ARES or RACES could be activated for hours or days, so
adapt this list to suit your situation and develop a "Ready
Kit" which is always accessible! 

EQUIPMENT: 
     •    Transceiver(s) (Identified with your call sign)
     •    Headphones or earphone
     •    Extra battery packs or external gel cell battery
     •    Cigarette lighter power adapter
     •    AC power supply and cord
     •    50' coax with connectors (including adapters)
     •    Portable ground plane antenna
     •    Flashlight and batteries
     •    Small tool bag (tools, soldering iron, wire)
     •    ARRL ARES Field Resource Manual
     •    County ARES / RACES operations manual or plan 
     •    NTS Message forms
     •    50' 1/8" nylon cord
     •    Spare fuses
     •    Repeater directory
     •    Duct/electrical tape
     •    ARES ID card
     •    FCC license copy
     •    Credit cards/cash/coins/calling card
     •    Pens/pencils/steno pad
     •    7-1/2 minute series USGS area topo maps
     •    ARES / RACES Frequency Reference Card

PERSONAL ITEMS:
Aspirin, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, antacids,
sunscreen, comb, razor, shave cream, soap, "cold water"
laundry soap, towel and washcloth, travel alarm, pocket
knife, roll of toilet paper in a ziplock bag, first aid kit, ear
plugs (noisy shelters).

CLOTHING: (no nylon or polyester on fire assignments,
use cotton or wool)  Boots, jacket, sweatshirt, underwear
(2), pair socks (2), hat, extra long sleeve shirt (plus the
one on your back), rain wear, long pants, handkerchiefs. 

FOOD /SHELTER:  Canned stew, dry soup, instant
coffee/tea/cocoa, 1 gallon water per man/day, salt/pepper
packets, sugar subs, creamer packets, instant oatmeal,
granola bars, throat lozenges, knife/fork/spoon, cup,
sleeping bag, cot, tent, Sterno stove, small pot, bucket for
laundry.