The Bug-Out Bag: Written by David Warrington The purpose of assembling a Bug out Bag is to make sure that you have the essential items needed to survive the first 72 hours after a disaster. Make sure to keep your bag light enough so that you can run without affecting stamina and ability. You can create a decent BoB with products found at a dollar store, so do not be afraid of breaking your budget putting one together. A backpack, or if you can afford one, an Alice Bag should be used as your Bob, it is not recommended to use duffel bags, or string strap bags. A bag with good padded straps will work best. Do not pack unnecessary items in your bag like make-up or a laptop. Keep your bag in a place you can grab it quickly if the SHTF. First Aid: Antibiotics – If you can get your hands on some antibiotics, or perhaps some FISH-MOX (amoxicillin), FLEX (Keflex), ZOLE (metronidazole), or PEN (penicillin) (*all of which are available over the counter), will be useful in treating common infections which can kill you if left untreated. Pain Relievers – Ibuprofen is recommended in this slot for its anti-inflammatory properties. Tylenol can be used, but be warned, it does affect the functionality of your liver. Antihistamines – Is used to treat allergies and reactions to insect bites and stings. Any brand will do, please note marked drowsiness. Anti-Diarrheal – Treats the onset of diarrhea and helps with IBS. Antibacterial Ointment – This is important to help prevent infection of open wounds and also aids in faster healing time. Bandages – Bandages have many uses in a survival situation. They help control bleeding, act as a fire starter source, and as a make-shift wash cloth. Bandages of varying sizes are recommended. Butterfly Sutures – In a survival situation it is very likely that you will not be near a hospital to receive sutures. These wonderful works of science will hold the edges of a deep cut together, which will speed the healing time, aid in preventing infection, and slow bleeding. Medical Tape – What else are you going to use to hold the bandages on? Bleach – The ultimate purification method when boiling and steam are not available. Bleach can be used to purify drinking water and to sterilize any areas that may be contaminated. Water Purification Tablets – After filtering sediment out of potential drinking water, it may still contain microbial life that can make you very ill and may even kill you. Treat your filtered water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Medication – Always remember to pack any medications that you are taking to keep you healthy. Food and Drink: Spices – These are used to add desirable flavor to your foods and are very light weight. Spices and Bullion of many flavors can be acquired from your local dollar store. Drinking Water – You should carry no less than 64 ounces of water. This amount is assuming that you are going to purify water as well after this water is gone. Vitamins – Minerals included in vitamins are needed for many important bodily functions including muscular contractions, nerve signal relay, and insulin production. In the absence of these minerals and vitamins you will find yourself fatigued more easily, getting headaches, and irritable just to name a few symptoms. Learning to forage in the wild will help to supplement many of these vitamins and minerals. Jerky – Jerky is light, is a good source for protein, and does not need to be cooked or refrigerated. The drawback here is that jerky can cause constipation or worse, impaction. Neither is helpful in a survival situation. Enriched White Rice – Easy to cook and provides energy through calories and minerals. A little bit goes a long ways. Light weight. Enriched pasta can also be carried with little effort in your BoB. Canned Foods – I would only recommend canned food for a vehicle bug out kit. They are bulky and the weight adds up quick. Only use these for a field bag if you have no other options. I have read claims that you should have them because of the fluids contained within, remember one thing, if you know how to filter and purify water, you can always find water, but when stamina is gone due to excessive weight, you will need more rest and more water than the cans offered to begin with. Drink Mixes – Single serve flavor packets, tea bags, instant coffee. Drinking water alone does not help to keep ketones at an ideal level. Drink mixes with a small mix of sugar and sodium provides the body with necessary electrolytes, which help replenish energy and battle dehydration more effectively. Personal Hygiene: Antibacterial Soap (liquid or bar) – In a survival situation I would recommend an unscented soap. Critters in the wild are attracted to sweet smelling perfumes (eg. Black Bears, Raccoons). Deodorant soap does not kill microbial organisms on your skin; they are designed to make you smell pretty. Antibacterial and/or Anti-Fungal soaps will help keep you healthy, and also keep wounds clear of harmful bacteria. Toothbrush and Baking Soda – Oral hygiene still needs to be practiced. Abscess teeth, Infection, decay will all interfere with your concentration and reaction time. This will also impact your ability to eat. Nail Clippers – Keep your nails cut and keep them clean. DO NOT BITE THEM! This can get you deathly ill in a survival situation. Misc: Knife – Knives can be used to create spears, fillet fish, field dress animals, and many more functions. Keep it sharpened and maintained. You do not want to get poked or cut by a rusted blade. Water-Proof Matches or Lighters – For starting cooking fires. Tarps – You should have at least one 5’ x 7’ tarp for shelter purposes. Two would be better. Tarps are light weight and take very little room in your bag. Tarps are also multi-purpose items. Cord or Rope – Paracord is best due to weight and durability. Any rope can be used though. Cord is used to construct shelter, secure supplies, setting traps, making fishing line, and at least 100 other uses. Sleeping Bag – There are numerous sleeping bags on the market that are both light in weight and rated for low temperature use. This can be substituted by emergency blankets, but they are not as comfortable. These will help in keeping you from freezing to death in the colder months. 2x Flashlights – One battery powered and one wind up or solar powered. Useful for navigation in the dark. Can Opener – You can’t really use your fingers to open a can of food in the event you packed some or happened to scavenged some. Small Mirror – Use as a signaling device. Journal – This is so that you can write your experiences down. Note observations, places, tricks learned. Compass and Local Map – It is never a good idea to get lost. Keep these items handy and maintained because they may just save your life one day. Small Hatchet or Machete – Both will help in splitting firewood (to an extent), and both can be used in self-defense situations. Do not go overboard on these items. You can buy a worthy piece in most Army Navy Surplus stores. Wear these on your belt is able. Your Bug Out Bag will allow you to grab and go without having to worry about if you forgot anything vital to your survival. Remember to keep your bag light enough to make a quick escape without risk of muscular strain or injury, or early fatigue. Inspect your bag regularly and ensure that everything is in good order. Replace items as needed. Always try to keep your Bug out Bag within a reasonable distance to yourself. War Machine out.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 17:59:58 +0000