INCH Bag – Why You Should Have One? [COMPLETE CHECKLIST  INCLUDED]

An INCH bag should have everything you need to keep you warm and dry, especially at night. Here are a few things you must include to have a temporary secure shelter during emergencies:

• Tent - When you're out in the wilderness, a tent is a must-have for shelter. Don't waste precious space in your backpack by trying to cram it in there - instead, hitch it up to the outside with a handy loop or belt. 
• Tarp - Don't forget to bring a tarp for your outdoor adventure - it's like a superhero in your backpack! It's compact, lightweight, and can transform into a variety of shelter setups. With a tarp, you can be a pro at creating shelter in no time.
• Sleeping bag or pad - You absolutely need an INCH bag to house your trusty sleeping bag, whether you go solo or want some extra snuggles. Setting up, packing up and making a run for it is a breeze with a sleeping bag. Don't snooze on this essential piece of gear! And if you're braving the winter chill, make sure you've got a tent with a good temperature rating and a sturdy, closed-cell foam sleeping pad (or a fancy inflatable one, if you're feeling fancy).

In order to make it through those bone-chilling nights and cook up some grub, you gotta have some fire-making gear on hand. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to stoke those flames:

• Ferro Rods - If you're looking to ignite a flame, why not give a Ferro rod a try? Not only is it waterproof (so no worries about soggy matches), but it's also a champ in chilly temps. Plus, you won't have to worry about lugging around extra fuel. And to top it off, this bad boy heats up in a snap.
• Matches or lighters - When it comes to survival gear, a BIC lighter is like a trusty sidekick that you should never leave home without. After all, you don't want to be left in the dark when your Ferro rod fizzles out or your matches go up in smoke. So, why not stash a couple of BIC lighters in your INCH backpack? And if you're feeling nostalgic, you can always opt for some good old-fashioned matches too. Don't worry about space, because you can pack a bunch of them without consuming much.

If you're planning to survive on your own, make sure you've got your own stash of food and water, and don't forget to pack the essentials in your INCH kit. These items are non-negotiable, so don't even try to argue: you'll need them to stay alive.

• Utensils - This includes a spoon, fork, and plate or any container for food.
• Packed emergency food - Make sure your INCH bag has enough food supplies that will last for a week or so. This includes nuts, oatmeal, protein bars chocolates and candies, meal replacement powders, tea or coffee sachets, hydration packs, and other packed foods you can conveniently fit into the bag.
• Portable cooking set - Don't forget to pack your dining and cooking gear for your INCH bag. We all know raw meat is a no-go, so whip out that pot and get cooking! If you haven't already, invest in a handy portable cooking set or a mess kit to make your cooking experience a breeze.
• Water bottle made of stainless steel - If you're stocking up on water, you gotta have a place to stash it. But let's be real, how are you gonna drink from those massive containers? Fear not, my friend. Stainless steel or metal water bottles are the answer to your hydration problems. Plus, they can double as a cooking pot for boiling water. Skip the plastic bottles because they're loaded with sketchy chemicals. Stainless steel won't leach any of that nonsense, even if you fill 'em with hot drinks.
• Water filter or water purification tablets - When it comes to getting clean water, you can't afford to leave any stones unturned. One of the easiest ways to do that is by using a trusty water filter. You never know what kind of nasties might be lurking in your H2O, but a filter can help you dodge that bullet. And if you're not a fan of boiling water, you can always try out some fancy purification pills. They come in these neat little vials that can slide right into your INCH bag without taking up too much space.

Another vital aspect to ponder upon is how to stay alive by means of hunting and fishing. And let's face it, we're not talking about a trip to the local grocery store here!

• Traps and nets - When braving the great outdoors, a dependable source of sustenance is crucial, making hunting nets and traps a wise choice. And don't worry about getting fancy - a simple paracord net will do the trick just fine.
• Bows and arrows - If you're planning to go hunting, you'll need a trusty bow - a takedown, recurve, or longbow will do the trick. The 45-pound survival takedown bow is the most practical option. A conventional bow is the way to go as it's lighter than a compound bow and can be fixed in the field if necessary. Don't forget to pack at least six carbon arrows - they're both strong and lightweight. If you're aiming to shoot off the shelf, go for feathered arrows. Bring as many small game points as arrows, and also at least four bigger game points. For bigger animals, it's best to use fixed broadhead arrow tips as they're more resilient.
• Cast and Gill Nets - If you're looking to catch some fish in a lake, coast, or slow-moving river, a cast net could be the way to go. While gill nets are great, they're more suited to places with a current, like a river. Plus, don't forget that since most gill nets are made of monofilament lines, they'll eventually start to wear down. Don't let your nets become a fisherman's fashion faux-pas!
• Fishing line and rod - When it comes to fishing, the braided line is the way to go. It's versatile and user-friendly, so don't forget to pack 300 yards of 35-pound strength line and 300 yards of braided 65-pound line. Plus, who needs a grocery store when you can catch your own dinner on the go? This will let you repair your gill or cast nets too. Fishing rods are also nice to have for any adventurer. They're small, sturdy, and a breeze to use. If you're worried about space, opt for a compact fishing rod like those used for ice fishing. Don't let a big fishing rod weigh you down on your travels!
• Hooks - If you're looking for hooks that last, go big or go home. Those tiny hooks just can't handle the weight of a big fish. And if you're the type to let your line chill out overnight, circle hooks are your best bet for snagging that catch of the day. Trust me, your fishing game will thank you.

