A bug out bags purpose?

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forcedestrike

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Jan 14, 2008
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I have started writing on my blog again and I thought some of you might be interested-

(The bug out bag)

This topic is often discussed but rarely analyzed, the purpose of a bug out bag is to allow you to survive for a few days in an emergency.

The problem is that people take it literally and plan for everything. Everything.

Which is fine however you have to carry your bug out bag as you bug out, with that in mind why would someone who lives in an urban environment carry a big game hunting rifle? Why would someone in a rural area carry a crow bar?

The short answer is; because they think they might need it.

Think about the purpose of a bug out bag for a minute, its designed to keep you alive for 3 days as you bug out- which means as you escape a volatile or dangerous situation with the tools and nourishment needed to survive.

Before I write the ideal bug out bag I will write what you don’t need:

* A 2kgs fully loaded medical kit.
* A tent.
* A sleeping bag.
* 500 rounds of ammunition.
* An axe.
* Camp stove.
* A rifle.
* A platoon of soldiers.

Now most of these items tend to be seen as important, the reason why I do not include them in my bug out bag is because they are not needed. What I needed is speed, the ability to drop everything and go is what bug out bags are for- carrying 60kgs of kit on your back will not help you achieve your main target; to leave the dangerzone.

Tents, stoves, sleeping bags and fully loaded med kits should be at your bug out location or in your bug out vehicle, not on you.

The aim is to be light and able to respond to any threat for 3days and as such I built my bug out bag to fufill that purpose and nothing else as I head away from danger, what I have;

1. A rucksack.
2. Water bottles with enough water for 3 days.
3. Bic lighters [x2].
4. Swiss army knife or Leatherman’s multi-tool.
5. Paracord.
6. Torch.
7. Portable radio/Comms device.
8. “Light my fire” Firesteel.
9. Signaling mirror.
10. Duct tape.
11. Superglue.
12. Whistle.
13. Snare wire.
14. Fishing kit.
15. Compass.
16. Water purifying tablets.
17. Thick garbage bags [x8].
18. Bandages.
19. Disinfectant.
20. Good quality fixed blade knife.
21. Butterfly bandages.
22. Sewing kit.
23. Mess tins.
24. High energy bars [x12].
25. Optional: If you can; A handgun with 4 clips.

With those items you CAN survive for 3 days, as a matter of fact with the right knowledge you can survive for weeks- even months with those items.

The most important aspect of my bug out bag is that I am confident that I can carry it for extended distances even if wounded taking into account how light it is. I have tested it out by walking through rough terrain for roughly 15 miles and I was still alert and ready to face down any incoming threats should they arise.

To further explain my take on this topic, over the next few weeks I will go through my items and explain how I would use them from a survival point of view.

-F2F​


What do you think? Obviously I based my bug out bag on my own definition of a bug out bag, that being said I wonder who else goes for the "trimmed" BOB?
 
It sounds like a good summary, intelligently done. I will say this though: the rifle and ammo is part of the "you never know what you'll have to do" part of the BOB. A broken down AR series rifle with a few magazines (3-5) isn't all THAT much extra to carry as opposed to a handgun and can never hurt. Will it always be absolutely neccesary? Probably not. But it definitely can help a bit more than a handgun. Poncho never hurts too. It can be a shelter or anything else you might need.
I think the the bottom line when to deciding what to bring is flexibility. If it has one use (IE the crowbar) you probably shouldn't bother.
 
its 2am here so I will answer using bullet points, don't take it as an aggressive retort but I just can't focus right now- :)

  • For self defense purposes a handgun with hollow point rounds suits my purposes perfectly, I can keep it in reach at all times and I can blend in with sheeple easier as I bug out if I don't have a barrel sticking out of my bag ;)
  • With regards to the poncho & shelter- Thats why I have 8 heavy duty garbage bags, I will write a post on my blog with ways to use them however I may not post them here (I don't want to appear as if I am spamming!).
  • I could not agree with you more with regards to the flexibility factor, specialized equipment should only be bought if one cannot do without it or improvise in the field to create something similar.

