag?

Dan
 
Good topic!

From the Long Hunters or plainsmen we learn:

Carry a small hatchet or knife - it's useful to build a shelter with.

Tinder (or fuel tablets) - fires cut down on hypothermia. You can get one of those Ted Cash tinder boxes which has a magnifying lens with which to start fires. It can hold your matches and fuel tablets too.

Poncho - with which you can line the ground and help seal your lean-to so as to stay dry (or one of those survival tube tents).

Survival blanket - helps retain body heat.

Concur w/cleaning kit and I would prefer the Kit n' Kaboodle system with its flexible plastic covered wire system (or a pull through).

Oh, you can eliminate the allen wrenches if you have QD rings and if you've got the original iron sights (sighted in) on the gun, there's less to carry.

Water filtration system & stainless steel cup. Drinking bad water can debilitate you and ruin your chances of survival.

Spare ammo - about 100 rounds. Not only must you survive nature, but charging rhinos, angry bears, marauding mountain lions, wolf packs, rabid racoons and sinister squirrels. OK, just kidding about the ammo dump. ;)

Gee, is that a knapsack load or what?
 
For real remote hiking and hunting in these parts, I'd suggest the classic elements of an Alaska survival kit:

One last drink, one last smoke, and one last shell.
 
I like this subject!

My suggestion is to dress in layers. Pants pockets contain necessities like knife, reliable lighter, cash/credit card/calling card etc., ID, so on. (A man shouldn't leave the house without the means to start a fire or whittle a stick.)

Next step is to have a small kit that slips into a pocket that contains a few extra items - I use an old flat-side tin container that used to hold mints (Altoids). In it goes some extras like spare matches, a miniscule first aid kit (decongestants, Tylenol, some small bandaids, some alcohol wipes), a diamond sharpening flat for the knife, some dental floss (removed from the container to save space) and one of those miniature leatherman folding pliers sets. I don't carry this everywhere, but have it available in my cars for travelling.

After that, the "Possibles Bag" is specific to the weapon carried. Spare parts/tools as desired (this presumes the knowledge to install them) some spare rounds (a couple of magazine/cylinder's worth), one of the Otis cleaning kits appropriate to the weapon, a larger, fixed blade knife, some small snacks/candy that don't degrade over time, and a small bottle of water. I'd also throw in a small radio and spare batteries, and some heavy-duty zip-lock baggies. If I was travelling away from reliable water supplies, I'd throw in a water filter kit too.

Small set of stuff, not very bulky, but able to help out in a pinch.

Kevin
 
A mini LED light cliped to the outside of the pack. Just enough light for a lot of reasons. It seems that i always have one on me.:cool: Patrick
 
I like all the different suggestions! I guess the problem isn't what to bring, its what you just have to leave at home to save space! As Gary had said, a small hatchet or a knife would be ideal. I was going to add this to my list but I didn't simply because I didn't intend on putting the hawk and knife in the actual bag but on my belt. I still can't believe I left out a firestarter!!!! I'd probably opt for one of those magnesium bars with the flint insert. BTW Gary, where can you get one o' those Ted Cash firestarters? I've never seen one. And to everyone, keep the ideas coming!

Thanks

Dan
 
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