The biggest "C" in an *urban* evacuation kit is *CASH* Have enough for one or two nights in an inexpensive hotel, and two rolls of quarters to be able to raid a vending machine for emergency snacks.
How much will be enough for ANY motel room if the SHTF? Will any be available at any price? Screw that, prepare to exist without shelter or the availability of vending machines until you get to your BOL whether via vehicle or on foot. If it will take more than three days on foot, about what you can carry on your back, you'll need pre-positioned caches along the way. That said, a couple hundred bucks in small bills tucked away and maybe a bit of silver could fill holes in your preps if things haven't gotten so bad that people don't trust each other.
@@brycee.maryott8802 If you're talking about a hurricane, a forest fire or an earthquake, I agree but those aren't emergencies where your credit card isn't going to work outside the affected area. If you're looking to GOOD during a true SHTF scenario you aren't going to find a restaurant or a motel open anywhere and I'm not sure I'd want to be in either place anyway. It just advertises that you have money to desperate people. At any rate, you can pack for a motel if you like, I'll pack to ensure that I have a place to lay my head regardless of the circumstances.
Thank you for all the lessons learned a out color coding and urban survival. We have everything in the house according to the color system you gave us and icant tell you how easy it is to find, store, and upkeep. All of our supplies are very organized thanks to your vids. I would like to see you sell color boxes and buckets and especially large pouches using the color code system. It has taken me this long to get all of our supplies in order cuz its hard to find the colors. But im as happy as a lark😄
Cash is the most important thing for an urban environment. You can get food, water, shelter, and whatever kit you need. I'd advise a mixture of small bills and change. I'd also add a waterproof jacket, a portable charger and a change of socks
I am not a fan of paracord. I actually think the tarred bankline is better in many cases than paracord. It takes up less space. You can buy bankline that will hold 350+ pounds. It is easier to knot. It doesn't absorb water like paracord can. You can make fishing nets out of the twine too.
When I've handled bankline while making multiple rapid ridgelines with my bare hands, they and my arms felt weird/off for a period of time afterwards. If anyone is sensitive to chemicals, and has never worked with bankline before, I highly suggest wearing something like nitrile gloves when you do. I get the same feeling with inadvertent overspray from waterproofing cans and when I come into contact with floor stripping and waxing products at work. I can only surmise it's a reaction to the chems and that it's not good.
In case you're interested, he also has a list of "redundant c's" 5 Redundancys: 1) Spare cutting tools 2) More containers 3) 2% Iodine 4) Sharpener 5) Slingshot bands
The sailor needles plus upholstery thread is a great sewing kit. I've used the black upholstery thread as tripwire with a personal electronic alarm and it works great, incredibly strong stuff, from fabric store. - EDIT: and it is much lighter for setting up a big perimeter.
This isn't something that should go in your bag but should be kept on your person as part of your edc but a concealed carry pistol should be part of that list. As someone who works security in Seattle I've seen more assaults stabbings and shootings in the last year than I have seen in my entire life prior. Definitely something to consider especially now in these increasingly troubled times.
Add a lock picking kit, push knife (for doors) a small pry bar, small hack saw, and the bolt cutters for cutting wire fencing. Sometimes going through somewhere is easier than going around
Thanks for the video and PDF! Very well thought out. For people that live in earthquake country, you may wish to consider adding the following: multiple signaling devices if you become trapped (small airhorn, whistle, headlamp w. strobe feature, reflector), heavy duty gloves and chamois to protect hands and feet from shattered glass, pocket sized am-fm-noaa radio, a few face masks, a small solar charger and extra battery for your cell phone. And always top off your vehicle with gas once you get to mid tank!
An advandage of including a mylar or vinyl bag, as well as a wool blanket, is the wind blocking properties of the mylar or vinyl. The warm wool with a windblock over it seems the best of both. No worries about sweating, wool stays warm when wet.
@@seth9577 it's magic. Wool keeps 80% of it's heat retaining ability when it's wet. Not sure how and I don't have much need for a wool blanket in Florida.
In an urban kit I would really be concerned with the ability to secure things like phone, money, ID, medications. Trust me, as someone who works with homeless people they are constantly stealing things and getting their things stolen.
@@zachparade2791Those are all great ideas. Many homeless keep things inside multiple layers of clothes. They rarely keep anything in their pockets. (People often rifle through their pockets when they are asleep). I personally always thought that something like a thigh bag that attaches inside the pants was a good idea.
Your vehicle will be the best shelter In most normal situations. Even in moderate SHTF scenarios your vehicle is the best mobile shelter you have. I get that many city dwellers don’t have a vehicle but if you have one don’t overlook it’s ability to be an instant secure shelter. It will likely blend in better than a tent or tarp. Unless you drive a bright green box truck or something. Lol!
@@bbol745 I witnessed a situation in Ukraine where the vehicle and cash has been the ultimate helper you can have. Without the misery and expenses would have exponentially increased.
I recommend that anything you can pack in pocket, or pockets would be less conspicuous, and add to the greyman principle. As an evacuation plan it seems solid, but l would add breakfast bars, and candy. I was in a scenario where I did have to evacuate, and this is up close, and personal. Thanks again for your instruction.
In addition to the Bic, I’d keep the ferro rod, just go with a smaller one like the Light My Fire ones, they’re very light, and they work great with the vasoline/cotton ball combo. Also if you’re not in a very cold area, a poncho liner might be a good substitute for the wool blanket. With the 12 yd duct tape, you can remove the cardboard core, then flatten the roll, to save space. Thanks for the video!
Good on you for having a urban focus, I agree a lot of the usual bug out or get home bag videos seem to have a lot of focus on retreating through the woods.
Great video. Peel out the cardboard in the gorilla tape and flatten the roll. I carry a folding saw that takes reciprocating saw blades from metal to tree pruning made by Lennox and some other companies. It has three positions as well and smaller than a Bahco. Blades are cheap, disposable and easy to find and I can cut any kind of material. Retired carpenter, been using it 25+ years,.
Thanks for the tip. Saw that they are selling some Lenox in a camo design on eBay for $20 and a similar Milwaukee version. All new in the pkg. Probably reselling closeout lots there, but it's nice to have other affordable multifaceted options to explore.
You know I am getting old cause I uses to call Euell Gibbons, my survival hero who was from the 40’s - 60’s a common name in the outdoors world. Then as a adult I fallowed Kurt Saxon, Author of The poor man’s James Bond, then in the 90’s I started following James Wesley Rawles.
Great list Cliff. Definitely agree that us city slickers should include silcok key and bolt cutters. Some weight there but they are two items that could make traveling urban chaos a LOT easier
Very informative. Not really sure there is one right answer. But the real value here is making one think about what is best in their individual circumstance.
Your comment is so true. What I do is, when I’m out either fishing, hunting etc I put notes in my phone of things I needed that day that I didn’t have in my go-bag/edc. That way I can remember to include them the next time I am on that particular adventure. Each trip I carry different items based off of season of the year, time of the day, etc
Never underestimate shemag. It can be used as a bondage for fractured or injured hand, head and face basic protection, scarf, towel, add few english pins - and you have additional bag.
I include the schrade scax E5 axe as an urban breaching tool, I also include a poncho as my cover, hat, clear eye protection, goggles and N-95 masks, gloves, flashlight plus a headlamp etc.
Candles and matches. Tourniquet/ first aid, Hacksaw blade w/tape for handle.not folding saw. power bank and whistle/ spool of wire. Zip ties and rubber bands.
Bought a Grayl at REI clearance. I think it will be my primary h2o plan, boil as alternate, chem tabs as contingency, and lifestraw / frontier straw as emergency.
Documents, coded book with all your passwords, flash-drives with important info etc. if you are escaping your burning home. this is one of the most likely reasons to cause you to need an urban bag.
Personally, I think leaving the 10 C's in the kit would be the way to go. In an emergency situation you can't guarantee that you would remain in an urban setting, so having at least a basic set of wilderness equipment would give a starting point to survive.
10C's provides a great life-support checklist for all scenarios. In a City there are quite a lot green spaces that one may find themselves fleeing to. (Earthquakes may render buildings too unsafe for habitation, hence one may reside in a park). Good for going back to basics, eg - there will always be the need for water, particularly if the water mains have burst or are contaminated etc. Just gotta mould your scenario to fit your threats and evac. Great Job, very thought provoking.