-F2F

Hammer27 said:
It sounds like a good summary, intelligently done. I will say this though: the rifle and ammo is part of the "you never know what you'll have to do" part of the BOB. A broken down AR series rifle with a few magazines (3-5) isn't all THAT much extra to carry as opposed to a handgun and can never hurt. Will it always be absolutely neccesary? Probably not. But it definitely can help a bit more than a handgun. Poncho never hurts too. It can be a shelter or anything else you might need.
I think the the bottom line when to deciding what to bring is flexibility. If it has one use (IE the crowbar) you probably shouldn't bother.
Click to expand...
 
I believe a handguns purpose is to fight your way to a longgun in a self defence situation.
My sig rides in the console w/ 3 mags of hydrashocks, my BOB has more handgunmags, but mostley its rifle mags in the back, in addition to a minamilistic kit to make it where im goin....

This is a description of an urban shtf situation, most likely it will neve be needed but I try and prepare for everything.....
 
The problem with having a rifle is that you advertise the fact that you are armed, with a handgun I can be discreet and appear like everyone else who is running away- criminals will not spot me as a threat immediately and as such I have the time to either slink away without looking suspicious and/or devise a plan of attack in my terms not theres.

If they see a rifle they may take me as a threat before I can see them and as such may open fire first-

When/if I bug out I will dress with normal denim jeans and a t-shirt + parka if it is cold. my bag is not miltech and as such I just look "normal" and not threatening.

Looking like a soldier or "authority" when criminals are loose is the fastest way to get shot in my opinion, especially if you are alone.

Life is not hollywood- bugging out in camo gear with a rifle slung across your neck is plain silly in my opinion. :/
 
With advances in technology, there's no reason not to have something like a bivy sack. It will be far better and far more durable than trash bags. As far as a firearm, I suppose it depends on where you are. A rifle will always be more useful than a handgun with the one exception being concealment.

As far as your general premise...

"What I needed is speed, the ability to drop everything and go is what bug out bags are for- carrying 60kgs of kit on your back will not help you achieve your main target; to leave the dangerzone."

I disagree. If you're bugging out by car then this is a moot point. If you're bugging out on foot, carrying one or two of the items you've named verboten shouldn't be an issue unless you're going to say that you need to bug out at an all out sprint. If thats the case, then the problem isn't the gear its your preparation and planning.

I'm not suggesting that you carry the kitchen on your back. However a bivy bag and a tarp/ultralight tent makes for much more comfortable experience than a hefty bag.
 
You make some valid points however as I pointed out in my post;

"Tents, stoves, sleeping bags and fully loaded med kits should be at your bug out location or in your bug out vehicle, not on you."

And I would never bug out in a vehicle because everyone else does it ;) if you look at events like Katrina ect. the roads end up being blocked and in such a situation you would have to leave your car and go on foot, and then what? re-arrange your BOB on the spot as other people are running past you in panic?

Its easier to just plan as if your going on foot from the beginning because you take away outside elements from the situation.

It seems people are getting the wrong idea from this post;
I did not state that my items is ALL you should take but rather all you NEED.

I go for speed and lightness instead of comfort- individuals will balance between comfort and lightness as they see fit. :)

"A rifle will always be more useful than a handgun with the one* exception being concealment"

*and the weight, see the post above yours for reason to not carry a rifle.

I think if people look prepared then they will be targets for theft and stray scared sheeple who wont take no for an answer, which is a big problem in my opinion.

If you look scared and unprepared with a regular rucksack then criminals will not immediately target you which will give you precious time. Having a tent and a rifle makes me a target by default- I have items that others want visible.

In my experience when people talk about bugging out they don't consider everyone else around them :P
Reading some of these threads you would believe that they live in a village of 30 people who were all killed in the first wave,

Take Katrina for instance-

1. you load up.
2. you drive away.
3. its all good?

