Bug Out Bag - What's reccomended

RockB · 09-04-2007, 08:02 PM

I know there are a million choices for a backpack for a bug out bag. What do you have?

Triggerjerk · 09-04-2007, 08:22 PM

I don't have one. I am where everybody would bug out to. I think that the best way to decide what bag to use would be to decide what items and how large/heavy they are. Are you like a Colonial Minute Man or an early 1800's fur trapper? Where are you going and for how long? Do you have a support system when you get there, or are you alone in the wilderness? My bag may not apply to you, but the question is interesting.

ezearln · 09-04-2007, 08:30 PM

The question is intriquing, and as soon as I reinventory mine I'll answer it LOL, seeing as how our bugout bag is actually a collection of systems planned to support us in the short/mid term shtf situ. I am NOT leaving my Missus behind which causes the need for this .

RockB · 09-04-2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triggerjerk

I don't have one. I am where everybody would bug out to. I think that the best way to decide what bag to use would be to decide what items and how large/heavy they are. Are you like a Colonial Minute Man or an early 1800's fur trapper? Where are you going and for how long? Do you have a support system when you get there, or are you alone in the wilderness? My bag may not apply to you, but the question is interesting.

If I can get there by car it is a 10 hour drive in normal circumstances and have a support system there. Me, the wife, and two kids. If I can't get there by car I'm screwed and will stay here and bug in.

Dallas · 09-04-2007, 10:39 PM

I use a extra large school type backpack with four outside pockets. Inside I have a little cash, shave kit, basic first aid kit, three MRE's, three 1 litre bottles of water, cup/spoon/bowl, pocket knife, small note pad and pen, flashlight and extra bateries, basic survival kit (wire saw, space blanket, candles, matches/water proof container, a little kindling, magnesium fire starter and striker, flint and steel). I also keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes and complete change of clothes as well as a ball cap, work gloves and a fleece jacket. In the winter time I stuff in a watch cap and warm gloves. Everything is stored in zip lock bags so nothing will get wet or mold. I all so have several large lawn/leaf type garbage bags for whatever. This stays in the trunk of my car at all times so if I'm away from the house when something happens I not totally unprepared.

I also keep a rain jacket, shovel, binoculars and a real basic tool box in the truck along with four blankets.

About the only other thing I would really like to get and put in is one of those self power/hand crank radio's that comes with an adopter so you can charge your cell phone.

A quick addition, I should note that my bag is set up for a short term emergency not a cross country escape.

mos19k · 09-05-2007, 12:57 PM

We intend on bugging in and have supplied ourselves for about 6 months but if we do have to bug out we have a few choices.

One, if it's a situation were we simply have to vacate the house but not the area, we'll go to my work site.

Two, if we must vacate the area then we'll try to caravan with our group up to Tennessee. If we can't get there by car it would be an extremely long march. We would rely on our packs.

The Wife and I are both former military and have packed our bags so that they both have the same items in the same place. Our packs are around 5000 sq/inch of space and have the straps for the sleeping bags underneath. They have 6 exterior pockets and a water hydration pouch. We've lined them with clear, thick construction trash bags. Our clothes and paper products have all been placed in vacuum bags that you roll up to remove the air.

As for what we carry, everyone will have different items depending on your location and the terraine you'll be traversing. Some basic items that I beleive all bags should have are:
A very good multitool, even if you carry one.
A water filtration system, we use Katadyn.
A ground tarp, we use the construction trash bags.
Fire starting gear, matches, bics, flint and steel, have more than one source.
Two compasses, we carry two so we can check they're accurate.
A topo map of the area you'll be in.
Socks, at least 6 pairs and foot powder, keeping your feet dry will save you a lot of heartache.
Extra pair of hiking boots and extra laces.
Two changes of pants.
Two changes of shirts
A windbreaker

There's an endless list of other items you could add to this. This is a very short and incomplete list. Think of the areas you are going to be crossing and pack appropriately.