Regarding blanket, tarp, contractor bags... That is for temperature control so I would say rain jacket, hat, gloves. Although I do keep contractor bags and ziplocks in car for give away make shift rain poncho and rain protection for cell phone and such. Many schoolmates have benefitted from these.
I loved watch Cliff throw the items away, so funny. Perhaps we should include Cliff as the 11th C, for morale purposes. And a deck of cards, small puzzle book and pen.
I like fence pliers instead of little bolt cutters. There is a hammer surface, a cutting tool, a prying tool, and it could work to adjust an attitude in a pinch. Act accordingly. 😉
Another C I would include in urban survival would be Charger. Having a battery bank or a few small ones to recharge your phone can be crucial for communicating with family and friends out of the disaster area to rendezvous or just make sure you are all on the way to your big out location or are stranded. Communication is such a huge thing, so having power banks or a super small power strip to charge multiple devices at once is a nice option.
Great video. I’d love to see a live stream with Dave Canterbury, Shawn Kelly from Corporal’s Corner, or Joshua Enyart from Gray Bearded Green Beret who are instructors at the pathfinder school.
The problem with Bic’s, or any standard lighter, is that the flint degrades and eventually turns to powder. It will take a few years to break down, but I would definitely keep a ferro rod as a backup.
I really think everyone should be prepared for urban and out door or wilderness survival, in some form or other. In Katrina there were people who got no help until 2 months later and their houses were destroyed and if i remember right they were living outside most of that time.
Plz be sure to include Southern State Bag. Heat effects things. Snack bars, candles, heat stroke, things that melt in your car, rain, wind etc. FL Style. The humidity is hard too.
As someone who had to rapidly evacuate her apartment one afternoon, due to a fire upstairs, I dont think any of these items would be useful except maybe the blanket. I was sitting on the ground in April with my 2 cats in their carriers so it was chilly. A neighbor brought me a blanket. I did not have a "go bag" near the door and literally grabbed the two cats and their carriers. The only other thing I could grab was my phone. In hindsight, a Go bag in my car would have been ideal. Change of clothes, money, phone, charger, and important papers would have been my preference. Pet bag with food, water, bowls, litter as we needed to stay somewhere else. The basics were needed in a city setting.
Your comment just reminded me that I should move my house Go Bags towards my front door and keep some cheaper smaller ones I've been putting together near my balcony doors inside or in one of those outdoor boxes outside on my balcony. I don't live too high up so it's an easy toss and jump if I couldn't exit through my front door. It's been a process over the years, but now I am finally putting together extra small bags on a more affordable level which contain emergency shelter kits with the rapid deploy fast set up ridgelines that fit into these roomy, rectangular waterproof Dollar Tree men's toiletry bags I found recently. Depending on how big you are, you can fit (2-4) 42-55 gallon 3 mil contractor bags in these toiletry man bags. I consider these boxes of trash bags to be a mostly useless and expensive in bulk like that in a NON-prepping sense. I have no lawn or leaves or big bulky trash to contend with. For someone on a budget or not in need of so many, but Rural King + Menards here in the Midwest sell packs of 15-20 for $10-$15 depending on the size. I believe I saw smaller packs at Ace Hardware as well. To make the contractor bags as flat as possible and pack as compact as possible, fold each piece narrow and long, then stack them on each other. Squeeze the air out with your hands then flat fold them in continual HALVES until you finally get near the end when you can roll them and cinch them tight with a small/wide rubber band. I got (2) 42 gal. ones for my kids to pack down to a 2" x 9" roll. They are a real PIA to roll up from the onset otherwise. 4'×6' kid size cheapo tarps from Harbor Freight fit in these DT toiletry bags as well. I got a 6'x8' tarp for myself (am a shorty at 5' 2") to compact down into a 6.5" x 6.5" x 2.5" rubber-banded square. That one won't fit into a toiletry bag, but it does fit into a cheapo DTree 12" x 9" x 4" small nylon backpack with the small zipper pocket in the front. The aforementioned toiletry bag also fits into this same school backpack right at the bottom. These backpacks are the extra bags I am keeping at home and at work (6 total, so I had to make them basic/affordable). The bags with shelter tarps are at my job. The 6 (balcony / door ones) at the house will have the multi use contractor bags in them until they get replaced/with tarps and/or legit good ponchos. The toiletry/emergency shelter kit bags (for the kids anyway due to the smaller 42-g contractor bags) also fit the hanks of 20 ft rapid ridgelines with bankline + carabiner attachments, of the 4 bigger plastic stakes (will eventually be replaced with 8 of thinner/lighter 3-point metal ones), (4) 1-ft red DTree bungee cords, and the small screw down tarp clips from Menards. Those are less than 3 bucks there. They sell bigger ones at Harbor Freight for about 5-6 bucks. I got a good bulk deal of emergency blankets at the Bezos store and closeout multipacks of .7 mil 9'x12' plastic sheeting drop cloths for super shelter construction action in the winter. But they sell those for a couple of bucks or less each in general. I also made a mini 'stove' that fit 10 DTree tealight candles from the metal pencil cases with the lid from there as well. If you put and light 2 of the tealights inside the cases and prop the little metal stainless steel mixing bowls from the kitchen section (binder clipped with the 1.25" wide size ones from the school supplies section), you can cook food and heat/disinfect/sanitize water in 20-50 mins. time. They sell 2 types of tealights there. The set in the 20 pk and the 30 pk. 30 pk USA-mase are garbage. Get the 20-pk India made ones. Even those last only up to 2 hrs each for burn time though. Not the 3-4 hrs the internet says tea lights tend to last. But it's DTree so no high expectations there. The good bags with the more upgraded quality stuff are always in the car along with the emgx car kit/camping items. I realized that when my car was in the shop for a few days, my bags and kit were not accessible and I am not the type to want to unload and reload all that stuff (read: lazy 😂). So I had to get creative on a budget. The mini stainless steel mix bowls hold 1.25 cups of water and the next size up holds just over 2 cups. I've also seen and got those mini survival metal tool cards there which have an extra mini blade & saw section and I threw in one of the 3 pk of the thin box cutters. Although Walmart has the 3 dollar bootleg Mora knives in the fishing section, which I really like, actually. Gotta get some more. The DTree 'premium' heavy duty black duct tape is not too bad. Stinks though. Then you have the cheap lighters there, jute twine, cotton balls/pads, Vaseline, chapstick, wood matches from the kitchen section, said duct tape plus bday candles and the tealights and you have your all-season fire kit. The makeup section has mirrored compacts for signaling or these little square beauty stick on mirrors for cellphones in the electronics section. I included the 100 lumen stick LED flashlights (which are actually pretty dang bright) and glow sticks from the kids section. So these bags are more Altoids survival tin kits on steroids, but just some ideas if you need something a little extra, quick, and cheap for you and the cats. I would consider one of those small folding, compactable luggage trolley carts that would accommodate the size of your car carriers (stacked) to free up your hands some. The one final thing I did for all these backpacks (since they are so cheap) is spray them twice with camping waterproofing spray and purchased the bankline separately. They are pretty much at 5 lbs right now and about 75% full. Also small enough to just chuck into a bigger backpack or bag if you threw in some last minute bulkier clothes together before you booked it.
If you have kids or grandkids that you deal with who are much smaller, they have the higher mil thicker trash compactor bags that are 13-gallon in size that can be used or practiced with as shelters or made into ponchos and such. They can also slip over your cat carriers with less storage and packing bulk for inclement escape weather. I don't see them anymore, but DTree used to have those single battery powered lightbulbs in the flashlight section that also flashed for signaling and the squeeze no battery powered handheld mini flashlights. I picked up a bunch of those, but they are in a bin somewhere I can't find. If they ever bring either back they're worth getting as cheapie better than zero subs before upgrades take place. The lightbulb ones come with a mini lanyard that can be carabineered onto the shelter ridgeline. Which the carabineers are sold there as well in the hardware section with the Paracord and other rope in 25-40 ft pieces.
