The Nomadic Wise-Walker Backpack is lightweight, waterproof, and made from the same material as parachutes (nylon). Its interior is bright orange, making it easy to find things within the pockets, and its straps and back are padded for comfort. But the most unique feature is its many pockets -- it has 13 separate compartments.



It can be difficult thinking of situations where you really need all 13 pockets. After all, it's not a big deal to spend a minute or two sifting through the junk to find a functioning pencil. In this respect, the Wise-Walker is almost too functional for normal civilians. It's like a sports car stuck in suburbia, with unused potential just waiting to be tapped.

Which is why it'd be the perfect bug-out bag.

When hordes of undead are shambling (or sprinting) towards you, you don't want to waste time searching overloaded pockets for a weapon. You want to know exactly where everything is, so you can reach back, unzip, and grab. And while a cloth backpack can easily rip apart or get wet, the nylon Wise-Walker will keep your survival gear safe. It's also light, sleek, and slippery, which reduces the chance of some zombie getting its grabby hands on you.

Either way, it's best to be prepared for the inevitable. To this end, we've compiled a list of 13 essential items to take with you -- one for each Wise-Walker compartment. As Columbus from Zombieland advises, "Travel light."

1. Rock Climbing Tent

If you’re the intensely paranoid type like me, you won’t be able to sleep in a house – even if all the doors are locked and the stairs are smashed, and you’re camped out on the second floor with a machete in hand. Enter the rock climbing tent. You can hang it off a balcony, tree, or cliff and just relax there as long as you need. If you’re tired of evacuating, gather a substantial supply of rations and water, hunker down in this tent, and read a book until the chaos subsides.

2. Scientific Journal

Once the initial hysteria winds down, people will be searching for a cure. Zombies: A Record of the Year of Infection is the fictional journal of a biologist trying to survive in the wake of the zombie infection. Statistical research, detailed illustrations, and personal anecdotes are included in the journal. Compile your own observations in a field journal, like Field Notes Memo Book or Pelle Leather Journal.


3. Survival Guides

More information is always good. Try The Zombie Survival Guide or the SAS Survival Guide. While the Internet is still working, you might also want to print out any available information about the nature of the zombie pestilence. News sources and message boards will have the most up-to-date information.




4. Flashlight

Traveling at night can be treacherous. After you’ve abandoned your vehicle in a traffic jam or military blockade, you’ll need portable light. Try an inconspicuous LED light or
a rechargeable solar-powered lamp, which will last as long as the sun's around (at least another 5 billion years). You can also use your flashlight to signal to other survivors or rescuers with Morse code.


5. Pens

When writing notes and drawing charts in your scientific journal, be sure to use waterproof archival ink. Different ink colors will also come in handy for plotting potential escape routes on a map -- for an example, heavily zombie-infested areas could be shaded with red, evacuation centers could be circled in green, and fresh water sources could have a blue water-drop symbol next to them.



6. Flare Gun

In George Romero’s film Land of the Dead, signal flares and fireworks captivate zombies, allowing people to walk among them unnoticed. Besides that, signal flares can be used to start a fire, for light, and to get the attention of a plane or helicopter. Use them as weapons if nothing else is
available.




7. Maps

Google Maps and GPS won’t be around forever. It’s best to have maps of your immediate location, as well as surrounding areas. Plot your escape in advance. Move towards depopulated areas, or head north to freeze any zombies on your tail (but only if you can handle the cold!). Get a reliable compass to stay on track.




8. Canteen

Tie a rag or bandanna around the canteen. When water isn't readily available, transfer the rag to your ankle and walk through the grass before sunrise. The rag will soak up the dew. Use in tandem with water purification tablets.





9. Rope

Zombies can’t climb a rope, but hopefully you can. A rooftop can become a safe haven in a pinch. Rope is also handy for other things, like making rafts and shelters.







10. Multi-Tool

There's a reason Rule #33 in Zombieland is "Swiss army knife." The beefiest multi-tools have over twenty functions -- you'll want a screwdriver, scissors, pliers, wire cutters, and a knife at the very least.





11. Emergency Survival Blanket

These blankets reflect and trap body heat. If you’re running from a fleet of zombies and take the plunge into a river or lake to escape, the survival blanket in your backpack will protect you from hypothermia afterwards. It’s also handy as a poncho.





(Note: Pockets #12 & #13 are accessible even if the backpack is being worn)

12. Knife / Hammer

If you have a gun and know how to use it, great. Since most people haven’t had extensive firearms training, we recommend a heavy-duty knife or a hammer. They’re noiseless, simple to aim with, and don’t require
ammunition.




13. Binoculars

If your name is Dale (see: The Walking Dead), forget the binoculars. You are blind and can't see anything anyway. Otherwise, binoculars are absolutely imperative for scoping out shady situations. If you can get the high ground, you can spot zombie activity from miles away. In fact, using the data in your scientific journal, you can predict horde movements, chart them on your maps, and stay out of their clutches.


Every bug-out bag will be different, depending on where you live and what your needs are. Now that you’ve seen our picks, let us know what you would pack in your Wise-Walker!