It doesn’t matter why you want to be prepared, or what you’re preparing for.

Maybe you’re worried about the Yellowstone Caldera, otherwise know as the Yellowstone Super-volcano.

Is there a comet out there aiming for earth?

Are we humans stupid enough to engage in mutually assured annihilation?If you’re a self-reliant survivalist, you already value the head start you’ll have if your survival backpack is ready to go.

The following advice isn’t for those who plan to huddle in their basements with their canned food and bottled water until the electricity comes back on.

You know better. The electricity isn’t coming back on….

What will you need?

You’ll need the bare essentials for survival that you can carry with you. Your survival backpack needs to be lightweight, waterproof, and manageable to carry over long distances.

The following list is alphabetical.

Bandana

It’s not just a fashion statement. Bandanas will protect you from the sun and dust, can keep you cool when soaked in water, and can be used as bandages or bindings.

Basic Rope

Paracord is popular, easy to find, and relatively inexpensive.

Climbing Rope

Pack 50-100 feet of climbing rope with climbing carabiners.

Collapsible shovel

Compass

Unless you’re good at finding moss on the north side of trees, a compass will help to navigate with confidence.

Fire

Like the cavemen said, “Fire good.” To make sure you’re able to spark a flame for warmth or for cooking, pack waterproof matches, a pack of Bic lighters, some tinder cubes, a magnesium fire-starting tool, and an emergency stove with fuel tabs.

Firearm/Ammunition

You’re already a survivalist. You’ll have the best survival backpack around. And you already know and own firearms. If not, get some, and get some training. You’ll want a pistol and a long arm.

If you can only take one, a pump-action shotgun will take down game of all sizes. Ammunition is heavy, and you’re trying to travel light.

Take as much as you can comfortably fit and carry.

You’re not out for target practice.  You’re a hunter.

First Aid Kit

Include anti-diarrhea medicine, antacid tablets, antibiotic cream, sunscreen and lip ointment, an assortment of different bandages including some butterfly closures, Ibuprofen, assorted gauze dressings, safety pins, tweezers, scissors, medical adhesive tape, at least one cold compress, and a first aid guide.

Flashlight and Batteries

You should also include in your “light readiness” section at least two emergency candles and two 12-hour light sticks.

Food

You can’t lug your canned goods along with you, but you should bring some energy bars. And you can treat yourself a little. Bring along a few instant soup packets, a few tea bags, and a few sugar packets. Nuts, chocolate and peanut butter are packed with calories for energy and can also be used for bait in animal traps.

Knives

One of your most critical survival tools, a quality survival knife will help with hunting, wood collection, and even defense, if it comes to that. Fixed blade knives are sturdiest, and a straight edge is generally better than serrated. A folding knife will serve you well as a back-up if you lose your first-string blade

Maps

Include maps of not only your local area, but nearby and further out. Store them in zip lock bags. You need to know not only where you’re going but where you are. Depending on the disaster, the usual landmarks may no longer be there.

Personal Hygiene

We may be animals, but we’re not savages. Bring along a razor, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and a toothbrush in a case, and if you or one of your party is female, don’t forget sanitary pads or tampons.

Radiation Protection

We’re talking about the end-of-the world here. The threat of radiation can become very real very quickly. Thyroid blocking potassium iodide tablets are your best protection in the case of nuclear annihilation, provided you survive the blast.

Shoes

Make sure you have a pair of hiking boots that you’ve already broken in. Blisters may not be a big deal in the normal world, but you’re not planning for a walk to the store.

Sleeping Bag/Collapsible Tent

There are many lightweight collapsible tents that can fit four yet fold down to a manageable size which can be easily attached to the exterior of your survival backpack.

Socks and underwear

Dry clothes are critical not only for your comfort, but for preventing foot infections as well. How you gonna get away if you can’t walk?

Water

Water weighs about eight pounds per gallon. That being said, without water we die. A one quart canteen is the most you should take with you, but what then? You need water-purification tabs, also known as iodine tablets. If you come across a babbling brook and the water is clear, go ahead and use the tabs. If it’s cloudy, foggy, dirty, smelly or discolored, you need to filter it first. You may want to consider buying a water purification jug and filter.

Whistle

This is not to suggest that you “whistle while you work,” although it couldn’t hurt. But do bring a police whistle for each member of your party in case you get separated.

Work Gloves

No doubt about it – you’ll be working with your hands. Why deal with painful blisters that could get infected? It can’t hurt to be prepared with the best survival backpack you can put together, but it can give you peace of mind knowing you’re ready to give it your best shot should the unthinkable, or as some believe, the inevitable, happen.