What about FEMA, The cops, scared civilians, criminals, road blocks, mobs, looting, general panic ect.

you think walking around with a fully loaded pack & Rifle looking like a hardcore survivalist wont get you unwanted attention from sheeple, criminals and the "authority" ?

(if this comes across as an attack then my apologies I do not mean it this way!)
 
forcedestrike said:
When/if I bug out I will dress with normal denim jeans and a t-shirt
Click to expand...

I'd recommend re-thinking that - cotton when it gets wet, stays wet. And wearing clothing that won't dry readily will give you hypothermia in colder temps.

In general, BOBs are usually packed with too much stuff - few people have taken their BOB and actually tried to lug it through their intended bug-out route. Or they assume they'll be able to carry their BOB in their car instead of on foot. There's a good argument for the staying light and moving fast. Ultra-light hikers are probably some of the best prepared for an actual bug-out.

But, I do believe a poncho/tarp and sleeping bag/sleeping pad are worth their weight in gold (or ammo :D). Staying dry, warm and well-rested are critical to survival - even for three days.

Jump in a cold creek in freezing temps with a storm blowing in - then see how your BOB works for you. But bring your cell phone - in case hypothermia sets in! :D
 
"Tents, stoves, sleeping bags and fully loaded med kits should be at your bug out location or in your bug out vehicle, not on you."

You must plan that you will not be able to reach your bug out location or bug out vehicle. I plan on carrying a sleeping bag/tarp and stove(Pocket Rocket) in my BOB.
 
Good post forcedestrike; the whole firearm thing is really dependend on your location, type of crisis and your mobility. 90% of the situations, you are not going to want to have an open carry firearm. I think the pistol is the primary means of self-defense and you plan accordingly to have your long-arm within reach (vehicle, pack, etc.) if needed. Keep a low profile and remain alert.

For me, I am in the military and my rank would most likely get me through most areas if in uniform. I do agree that I wouldn't want to be seen alone in uniform as you could easily become a prime target from frustated refugees.

Again, for some areas and seasons, sleeping bag, insulated clothing and shelter main dominate your essentials. If you can get out of the weather, get dry and stay warm...the rest of your kit won't do you any good. Most of us can update our bags to match the season, but that sleeping bag may be an essential for your area during the colder season.

Your list is more than adequate for more than 90% of any crisis scenario in hot to moderate climates and 3, maybe 4 seasons of the year depending on the actual location. If you have a plan and a place to go, stay light (however, I never agreed with the "freeze at night" part of that saying:D)

ROCK6
 
Howdy all. I dont want to come off as harsh but I disagree with you on so many of your assumptions that I dont have time to address them all. This however IMHO is one of the dangerous things I have ever read on any forum,

"If you look scared and unprepared with a regular rucksack then criminals will not immediately target you which will give you precious time"

Matt
 
How about you just address one of them then?

Oakietree said:
Howdy all. I dont want to come off as harsh but I disagree with you on so many of your assumptions that I dont have time to address them all. This however IMHO is one of the dangerous things I have ever read on any forum,

"If you look scared and unprepared with a regular rucksack then criminals will not immediately target you which will give you precious time"

Matt
Click to expand...
 
I am not anti-gun, let me say that up front, however i do not carry a gun in my BOB, I carry a slingshot, with extra bands and lots of ammo. Go ahead and laugh. Not a speedy weapon, however one that is often underestimated. I wouldn't pull it against someone with a gun, but I would against someone with a knife that is threatening me. I carry 1/4" and 3/8" shot and the latter packs quite a punch.
Del
 
There is no one right way to build a BoB. First of all, what's the environment? In Finland, during winter, I would definately pack a tent and a sleeping bag if there was even the slightest possibility of having to sleep outside. Also, Finland has relatively few people, so I think a public emergency shelter would be a safe option (unlike in a crowded big city in the states)... a sleeping bag in such a place would be nice too; I doubt they have clean sheets and a warm bed for everyone.