We also have packs for our dogs, every bit counts.

ezearln · 09-05-2007, 01:23 PM

Well packing out isn't a realistic option for us, my missus due to old injuries suffered in a horrible auto accident is unable to travel long distances on foot and certainly not under a pack. Our options are these: Pickup truck w/duel fuel tanks loaded with slide in camper loaded out with our "Normal" camping equipment sufficient for 4-6 weeks including food & water, towing our CJ3B fully fueled with 2-5 gal fuel cans and our "Desert" survival load (intended to keep us BOTh alive and fed for 3 weeks) this all includes fuel for travel, cooking , heating and power generation. Firearms both for defense and food gathering, fishing and trapping supplies, first aid, medical supplies and communications as well as comfort items intended to relieve stress and provide distraction. I feel in our circumstance we have provided as well as can be for whatever we may encounter.

SilentSoul · 09-05-2007, 04:07 PM

I have an allison ruck sack with the frame. Works great and lets you carry it for awhile

Triggerjerk · 09-05-2007, 04:29 PM

Well, I'm over 50, have had two hernias, and have lower back problems. I will also confess that I do not stay in shape. Carrying a pack is out of the question for me. Again though, as inconvenient as it is on the employment front, I have already moved to the woods. I'll see others walking by with their BOB's. Refugees from Northern Massachusetts and Boston, no doubt.

SilentSoul · 09-05-2007, 04:48 PM

I'm with your TJ, If I didn't have to bug out, I would hole up.

Big Dog · 09-05-2007, 05:17 PM

I realistically have no good BO destination out of the immediate AO either. Anything happens that runs me out of my house - I become a refugee. A well-armed refugee, at least for awhile.

So, my vehicle-carried systems are "Get Home Bags". Normally, I'll be no more than ten miles from home. My bag is geared to that function - a ten mile hike that may stretch to twenty miles, if I have to detour a ways.
A good civilian rucksack with waist belt, in non-"tac-ti-cool" color. Not bright either. Basic gear - water, MRE-type food (needs no cooking, eat as I go), essential survival and first aid gear, a good stout field knife.
I figure on one full day, probably two days for the hike, not pushing myself to exaustion.
Once I get home, then I can really gear up.
At 50 years old with a bad back and too much weight - I have no illusions about bugging out with a huge pack - ain't gonna happen . . .

Bravo · 09-05-2007, 05:36 PM

I'd pick one of these: Expedition Packs: Camping and Hiking Gear at L.L.Bean

Aside being really nice bags made for being away for long periods of time, they're made in Maine and have a lifetime warranty. Can't beat that

Triggerjerk · 09-05-2007, 06:50 PM

I like Big Dog's idea of a get home bag. Due to weather I have sometimes had a hard time getting home. One thing that I do advise is an extra box of ammo in the car. If you find yourself in the middle of a catastrophe or emergency, it's nice to have 50 extra rounds. Now, for you shooters that have a carry gun for every day of the week...this could end up looking like a shelf at a gun shop. I have a box of .22 and .25 auto, as these are my carry guns.

Another thing to have in the car is a 50 or 100 dollar bill folded up under your seat. Wedge it up in the springs. If you need emergency cash for an overnight stay and meal, you have it.

Dallas · 09-05-2007, 10:05 PM

A "get home" bag is pretty much what my bag is for. I started carying it a few years ago when I realized I was traveling to and from work such a distance that when bad weather set in during work and I couldn't get home for such a long time it was easier to stay at a hotel or a friends house.

damage855 · 09-06-2007, 11:18 AM

Most of my bags are "get home" bag also. however I do have one in the trunk of my squad car that can easily substain me in the field for one week. do keep one in every vehicle including my wifes that will get us home genearly maps with several routes highlighted and a few MREs and basic supplies to live and protect your self with.

dscrick · 12-19-2007, 11:15 AM

There are a million different ideas out there on what should be in your BOB. I think it makes sense to ask yourself a few basic questions, then outfit the BOB accordingly:

1. Where am I bugging out to?
2. How long will it take to get there?
a. By vehicle
b. On foot

With those questions answered you can build a list of contents based on what you need to get to your BO location. Weapons, ammo, food, water, (and the ability to procure them). Shelter and first aid, sanitation, and "comfort" (a few niceties will make any situation more comfortable) are the basic categories I use. Always build in a reserve, situations may arise that extend those time estimates.

