Let’s start by stating the obvious: It is impossible to pack EVERYTHING you need in a single bag for the future. The concept of I.N.C.H (I’m Never Coming Home) is a huge gray area with a host of variables from travel, gear, location, situation and more.
In order to simplify this concept, let’s start with an understanding that the INCH bag/gear is simply an extension of your Bug Out gear. A Bug Out Bag on steroids if you will.
In order to extend your survival, you must add more food and gear that will be required to live disconnected from resupply.
Some fool hardy souls may imagine they can survive without resupply forever. Living a hunter/gatherer lifestyle in a remote wilderness. This way of thinking is a great way to end up dead.
Our modern society is more detached from nature than ever before. We have no true connection to the land of our ancestors. We don’t know the hardships and trials associated with homesteading or living off the sustenance of Mother Nature.
Keeping all this in mind, I focused primarily on building a 14-day food supply, adding more tools, and taking into account sustainability in the form of a fishing kit and seeds for a garden.
The end game is a pack that can keep me alive for a maximum of 30 days without resupply. By that time I should have arrived at a prestocked survival site or have located a secure location to rest and refit.
Based on the experiences of those who came before, it’s easy to see the advantage of living in the middle, straddling the urban and wilderness environments. Cities and towns can be a source of food, water, and basic survival supplies. Raiding gardens, dumpsters or stores are all viable options.
Hybrid survival is the way, providing flexibility and mobility. A true survivalist can thrive in the woods or the city, knowing the advantages and disadvantages to each.
Of course, the mission and operating environment play a huge role in defining the survival kit. For hostile situations, packing a main battle rifle and fight light assault rig may be required.
For the context of this kit, I've chosen to include a sidearm and three magazines, relegating the big scary black rifle and ammo to a secure weapon cache stored offsite.
This strategy saves weight and introduces a layer of redundancy. In truth, there are many ways to build a long range survival kit, mine is specific to my needs and experience.
You get a general idea so let’s get started with the star of this loadout, the Exo Mountain Gear K² 3500.
🎒 Primary Pack
The K² 3500 is the perfect do-it-all pack, tipping the scales at a featherweight 5lbs. Thanks to the titanium frame and lumbar support, it travels easy even when carrying heavy loads.
The shoulder harness has a unique design that enables micro adjustments for a perfect fit. Compression straps provide options for securing gear to the outside of the pack, while seven main compartments make organization fast and simple.
When fully expanded, the bag easily supports my entire INCH survival kit, including the sleep system, pathfinder cookset, food, flashlight, multitool, clothes, shelter and more.
Tons of other features make this pack my forever pack, no question.
 |
🧰 Tool Kit
Tools are not light but absolutely essential for survival. Keeping weight in mind, I chose a set of core tools and then added specialized items such as the Linesman Pliers and Pry Bar. Some items may or not be used due to conditions that require stealth.
 |
🍴Food Supply
When it comes food, I like to keep it simple and basic. Lots of quality fats, carbs and protein to help retain muscle. The goal is to average 1000-1500 calories a day depending on the level of exertion. Depending on the time of year, foraging is a great way to supplement your supplies, but be mindful of poisonous plants.
 |
🍴 Cookset
No survival kit is complete without a stainless steel canteen. I chose the Pathfinder canteen/cup from Self Reliance Outfitters and paired that with flat pack stove.
This setup is dual fuel, capable of cooking with wood or a small propane canister. Best of both worlds. A 750ml pot rounds out this basic yet capable cookset.
 |
👖 Apparel
Experience has taught me to ditch the camo uniform and go with civilian attire that blends well in urban or wilderness environments. No matter the season, I always pack extra socks and prefer to wear a rash guard bottom and top to eliminate chaffing.
 |
📔 Mental
Maintaining a positive mindset is critical so I pack a small book and a deck of cards. In this case the deck of cards doubles a Plant Identification guide so I don't wind up dead from poison berries. I also include a small notepad and pencil for journaling and random thoughts.
 |
🧭 Navigation & Mobility
The ability to navigate using a map and compass is priceless and quite easy to learn. When GPS is not available due to weather or the power is OUT, I can still find my bearing or navigate between two points, giving me the ability to stay mobile and on task. In the case, I carry a map of my evac route, tri states map, and map of the United States.
 |
💦 Water Purification
The human body can only survive a few days without water. It is non negotiable survival need. This is why I take water purification serious and prefer multiple options to get the job done. My primary filter is a Sawyer Squeeze, however I carry water purification tablets for backup and pack a sillcock key for water access in urban environments. Included is a custom millbank bag to serve as a pre filter.
 |
🩸 Medical
Staying alive can never be overrated. A simple cut that gets infected can be just as dangerous as a gunshot wound. Being prepared for medical emergencies both big and small is required.
Taking this into account I split my IFAK into two concerns - major and minor medical. I have a trauma kit for the bad stuff, gunshots, puncture wounds, cuts, heavy bleeders, etc. Two chest seals, Quikclot Agent, Ace bandage and gauze are the foundation of this kit.
The second comparment is focused on the small stuff, with everything from Bandaids, Steristrips, Moleskin and more.
 |
🪡 Repairs
The toughest gear wears out sooner or later. Daily use in harsh environments takes a toll, so it's important to carry a repair kit.
These items are intended to address the most common equipment failures from broken zippers to cracked QR buckles or torn fabric.
 |
⛺ Shelter
My area of operations is Southern United States. It's a mild climate which enables me to go lightweight with a tarp, poncho liner, hammock and sleeping pad. For the winter season, I combine the poncho liner with a reflective emergency bivvy and utilize my thermal base layers.
 |
🔥 Fire
Fire starting is simple but not always easy. It's possible the environment may not permit fires, however it's good to have the option available for cooking, boiling water or warmth. My fire kit is simple with the basics that always work, no gimmicks.
|
 |
➡️ Technology
Unless an EMP takes out modern civilization, I want to keep my important devices charged. This includes my iPhone and Baofeng radio. I've tried solar chargers in the past with no luck so I stick with a basic battery pack to get the job done. Toss in a few cables and a USB drive of important documents to complete the kit. Then all that goes in a Faraday bag for the final layer of protection.
 |
🔦 Signal & Communications
This is a critical aspect of the kit, providing the ability to signal for help, light up the darkness or communicate with other survivors. The smoke grenade is an added bonus that can be used to mark a position or cover an escape.
 |
🪥 Hygiene
Staying clean is essential to prevent infections and also boost morale. When used sparely, the essentials (toothpaste/soap) should last 3-4 weeks. Included are nail clippers, tweezers, deodorant and a Sea to Summit microfiber towel. A P100 face mask rounds out this kit.
 |
Summary
The mysterious I.N.C.H. theory can be simplified by simply adding redundancy to your current 72hr bug-out bag and scaling out from that point. Three days of food transforms into two weeks.
Long term survival becomes the focus. The most important factors to take into account is food and water supplies. Consider planting a garden or caching 5-gallon drums of staples such as rice and beans.
Depending on your experience and location, you may toss a few conibears or deadfall traps in your bag. A fishing pole can be added or a rifle and chest rig for hostile situations. The options are endless and the INCH bag can be customized to no end.
Additional measures can be taken for survival in populated Urban environments.
Check out my Urban Survivor Tool Kit for more details:
I’ve chosen to build my bag for hybrid survival and for a future I pray never comes. Until then I'll be out training.
Blitz
The Survival Outpost can also be found on Youtube, Gab and Rumble