And then there's the actual emergency. Let's say you have one hour to evacuate your house, and you might not be able to return in a few weeks, or even in a few months. Now you might have friends or relatives on a safe location... but if you start packing, the roads will be blocked. Now if you grab a BoB and rush for your car, you might be able to avoid the traffic jams. In such a situation, what are you going to need..

a) during the trip?
b) at the safe location?

For example, Aton Edwards in his book "Preparedness Now!" brings out a valid point of sanitation in you car. Think about it; spending a couple of days in your car, in a huge seemingly everlasting traffic jam... do you wish to leave your car and all your stuff to "do your business" on the side of the road? What about gasoline? Wanna stop to a nearby station to get your tank full? Credit cards probably wont work. Do you have cash in your BoB? Or some way to pass time, playing cards for example? You'll almost certainly have to sleep in you car also. It wouldnt be a bad idea to have some sort of ways to clean yourself, or even a change of clothes, in order to "look civilized", if you need to. Let's face it; if you look like a drifter among a huge crowd of refugees, you might not be welcome to all locations.

And what about when you get to the safe location? Do you have all the important documents with you? Insurance papers etc?

Maybe it would be a good idea to keep a "Bug-Out vehicle add-on" handy. So in case you need to evacuate, you'd grab you BoB, "the vehicle add-on" and your EDC and whatever you've considered beforehand to be important.

In case of a larger nuclear accident (our eastern neighbour has a has a few power plants near the border that are... well, not in a tip-top shape) a public shelter might be the only safe option for me, since its located near by, and I live in a remote area and I know for a fact that the shelter in question wont be crowded. What if I need to spend a week in said shelter? What do I need? Fishing kits, guns... useless. A sleeping bag, extra water, a small tarp to create a small shelter from other people, a good book, playing cards... priceless. Now as I said, the shelter is near by, so weight wouldn't be an issue.

And what about a situation that requires you to really Bug Out, with no possibility of using a vehicle, and no steady safe location to bug out to? That kind of situation would require entirely different kind of setup. Tent, means to purify drinking water, warm clothes, rain gear, loads of batteries for a flashlight, a radio, lots of first aid stuff... Will you be staying in an urban environment, or are you going to "run to the hills"? Again, totally different setup.

So, my advice on the subject is: whatever you do, do NOT follow a pre-made list. They are for reference only, to give you ideas, to make you THINK. So think, plan, decide, and then think again.
 
akennedy73 said:
I'd recommend re-thinking that - cotton when it gets wet, stays wet. And wearing clothing that won't dry readily will give you hypothermia in colder temps.
Click to expand...

At least it doesn't melt on you when you're close to fire. :D

I carry a softshell jacket anyways... :p It dries so quickly, that I rarely feel sweaty in it.
 
I translated an intresting passage from a book I read here titled “Abusado” (abused), the life story of a Rio drug dealer/criminal. If anyone had the need for a bug-out-bag it was this guy. His life was punctuated by attacks from the police and rival gangs. Even in his own home turf he had to constantly move around.

This guy is no hero or anything and a lot of his tactics lacked refinement. Everything he did he learned “on-the-job”. I just thought some of you would be interested in the contents of his BOB.

“He only slept dressed and with his shoes on, ready to run out into the street at any moment… even sleeping he was never separated from his canvas backpack that held things he considered inseparable: some used candles, lighter, folding knife, small flashlight, two books, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, a notebook, pens, a small bible, ceramic images of a few Catholic Saints, hand grenades, two boxes of pistol ammunition, and a spare magazine for Jovelina (his AK-47). There was also a compartment in the backpack full of food, salami, goiabada (sweet, thick fruit preserve), vanilla cookies, and vitamin C, which he liked to take when he awoke just before noon.”

From the rest of the text it is clear that he always had a handgun or two and a cell phone on his person. Hand grenades, what BOB is complete without a few?