I agree that you should also have basic survival gear (knife, firestarting, etc.) items on you AT ALL TIMES. I have constructed "BIB's" (Bug IN Bags) for each family member, carried in our vehicles at all times, that are designed to get us home or to our bug out location from anywhere we may be. Great BO preparations won't do you much good if all the gear is at home and you are visiting Grandma two states away when the SHTF. My BIB's are constructed to be compact, have a minimum 3 day supply of food and water, top quality tools and equipment for survival. They are compact and ready to go at all times.

I'm in the process of building a web page covering this that I'll make available to the forum when it's complete

Father Time · 12-30-2007, 08:54 PM

My wife and I both have BOB(oxes) in our vehicles, with basic sleeping and camping gear and a little food and ammo.

If things really go bad, I have a BOV(est). It is a fishing vest. All of the little pockets are full of fishing gear, lighters and fire starters, dried vegetables, salt and pepper, survival blankets, basic medicines, vasoline, string, duct tape, swiss army knife, leatherman, baggies, compass, and a lot of similar items. Hopefully I would have time to hook a tin cup to one of the carbiners on the outside of it.

I always carry a sidearm ccw, but would hope for time to grab my holster belt with a longer barrel revolver and belt knife.

Leaving the life we know is complicated. I want to travel light.

TNRICK55 · 01-11-2008, 12:36 PM

OK I AGREE WITH YOU ALL,BUT YOU SHOULD TELL YOU WEMAN TO HAVE A BAG READY TOO. I DONT THINK YOU GUYS COULD PACK IT LOL THEY HAVE MORE NEEDS THAN US MEN.

09-04-2007, 08:02 PM	#1
RockB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 164	Bug Out Bag - What's reccomended I know there are a million choices for a backpack for a bug out bag. What do you have?

09-04-2007, 08:22 PM	#2
Triggerjerk Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 978	I don't have one. I am where everybody would bug out to. I think that the best way to decide what bag to use would be to decide what items and how large/heavy they are. Are you like a Colonial Minute Man or an early 1800's fur trapper? Where are you going and for how long? Do you have a support system when you get there, or are you alone in the wilderness? My bag may not apply to you, but the question is interesting. __________________ We old dogs can learn new tricks. We just may not like performng them. TJ

09-04-2007, 08:30 PM	#3
ezearln Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 3,173	The question is intriquing, and as soon as I reinventory mine I'll answer it LOL, seeing as how our bugout bag is actually a collection of systems planned to support us in the short/mid term shtf situ. I am NOT leaving my Missus behind which causes the need for this . __________________ "You can have my Freedom when I'm done with it!"

09-04-2007, 10:39 PM	#5
Dallas PUKHA DAWG Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. Posts: 3,583	I use a extra large school type backpack with four outside pockets. Inside I have a little cash, shave kit, basic first aid kit, three MRE's, three 1 litre bottles of water, cup/spoon/bowl, pocket knife, small note pad and pen, flashlight and extra bateries, basic survival kit (wire saw, space blanket, candles, matches/water proof container, a little kindling, magnesium fire starter and striker, flint and steel). I also keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes and complete change of clothes as well as a ball cap, work gloves and a fleece jacket. In the winter time I stuff in a watch cap and warm gloves. Everything is stored in zip lock bags so nothing will get wet or mold. I all so have several large lawn/leaf type garbage bags for whatever. This stays in the trunk of my car at all times so if I'm away from the house when something happens I not totally unprepared. I also keep a rain jacket, shovel, binoculars and a real basic tool box in the truck along with four blankets. About the only other thing I would really like to get and put in is one of those self power/hand crank radio's that comes with an adopter so you can charge your cell phone. A quick addition, I should note that my bag is set up for a short term emergency not a cross country escape. __________________ Those who forget History are condemed to repeat it. Last edited by Dallas; 09-05-2007 at 01:25 PM.

09-05-2007, 01:23 PM	#7
ezearln Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 3,173	Well packing out isn't a realistic option for us, my missus due to old injuries suffered in a horrible auto accident is unable to travel long distances on foot and certainly not under a pack. Our options are these: Pickup truck w/duel fuel tanks loaded with slide in camper loaded out with our "Normal" camping equipment sufficient for 4-6 weeks including food & water, towing our CJ3B fully fueled with 2-5 gal fuel cans and our "Desert" survival load (intended to keep us BOTh alive and fed for 3 weeks) this all includes fuel for travel, cooking , heating and power generation. Firearms both for defense and food gathering, fishing and trapping supplies, first aid, medical supplies and communications as well as comfort items intended to relieve stress and provide distraction. I feel in our circumstance we have provided as well as can be for whatever we may encounter. __________________ "You can have my Freedom when I'm done with it!"

09-05-2007, 12:57 PM	#6
mos19k Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 260	We intend on bugging in and have supplied ourselves for about 6 months but if we do have to bug out we have a few choices. One, if it's a situation were we simply have to vacate the house but not the area, we'll go to my work site. Two, if we must vacate the area then we'll try to caravan with our group up to Tennessee. If we can't get there by car it would be an extremely long march. We would rely on our packs. The Wife and I are both former military and have packed our bags so that they both have the same items in the same place. Our packs are around 5000 sq/inch of space and have the straps for the sleeping bags underneath. They have 6 exterior pockets and a water hydration pouch. We've lined them with clear, thick construction trash bags. Our clothes and paper products have all been placed in vacuum bags that you roll up to remove the air. As for what we carry, everyone will have different items depending on your location and the terraine you'll be traversing. Some basic items that I beleive all bags should have are: A very good multitool, even if you carry one. A water filtration system, we use Katadyn. A ground tarp, we use the construction trash bags. Fire starting gear, matches, bics, flint and steel, have more than one source. Two compasses, we carry two so we can check they're accurate. A topo map of the area you'll be in. Socks, at least 6 pairs and foot powder, keeping your feet dry will save you a lot of heartache. Extra pair of hiking boots and extra laces. Two changes of pants. Two changes of shirts A windbreaker There's an endless list of other items you could add to this. This is a very short and incomplete list. Think of the areas you are going to be crossing and pack appropriately. We also have packs for our dogs, every bit counts.

09-05-2007, 04:07 PM	#8
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603	I have an allison ruck sack with the frame. Works great and lets you carry it for awhile

09-05-2007, 04:29 PM	#9
Triggerjerk Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 978	Well, I'm over 50, have had two hernias, and have lower back problems. I will also confess that I do not stay in shape. Carrying a pack is out of the question for me. Again though, as inconvenient as it is on the employment front, I have already moved to the woods. I'll see others walking by with their BOB's. Refugees from Northern Massachusetts and Boston, no doubt. __________________ We old dogs can learn new tricks. We just may not like performng them. TJ

09-05-2007, 04:48 PM	#10
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603	I'm with your TJ, If I didn't have to bug out, I would hole up.

09-05-2007, 05:17 PM	#11
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 9,843	I realistically have no good BO destination out of the immediate AO either. Anything happens that runs me out of my house - I become a refugee. A well-armed refugee, at least for awhile. So, my vehicle-carried systems are "Get Home Bags". Normally, I'll be no more than ten miles from home. My bag is geared to that function - a ten mile hike that may stretch to twenty miles, if I have to detour a ways. A good civilian rucksack with waist belt, in non-"tac-ti-cool" color. Not bright either. Basic gear - water, MRE-type food (needs no cooking, eat as I go), essential survival and first aid gear, a good stout field knife. I figure on one full day, probably two days for the hike, not pushing myself to exaustion. Once I get home, then I can really gear up. At 50 years old with a bad back and too much weight - I have no illusions about bugging out with a huge pack - ain't gonna happen . . . __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