Forgot to mention the collapsible walking/trekking sticks that Target has for a more freestanding shelter setup. Outside of dedicated sporting goods stores, those are not readily picked up in stores. Plus, they're just ~20 bucks there.
Keep the multi tool and make sure it is big enough so that you can lose the fixed blade (illegal in most States) and the saw. Leatherman P4 is a nice one as it is also light. It is my EDC.
I have a money belt with cash, passport etc in it. I keep a small extinguisher next to my bed, not to fight the fire, but to get me out of the building. In an urban area i would argue that a hack saw is better than a wood saw. Also, covid masks and hand sanitizer. If i am evacuated I might get put on a bus and taken to a shelter with other evacuees
1. Ferro rod take no space and barely weighs anything. Bics will run out of fuel. I'd still have both. 2. The Grail bottle filters the water, it doesn't purify it, which is what boiling it does. You filter for particles, purify for bacteria and pathogens. 3. 100% "Cotton" Shemagh, thats what he means. You can use a Bandana in place of it. But have you tried using a face shield as char cloth for "Next fire Mentality" which he teaches. 4. The sail needle is more durable than your sewing kit and is paired with the Bank line, 550 strands, or floss for your repairs. 5. The multi tool is still more compact and lightweight than the one your suggesting. I have a few more I'd speak on, especially with such a short video. Dave Canterbury teaches his lessons according to the "Common Man" not just any one setting. Yes, different settings require adjustment. But he's teaching everyone the simple basics to overlap and get the most out of your gear.
Great video! I look forward to your urban additions video! I use the 10 Cs for the basis of all my kits and add or subtract items as needed based on where I am; ie: Wilderness (camping) or urban/suburban. I added some items for an urban/suburban kit based on your urban EDC altoids and work bag. Keep it up!
I would leave the bulky filter at home and go for a smaller one and the stainless steel bottle. Even filtered water can contain virusses and you should if possible always boil your water. What i carry is a swiss army vulcano stove and i replaced the original aluminium bottle with a stainless steel bottle. That give me a stealthy way to cook my water and transport it after i have filtered it. Also a small crowbar is in a urban setting useable.
Love that you’re taking this on and questioning the status quo! For urban use I would add a C. Cash/cards. Some money to pay for that hotel room. How many hundreds of thousands (millions?) have been displaced by emergencies in the last decade? That seems pretty real world to me. What the average person needs is money, a phone and power for that phone. How many people NEEDED these things after hurricane sandy or the nearly annual pacific coast fires? You can what if your way into NEEDING a headlamp assembly for a 1957 Chevy. That doesn’t make it a thing everyone needs.
@@brettonjohansen1619 On some survival lists, compass is the 1st essential on top of the list. There are 2 kind of compass that you can use. The military style, and the see through map reading compasses. The military one like Cammenga, can be used to find your way, just by pointing to a random spot inside your optical field. The map compasses, can be used, for finding your place on map and so on. If you know how to use them, they are invaluable.
Have you ever watched black hawk down? Remember the scene where the guy wanted to bring stuff and the other guys told him he didn't need it? Well he needed them bc things didn't go as planned. If you can carry it and don't know how long you'll be gone bring it as long as weight, space and concealment allows for it. Blend in, be safe and survive. See you on the flipside.
Revising our BOB’s in 2025. will be browsing through Urban Prepper Channel for updates. Sadly my bic lighters have all stopped working😂. The Ferro Rods never run out of gas while in the kit. I will always carry both. Will be binging some of your vids, along with my other favorite chsnnels and will be posting a new updated bob video. All the best to you and your family in 2025.
Just to be clear, combination tool is not one of the 10. Canvas Sail Needle should be in its own category. The combination tool would fall under Cutting Instrument. Personally, in an urban environment I would exchange the Bahco for a Swiss Army Knife with a saw blade.
Love it. Think there is some middle ground like a bic lighter with the "fireant" from tortoise gear and thier firestarter that fits into a multi tools corkscrew. Helps with 2 is 1 theory. Also the boker cop tool is an awesome fixed blade alternative that gives you pry bar, serrations and a carbide pummel for escaping glass enclosures. I seek out the ultralight backpacking world to combine with military and bushcraft to help bring down weight and size. Sugru is an awesome repair item and there is a new sewing pen on the market just finishing it's Kickstarter debut. All good keep'em coming. Thank you!
Tons of videos advising you to buy so much staff that you need a camel to care it all around. Finally, something useful telling you what to throw away! :D
Depends were you live . I live in a big Town in Germany with a lot of Natur . So i have to think different. That would be the case for maybe Hamburg , Frankfurt, Berlin and Citys like that . But in Oldenburg its different.
I'm interested to know what kind of comfort item you would include, especially if you had a family member. For me it would be a pack of instant coffee.
My comfort item is a tiny copy of The SAS Survival Guide. Seriously. Yes, I'm that weird. IMO, each family member (4yo and up) should have their own go-bag, and no bag should "complement" the contents of the other bags. Each bag should act as an independent bag to secure the survival of that family member, regardless of who else is with them. When I used to go hiking/backpacking/hunting/climbing, the rule in my camp was: you do not leave this camp without the ability to survive the night, with an injured person, and the injured person is not you. That rule kind of came along with me when I developed my go-bag, only this bag will sustain me for far longer than one night.
The shemaugh scarves are nice, but be aware most of them are cotton so if they get wet they are a liability in cold conditions. I prefer a wool scarf for mixed weather conditions.
I think you eliminated a number of good redundancy items, such as the bank line and the Ferro rod. I will agree that the Paracord and bic lighters are your go-to items in the urban environment, but it you loose one or use up one, you are left high and dry. On the Ferro rod, had you paid attention to Dave Canterbury, in a Survival situation, regardless of location, if he needs a fire, he's going to the Bic lighter. The Ferro rod is there for when you have time to start a fire and want to save the lighter. It's also there for when you use up the fluid in the lighter. Personally, I carry three Bic lighters, each wrapped in (brightly colored) duct tape. This tape is apart from the gorilla tape (marking trails, etc, or when the Gorilla tape is all used). But I also carry a Ferro rod. As a first responder for the past 34 years, I learned the lesson of redundant or back up systems. It pays off when SHTF, and your primary system goes down. And eventually, it will.
Theres no doubt for n urban envir. a down sleeping bag is half the weight n size of a wool blanket n will save u when a fire is not possible. N a bivy instead of tarp. Great video. Thanks.
I think you did pretty good. I really like Dave Canterbury but I think he is a little heavy for urban environment. I would replace the heavy plastic emergency blanket with a military poncho or lightweight backpack tarp-smaller and more practical. You could probably get it in a non tactical color. I think the 550 cord can be dropped to 50 ft. in an urban area. I would chose a smart water bottle instead of the metal container. I would keep the metal camping cup. I would choose a really good pocket knife with a case you can put on your belt that is not noticeable. I would replace the headlamp with a small but good and reliable pocket flashlight. This would be lighter. I would add a small hygiene bag. You don't need a compass for an urban environment. I would replace that big military scarf with a backpacking camp towel. Replace the heavy wool blanket with either an Aegis Max or Snug pack blanket. I think the Bacho is okay since you don't have tent poles you may need to cut branches to set up shelter. Add lightweight backpacking trowel. I would add polycryo footprint. One trash bag is good. I would add a small personal concealable firearm with 15-20 rounds. If you are in the city, this is a must. Definitely replace the military looking bag with a something that looks more civilian. The big thing is you need to stay warm. What if it is 10 below? I am assuming you will have a coat if it is winter but you may want a fleece jacket, gloves, and a beanie in your pack and a super light weight rain jacket that won't make you sweat when walking. I would have a Sawyer Mini instead of that big water filter. A foam pad cut to the size of your pack (Gossamer gear thin pad might work). Combine Ultra light weight backpacking with Dave Canterbury. If you don't like firearms just carry a 22 pistol. You can get a little more ammo. I think you made good choices but I am thinking lighter load for an urban environment the better.
