30 Things to Pack in Your Vintage Military Duffle Bag

Whether you’re putting together a go bag or a bug out bag, for your use for a military duffle bag, a vintage option will have you prepping in style.

But we should respect function over form, so forget the cool factor for a minute. Here are 30 things you should pack in your duffle bag so you’re as prepared as you can be for the widest range of unforeseen circumstances.

1.  Knife

This is the most basic of all prepper supplies and there is a good reason that a knife is item number one on most EDC loadouts.

2.  Multi tool

A multi tool will cover your other bases. It should have some basic functions like pliers, scissors, saws, files, bit drivers, and other basics.

3.  A pry tool

You never know when you might need to open a can or pry something else up, and you don’t want to use the point of your knife.

4.  Flashlight

This is another indispensable item on most EDC loadouts. A light with several functions and a good IP rating will serve you best, all things considered.

5.  Spare batteries

You’ll want spare batteries, not just for your flashlight, but for any other electronic devices you bring along.

6.  A lighter

A lighter is not just useful for lighting fires, but can be used to light candles and for other sundry applications. It’s best to carry more than one.

7. Fire starters

In addition to a lighter, you should carry other fire starters such as matches and ferro rods, which will offer you thousands of uses before they need to be replaced, and which can be effective at getting a fire started even in adverse conditions.

8. A pen and notepad

We say if it’s worth remembering it’s worth writing down. Keep a pen with you along with a notepad for that reason. There are some notepads you can get that are waterproof as well.

9. Chargers and charging blocks

You’ll have your phone with you, and you may have other electronics like a laptop or headphones. Bring along a charger for each of these as well as a charging block so you are always prepared.

10. Power banks

A charger is good but not much use if you don’t have access to a power source. Bring along at least one fully-charged power bank, preferably of 10,000mAh or higher (a 5000mAh charger will barely get you a single iPhone charge).

11. A watch

You have a clock on your phone but two is one and one is none. Bring a spare.

12. A compass

Hopefully you never need to pull your compass out, but if you do, it can help orient you without the need for an external power source.

13. A hat

Even if you don’t wear hats routinely, it’s better to have one and not need it than to wish you had it and the opposite to be true.

14. Sunglasses

Sunglasses can protect you from glare in the summer and also offer a modicum of protection to your eyes otherwise.

15. Gloves

Gloves can protect your hands from injury when you are working manually and will also protect you against cold temperatures.

16. A bandana or shemagh scarf

Bandanas (or just a shemagh scarf) have a ton of practical uses. For more information, see our previous post, Why Your Bug-Out Bag Should Contain a Shemagh Scarf.

17. Cordage

Paracord is a good option, but either way, cordage has innumerable survival uses, from constructing shelters to improvising bootlaces.

18. A wool blanket

Your vintage military duffle bag should have room for a wool blanket, which will maintain its thermal insulation even if it gets wet.

19. Vaseline

Vaseline, like cordage, has a ton of different uses, ranging from soothing minor chafing to serving as a general purpose lubricant.

20. Duct tape

Our notes for vaseline are effectively the same here. Duct tape has tons of uses. Carry it.

21. Salt

The two best uses for salt are as a topical disinfectant and for seasoning. Both make it valuable to pack just a bit in your duffle.

22. Basic first aid essentials

 

Bandages, topical disinfectant, sunscreen, itch relief, bug repellent, and sterile wipes and gauze are a good place to start. Some over the counter painkillers and other medications may also prove valuable.

23. Basic toiletries

A toothbrush and toothpaste, some toilet paper, and other basic toiletries will serve you well in your bug out bag.

24. A sewing kit

Some needles and thread are all you should need and these will help you fix up a tear if you ever have to deal with one.

25. Medical or athletic tape

Both medical and athletic tape have many uses and should find a place in your duffle bag.

26. A collapsible/portable stove

There are portable stoves you can get that fold down to the size of a deck of cards and which can burn sticks, twigs and whatever else you can find.

27. An emergency radio

An emergency radio will not just provide you with a lifeline if the power goes out, and with entertainment, but some have cranks or small solar panels that can be used to store power as a bank.

28. Some water and imperishable foods

This should go without saying but you should have some water and dry goods with you. In this category you should also have some water treatment tablets or else something like a lifestraw.

29. Some cash

It’s always good to have a little cash on you, along with some necessary forms of ID.

30. Diversions

Lastly, you should always have at least a small diversion in your vintage military duffle. A pack of cards or a folding checkers or chess board will offer you endless opportunities for recreation.

Here for a Military Duffle Bag? Vintage Is the Way to Go

If you’re thinking about getting a military duffle bag, vintage is a good option because it is classic and might be able to save you money.

We can help with that, and we have prepper supplies you can use to stock the bag. Explore options here and get in touch with us if you have any questions.