Bug Out Bag
- Thread starter hittman
- Start date
warbird1975
Single-Sixer
Check out the forum on "survivalist boards". There are several threads about bug out bags and such.
Hugh
Buckeye
hittman said:
Here is a good source: http://beprepared.com/blog/72-hour-kit/
Here is a checklist that I worked from but it has more bearing on a stay in place situation: http://woodcountycert.org/downloads/72hourchecklist.pdf
This is what is in my 3-day kit.
Contents of 3-Day Emergency Kit
Food & Water: Qty
2400-Calorie Food Bar 1
MRE Entrée 3
Candy bars (Milky Way) 3
Water bottle, 1 liter 2
Warmth:
Emergency Poncho 1
Emergency Blanket 1
Emergency Sleeping Bag 1
Extra pair of socks 1
Small Tarp 1
Cooking:
Strike-Anywhere Matches, box 1
Fire Starter Kit 1
GI Mess Kit w/utensils 1
Stainless Steel Cups 2
Light and Communication:
Whistle (GI Whistle) 1
Lightstick 3
Small LED Flashlight 1
LED Headlamp w/Batteries 1
AM/FM Radio w/Batteries 1
Hand-held 2 meter xcvr 1
First Aid & Sanitation:
Toilet Paper 1
Small Soap 1
Small Towels 2
Chap Stick 1
First-Aid Kit w/X-Strength Tylenol 1
Storage & Tools:
Backpack (Medium Alice Ruck) 1
Multi-Function Knife 1
Folding Knife (Buck 110) 1
Pocket Knife (Swiss Army Tinker) 1
Folding Saw 1
Compass 1
Ruger Police Svc 6 (4") .357 w/holster 1
Ammunition 50 rd .357 Magnum 1
Emergency Tape (Duct Tape) 1
Plus my down sleeping bag. Everything except sleeping bag fits in the ruck sack.
DGW1949
Hawkeye
hittman said:
In all due respect, there aint no right answer to "what goes in a bug out bag?" relative to your own plans and needs, or for all situations. Yeah, you can goggle the subject and find all sorts of "experts" who are more than glad to give their opinion on the subject, but all in all, it's still going to be up to you.
If ya don't mind a suggestion, you might start by taking a realistic look at why you want one, what sort of emergency it would be used in, how you plan to carry it, how long it may take you to get from point A to point B, and what things would be the most helpful in getting you there.
Point is, a BOB should be tailored to the PLAN you have, your plan should be tailored to what kind of emergency you anticipate having to flee from, and the obstacles you're likely to encounter along the way. Nobody but you knows those things.
If for example, all I was doing was fleeing a coming hurricane, I'd leave early enough so's about all I'd need to get me out of Dodge is a tank of gas, a big cup of coffee and a roll of quarters for the toll booth.
On the other hand, if my truck broke down out here in the woods while I was on my way home from work at night, my needs would be totally different, so the things which I might need to help get myself home would also be different.
DGW
OP
DGW1949 said:
I agree with you 100%. Giving this some serious thought about the why's and what-for's. And, suggestions, thoughts, ideas and comments are what I want and why I posted here. It's interesting to see what others pack, what their needs are and how they address them, etc.
I appreciate your input ..... keep them coming!
DGW1949
Hawkeye
hittman said:
First off, realize that I aint an expert and that all I know is what I know from my own training and experiences. With that in mind, here's some general suggestions:
Mostl of the "stuff" that I might realistically need for three days fits inside an old USGI butt pack. My reasoning for that is that light and easy is much better than heavier and cumbersome. After all, we aint going on week long pleasure trip in the woods here, we're just trying to get from point A to point B as quickly as we can.
I carry a single Bic lighter for starting a fire because it can be used near about forever, takes up less space than storing various forms of matches and assorted fire-starting gizmos, don't require learning a new skill, and won't ruin if it gets wet.
Paper towels have many uses. Fold 'em up individually so's they'll fit into a freezer bag and squish-out all of the air before sealing them up.
Spare socks can be handy, if not down-right necessary. Fold 'em flat and package them just like you did with the paper towels. If you've got the room, the same can be done with a spare T-shirt.
My fist aid kit consist of three 4X4's, a partial roll of tape, a few band aids, two small squeeze-packs of 3-in-1 ointment, and 6 aspirin.
My suggestion concerning MRE's is to buy the ones which come with the heaters, take the heater and the entrée out of the packages, put them into a freezer bag or two, and throw the rest of the stuff to the hogs. And BTW, one heater will heat two entrées if you're quick about it, so you won't be needing all of those either. It may seem like I'm wasting a lot of money by doing it that way, but hey...it results in my being able to carry a lot of light weight, compact meals which can be heated-up with nothing more than ditch water, and eaten right out of their own package.
Some folks say to carry candy bars for snacking on. What I say is that unless it's winter time, you'll likely end up having to scoop it out of the package with a spoon. Been there, done that, wasn't pleasant. For me, peanut-butter crackers do the same job much better.
Tuna can be had in packages these days. Much lighter and handier to store in a pack than the cans are. A pack or two of Tuna and a few crackers makes for a perty-quick lunch.
I'm a big jerky fan, absolutely love the stuff. Problem is, the commercial jerky ya buy down at the store don't last long once it's been opened, so you'll have to eat it all relatively quick.
Water is a much bigger problem than food. Not only is it heavy and bulky, but you're going to need a lot more of it than you're going to need anything else. All I can say there is to plan accordingly.
One of my canteens is dedicated for mixing-in instant coffee, but that's a vice of mine which you may not share.
Hope some of this has helped a little.
DGW
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
The seat packs in airplane ejection seats are an excellent starter. One of the items in it are various meds & vitamins, and stay awake for 3 days pills.
But suppose you lose your bob or can't get to it? Food and water can usually be had on your march to point B, unless you're stuck out in some desert. Even urine can be recycled for a few days. Don't think about maintaining your civilized life style, kiss that goodbye - instead think about basic survival. Eat the damn grubs and lizards, raw if a fire might draw unwanted attention. The inner bark of maple trees is edible among many other plants. Know how to figure location and direction by the sun and stars. Find or make a primitive weapon - an atlatl (with practice) can take down any small game at a distance and can be made with a sharp rock chip or knife.
Your ancient ancestors certainly made long trips on foot without MRE's or other modern stuff, so you can also.
Get yer mind right, son. :wink:
The only BOB (if you can call it that) that I always have on me is a Buck 110 on my belt.
But suppose you lose your bob or can't get to it? Food and water can usually be had on your march to point B, unless you're stuck out in some desert. Even urine can be recycled for a few days. Don't think about maintaining your civilized life style, kiss that goodbye - instead think about basic survival. Eat the damn grubs and lizards, raw if a fire might draw unwanted attention. The inner bark of maple trees is edible among many other plants. Know how to figure location and direction by the sun and stars. Find or make a primitive weapon - an atlatl (with practice) can take down any small game at a distance and can be made with a sharp rock chip or knife.
Your ancient ancestors certainly made long trips on foot without MRE's or other modern stuff, so you can also.
Get yer mind right, son. :wink:
The only BOB (if you can call it that) that I always have on me is a Buck 110 on my belt.
DGW1949
Hawkeye
Good grief Gunny, you Mississippi boys are tuff. :shock: .
DGW
DGW
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
DGW1949 said:
Got nuthin to do with MS. Got to do with the PI jungle, and other fun spots. Survival is not about what you carry with you. Survival is about your mind.
Hey hittman, do you still have that 10/22 takedown bag? That would be handy for you bug out gear.