perimeter of a door, not diameter. You got it right the second time. If you're getting a tool that's got a "gas shut off" part of it, make sure that the tool is "non-sparking" so that trying to shut the gas off doesn't cause a static spark that blows you up instead. I really don't have a problem with a bic lighter being part of the fire kit, but there are quite a few conditions under which they don't work, particularly when wet or cold. Two conditions where you might really like to have a fire. So don't be quite that enthusiastic about throwing out that ferro rod. Having a small fire kit, like an Altoids tin with a few different tinders and extenders in it is very helpful, regardless of where you're trying to start a fire. You might even want to go one step further and carry a wood burning stove as part of your fire kit so that you have a contained place to safely make your fire. Firebox Nano might be a tiny bit more expensive than the Chineseium knockoffs, but it's a whole lot of awesome in a tiny package. Don't forget the hurricane matches either. they will sometimes work when the ferro rod and the bic lighter both fail. (not common, but it does happen) While I definitely agree with your "Have a water filter" idea, we need to take a moment to acknowledge that there's a whole lot of water in an urban setting that no amount of boiling or filtering is going to make safe to drink. There are a whole lot of oils and anti-freeze/coolant and other assorted chemicals sticking to just about everything in an urban environment, so you have to be very careful what sources you use to get your water from. All the more reason to carry one of those sillcock keys as part of your water kit. I also don't think that dumping the saw is such a great idea. You're still going to have to process whatever wood you do come across before you can burn it. Most likely source of wood in an urban setting? Furniture and pallets. The best tool for processing pallet wood into something burnable in an emergency is a saw, not an axe or pri-bars. (well, really, it's a sawsall, but the folding hand saw is the closest you'll get to that particular power tool...) And while I do love Dave Canterbury, I do disagree with his saw selection. In an emergency, you want a saw that cuts on the pull stroke only, and that's a Silky Saw, and I understand (though may be wrong) that the Bahco is a push-cut saw. Even if your saw is a push-pull cut saw, you're facing the same problems as a push cut saw, the higher likelihood of snapping the blade under stress and exhaustion as you try to push it through the cut. And the Silky is just that much faster at cutting through wood than any other saw, it's ridiculous. I also like your upgrades, like from the sail needle to a full sewing kit. Of course, Dave suggested that too if you had the space for it, but it's still a good idea. In an urban setting, if I had to choose between a neck-gaiter and a shemagh, I'd still go with the shemagh. They don't have to come in arab-shiek colors and patterns. And even if you can't find one you like online somewhere, a quick trip to the local fabric store for 38" of fabric of your choice of pattern in cotton, not expensive, and stupid simple to hem the two cut edges so it doesn't unravel. Not EXACTLY the same as a shemagh, but awfully close. I also certainly agree that the multi-tool is an EDC item, and if you're smart, your trauma-kit has another multi-tool (highly recommend the Leatherman Raptor for that kit), but beyond that, get your channellock-88s out, a molding bar is also quite useful in the urban landscape. Then there's the key ring of useful keys, elevator keys, heavy machinery keys, golf cart keys, police/taxi fleet keys, and a collection of the most common keys in the world, like the CH751 key which is used on everything from filing cabinets, lock boxes, "high security" key vaults, and a whole lot more, and the doorking key. That and a traveler's hook will get you into/out of a whole lot of places you may not be allowed to go, but need to anyway in an emergency. (please do follow all relevant laws while the system remains intact, yeah?) (oh, and if the CH751 won't open something like a cabinet, try the C415A key. it's the next most likely to work) In an Urban setting, a good lock-bypass kit is just as important as bolt cutters and fire-starters, and a basics kit can be made pretty small. (see also Deviant Ollam's talks on key'd alike and "i'll let myself in" and elevator hacking. If you're in an urban environment, you really need to LEARN how the urban environment works, how to take advantage of it, and all the many resources that are there.
Agreed on all but three things. I believe in redundancy. So bic lighters and a ferriserium rod just incase the butane runs out. Even if you can use the sparks from the bic, the sparks from the rods are far more useful. If you hate them that much, matches do work. Again single use or only double use is a pain. Your filter bottle is fine but given the need (if more than one person) to purify gallons of water, a sawyer filter and two hydration bladders works well. Three, I want as much gorilla tape as possible. I am also army so a little tiny bit of extra weight wont bother me. Especially if I am literally hiking only 2 miles or less to a staging point.
I'm so glad youtube survival kits have moved away from 15 knives, 50 ways to start a fire, 168 ways to use chapstick a glock and nothing to sleep on. But a ferris rod stays. They light just about any crap and they don't break.
Great video as usual, and yes, you got it pretty much right.... Personally, I carry and entire roll of the 1 inch gorilla tape, it's not near as heavy and bulky as an entire roll of the two inch gorilla tape.
The biggest "C" in an *urban* evacuation kit is *CASH* Have enough for one or two nights in an inexpensive hotel, and two rolls of quarters to be able to raid a vending machine for emergency snacks.
Yep! That's definitely included in the next video as a primary category.
Include enough for an expensive hotel, all the cheap beds will go first.
How much will be enough for ANY motel room if the SHTF? Will any be available at any price? Screw that, prepare to exist without shelter or the availability of vending machines until you get to your BOL whether via vehicle or on foot. If it will take more than three days on foot, about what you can carry on your back, you'll need pre-positioned caches along the way.
That said, a couple hundred bucks in small bills tucked away and maybe a bit of silver could fill holes in your preps if things haven't gotten so bad that people don't trust each other.
@@graveseeker Many places have laws against price gouging in disasters. Some even (shock!) LOWER prices because not all humans are pieces of shirt.
@@brycee.maryott8802 If you're talking about a hurricane, a forest fire or an earthquake, I agree but those aren't emergencies where your credit card isn't going to work outside the affected area. If you're looking to GOOD during a true SHTF scenario you aren't going to find a restaurant or a motel open anywhere and I'm not sure I'd want to be in either place anyway. It just advertises that you have money to desperate people. At any rate, you can pack for a motel if you like, I'll pack to ensure that I have a place to lay my head regardless of the circumstances.
Thank you for all the lessons learned a out color coding and urban survival. We have everything in the house according to the color system you gave us and icant tell you how easy it is to find, store, and upkeep. All of our supplies are very organized thanks to your vids. I would like to see you sell color boxes and buckets and especially large pouches using the color code system. It has taken me this long to get all of our supplies in order cuz its hard to find the colors. But im as happy as a lark😄
I would add 11th C - Charger for the cell phone (solar or powerbank) to this setup. Nice video btw. 😉
Start tuned for Part 3 in this series. It's definitely included.
Agree. This is a must
12th C - cocaine to stay energized and keep moving!
Make sure to have adapters for 12 volt dc and 110 ac
Cash is the most important thing for an urban environment. You can get food, water, shelter, and whatever kit you need. I'd advise a mixture of small bills and change.
I'd also add a waterproof jacket, a portable charger and a change of socks
One of the most common items found in urban environments today is hand sanitizer which can take a spark from a lighter or a Ferro rod to start a fire
I am not a fan of paracord. I actually think the tarred bankline is better in many cases than paracord. It takes up less space. You can buy bankline that will hold 350+ pounds. It is easier to knot. It doesn't absorb water like paracord can. You can make fishing nets out of the twine too.
Good points. Was it the bank line #9 that David Cantebury alway's recomended?
Nice points! I might need to reconsider now.
@@alexanderheling2057 What I've seen most recommended is #36 tarred bankline.
@@azure6392 thanks for the reply, I will be ordering that.
When I've handled bankline while making multiple rapid ridgelines with my bare hands, they and my arms felt weird/off for a period of time afterwards. If anyone is sensitive to chemicals, and has never worked with bankline before, I highly suggest wearing something like nitrile gloves when you do.
I get the same feeling with inadvertent overspray from waterproofing cans and when I come into contact with floor stripping and waxing products at work. I can only surmise it's a reaction to the chems and that it's not good.
Keep one F-rod because the liquid in a lighter can actually freeze up solid, as I found out today on a UA-cam video.
And it doesn't run out.
In case you're interested, he also has a list of "redundant c's"
5 Redundancys:
1) Spare cutting tools
2) More containers
3) 2% Iodine
4) Sharpener
5) Slingshot bands
Slingshot bands, are multiuse item. It can also be used as a Tourniquet.