Hiding is boring and you get dirty, hence the books, notebook, pens, toothpaste and soap. It also looks like he was quite spiritual, he was no Christian Warrior though. The bible was carried more as a spiritual good luck charm than a guide for living. These guys would pray for safety before committing robberies, murder etc.

Sophisticated or not his BOB saw a lot of use and got stripped down to the bare essentials. Mac
 
I did address one. But if you want another, 3 days of water is not fast and light. According to a few on line water calculaters I, at 185lbs, would need atleast 1 gallon of water a day doing light exercise for 5 hours. I feel this was a conservative estimate of the physical activity that would be involved. Water is over 8lbs a gallon that is over 24 lbs of just water. Mostly what I disagreed with were your assumptions stated factualy.

You do not need a sleeping bag.
You do not need an axe, etc

How about " I " don't want or need an axe where I live

Wairing camo will make you stand out.

what if you live in the woods?

Whats the mess tin for to cook your 12 energy bars

Have you ever wore the same pair of socks for three days when your travelling fast and light. I have been stuck in the same pair of socks for three days while donig moderate walking and it is not comfortable, not in the summer.

The people who got in to trouble in Katrina were the people who waited around for someone to tell them what to do. The school buses that could have been used to evacuate people were still at the bus yard not stuck on the freeway in traffic. My dad used his car to bug out when SoCal was on fire last year. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated and he had no problem.

But most importantly I think it is dangerous to tell people to act or appear helpless. I have lived in, worked in, visited and travelled thru many f**ked up places and unless you are trying to set a trap to draw someone in I feel this is bad advice. I m not saying I would strut around like I owned the place. I agree with keeping a low profile. But my direct experience is vary contrary to the advise you are giving. IME how you carry yourself is key to surviving in dangerous places.

Now I do think that your list has great essentials and that it would probably get me by in most places I travel if I were not with my family. Given the chance I would supstitute much of it for better gear.

Matt
 
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No, you do not need a sleeping bag or axe to survive.

That is a fact.

Sleeping bags and axes just make certain tasks easier or more comfortable, knowledge can provide alternatives for a sleeping bag- (garbage bags filled with dry leaves ect.) and you can take down a tree with a fixed blade knife...it just happens to be more difficult.

I don't need an online calculator- At the end of the day how much you bring with you is up to you.

If you live in the woods then the only thing you would need to bug out from is a fire, so what is your point?

The mess tins are useful for cooking caught game and purifying water ect.

Again you don't need spare socks to survive. Is it more comfortable? sure. but you don't need it.

With regards to the SoCal fires- one event does not make the rule- if you wish to depend on a vehicle to bug out then go for it, I just stated my reasons against such a practice.

I never stated "look helpless" but rather blend in with everyone as you get away from the situation- and in a crisis people scream, cry and panic. Don't be the hero because otherwise people will silently elect you as the leader and expect you to do everything for them. In a crisis my only priority is myself and my family- as such I don't want to appear as someone prepared based on the majority being unprepared and looking for someone like myself or you to tell them what to do.

I have also been in messed up places however a country where the general population is used to living in what we would consider a disaster zone is different from the people who will be struck in a disaster zone as you are at home.

again, as stated in a previous post: I did not write it as a comfortable guide to bugging out ect. but rather as my bare essentials kit that I would need to survive.

"I go for speed and lightness instead of comfort- individuals will balance between comfort and lightness as they see fit."

I want to blend in around people but the moment I am away from the dangerzone (away from people and the crisis area) I can act as assertively as I normally do.

I hope that answers most of your queries, what is your current bug out kit out of interest? & do you base your bug out kit purely on your environment or do you have a general purpose BOB?

Oakietree said:
I did address one. But if you want another, 3 days of water is not fast and light. According to a few on line water calculaters I, at 185lbs, would need atleast 1 gallon of water a day doing light exercise for 5 hours. I feel this was a conservative estimate of the physical activity that would be involved. Water is over 8lbs a gallon that is over 24 lbs of just water. Mostly what I disagreed with were your assumptions stated factualy.