To simplify your life out in the wilderness, it's essential to have these navigation components in your kit:

• Watch or GPS tracker - If you're on the lookout for a watch that can aid in your navigation, a GPS watch might just do the trick. However, keep in mind that these watches should only serve as a Plan B. Putting all your faith in it would be futile in case of an EMP attack. So, make sure you choose a GPS watch that fits your navigation needs like a glove.
• Maps - It would behoove you to acquire a topographic map of the area, my friend. Not only will it aid in devising routes and identifying safety zones, but it will also allow you to select the most optimal locations to pitch your tent. And should you happen to wander too far from camp in your explorations, fear not - the map will guide you back to safety.
• Compass - Having a compass and knowing how to use it can be a lifesaver, especially when combined with a map. For those who like to take their navigation game up a notch, a mirror compass is the way to go. Make sure to invest in a tough and waterproof compass that can withstand any rough terrain. And if you're feeling extra cautious, keep a couple of air-filled button compasses as backup. Trust us, it's better to be safe than sorry!

In your INCH bag, don't forget to pack items that aid in group communication. It's crucial to carry at least one of the following communication tools:

• Talking device like a walkie-talkie - When your phone is on a permanent break or the signal is playing hide-and-seek, two-way radios, also called walkie-talkies, come in handy. Not to mention, they can cover vast distances. And the cherry on top? The battery life will outlive that of your beloved smartphone. So, grab those walkie-talkies and get talking!
• Phone - In case of a catastrophic disaster, it's a smart move to keep a functional phone handy for communication purposes, until it's no longer worth keeping or gets damaged. It's better to be safe than sorry, right?
• Radio - Don't be left in the dark about what's going on outside! A trusty radio can keep you in the know and tuned in to any important alerts. Go old-school with a hand crank radio or grab an AA battery-powered option for backup. Stay connected, stay informed!

Don't forget to bring along your medical supplies, as you can never tell when you or your loved ones need them!

• First aid kit - This includes band-aids, gauze pad, dental and oral kits, secure bandages, compression bandages, antiseptic solutions and wipes, sutures and needles, cotton, scissors, and tweezers.

Pain relievers and antibiotic medications - If your body is acting up, it's wise to have a stash of medicine on hand. Don't forget to also keep some painkillers in your first aid kit for those unexpected boo-boos.

It's wise to pack some alternative power sources to keep your gadgets in full tank while you’re out in the wilderness. Don't forget to add these essential items to your INCH bag and avoid being left in the dark ages.

• Solar lantern - If you're in a location with no power source, don't be left in the dark - grab yourself a pocket-sized solar lantern! These little guys are a reliable choice when you need a lot of light spread over a big area. Just be sure to keep an eye out for top-notch LEDs and a speedy charging time.
• Solar headlamps - When you're on the go after the sun goes down or working in a gloomy environment, headlamps come in handy. The best part? You don't need to use your hands! While opting for a lighter headlamp is wise, don't forget to take into account sturdiness and weather resistance. After all, you don't want a flimsy lamp to leave you in the dark, do you?
• Solar charger - If you're looking for a nifty way to juice up your smartphone and other gadgets like a GPS, a solar charger is the way to go. It's got a battery pack that soaks up the sun's rays through the panel and gets charged up. Just remember to keep the panel away from any hot surfaces and hold off charging your devices when it's basking under the scorching sun. 

For a survival run that's truly epic, make sure to include these extra goodies in your INCH pack. Don't leave home without 'em!

• Clothing - When it comes to clothing, don't skimp on layers, durability, or versatility. Whether you're dealing with torrential downpours, snowmageddons, scorching deserts, or swampy trails, you'll want to be ready for anything. And let's not forget about winter - it's coming whether we like it or not! Some clothing to include are raincoats or rain jackets, wool jackets, underwear and base layers, hiking shoes, lightweight gloves, a hat and belt, a shirt with rolled-up sleeves, thick socks, and clothing for winter (depending on your location).
• Survival knife and hatchet or axe - For a trusty cutting tool, go for a stainless steel, non-folding knife that you can rely on day in and day out. If you're planning to go off-grid and need to sharpen a serrated knife, make sure you have access to local resources. When it comes to survival hatchets, pick one with a 30 cm sheath - you'll thank yourself later. Though, if you're up for some serious shelter building or tree felling, a 60 cm axe could be your jam, but be warned, it's a hefty one.
• Cord - Make sure to bring along a whopping 250 feet of the durable and versatile 550 types III nylon paracord. No need to worry about packing 250 feet of 2mm cable unless you're planning to pull a bus with it.
• Portable saw - If you're planning to build a shelter or start a fire in the wilderness, a reliable portable saw is the way to go. Trust me, it's a real time and energy saver.
• Other basic tools - This includes rope, sewing kit, repair kit like a screwdriver set, duct tape, epoxy, cash and ID cards, important documents, pencil and notebook, nail, garbage bags, personal hygiene kit, wire cutter, lens or magnifying glass, batteries, survival rifle, gun cleaning kit, and survival shovels.

If you want to know more about INCH bags, check out the video below: