Sent to me by Midwestern Militia Bug Out Bags Recently a friend of mine asked about bug out bags. I was amazed at the responses, some of which included everything but the kitchen sink, others included no real survival supplies. First of all, I want to say that there are no “1 size fits all” or cookie cutter approaches to a bug out bag. Each bug out bag should be customized to the individual carrying it. I saw one comment that said a bug out bag should weigh no more than 15 pounds, another said it should weigh around 25. None of this is true, there is no size or weight requirements for a bug out bag (BOB). A professional athlete who works out daily will be able to manage a heavier pack than a 105 pound secretary (no offense to secretaries). Another said it depends on what you are bugging out from, and this is partially true, some items are disaster specific such as gas masks or potassium iodide tablets. Nevertheless, there are basic items which should be in any BOB. This is by no means meant to be the “end all be all” list for your BOB, just some suggestions. The first step before making any BOB is to have a plan. The best bug out bag in the world will do you no good if you are just wandering around aimlessly. Where will you go? Where will you stay? Who else is going? Who else will be there? How will you communicate with loved ones? Do they know the plan? Do you have a secondary rally point? These are all questions that should be answered by your plan. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of web sites devoted to such things, and as much as I hate the government, one decent site is ready.gov This is a decent starting point for beginners. Also keep in mind, if you have small children a separate BOB may be required for them. It doesn’t need all the same essentials as yours, but some familiar items, maybe comfort food, and things to keep them entertained such as books or toys. They will need the basics such as food, water, shelter, and meds. If you have an infant, formula and a bottle will be required. After you have a plan, before you can start building your BOB, you should think about the bag itself. It should be one of good quality and sturdy construction. Having some supplies in an old Wal Mart bag is not sufficient. The bag should be large enough to hold all the items you intend to pack, have good quality shoulder straps as well as waist straps. The goal is to support the weight on your hips, not your arms and shoulders. A single strap gym bag will work, but it will cause you to tire more quickly than if you can distribute the weight evenly across your body. Now, let’s get in to the supplies. Again, this is a basic list of 40 supplies that are great to keep in any bag, for any emergency, and remember, these items are all a matter of suggestion and personal opinion. You may have other or additional items you prefer, as well as other items to keep near your bag such as a good pair of boots. As far as the items here they are in no particular order: 1. A good quality knife and sharpener- I prefer a decent sized blade, half serrated, half smooth edge. Make sure you are familiar with the use of the sharpener. 2. Extra meds – If you are on any medications, ensure you have enough to last until more will be available. This also applies to OTC meds such as allergy medicine or Tylenol if taken on a regular basis. An epi-pen if you require it. 3. A chopping tool – A hatchet or heavy blade machete to assist in building shelter, self-defense, or a variety of other issues is great, but if you don’t have one make sure your knife will do the trick. 4. Water - My bag has a built in hydration bladder, beside my bag is a jug of water to fill in when I am bugging out. 5. Water filtration – Personal water filters such as a straw type are great and take up little room, there are other options such as purification tabs. 6. Food – Food is bulky and takes up a lot of room. I recommend ration bars such as the SOS emergency ration bar. It is a small brick of high calorie rations designed to provide you with the energy needed to carry on. It isn’t meant to be a gourmet meal. 7. Cord or rope – Military grade 550 cord is fantastic. It can be used to assist in making shelter, used to create snares or other traps, tourniquets, and literally hundreds of other uses. I also keep a bundle of higher grade rope strapped to the outside of my bag. 8. Shelter – A great item is a standard plastic tarp. They are lightweight and fairly durable. The most common is the “old blue tarp” I prefer the camo colored ones as they will draw less attention when used. They also can be used for purposes such as water collection. A small roll of plastic such as painters plastic isn’t a bad idea. Remember, if you live in colder environments items such as sleeping bags may be required. A small emergency blanket or “space blanket” is a good investment and very cheap. 9. Medical supplies – A basic first aid kit is essential. This kit should include things such as band aids, antiseptic wipes or other disinfectants, tweezers, latex gloves, burn cream. Feminine hygiene products both for their intended use as well as stopping other bleeding. Basic gauze wrap and medical tape. Vet wrap available at most farm supply stores is great. If you live in an environment plagued by pests such as mosquitoes, a can of “OFF” or “Repel” would be a wise investment as well. 10. Extra ammo and magazines – I would hope by now you have a firearm, if not, get one, learn how to use it. Keep some extra ammo for your bug out weapon. If you can afford it, keep a firearm in your bag. 11. Fire starting items – Matches are good, but why not toss in a couple of disposable lighters. They are so simple and last a long time. Nothing can boost morale quite like a fire, not to mention all the practical applications such as cooking game, boiling water, or sterilizing items. 