You do not need a sleeping bag.
You do not need an axe, etc

How about " I " don't want or need an axe where I live

Wairing camo will make you stand out.

what if you live in the woods?

Whats the mess tin for to cook your 12 energy bars

Have you ever wore the same pair of socks for three days when your travelling fast and light. I have been stuck in the same pair of socks for three days while donig moderate walking and it is not comfortable, not in the summer.

The people who got in to trouble in Katrina were the people who waited around for someone to tell them what to do. The school buses that could have been used to evacuate people were still at the bus yard not stuck on the freeway in traffic. My dad used his car to bug out when SoCal was on fire last year. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated and he had no problem.

But most importantly I think it is dangerous to tell people to act or appear helpless. I have lived in, worked in, visited and travelled thru many f**ked up places and unless you are trying to set a trap to draw someone in I feel this is bad advice. I m not saying I would strut around like I owned the place. I agree with keeping a low profile. But my direct experience is vary contrary to the advise you are giving. IME how you carry yourself is key to surviving in dangerous places.

Now I do think that your list has great essentials and that it would probably get me by in most places I travel if I were not with my family. Given the chance I would supstitute much of it for better gear.

Matt
Click to expand...
 
I have to say the OP is really situation dependant, and seems to come from an urban mindset. A few things I find wrong:

1.) No sleeping bag. Sleeping bag is too heavy, but you'll carry 3 days of water? Even at 1 gallon a day, that's 3 gallons, or about 26 pounds when you factor containers. 3 Gallons would get you through one day in the summer where I live. Much better use of volume and weight would be to carry a couple nalgenes/canteens and a water filter and some purification tabs. MUCH less wieght and bulk. I'd also take my 3 pound sleeping bag and 2 pound bivy sack.

2.) 12 energy bars. Not going to cut it for 3 days. You will use a huge amount of calories walking about. You need to calculate you basal metabolic rate (the number of calories your body would burn if you just sat around doing nothing), and plan on that as a minimum per day for 3 days. Otherwise your body goes into "survival mode" -- it cuts back your metabolism, which leads to degradation of energy level and higher brain functions, lethergy, and when you do get some calories, the body tries to make as many of them into fat as a reserve as possible. Contrary to popular thinking, having a huge calorie defecit is actually BAD for weight loss. So that "survival spare tire" won't be used as quickly as you may think.

3.) Bug out location. How many actually have one? Most people are struggling to own one mplace to live right now and can't afford another. If you plan on bugging out to a place you don't own, or don't visit frequently, plan on having your stuff gone.

4.) Guns are completely situation dependant. I live in a very rural area. I'd probably be the odd man out if I didn't have a rifle. Also, my rucksack is big enough to completely conceal my AK underfolder, if necessary.

5.) An axe. If by and axe you mean a full sized axe, I'd agree. If you also include hatchets, I disagree. If you are in, or going to a rural area, a good hatchet/kukri/machete (depending on the area) will be an invaluable tool. And no, the fixed blade knife will not replace them. Again, situation dependant.

ETA: you posted while I was writing. I don't know where you are in Europe, but in the northern areas of the US, and in Canada, not having a sleeping bag int he winter is a death sentance. A trash bag filled with leaves wont cut it. OK, I suppose you could do it like mountain men often did, and sleep in your coat. But by the time you load up your duster, blankets, other layerss they wore, etc, you're up to the weight, really more, than a sleeping bag.
 
I Agree With your Idea of keepng A low profile but here is some food for thought, Looking Like a sheeple makes you look like a victim which makes you a target. A person or even better a group of persons obviously armed and looking attentive may deter criminals. It worked during the LA Riots when shop opwners on the edge of the riot zone made a visible armed presence and turned many would be looters back.

Other than that I agree with the fast light idea of bug out. My kit has parts. a small main pack with basic esentials and an additional bucket and bag that go in my car or can be carried a short distance. These contain additional supplies and comfort items.
 
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