Help me build my overnight bag

[A.J. Holst]

I received a Ogio laptop backpack.

In my professional life, I'm not a backpack kind of guy, leather accessories are more my speed.

Since I like to repurpose, this should work well.

Need help on my kit.

Please list common items I should stock, if you include a link to the product, I would appreciate it!

[DaveTN]

Cash. It can fix most any problem. 

[Ronald_55]

First question is: What is this bag for? You say overnight, but is that staying over at a family member or friends house, traveling farther away to a hotel, getting the h3ll out of dodge, or a just in case kind of bag? Also, do you mean a survival bag, or just a bag for your car?

[A.J. Holst]

A little more detail:

Overnight to hotel, extended weekend trips with Mrs GtG

Throw it in the trunk when appropriate.

Not necessarily a get out of Dodge pack.

With the gear retained from Scouting and boat ownership, I should be able to repurpose quite a few items.

3 hours ago, DaveTN said:

Cash. It can fix most any problem. 

Cash? Repurpose, it's not being cheap, it's innovation in thriftiness.

[DaveTN]

8 minutes ago, Gotthegoods said:

Cash? Repurpose, it's not being cheap, it's innovation in thriftiness.

Yes, cash can be repurposed better than anything I can think of. 

[peejman]

The usual suspects... cash, first aid kit, knife, fire starter, fishing kit, sewing kit, snacks, water, sunscreen, bug spray, socks, sunglasses, hat, change of clothes?, emergency blanket, assorted zip lock bags, a couple grocery or kitchen bags, duct/gaffer tape, ... 

[Ronald_55]

A few things that I would put in a general bag that do not require rotation. This is if NOT flying and is a general "if" bag.

Fixed blade knife - Mora's are good if you just want it to stay there and not worry about cost: http://amzn.to/2ycaRkr

Folding Knife - for places where a fixed blade would be frowned upon. I like the Gerber Air Ranger I just picked up. Good knife, but cheap enough to knock around with:  http://amzn.to/2FrYOja

Gloves - In case you need to work on the car or something.  I like the Mechanix brand :  http://amzn.to/2FugUBj. Toss some latex ones in there too in case you need to uses them when the others are too thick. Keeps you hands clean for that dinner date. 

Disposable coveralls - cheap and good in case you are dressed up and get a flat or something. Get big enough to go over your nice clothes. It is sort of a luxury item, but under $10. http://amzn.to/2EQkKaT

Disposable lighter - I find myself needing one all the time even though I don't smoke. Starting fires, lighting candles, burning rope to keep it from unraveling, etc.

Small tool kit/roll - flat and Philips screwdriver, vice grips, crescent wrench, etc. A Multitool might replace this, but might not do as well on certain jobs.

Extra socks - a dry pair of socks can do a world of good if yours get soaked.

Flashlight - I seem to always be needing one. I like my Streamlight Stylus Pro.  http://amzn.to/2gNDE3D

Cash - i agree, but a stock of 1's and some quarters. Nice when you need something from the hotel vending at 1 am. Hotels dry me out, so I always need a drink. 

Phone chargers - just in case you forget one  and nothing is close. 

Some more "survival" based items if you want them in there would be:

Fire Starting Rod  - This works wet and is small. Toss a zip lock with a couple cotton balls smeared in petroleum jelly and you can start fire anywhere. Good if your car breaks down in BFE. http://amzn.to/2ESz0f8

Candle - Good for light and can keep a small area (such as a car) fairly warm. Just seal it in a zip lock in case it melts. 

First aid kit - Just a small one, but so you always have something around.

 

Seems like a lot, but nothing there, besides maybe the tools, are large or heavy. The kit I keep in my car is a lot larger, but I am just that way.  If you ccw, I would put an extra mag in there and maybe a tiny cleaning kit. A piece of cloth, bank line, and some oil should be enough. Never know when you might stop by a range out of town.