Another topic surrounding survivalism and prepping is the idea behind the Bug Out Bag or commonly referred to as just BOB. A BOB put simply is a bag of items that you personally find most crucial to you or your family’s survival in case you had to evacuate to another location other than where you live now. Because of the various scenarios that can happen, everything from a severe local storm to a major cataclysmic event, a BOB can save your life and give you security. Before I go into the specifics about my Bug Out Bag, please keep in mind that no matter what items you buy; you always need a plan for different scenarios and evacuation strategies or your tools become useless. That being said one of the first items to include in your BOB should be documents and maps pertaining to potential routes and locations that you and your family members should evacuate too. Also a contact list of every person you can think of should be included as a tool for quick communications. In a SHTF and/ or a TEOTWAWKI type of a situation; you may not have time to plan these things so planning ahead is crucial.
The items I have picked down to the brand and type I have picked for specific reasons, mainly being durability, multi-use, and sustainability of the items. Also, a lot of items are not the most expensive because I have realized in my research that greater expense does not always mean better quality or durability. I found it is easier to build a BOB overtime which means more time to do research and I pay for it little by little (Keep it affordable).
Important: Please remember when building your own Bug Out Bag is that every person is different and every person may need or desire different items/gear in their BOB. There is not a specific formula to follow other than meeting the overarching big needs such as water, food, shelter, and clothing. Any items outside these categories are at your own discretion. Try to take the items I list and modify it to your own situation and needs.
I am continually doing research and will revise my contents as I see fit. I try to maximize my BOB by having gear that will have multiple uses and take up very little space and weight as possible. If you have any suggestions, questions or comments; please feel free to let me know. To view most of the items I have listed please view my Bug Out Bag Page on our website. Also, if you have any questions about the items I list, you can email me at kerry@themountainhideaway.com.
1. Documentation: All documents (described in the above text) should be organized and duplicated for all family members. All contents should be the exact same for everyone.
2. Bug Out Bag – Osprey Kestrel 58: I choose a backpack instead of a duffel bag like most people because I believe hands free is a much better way to haul gear than a duffel and it’s way more versatile.
3. 1 MSR Dromlite Bag 6 Liter
4. 2 Nalgene Water Bottles
5. Katadyn Pocket Micro Filter
6. Mountain House Freeze Dried Food (3 Day Supply)
7. Change of Clothes (Including cold weather beanie hat and gloves)
8. Brunton Compass
9. Communications- Motorola EM 1000R 2 way Radios
10. Eton Microlink FR160 Solar and Crank AM/FM Radio
11. Leatherman Wave Multi -Tool
12. Gerber Sport Axe (small, durable axe)
13. Princeton Tec Fuel Headlamp (Xtra batteries)
14. Weapons: XD .45 ACP (With extra rounds of ammo) ; Pelican hard case for gun
15. 50 feet Paracord ; 50 feet rope
16. Jetboil Stove
17. 6 250g fuel pressurized Fuel Bottles
18. Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
19. 10’X12’ Nylon Tarp
20. 1 UST Blastmatch (with wetfire tender)
21. 1 Flint and Steel
22. First Aid Adventure Med Kit Guide 1
23. Bug Spray
24. Personal Hygiene Items
A. Toothbrush/Toothpaste
B. Toilet Paper
C. Concentrated Campsuds Soap
D. WetOnes anti-bacterial wipes
E. Sunscreen
25. Other Random Accessories:
A. 2 Large Trash Bags (heavy duty contractor bags)
B. Rite in the Rain Notebook
C. Pens
D. Extra batteries for flashlights, lanterns, radios, ect (preferably Rechargable)…
E. Granite Gear Tough Sacks – Great bags for organizing gear
Great things you’ve shared with us. Thanks for this knowledgeable blog.