09-05-2007, 05:36 PM	#12
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,705	I'd pick one of these: Expedition Packs: Camping and Hiking Gear at L.L.Bean Aside being really nice bags made for being away for long periods of time, they're made in Maine and have a lifetime warranty. Can't beat that

09-05-2007, 06:50 PM	#13
Triggerjerk Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 978	I like Big Dog's idea of a get home bag. Due to weather I have sometimes had a hard time getting home. One thing that I do advise is an extra box of ammo in the car. If you find yourself in the middle of a catastrophe or emergency, it's nice to have 50 extra rounds. Now, for you shooters that have a carry gun for every day of the week...this could end up looking like a shelf at a gun shop. I have a box of .22 and .25 auto, as these are my carry guns. Another thing to have in the car is a 50 or 100 dollar bill folded up under your seat. Wedge it up in the springs. If you need emergency cash for an overnight stay and meal, you have it. __________________ We old dogs can learn new tricks. We just may not like performng them. TJ Last edited by Triggerjerk; 09-05-2007 at 06:54 PM.

09-05-2007, 10:05 PM	#14
Dallas PUKHA DAWG Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. Posts: 3,583	A "get home" bag is pretty much what my bag is for. I started carying it a few years ago when I realized I was traveling to and from work such a distance that when bad weather set in during work and I couldn't get home for such a long time it was easier to stay at a hotel or a friends house. __________________ Those who forget History are condemed to repeat it.

09-06-2007, 11:18 AM	#15
damage855 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina / Lake Norman Posts: 821	Most of my bags are "get home" bag also. however I do have one in the trunk of my squad car that can easily substain me in the field for one week. do keep one in every vehicle including my wifes that will get us home genearly maps with several routes highlighted and a few MREs and basic supplies to live and protect your self with.

12-19-2007, 11:15 AM	#16
dscrick Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 51	Bug Out Bag There are a million different ideas out there on what should be in your BOB. I think it makes sense to ask yourself a few basic questions, then outfit the BOB accordingly: 1. Where am I bugging out to? 2. How long will it take to get there? a. By vehicle b. On foot With those questions answered you can build a list of contents based on what you need to get to your BO location. Weapons, ammo, food, water, (and the ability to procure them). Shelter and first aid, sanitation, and "comfort" (a few niceties will make any situation more comfortable) are the basic categories I use. Always build in a reserve, situations may arise that extend those time estimates. I agree that you should also have basic survival gear (knife, firestarting, etc.) items on you AT ALL TIMES. I have constructed "BIB's" (Bug IN Bags) for each family member, carried in our vehicles at all times, that are designed to get us home or to our bug out location from anywhere we may be. Great BO preparations won't do you much good if all the gear is at home and you are visiting Grandma two states away when the SHTF. My BIB's are constructed to be compact, have a minimum 3 day supply of food and water, top quality tools and equipment for survival. They are compact and ready to go at all times. I'm in the process of building a web page covering this that I'll make available to the forum when it's complete

12-30-2007, 08:54 PM	#17
Father Time Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 373	My wife and I both have BOB(oxes) in our vehicles, with basic sleeping and camping gear and a little food and ammo. If things really go bad, I have a BOV(est). It is a fishing vest. All of the little pockets are full of fishing gear, lighters and fire starters, dried vegetables, salt and pepper, survival blankets, basic medicines, vasoline, string, duct tape, swiss army knife, leatherman, baggies, compass, and a lot of similar items. Hopefully I would have time to hook a tin cup to one of the carbiners on the outside of it. I always carry a sidearm ccw, but would hope for time to grab my holster belt with a longer barrel revolver and belt knife. Leaving the life we know is complicated. I want to travel light. __________________ You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.

01-11-2008, 12:36 PM	#18
TNRICK55 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: TENNESSEE Posts: 74	OK I AGREE WITH YOU ALL,BUT YOU SHOULD TELL YOU WEMAN TO HAVE A BAG READY TOO. I DONT THINK YOU GUYS COULD PACK IT LOL THEY HAVE MORE NEEDS THAN US MEN.

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