The sailor needles plus upholstery thread is a great sewing kit. I've used the black upholstery thread as tripwire with a personal electronic alarm and it works great, incredibly strong stuff, from fabric store. - EDIT: and it is much lighter for setting up a big perimeter.
Comms add something that you can listen in on 1st responders, Knowing where not to go as well as where to go could save your life.
This isn't something that should go in your bag but should be kept on your person as part of your edc but a concealed carry pistol should be part of that list. As someone who works security in Seattle I've seen more assaults stabbings and shootings in the last year than I have seen in my entire life prior. Definitely something to consider especially now in these increasingly troubled times.
Add a lock picking kit, push knife (for doors) a small pry bar, small hack saw, and the bolt cutters for cutting wire fencing. Sometimes going through somewhere is easier than going around
All of these preps seem like a good idea until you have to explain to the police why you have a pack of BURGLARY TOOLS. Doubt they would understand.
Just put in the ferro rod. It's light and small anyway. When bic lighters get wet. You still have the option
Thanks for the video and PDF! Very well thought out. For people that live in earthquake country, you may wish to consider adding the following: multiple signaling devices if you become trapped (small airhorn, whistle, headlamp w. strobe feature, reflector), heavy duty gloves and chamois to protect hands and feet from shattered glass, pocket sized am-fm-noaa radio, a few face masks, a small solar charger and extra battery for your cell phone.
And always top off your vehicle with gas once you get to mid tank!
An advandage of including a mylar or vinyl bag, as well as a wool blanket, is the wind blocking properties of the mylar or vinyl. The warm wool with a windblock over it seems the best of both. No worries about sweating, wool stays warm when wet.
The mylar and wool can be joined together with safety pins or large paper clips.
@@effeojnedib7208 That would be a serious pain in the ass. A tarp, a tube tent or even a Bivvy Bag are much better solutions.
I really don't understand how wool stays warm even though its wet. I don't have wool blanket I can't experiment
@@seth9577 it's magic. Wool keeps 80% of it's heat retaining ability when it's wet. Not sure how and I don't have much need for a wool blanket in Florida.
@@effeojnedib7208 Check out binder clips in particular. A lot easier to handle if your hands are big and/or cold
In an urban kit I would really be concerned with the ability to secure things like phone, money, ID, medications. Trust me, as someone who works with homeless people they are constantly stealing things and getting their things stolen.
@@zachparade2791Those are all great ideas. Many homeless keep things inside multiple layers of clothes. They rarely keep anything in their pockets. (People often rifle through their pockets when they are asleep). I personally always thought that something like a thigh bag that attaches inside the pants was a good idea.
Your vehicle will be the best shelter In most normal situations. Even in moderate SHTF scenarios your vehicle is the best mobile shelter you have. I get that many city dwellers don’t have a vehicle but if you have one don’t overlook it’s ability to be an instant secure shelter. It will likely blend in better than a tent or tarp. Unless you drive a bright green box truck or something. Lol!
@@zachparade2791 when you are in their situation you come up with applicable solutions.
@@bbol745 I witnessed a situation in Ukraine where the vehicle and cash has been the ultimate helper you can have. Without the misery and expenses would have exponentially increased.
If nothing else it wouldn't hurt to keep the folding saw in your car for clearing downed branches or limbs from the street so you can get by.
or a take-down bow saw.
I recommend that anything you can pack in pocket, or pockets would be less conspicuous, and add to the greyman principle. As an evacuation plan it seems solid, but l would add breakfast bars, and candy. I was in a scenario where I did have to evacuate, and this is up close, and personal. Thanks again for your instruction.
I think that having a ferro rod would still be a good idea because if a lighter gets too cold they wont work or if it gets wet.
In addition to the Bic, I’d keep the ferro rod, just go with a smaller one like the Light My Fire ones, they’re very light, and they work great with the vasoline/cotton ball combo. Also if you’re not in a very cold area, a poncho liner might be a good substitute for the wool blanket. With the 12 yd duct tape, you can remove the cardboard core, then flatten the roll, to save space. Thanks for the video!
Good on you for having a urban focus, I agree a lot of the usual bug out or get home bag videos seem to have a lot of focus on retreating through the woods.
Great video. Peel out the cardboard in the gorilla tape and flatten the roll. I carry a folding saw that takes reciprocating saw blades from metal to tree pruning made by Lennox and some other companies. It has three positions as well and smaller than a Bahco. Blades are cheap, disposable and easy to find and I can cut any kind of material. Retired carpenter, been using it 25+ years,.
Thanks for the tip. Saw that they are selling some Lenox in a camo design on eBay for $20 and a similar Milwaukee version. All new in the pkg. Probably reselling closeout lots there, but it's nice to have other affordable multifaceted options to explore.
My mouth dropped when you tossed the ferro rod 😮
Right, thise things are worthless.
You certainly have some great ideas. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with us.
Thank you for going over everything again. There are a lot of people who are just now starting to prep
Alcohol stoves really SHINE in an urban environment, quiet, discreet and Alcohol especially being more prevalent😁✊🔥
You know I am getting old cause I uses to call Euell Gibbons, my survival hero who was from the 40’s - 60’s a common name in the outdoors world. Then as a adult I fallowed Kurt Saxon, Author of The poor man’s James Bond, then in the 90’s I started following James Wesley Rawles.
Stalking the Wild Asparagus
That rod is countless fires. Your Bic will last how long?
I'm happy you added the water key. most people forget about it.
Great list Cliff. Definitely agree that us city slickers should include silcok key and bolt cutters. Some weight there but they are two items that could make traveling urban chaos a LOT easier
Very informative. Not really sure there is one right answer. But the real value here is making one think about what is best in their individual circumstance.
Your comment is so true. What I do is, when I’m out either fishing, hunting etc I put notes in my phone of things I needed that day that I didn’t have in my go-bag/edc. That way I can remember to include them the next time I am on that particular adventure. Each trip I carry different items based off of season of the year, time of the day, etc
Hi Cliff! I am with you a 100% for the Buff hat. I love these so much. So versatile and comfortable!
Nice! I think they're awesome.
Never underestimate shemag. It can be used as a bondage for fractured or injured hand, head and face basic protection, scarf, towel, add few english pins - and you have additional bag.
I include the schrade scax E5 axe as an urban breaching tool, I also include a poncho as my cover, hat, clear eye protection, goggles and N-95 masks, gloves, flashlight plus a headlamp etc.
Very good substitutions for that particular scenario. 😊
Thank you, Robin!
Candles and matches. Tourniquet/ first aid, Hacksaw blade w/tape for handle.not folding saw. power bank and whistle/ spool of wire. Zip ties and rubber bands.
Bought a Grayl at REI clearance. I think it will be my primary h2o plan, boil as alternate, chem tabs as contingency, and lifestraw / frontier straw as emergency.
What was your clearance price? I have yet to see those on sale anywhere. I like having baselines to look out for.
Documents, coded book with all your passwords, flash-drives with important info etc. if you are escaping your burning home. this is one of the most likely reasons to cause you to need an urban bag.
100% agree I would make that flash-drive part of a EDC. keep it encrypted and on your keychain.
Personally, I think leaving the 10 C's in the kit would be the way to go. In an emergency situation you can't guarantee that you would remain in an urban setting, so having at least a basic set of wilderness equipment would give a starting point to survive.
As always nice informative video, straight to the point
10C's provides a great life-support checklist for all scenarios.
In a City there are quite a lot green spaces that one may find themselves fleeing to. (Earthquakes may render buildings too unsafe for habitation, hence one may reside in a park).
Good for going back to basics, eg - there will always be the need for water, particularly if the water mains have burst or are contaminated etc.
Just gotta mould your scenario to fit your threats and evac.
Great Job, very thought provoking.
One of the fastest 10 minutes I’ve watched. Nice job, thanks.
Regarding blanket, tarp, contractor bags... That is for temperature control so I would say rain jacket, hat, gloves. Although I do keep contractor bags and ziplocks in car for give away make shift rain poncho and rain protection for cell phone and such. Many schoolmates have benefitted from these.
I loved watch Cliff throw the items away, so funny. Perhaps we should include Cliff as the 11th C, for morale purposes. And a deck of cards, small puzzle book and pen.
