50 MILE GHB SETUP

MAKING THE TRIP HOME IN A SHTF EVENT

last updated: 12.01.24

Having spent a few nights out this Winter, I’ve gone to a hammock and MSS Bivy/Patrol bag as a top quilt with the Swagman attached as a bottom quilt along with an inflatable mattress (R7 value) for insulation. Good to 29F so far.

I’m not worried about “low profile” or “Grey-man” for the use case scenario of this pack as I’m likely making the 50 mile trek home with it because of an EMP/CME that would require me to abandoned my vehicle in the first place.

While the goal is not to be seen at all during the trek home, moving at night under NODs, I still have to get at least 5-8 miles out of the city in daylight before I can start traveling at night. I want to do that with a lower profile but still be able to respond with lethal force if needed while getting out of the city. That’s where the Hosking Chest Holster for the Glock comes in.

Moving at night under NODs and with a carbine, if seen at all, I am projecting myself as a “hard target” rather than “just a Joe walking home” or potential victim of opportunity.

I know if I saw a dude in kit with NODs humping a pack down the interstate at night after an event, I’d stay clear of him for sure! FAFO is not a good life plan at times like that IMO.

Having a pack that blends in the woods is more important for me than blending in with the Urban environment I will be leaving ASAP, I can put a solid brown colored rain cover over the pack to tone it down a bit, but doubt it will matter. The profile of the pack and purposeful manor of me marching will likely draw attention either way.

I’ve gone back and forth on Summer/Winter versions for weight shaving, but recently was watching another Minuteman (Chad Edgar) on his GHB setup and he made a very good point of using tech in our favor. Using NODs to move at night and sleeping during the day.

This has two advantages:

1. I can pack lighter because I’m moving during the night when temps are their coldest and don’t need the heavy sleep system for them.

2. I gain the advantage of seeing anyone before they see me with NODS and will own the night with a dedicated night fighting rifle should I need to.

The pack is 45 ish lbs as shown with the rifle and NOD kit inside, keeping it inside allows me to walk out of town on the first day in the daylight without scaring the crap out of people (especially cops) seeing a rifle hanging off me.

This weight doesn’t include that of my G17 in my Hosking Holster but does include the (x2) 22rnd mags on the packs belt. With the chest holster I still have fast access to a capable platform while maintaining a lower profile.

Once out of the city, my plan is to get off the interstate and into the woods on the side of it until night comes then start movement down the edge of it under the cover of night.

The only way to have a manageable weight on this ruck and still have the desired hardware was to rely on the warmer temps during the day to sleep in and if in the middle of the Winter use my OLD SCHOOL E-BIVY in the lowest temps to stay warm.

It’s about speed more than comfort!

The idea is to move as fast as possible with the lightest but most capable setup.

Remembering that this doesn’t come out unless there are no moving vehicles left after an EMP/CME event… Worst case scenario.

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