Essentials

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A great zombie pack doesn't have to be expensive.  Sure, if you had unlimited time, but mostly unlimited resources, it would be easy to come up with a fancy, hi-tech pack.  Laser range finders, complicated GPS setups, night-vision, you get the idea.  But let's face it, most people just don't have the funds to set up a couple of expensive packs.  But they don't have to be expensive.  Frankly, any backpack will do.  I guess I'd try to avoid bright colors, but aside from that, just get a backpack.  Sure, I know there are those outdoorsy types out there that swear by some fancy-schmancy set up, and I get it.  I was in the Army.  I know the benefit of a well-packed, comfortable pack, but until a zombie apocalypse actually happens, it's mostly just going to sit around.  You probably don't have an extra three hundred bucks to just have sit around in the form of a backpack.  I know I don't.  So you've got your no-brainers.  You'd be stupid to not pack duct tape and a first aid kit.  I have a couple bottles of water in mine for the sake of ease.  But I also have a water purifying straw.  I don't know if that will ever come up, but if it does, I'm set.  I also have an old Army canteen that I have attached.  Not only does it hold water, but most Army canteen holders actually have a metal cup around them.  You can use that to boil water and food, should the need arise.  I carry a very small tool kit and a hacksaw.  I carry a small hatchet and a survival knife.  I carry a small crowbar.  It's not too big, so it doesn't add much weight.  I can't emphasize enough the importance of having a lightweight pack.  Anyone whose ever done any backpacking of any kind can attest to that.  I also have an aluminum baseball bat by mine.  I actually own about ten, placed strategically, but there's one on the backpack too.  If you've read anything from me, you know I love the bats.  I have one pair of extra pants and a sweatshirt.  Maybe it's just vanity, but I want to be clean when I'm killing zombies.  I have a half a box of protein bars.  As I've said before, food usually isn't a problem, but with those, it definitely won't be.  I have one of those aluminum heat blankets, but for fun.  It's virtually weightless, and takes no space.  I have some rope, a small mirror, and a flare gun.  The flare gun is probably a little extravagant, but I got it on sail, so no harm, no foul.  I don't have too much else, but those are some of the highlights.  My point here is, follow the KISS method of packing.  "Keep It Simple Stupid".  And by all means keep it light.  Killing zombies is harder work than most people think.  After swinging your bat for a half hour, you're not going to want to haul a heavy pack.  You'll thank me later.