Really like the set up. That pack looks neat. Small but large enough. While still not standing out. Nice video
Thank you so much! It's the Vanquest Trident 31.
Cliff, a great video for those of us that live in an urban environment.
I enjoy your videos and the extreme organization of everything that you do. Thank you!
I like fence pliers instead of little bolt cutters.
There is a hammer surface, a cutting tool, a prying tool, and it could work to adjust an attitude in a pinch.
Act accordingly. 😉
Just recently discovered your UA-cam channel and I love it. In looking at a lot of options, you seemed to be on my wavelink. Thanks for all you do!
I should have added I may go broke watching your channel. I think I have made 14 Amazon orders since starting to watch.
I would also like to say I love that you include a PDF with each video with links. That is invaluable to me. Much appreciated.
Living in town but in rural Canada, I opted for the Kelly Kettle Base Camp complete kit. It controls the fire but very versatile
Add zip ties and a chain that can handle decent weight in your urban bag. Binocs too.
All in on the zip ties. Chains might be too heavy to lug around.
Sunscreen ☀️ is a must for this Florida Man
I am in AZ. I keep suncreen with me at all times.
And a broad brimmed hat, mosquito net and shades!
But it doesnt start with C, so no sunscreen. Sorry.
@@kessler003 Sorry, Cunscreen and don't be caught without it in Florida sunshine,
Florida man! I saw you jump out of 3rd story window holding a typewriter and an infant, land on your feet and bolt just like a cat last week.
Fixed blade knives are illegal in some urban centers. Excellent conversion of the 10 Cs for the city/town.
I would be happy with a steak knife w a cover and a plastic fork.
Another C I would include in urban survival would be Charger. Having a battery bank or a few small ones to recharge your phone can be crucial for communicating with family and friends out of the disaster area to rendezvous or just make sure you are all on the way to your big out location or are stranded. Communication is such a huge thing, so having power banks or a super small power strip to charge multiple devices at once is a nice option.
Great video. I’d love to see a live stream with Dave Canterbury, Shawn Kelly from Corporal’s Corner, or Joshua Enyart from Gray Bearded Green Beret who are instructors at the pathfinder school.
That would be such an honor for me!
I would watch a live stream with Cliff and Josh about 9000 times in a row.
@@sethbrown5736 I just emailed Joshua. I'll reach out to the others, although I'm nervous about Dave. :)
@@sethbrown5736 I was gonna email Josh today. If you’re a GB2 member (his website), I’d love for you to do the same.
The problem with Bic’s, or any standard lighter, is that the flint degrades and eventually turns to powder. It will take a few years to break down, but I would definitely keep a ferro rod as a backup.
I really think everyone should be prepared for urban and out door or wilderness survival, in some form or other. In Katrina there were people who got no help until 2 months later and their houses were destroyed and if i remember right they were living outside most of that time.
Plz be sure to include Southern State Bag. Heat effects things. Snack bars, candles, heat stroke, things that melt in your car, rain, wind etc. FL Style. The humidity is hard too.
As always, well thought out good kit. You have helped me build good kits.
for perimeter alarm regular fishline is a lot better than trying to strip paracord. Thank you for the ideas. Stay safe and say cool
crowbar is very handy. ID is good. Suprised he didnt mention a radio or cell phone. Or a battery bank. whistles are great. oh and food.
As someone who had to rapidly evacuate her apartment one afternoon, due to a fire upstairs, I dont think any of these items would be useful except maybe the blanket. I was sitting on the ground in April with my 2 cats in their carriers so it was chilly. A neighbor brought me a blanket. I did not have a "go bag" near the door and literally grabbed the two cats and their carriers. The only other thing I could grab was my phone. In hindsight, a Go bag in my car would have been ideal. Change of clothes, money, phone, charger, and important papers would have been my preference. Pet bag with food, water, bowls, litter as we needed to stay somewhere else. The basics were needed in a city setting.
Your comment just reminded me that I should move my house Go Bags towards my front door and keep some cheaper smaller ones I've been putting together near my balcony doors inside or in one of those outdoor boxes outside on my balcony. I don't live too high up so it's an easy toss and jump if I couldn't exit through my front door.
It's been a process over the years, but now I am finally putting together extra small bags on a more affordable level which contain emergency shelter kits with the rapid deploy fast set up ridgelines that fit into these roomy, rectangular waterproof Dollar Tree men's toiletry bags I found recently.
Depending on how big you are, you can fit (2-4) 42-55 gallon 3 mil contractor bags in these toiletry man bags. I consider these boxes of trash bags to be a mostly useless and expensive in bulk like that in a NON-prepping sense. I have no lawn or leaves or big bulky trash to contend with. For someone on a budget or not in need of so many, but Rural King + Menards here in the Midwest sell packs of 15-20 for $10-$15 depending on the size. I believe I saw smaller packs at Ace Hardware as well.
To make the contractor bags as flat as possible and pack as compact as possible, fold each piece narrow and long, then stack them on each other. Squeeze the air out with your hands then flat fold them in continual HALVES until you finally get near the end when you can roll them and cinch them tight with a small/wide rubber band. I got (2) 42 gal. ones for my kids to pack down to a 2" x 9" roll. They are a real PIA to roll up from the onset otherwise.
4'×6' kid size cheapo tarps from Harbor Freight fit in these DT toiletry bags as well. I got a 6'x8' tarp for myself (am a shorty at 5' 2") to compact down into a 6.5" x 6.5" x 2.5" rubber-banded square.
That one won't fit into a toiletry bag, but it does fit into a cheapo DTree 12" x 9" x 4" small nylon backpack with the small zipper pocket in the front. The aforementioned toiletry bag also fits into this same school backpack right at the bottom. These backpacks are the extra bags I am keeping at home and at work (6 total, so I had to make them basic/affordable). The bags with shelter tarps are at my job. The 6 (balcony / door ones) at the house will have the multi use contractor bags in them until they get replaced/with tarps and/or legit good ponchos.
The toiletry/emergency shelter kit bags (for the kids anyway due to the smaller 42-g contractor bags) also fit the hanks of 20 ft rapid ridgelines with bankline + carabiner attachments, of the 4 bigger plastic stakes (will eventually be replaced with 8 of thinner/lighter 3-point metal ones), (4) 1-ft red DTree bungee cords, and the small screw down tarp clips from Menards. Those are less than 3 bucks there. They sell bigger ones at Harbor Freight for about 5-6 bucks. I got a good bulk deal of emergency blankets at the Bezos store and closeout multipacks of .7 mil 9'x12' plastic sheeting drop cloths for super shelter construction action in the winter. But they sell those for a couple of bucks or less each in general.
I also made a mini 'stove' that fit 10 DTree tealight candles from the metal pencil cases with the lid from there as well. If you put and light 2 of the tealights inside the cases and prop the little metal stainless steel mixing bowls from the kitchen section (binder clipped with the 1.25" wide size ones from the school supplies section), you can cook food and heat/disinfect/sanitize water in 20-50 mins. time.
They sell 2 types of tealights there. The set in the 20 pk and the 30 pk. 30 pk USA-mase are garbage. Get the 20-pk India made ones. Even those last only up to 2 hrs each for burn time though. Not the 3-4 hrs the internet says tea lights tend to last. But it's DTree so no high expectations there.
The good bags with the more upgraded quality stuff are always in the car along with the emgx car kit/camping items.
I realized that when my car was in the shop for a few days, my bags and kit were not accessible and I am not the type to want to unload and reload all that stuff (read: lazy 😂). So I had to get creative on a budget.
The mini stainless steel mix bowls hold 1.25 cups of water and the next size up holds just over 2 cups.
I've also seen and got those mini survival metal tool cards there which have an extra mini blade & saw section and I threw in one of the 3 pk of the thin box cutters. Although Walmart has the 3 dollar bootleg Mora knives in the fishing section, which I really like, actually. Gotta get some more.
The DTree 'premium' heavy duty black duct tape is not too bad. Stinks though. Then you have the cheap lighters there, jute twine, cotton balls/pads, Vaseline, chapstick, wood matches from the kitchen section, said duct tape plus bday candles and the tealights and you have your all-season fire kit.
