My take on bug out bags.

[Grizzz]

Now before I get too far ahead of myself, I want to clarify a few things. The list I have written is specific to me, the semi rural area I live in (Outside of a smaller size town) and may not be practical for a large city/high population area. I also wrote this with the thought in mind that I wanted to carry enough to get by, but not enough to be over burden with supplies, thus making me slow and a potential target in a given situation. Most major grocery stores would be completely bare within 10 days in a given situation rather it be a weather disaster, or basically anything that takes away that norm, people will go to extreme lengths to obtain items like food when they realize that there money is no longer good, or if there isnt enough food period to go around. I worked at a large Grocery retailer, and a wind storm knocked power out for a week, in that week more people stole food, running straight out the door then one would believe. As well as lootings, crime, etc rising tremendously during this week.

That being said, after seeing these things the thought of a bug out bag didn't seem like such a far fetched idea anymore. But I do have a few points on which I disagree with others. I looked at threads where people have large assault rifles, machetes, and huge axes. In my opinion, this not only makes you a target, but it also makes you a threat to people. Think of the difference of coming up on a family, and in one situation you have an assault rifle and machete strapped on your back (as well as war paint from the looks of a few posts) I don't think that's practical in all given situations. Anything short of a zombie attack/invasion/straight chaos, I would go with something more lowkey. I think discretion and being able to sort of "blend in" will take the red target off your back that comes with carrying an assault rifle and gives you that much more of an opportunity to successfully "bug out"

When I complied this list and my bag, I wanted to have substantial essentialist items, things that I would often take with me hiking, or other situations when I needed to carry things on me and couldn't depend on modern day conveniences to provide them. Weight is also a big concern with most, but the way I look at it, I'd rather start with it, and dump it later than the possibility of not having something essential to surviving efficiently by my own means.


Essentials:

weapon (preferably a concealable handgun)
Sepra holster
at least 50 LOADED rounds
100 boxed rounds

For my bag I decided to go with my XD40. I wanted to carry something that would be easy to conceal, but also if needed could effectively defend myself with. The way I look at it, if it's a situation where I need an AR or something more than this I will have a means of obtaining it, I focus more on a natural disaster/chaos then a zombie invasion for my pack

a GOOD flashlight
-Can not stress this enough, and a lot of packs posted didn't have one! A flashlight is essential anytime I hike, so it only makes since to have one to bug out with. I use a surefire personally.
spare batteries for said flashlight

A good well made knife (I prefer something with a serrated blade, as far as length you really can't go wrong)

Camelback (Can be left empty)
spare batteries for said flashlight
large water bottle
water purifying tablets

thumb drive with important docs and important pictures

medical kit

electric and duct tape

granola bars/mre items (essentials, unboxed to cut weight/room)

two way radio

Map of surrounding area, up to 150+ mile radius (Might be a bit extreme, but there is nothing wrong with knowing where your going and what is the most feasible way of safely traveling)
Compass (and actually know how to USE it!)

Hand warmers! Small, cheap and you'll be thanking yourself later. can also be used to heat up food/mres in substitution for water if needed.

Some sort of picture ID

I prefer to carry multiple methods of fire starters just because they are generally small and light weight.
Zippo with full fluid and flints
Bic
Box of waterproof matches

Other items I would probably grab in a situation
Fleece
Lightweight rain jacket
Small folding tarp

Here is the pack I have purchased, til it arrives im using a regular ole' backpack. Im gonna try this one and decide if I want a larger pack with more room or if it will suffice.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/...ger-12p926.htm

[billroth]

Thanks for the post. You gave me some good ideas that I have overlooked (zip drive, round count, duck tape).

I have a pack that I use when I fish. I live in Colorado and like to hike into areas not easily accessible. I keep the staples simple and light so I don't need to check them more than once a year and it doesn't add to the workout I'm not looking for.

For water I use a water pump filter (MSR® MiniWorks™ EX Microfilter.) and take a bottle that will fit it. I keep my CamelBack empty unless it think I might not be around a water supply for a while. A light-weight pot to boil water or cook food would be in my bug out bag.

I keep packages of tuna fish and sunflower seeds as they have a lot of protein and long shelf lives.

Long boot laces can come in handy.

I agree with you about hand warmers. I found some that are reusable. Just put in boiling water to recharge.

I pack a poncho as my rain jacket. It fits better over my gear / map in my hands. It's more versitle for me than a seperate jacket as it can be used for more purposes than a jacket.

Here's the main thing I would caution about: Medical Kit.

Most people don't know what they would need to take care of a medical situation so they get the biggest kit they can afford or carry (kind of like handguns I guess). This really can be combersome. But I think we all agree we need something(s).

This is what I would put in a bug out bag for a medical EMERGENCY (all clean and sealed in a water proof bag that won't be compromised):
cotton gauze roll
cloth tape (1")
fine, small, sharp scissors
Hibiclens soap (HibiclensŪ and HibistatŪ)
Scapel
Silver Nitrate sticks

All the other medical things I can think of (asprin, Pepto, tourniquets, splints) are for comfort or can be fashioned from other items. Some would suggest suture but you shouldn't close a dirty wound (it's dirty if you're living out of a bug out bag)!

