Originally Posted by
cdi
Your get home bag is way too big and way too heavy. You don*t need very much beyond what*s normally on your person to get home. I did a moderate amount of sere in the Army as a student and as opfor. The students that *made it* through the don*t get caught phase traveled as light as possible and hauled azz. The ones that tried to be all ninja stealthy with extra items were generally caught.
I*ve also busted a lot of bad ass bush as an infantry guy with tons of gear. Assistant m60 gunner was probably the worst. Carrying the spare barrel, tripod, T&E and at least 400 rounds for the pig. I found out pretty quick that wearing a poncho with a pack sucks. You get just as soaked from sweat as you would from the rain. You won*t need it for shelter because you*re going to be hauling ass for home.
You would be much better off with a discreet bag about the same size or less as the old school military butt pack. Throw in some water, a multi tool, maybe a couple magazines and a pack of lighters. If you really want to get fancy, a vacuum packed ifak and a couple drive on rags.
You won*t be in a firefight. If it comes to that, you*re chances are very slim. Your best shot is to haul ass and suck it up. I do have a very nice lightweight poncho that has extra material in the rear to drape over your rucksack. It works great if you*re moving slow or sitting in a fixed position on a recreational camping trip. It*s not in my get home bag.