The makeup section has mirrored compacts for signaling or these little square beauty stick on mirrors for cellphones in the electronics section. I included the 100 lumen stick LED flashlights (which are actually pretty dang bright) and glow sticks from the kids section.
So these bags are more Altoids survival tin kits on steroids, but just some ideas if you need something a little extra, quick, and cheap for you and the cats. I would consider one of those small folding, compactable luggage trolley carts that would accommodate the size of your car carriers (stacked) to free up your hands some.
The one final thing I did for all these backpacks (since they are so cheap) is spray them twice with camping waterproofing spray and purchased the bankline separately. They are pretty much at 5 lbs right now and about 75% full. Also small enough to just chuck into a bigger backpack or bag if you threw in some last minute bulkier clothes together before you booked it.
If you have kids or grandkids that you deal with who are much smaller, they have the higher mil thicker trash compactor bags that are 13-gallon in size that can be used or practiced with as shelters or made into ponchos and such. They can also slip over your cat carriers with less storage and packing bulk for inclement escape weather.
I don't see them anymore, but DTree used to have those single battery powered lightbulbs in the flashlight section that also flashed for signaling and the squeeze no battery powered handheld mini flashlights. I picked up a bunch of those, but they are in a bin somewhere I can't find.
If they ever bring either back they're worth getting as cheapie better than zero subs before upgrades take place. The lightbulb ones come with a mini lanyard that can be carabineered onto the shelter ridgeline. Which the carabineers are sold there as well in the hardware section with the Paracord and other rope in 25-40 ft pieces.
Forgot to mention the collapsible walking/trekking sticks that Target has for a more freestanding shelter setup. Outside of dedicated sporting goods stores, those are not readily picked up in stores. Plus, they're just ~20 bucks there.
Keep the multi tool and make sure it is big enough so that you can lose the fixed blade (illegal in most States) and the saw. Leatherman P4 is a nice one as it is also light. It is my EDC.
I have a money belt with cash, passport etc in it. I keep a small extinguisher next to my bed, not to fight the fire, but to get me out of the building. In an urban area i would argue that a hack saw is better than a wood saw. Also, covid masks and hand sanitizer. If i am evacuated I might get put on a bus and taken to a shelter with other evacuees
1. Ferro rod take no space and barely weighs anything. Bics will run out of fuel. I'd still have both.
2. The Grail bottle filters the water, it doesn't purify it, which is what boiling it does. You filter for particles, purify for bacteria and pathogens.
3. 100% "Cotton" Shemagh, thats what he means. You can use a Bandana in place of it. But have you tried using a face shield as char cloth for "Next fire Mentality" which he teaches.
4. The sail needle is more durable than your sewing kit and is paired with the Bank line, 550 strands, or floss for your repairs.
5. The multi tool is still more compact and lightweight than the one your suggesting.
I have a few more I'd speak on, especially with such a short video.
Dave Canterbury teaches his lessons according to the "Common Man" not just any one setting. Yes, different settings require adjustment. But he's teaching everyone the simple basics to overlap and get the most out of your gear.
Great video! I look forward to your urban additions video! I use the 10 Cs for the basis of all my kits and add or subtract items as needed based on where I am; ie: Wilderness (camping) or urban/suburban. I added some items for an urban/suburban kit based on your urban EDC altoids and work bag. Keep it up!
Great video, great info. Dave is great been following him for over a decade now. Thanks for covering something like this, great ideas!
I have a loaded out urban pack myself. Handy stuff
I would leave the bulky filter at home and go for a smaller one and the stainless steel bottle.
Even filtered water can contain virusses and you should if possible always boil your water.
What i carry is a swiss army vulcano stove and i replaced the original aluminium bottle with a stainless steel bottle. That give me a stealthy way to cook my water and transport it after i have filtered it.
Also a small crowbar is in a urban setting useable.
I would put a change of clothes in the bag just in case someone is following you
If there is bad weather and you are not going to get somewhere to get dry and or warm
Love that you’re taking this on and questioning the status quo!
For urban use I would add a C. Cash/cards. Some money to pay for that hotel room.
How many hundreds of thousands (millions?) have been displaced by emergencies in the last decade? That seems pretty real world to me.
What the average person needs is money, a phone and power for that phone. How many people NEEDED these things after hurricane sandy or the nearly annual pacific coast fires?
You can what if your way into NEEDING a headlamp assembly for a 1957 Chevy. That doesn’t make it a thing everyone needs.
Here are MY 10 Cs of Urban (or Suburban) Survival.
Just thought I'd share:
Communication (Phone/Charger/Pen/Paper),
Coin/Currency/Credit Cards,
Container (Water Bottle),
Candle (Flashlight),
Cutting Tool (Pocket Knife),
Combustion Device (Lighter),
Cover (Clothes/Jacket/Gloves/Hat/Etc),
Cards (DL/IDs/Wallet/Etc)
Combination Tool,
Compass
awesome but what good is a compass? At least not worthy to be in a top ten essential list
@@brettonjohansen1619 On some survival lists, compass is the 1st essential on top of the list. There are 2 kind of compass that you can use. The military style, and the see through map reading compasses. The military one like Cammenga, can be used to find your way, just by pointing to a random spot inside your optical field. The map compasses, can be used, for finding your place on map and so on. If you know how to use them, they are invaluable.
It tells me which way I need to go in an unfamiliar city when walking, for example.
Have you ever watched black hawk down? Remember the scene where the guy wanted to bring stuff and the other guys told him he didn't need it? Well he needed them bc things didn't go as planned. If you can carry it and don't know how long you'll be gone bring it as long as weight, space and concealment allows for it. Blend in, be safe and survive. See you on the flipside.
Good idea to have a fully packed suitcase one urban survival bag and one wilderness survival bag 👍
Love your alt kit. We need more recommendations like these!
Thank you for all you do. You help more than you know.
Revising our BOB’s in 2025. will be browsing through Urban Prepper Channel for updates. Sadly my bic lighters have all stopped working😂. The Ferro Rods never run out of gas while in the kit. I will always carry both.
Will be binging some of your vids, along with my other favorite chsnnels and will be posting a new updated bob video. All the best to you and your family in 2025.
Just to be clear, combination tool is not one of the 10. Canvas Sail Needle should be in its own category. The combination tool would fall under Cutting Instrument. Personally, in an urban environment I would exchange the Bahco for a Swiss Army Knife with a saw blade.
Love it. Think there is some middle ground like a bic lighter with the "fireant" from tortoise gear and thier firestarter that fits into a multi tools corkscrew. Helps with 2 is 1 theory. Also the boker cop tool is an awesome fixed blade alternative that gives you pry bar, serrations and a carbide pummel for escaping glass enclosures. I seek out the ultralight backpacking world to combine with military and bushcraft to help bring down weight and size. Sugru is an awesome repair item and there is a new sewing pen on the market just finishing it's Kickstarter debut. All good keep'em coming. Thank you!
Tons of videos advising you to buy so much staff that you need a camel to care it all around. Finally, something useful telling you what to throw away! :D
@6:05 what is a smog? I've seen them I think but anyone know how to find these?? triedl ooking it up but can't find em.
Schemagh ... or thereabouts.
Depends were you live . I live in a big Town in Germany with a lot of Natur . So i have to think different. That would be the case for maybe Hamburg , Frankfurt, Berlin and Citys like that . But in Oldenburg its different.
A spark wheel could be useful. The bank line can also be split in several smaller ropes.
I'm interested to know what kind of comfort item you would include, especially if you had a family member. For me it would be a pack of instant coffee.
My comfort item is a tiny copy of The SAS Survival Guide. Seriously. Yes, I'm that weird. IMO, each family member (4yo and up) should have their own go-bag, and no bag should "complement" the contents of the other bags. Each bag should act as an independent bag to secure the survival of that family member, regardless of who else is with them.
When I used to go hiking/backpacking/hunting/climbing, the rule in my camp was: you do not leave this camp without the ability to survive the night, with an injured person, and the injured person is not you. That rule kind of came along with me when I developed my go-bag, only this bag will sustain me for far longer than one night.
The shemaugh scarves are nice, but be aware most of them are cotton so if they get wet they are a liability in cold conditions. I prefer a wool scarf for mixed weather conditions.