Oh! I forgot the most important thing for the Emergency kit. An extra round just in case all else fails.

[john_bud]

I'm lucky that bugging in is a better option in nearly all cases for us!

[Crashagn]

Of all the times I see posts like these.. Not being negative towards anyone.. and I do think its awesome for people to realize on what could happen and good for you on preparing...

Every persons situation will be differant. You can have 2 families next door to each other and they could have a complete 180 on supplies and what they will be doing (or just plan on coming over and try killing you taking your supplies because they seen you stockpiling..)

How many internet warriors that post thier pics of all these brand new items and gear actually go out and practice practice practice??? I do understand that those water tablets cost money, the purification filture cost $.. but say someone buys and $12 water filture and leaves it in their bag.. never tries it out.. come to find out it it no worky when they need it.. so screwed..

When something does happen.. no power, no law..those 1st few hours Any public store is the last place I will be. I can see it happening- someone coming out with a grocery cart full of food and supplies.. Someone will be waiting and will be hungrier then you will be and will shoot you down or take what you have.

[Zombie Hunter]

Originally Posted by Crashagn

How many internet warriors that post thier pics of all these brand new items and gear actually go out and practice practice practice??? I do understand that those water tablets cost money, the purification filture cost $.. but say someone buys and $12 water filture and leaves it in their bag.. never tries it out.. come to find out it it no worky when they need it.. so screwed

So true, I always test my preps small and large. Here I reviewed my gas can, Coleman stove,and even water containers based off a recent camping trip:
SHTF Gear reivew: Coleman stove and Water Brick

I realize now I forgot to mention I tested out a portion of my Goal Zero Escape 150 Explorer kit!

We also discovered Cornbread cooks really fast in a cast iron pot when put inside the fire!



The inside was still edible!

[Whiteboi_J]

I think each person builds their bob based on what they want it to function as. Some build it with idea that they will never return home. Some only plan to use it to get to a bug out location, where they hope the rest of their preps are still there and haven't been looted by the locals.

But I see your point about blending in vs walking around with camo molle gear for everything. Read an article about guy came back from 3 gun match n had all camo molle gear and ammo cans......said one day he came home n all his guns were stolen. Said he thinks someone watched him lug all his gear into the house after a match.

[Grizzz]

I just feel like in a situation where there is mass looting, or civil unrest, and your attempting to flee the area, you need to remember, you doing just that fleeing. In the event of armed conflict in america, your very likely to just be seen as another target if your welding an assault rifle when you get out of your suv to get gas, etc.

Example:
Conflict in Iraq. Say a patrol is coming through Baghdad, during the climax of the fighting and out of the woodline pops out a few guys with AK47's. Killed. Vs. the thought of blending in, not making yourself a target because you do not present a visual immediate harm, even though you may have a pistol or other concealable weapon. . I know that's a stretch to say, and may be comparing apples to oranges, but it's just an example of how you want to look as innocent and ordinary as possible in any situation of downfall. Stay off the grid. Don't be "Shiny"

[Grizzz]

I doubt people could efficiently use half of the items in their bags. When I complied mine, I used items I have use while hiking or hunting and that sort of thing. The only thing I need to study up on is first aid procedures and how to treat basic injuries. But regardless of a SHTF situation those medical skills are always great to have in everyday life!

[Bonehead]

Originally Posted by Grizzz

I just feel like in a situation where there is mass looting, or civil unrest, and your attempting to flee the area, you need to remember, you doing just that fleeing. In the event of armed conflict in america, your very likely to just be seen as another target if your welding an assault rifle when you get out of your suv to get gas, etc.

Example:
Conflict in Iraq. Say a patrol is coming through Baghdad, during the climax of the fighting and out of the woodline pops out a few guys with AK47's. Killed. Vs. the thought of blending in, not making yourself a target because you do not present a visual immediate harm, even though you may have a pistol or other concealable weapon. . I know that's a stretch to say, and may be comparing apples to oranges, but it's just an example of how you want to look as innocent and ordinary as possible in any situation of downfall. Stay off the grid. Don't be "Shiny"

this is the reason I have a dull ruby red and gray backpack and like 10 round mags in rifles. I can swap out to 30 rounds if need be but the 10 round doesn't scream "assault rifle" from a mile away.

someone that knows what it is will know what it is anyway but the banana mags are a dead give away to some one that might not be all that savvy. also... the 10 round makes it more slimline for stashing.

[Clint_Beastwood]

One thing I notice is that people tend to pick a lot of items that they may not have much or any experience with, and more importantly, I see a lot of items that are reciprocated in another form, for example: people with a regular saw and also a wire saw, pair of pliers and a multi-tool with pliers, multiple knives, etc. I take into consideration the weight these duplicate items take up, and the space in my pack. Ultimately its ones decision to make a pack that meets their needs.

I carry stuff that I would take hiking/backpacking/hunting because I am familiar with it and it is already configured to the area I live in with regards to climate and geography.

I think its good to have a means to defend yourself, a good knife, 2 or 3 ways to make fire, food, water, a light, and first aid/medical, those should be the primary things you have in a BOB. But if you don't mind carrying extra weight and stuff like gas masks then more power to you