Mike Ritland's Guests Compare a Vehicle Go Bag and a Sling Bag

In a video from Mike Ritland, two guests compare what they actually carry day to day: a Violent Nomad pack built as a vehicle go bag, and a sling-style EDC bag one guest wears on his body everywhere he goes. Neither setup was staged for the camera, which is part of what makes the breakdown worth watching.

Key points

• First-line gear: one guest carries a concealed pistol plus an ADS Crusader fixed blade on his body before any bag comes into play.
• Violent Nomad pack: roughly 25-30 liters, organized with first aid and a tourniquet in the lid, a puffy jacket and shell for warmth, two shelter options with fire and a compass built in, a multi-tool, flashlight, extra batteries, and a sleeping bag and pad in the bottom compartment.
• Vehicle backup: the other guest keeps a much larger stash in his truck console, including blowout kits, ponchos, multiple headlamps, and survival knives.
• Everyday sling bag: a sub-$20 Amazon find organized into dedicated pockets for a wallet, phone, chapstick, AirPods, truck key, wipes, a Sig P365 with light and night sights, a tourniquet, basic meds, and a Ridge wallet for extra cards.
• Everyday blade: he keeps Bill Rapier's Northman knife on him, chosen for its size, comfortable carry, and built-in fire starter.

Quick take

Mike Ritland's video is less a shopping list than a look at how two people with serious backgrounds actually prioritize gear for a 24-48 hour worst case, and the contrast between a dedicated vehicle bag and a minimal everyday sling is a useful framework to borrow from.

Watch the full video: Mike Ritland