Project Farm did a test of the major duct tape brands. Gorilla Tape came on top. That's why I edc it taped around the handle of my bic.
I carry an expired credit card with about 12 width-ways wraps of 1-inch Gorilla Tape and the same of 1.88-inch Gorilla Tape.
@@TheNightowl001 that's another good idea.
11th. C of Survival: Common Sense
This was really good. I'm looking forward to more of these.
I think you eliminated a number of good redundancy items, such as the bank line and the Ferro rod.
I will agree that the Paracord and bic lighters are your go-to items in the urban environment, but it you loose one or use up one, you are left high and dry.
On the Ferro rod, had you paid attention to Dave Canterbury, in a Survival situation, regardless of location, if he needs a fire, he's going to the Bic lighter.
The Ferro rod is there for when you have time to start a fire and want to save the lighter. It's also there for when you use up the fluid in the lighter.
Personally, I carry three Bic lighters, each wrapped in (brightly colored) duct tape. This tape is apart from the gorilla tape (marking trails, etc, or when the Gorilla tape is all used). But I also carry a Ferro rod.
As a first responder for the past 34 years, I learned the lesson of redundant or back up systems. It pays off when SHTF, and your primary system goes down. And eventually, it will.
Theres no doubt for n urban envir. a down sleeping bag is half the weight n size of a wool blanket n will save u when a fire is not possible. N a bivy instead of tarp. Great video. Thanks.
I think you did pretty good. I really like Dave Canterbury but I think he is a little heavy for urban environment. I would replace the heavy plastic emergency blanket with a military poncho or lightweight backpack tarp-smaller and more practical. You could probably get it in a non tactical color. I think the 550 cord can be dropped to 50 ft. in an urban area. I would chose a smart water bottle instead of the metal container. I would keep the metal camping cup. I would choose a really good pocket knife with a case you can put on your belt that is not noticeable. I would replace the headlamp with a small but good and reliable pocket flashlight. This would be lighter. I would add a small hygiene bag. You don't need a compass for an urban environment. I would replace that big military scarf with a backpacking camp towel. Replace the heavy wool blanket with either an Aegis Max or Snug pack blanket. I think the Bacho is okay since you don't have tent poles you may need to cut branches to set up shelter. Add lightweight backpacking trowel. I would add polycryo footprint. One trash bag is good. I would add a small personal concealable firearm with 15-20 rounds. If you are in the city, this is a must. Definitely replace the military looking bag with a something that looks more civilian. The big thing is you need to stay warm. What if it is 10 below? I am assuming you will have a coat if it is winter but you may want a fleece jacket, gloves, and a beanie in your pack and a super light weight rain jacket that won't make you sweat when walking. I would have a Sawyer Mini instead of that big water filter. A foam pad cut to the size of your pack (Gossamer gear thin pad might work). Combine Ultra light weight backpacking with Dave Canterbury. If you don't like firearms just carry a 22 pistol. You can get a little more ammo. I think you made good choices but I am thinking lighter load for an urban environment the better.
Great video about what is most used in an urban bug our bag.Thank you for sharing this informative video.
perimeter of a door, not diameter. You got it right the second time.
If you're getting a tool that's got a "gas shut off" part of it, make sure that the tool is "non-sparking" so that trying to shut the gas off doesn't cause a static spark that blows you up instead.
I really don't have a problem with a bic lighter being part of the fire kit, but there are quite a few conditions under which they don't work, particularly when wet or cold. Two conditions where you might really like to have a fire. So don't be quite that enthusiastic about throwing out that ferro rod. Having a small fire kit, like an Altoids tin with a few different tinders and extenders in it is very helpful, regardless of where you're trying to start a fire. You might even want to go one step further and carry a wood burning stove as part of your fire kit so that you have a contained place to safely make your fire. Firebox Nano might be a tiny bit more expensive than the Chineseium knockoffs, but it's a whole lot of awesome in a tiny package. Don't forget the hurricane matches either. they will sometimes work when the ferro rod and the bic lighter both fail. (not common, but it does happen)
While I definitely agree with your "Have a water filter" idea, we need to take a moment to acknowledge that there's a whole lot of water in an urban setting that no amount of boiling or filtering is going to make safe to drink. There are a whole lot of oils and anti-freeze/coolant and other assorted chemicals sticking to just about everything in an urban environment, so you have to be very careful what sources you use to get your water from. All the more reason to carry one of those sillcock keys as part of your water kit.
I also don't think that dumping the saw is such a great idea. You're still going to have to process whatever wood you do come across before you can burn it. Most likely source of wood in an urban setting? Furniture and pallets. The best tool for processing pallet wood into something burnable in an emergency is a saw, not an axe or pri-bars. (well, really, it's a sawsall, but the folding hand saw is the closest you'll get to that particular power tool...) And while I do love Dave Canterbury, I do disagree with his saw selection. In an emergency, you want a saw that cuts on the pull stroke only, and that's a Silky Saw, and I understand (though may be wrong) that the Bahco is a push-cut saw. Even if your saw is a push-pull cut saw, you're facing the same problems as a push cut saw, the higher likelihood of snapping the blade under stress and exhaustion as you try to push it through the cut. And the Silky is just that much faster at cutting through wood than any other saw, it's ridiculous.
I also like your upgrades, like from the sail needle to a full sewing kit. Of course, Dave suggested that too if you had the space for it, but it's still a good idea.
In an urban setting, if I had to choose between a neck-gaiter and a shemagh, I'd still go with the shemagh. They don't have to come in arab-shiek colors and patterns. And even if you can't find one you like online somewhere, a quick trip to the local fabric store for 38" of fabric of your choice of pattern in cotton, not expensive, and stupid simple to hem the two cut edges so it doesn't unravel. Not EXACTLY the same as a shemagh, but awfully close.
I also certainly agree that the multi-tool is an EDC item, and if you're smart, your trauma-kit has another multi-tool (highly recommend the Leatherman Raptor for that kit), but beyond that, get your channellock-88s out, a molding bar is also quite useful in the urban landscape. Then there's the key ring of useful keys, elevator keys, heavy machinery keys, golf cart keys, police/taxi fleet keys, and a collection of the most common keys in the world, like the CH751 key which is used on everything from filing cabinets, lock boxes, "high security" key vaults, and a whole lot more, and the doorking key. That and a traveler's hook will get you into/out of a whole lot of places you may not be allowed to go, but need to anyway in an emergency. (please do follow all relevant laws while the system remains intact, yeah?) (oh, and if the CH751 won't open something like a cabinet, try the C415A key. it's the next most likely to work)
In an Urban setting, a good lock-bypass kit is just as important as bolt cutters and fire-starters, and a basics kit can be made pretty small. (see also Deviant Ollam's talks on key'd alike and "i'll let myself in" and elevator hacking. If you're in an urban environment, you really need to LEARN how the urban environment works, how to take advantage of it, and all the many resources that are there.
I learned some new things here. Thank you.
Agreed on all but three things. I believe in redundancy. So bic lighters and a ferriserium rod just incase the butane runs out. Even if you can use the sparks from the bic, the sparks from the rods are far more useful. If you hate them that much, matches do work. Again single use or only double use is a pain. Your filter bottle is fine but given the need (if more than one person) to purify gallons of water, a sawyer filter and two hydration bladders works well. Three, I want as much gorilla tape as possible. I am also army so a little tiny bit of extra weight wont bother me. Especially if I am literally hiking only 2 miles or less to a staging point.
A lockpicking kit might also be a good idea.
I'm so glad youtube survival kits have moved away from 15 knives, 50 ways to start a fire, 168 ways to use chapstick a glock and nothing to sleep on.
But a ferris rod stays. They light just about any crap and they don't break.
Very well thought out video.
No self defense items? It should be a must in an urban shtf situation.
Great video as usual, and yes, you got it pretty much right.... Personally, I carry and entire roll of the 1 inch gorilla tape, it's not near as heavy and bulky as an entire roll of the two inch gorilla tape.
Gorilla tape always came unglued when it gets a little wet, use real duct tape. It handles mosture well and was made to handle it.
#11 Care kit- toilet paper, chapstick, toothbrush, basic first aid kit.