I just started prepping last week and I was just wondering what other people have in their bug out bags so I can know what to get.
I just started prepping last week and I was just wondering what other people have in their bug out bags so I can know what to get.
Welcome......what to put in a BOB will get you a hundred different answers. Search around in the equipment section and you wil find a few lists, maybe a video or two also. Remember one thing, the basic items in all bags will be about tha same, its the specialty items you need to pay attention to-
Do you have small children? Diapers, wipes, formulas, etc.
Special medicines?
Your location...farther out=more food/water, etc.
Threat levels...bad nieghborhoods, etc.
Be ready now, you won't have that chance later.
Also,
Where are you bugging out to, and what can you expect to have when you get there?
What are you bugging out for? Total SHTF or a temporary localized event like a storm?
Who is bugging out? Just yourself, or a family? Pets?
How are you bugging out? on foot? Bike? Vehicle?
Give a man fire, and he'll be warm for a day!
Light a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life!
Cat's are food... not friends!
If you're going to fight, then fight like you're the third monkey on the ramp into Noah's arc... and brother, it's starting to rain.
Im a beans & bullets guy primarily, but I do not neglect the other aspects... The first thing that comes to mind is a way of protection.. A 9mm full size handgun and minimum of 3 loaded mags with a 100rnds in a bag, more if your distance to travel is greater IMHO.
I am a big fan of full size pistols. IMHO the Glock 17 and Sig P320 are the only two worth putting serious money into, either will be accurate and reliable. When your life depends on it, is not the time for a budget gun to malfunction.
(Shameless vid whoring link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YkGI76gRM8
Long Gun: *IF* you have the funds and the way to secure one, an AR or AK (your choice, but Im a strict AK guy) might be really nice to have. An AR can break down to upper and lower and fit in a pack for "out of sight, out of mind", while the AK wont, it might be nice to get an under folder. Several mags are suggested. Windham makes a good AR, and under folders are easy to find and inexpensive right now.
http://www.classicfirearms.com/long-...anufacturer=68
Look at Yugo: http://www.centerfiresystems.com/sea...nd=underfolder
WW: https://www.google.com/search?q=wind...ficial&tbm=vid
Some food is necessary, Roman noodles can go a long way and are not as heat sensitive as MRE and other stuff. Mountain House meals in a bag are a great option for car/truck storage.
How to fix the meal? Hot water is needed. You can keep a stainless steel bottle to heat from, but I prefer a canteen cup to heat my water in. For heat source, a fuel container from MSR will insure a positive seal and denatured alcohol to run in your side burner stove from Mechanic Mike.
http://stores.ebay.com/Thru-Hikers-Closet-and-More
I own two of his stoves and they are GREAT!
Water.. Some Nalgen bottles that are rotates out every two weeks at least to keep fresh, and one bottle in stainless steel, so creek water can be boiled for sterilization. I also have an MSR pump filter that connects directly to a Nalgene bottle. Its up to you, but dont leave home without some sort of water sterilization tools.
http://www.amazon.com/MSR-56425-Mini.../dp/B000BBF2RY
A ground pad is critical, even in summer... you need some way to isolate your body from the ground else you will loose core body heat through conduction. The old USGI sleeping mat is sufficient and cheap, and color is right. Otherwise you pick, I like light weight and reliable (USGI)
http://stores.alleghenywholesale.com...mat-very-good/
A sleeping bag is needed, no need in getting cold otherwise you will never get sleep, which translates to rest...
This bag is a bit bulky and heavy, but works a treat and is cheap!
http://stores.alleghenywholesale.com...ping-bag-nice/
Shelter: I really like the USGI USMC field tarp a LOT. Id steer from a tent, its a lot of weight and space... but they are nice. At the least, a nice bivy bag will keep you dry.
http://stores.alleghenywholesale.com...ivy-sack-good/
Its gore tex, so its water proof and it breaths (no condensation inside). THIS BAG WORKS!
Light: A flashlight that runs off "AA" batteries will be your first priority, this size battery is "universial", can be found anywhere. Also a few chemlights will save batteries, of which you have a few spare.
Navigation: GPS:map:compass The trio will prove critical. If you can, have check points already plotted on a map that you can safely bivouc (sleep overnight:camp out).
FAK: A first aid kit with a few basic items, make sure you have some Neosporne and band aids, some Benadryle for any allergic reaction you might have (bad reaction to bug bite, etc..) and some pain killers. Something to dig out a splinter and thats about it.
Clothes: A change of underware and sock will go a long way.
Face paint: Cover your face to avoid detection
Camo clothes: Multicam is my first pick, a top and bottom.. You may want to hide in the woods. Otherwise, make sure you keep your street clothes for urban camo!! Make sure you got a boonie cap in there..
http://www.patriotsurplus.com/multicam-uniforms/
If not multicam, woodland camo worked for me a real treat.
Cash: Anything less than $100 is small bills wont add up to much. During a lights out situation (regardless of duration), credit card swipers wont function, and cash will be king.
Cold weather gear: Swap out the gear in your GHB/BOB according to season.
Theres a LOT of stuff you can stuff in a bag, but the more stuff the heavier it gets and weight sucks when your hiking!
Which reminds me, a civilian looking backpack MIGHT draw less attention than a military style. I love my USGI USMC ILBE, but to keep on the low low, a "less military" bag might not draw much attention. I prefer earth tones (OD green or dark earth)
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/s...5265/cat116517
http://stores.alleghenywholesale.com...ent-condition/
http://stores.alleghenywholesale.com...ood-condition/
http://stores.alleghenywholesale.com...y=ilbe&x=0&y=0
Comms: If your a ham, a 2M radio might be nice... Boafang or Wouxun are inexpensive and work well.
What I list are my personal ideas of primary and critical gear, everything else are luxuries and its totally up to you to pack what you want, but I do advise you... try an overnight or weekend camp with your bag and only the contents in it and see how it does. The back yard is a GREAT place to test drive your gear before its needed.
Good luck friend,
EB
First and foremost, Mrscott68, remember what you put in your BOB at some time you may need carry that bag, possibly a long distance. A good idea is 2-3 bag combination that can be down graded to a smaller bag, just in case you run out of energy to carry a bigger bag or situation dictates moving really fast. Just a thought.Originally Posted by Mrscott68
^^^I agree and disagree. A smaller bag may mean less gear but there will be items you will need (lMO) and you might come across something in yr travels you can use. My advice is a large (but comfortable) bag just in case.l have a regular backpacking pack by Jansport that holds everything l need (its been in the woods multiple nights with me) and its lightweight. Remember Mrscott, you dont have to stuff it like your Santa to get by. The people on this site have good ideas, take something from everyone.
Be ready now, you won't have that chance later.
Dont forget to put a good blade in there, I also keep a small hatchet and saw in mine.
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” ~ G.K. Chesterton
At least two types of fire starters. And the skills to use any of them.
I like head lights instesd of flashlights to keep both hands free.
A couple of edged items. I keep a folding knife, fixed blade knife, and either a tomahawk or folding saw in my GHB.
A tarp for shelter, with some 550 cord. I also keep a space bag made from the same material as a space blanket. Takes up little space and is very light, but will provide a little protection in cold weather.
Med kit, including any daily meds, ibuprofen, anti diarrhea, maybe even some caffeine meds.
At least one or two ways to filter water. And a bandana to filter out particles and big stuff.
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