12. Sewing needle – A small sewing kit takes up almost no room and has many applications. 13. A metal cup – A metal can or cup such as a metal canteen cup available at most army surplus stores is a very useful item, you can boil water in it, cook in it, or even dig with it if you must. 14. Water carrier – Even though I have the hydration bladder, I still carry a canteen. This can be used to carry extra clean water if available, or to carry dirty water until it can be purified later. 15. Fishing line & hooks – Fishing line is such a useful item, just like cordage. I recommend the spider wire braided 8lb. test fishing line. This will catch a decent sized fish, but can also double as suture material when combined with the sewing kit, or it can be made in to a basic alarm system for your camp by tying it around some trees and adding a few old soda cans (available in any road ditch ) Dental floss also works just not as well. 16. A Multi tool – This goes without saying, can be a life saver. 17. Binoculars – You may just want to check something out before you get to close, what better way to do that than being able to see from a distance. 18. Local maps – Maps of the local area, the county, the state, and especially any geographic location you will have to cross to get to your destination. 19. Extra clothes – This may change depending on your environment, for example, someone living in Alaska will require different extra clothes than someone living in Florida. Where I live, some extra socks, cargo pants, and T shirt all rolled up will suffice most of the year. 20. Signaling devices – A whistle and signal mirror may just come in handy and won’t take up much room. 21. Trash bags – A couple of durable lawn and garden type trash bags can be used to keep your pack dry if needed, or to place game and other food inside to keep pests off. A head and arm hole can be made to make a poncho. This too is a wonderful multi use item. 22. A small bottle of hand sanitizer – This has a variety of uses as well. During an emergency you will no doubt have to handle some very nasty things, and clean hands will assist you to not become ill, but it can also sterilize your blade to cut your food, or it can be used to start your fire as it burns very well. 23. Flashlight – A good quality flashlight with extra batteries is essential. 24. Optional cell phone – I say optional because anyone who has been in a real disaster knows, typically cell phone communication is sketchy at best. However, if you can afford it, buy a cheap trac fone and an air card for it. I say trac fone because they operate on almost all other carriers’ towers, not to mention it will just sit there waiting until you activate it. Keep in mind you may have better luck contacting someone outside the disaster area. 25. Bandana or handkerchief – This too is a multi-use item. It can work as a dust mask, it can be wet and placed on the head to help regulate body temp. It can be used as a rag for cleaning or a sweat band to control perspiration. 26. Extra prescription glasses – If you wear glasses, keep an extra pair. 27. Safety glasses or goggles – depending on the disaster, these will help keep your eyes clean. 28. Solar powered or crank radio – Available at most army surplus stores, often in conjunction with a light, these can be great for keeping up to date on what is happening. 29. Small writing tablet and pen or pencil – You never know when you will have to write down directions, an address, a phone number, or anything else. I recommend write in the rain brand. 30. Duct tape – What else needs said. MacGyver could have built a house or bus with it (If you don’t know who MacGyver was I feel sorry for you) It doesn’t have to be a full roll, but enough to get by. 31. Money – Not everyone can afford to have a large pile of cash, but a few dollars may just come in handy. 32. List of important contacts – A simple list of important numbers and addresses is crucial. 33. An E tool – Those of you who are veterans know exactly what I’m talking about. For those who don’t, it is a small folding camp shovel. I keep one strapped to the outside of my pack. Not only a great tool but a very capable weapon as well. 34. Military style can opener – Most multi tools will have this covered, if not, a simple P38 or P51 can opener. 35. Small pocket Bible – This is a personal item for me. 36. Survival Manual – These are available almost anywhere. It should include things such as plant identification, shelter building, water purification, and basic first aid. 37. Gloves – A good pair of gloves, my personal opinion, military tactical or police tactical gloves, but decent gloves such as mechanics gloves or even leather work gloves will suffice. 38. A few zip lock bags – Just toss in a couple of quart or gallon sized bags, you never know. 39. Compass – A good compass, such as a lensatic compass, and the ability to use it. 40. Common sense - I know this sounds silly, but in any disaster, the ability to make smart choices and remain calm is the most important thing you can have. All the gear in the world will not save you if you don’t know how to use it or don’t have at least some basic survival skills. Proper training and proper planning can help you to survive almost any situation.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 15:04:38 +0000
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