A bug out bags purpose?

[forcedestrike]

"The primary purpose of a Bug-out Bag (BOB) is to allow one to evacuate quickly if a disaster should strike. It is therefore prudent to gather all of the materials and supplies that might be required to do this into a single place, such as a bag or a few storage containers. The recommendation that a BOB should contain enough supplies for seventy two hours arises from advice from organizations responsible for disaster relief and management that it may take them up to seventy two hours to reach people affected by a disaster and offer help. They therefore suggest that a BOB should contain enough supplies to allow those reliant on it to survive for this length of time.

In addition to allowing one to survive a disaster evacuation, a BOB may also be utilized when sheltering in place as a response to emergencies such as house fires, blackouts, or tornadoes and other severe weather."

Hence the 72hrs, if I was a family man then I would be less complacent with regards to acceptable risk- I would definitely have a "proper" med kit ect.

But since I don't have kids or dependents, I choose what is acceptable for myself.

what I want to know, why are you stuck on three days? the only experience I have with needing to leave my home in an emergency are fire and earthquake, both fires, 03 and the ones just recently, required me to leave for well over 3 days. just wondering why you picked 3 days, seems kinda odd, I've set my and my wifes bags up to support us for an indefinate time period, meaning we have extra clothing, shelter, and a means to gather/kill prep and cook food, filter water, and there is a HUGE med kit, I'm not sure why you would want to leave out a medical kit, seems to me that is the most important part, I mean what happens you take a spill, next thing you know you have a massive infection in your body because you couldn't propperly clean and dress the wound? or you break a bone, get into a self defense situation and take a bullet, or get stabbed or cut? in my opinion, FAK is HIGH on the priority list, only thin higher is a means to defend myself, and a knife. After thos things it seems to me that a kit would or could just depend on the area you are in.

 

[STAGE 2]

I guess drying at night/ near a fire is just so difficult, how have we survived without spare socks in a waterproof bag for so long?

So you've never been stuck out in the rain? Never been in a hurricane or flooded areas? Never had trouble starting a fire. You seem to think that because you haven't personally experienced it, you are immune to these problems. Thats not how murphy or mother nature work.

I do but the most extreme in terms of climate is the alps, aside from that most of europe does not have extreme temperatures.

With regards to the climate to expect I believe its called the weather forecast and common sense.

I know that in July northern Turkey is scary hot. Hence I won't bring arctic equipment, I know that nights can be chilly however they won't be freezing.

And weather forecasts are never wrong? You've never been somewhere where its snowing?

Furthermore it doesn't need to be freezing for you to get hypothermia. Cold and windy will suffice. Even more so if you get wet. As far as common sense goes, one who invokes that shouldn't be advocating taking the bare minimum. Just the opposite. Take good equipment and as much as you can without having it weight you down. Thats common sense.

I never said it did not.

So if its basically just as light and just as compact and does the job much much better, doesn't common sense demand that you take it instead of trashbags.

and I will totally go to the north pole with my BoB, way to take things out of context genius.

Nothing was taken out of context. You seem to think that hypothermia can only occur in freezing temps or in extreme cliamtes. Thats just not the case.

My BoB is designed to allow me to survive for 3days, not to go on expeditions or survive for longer than 3 days, I have a tent and sleeping bags ect. but they are in my more longterm bags which I don't define as BoB's.

So what happens on day 4 when the disaster hasn't ended and you can't get to your long term bag.

And we are talking about situations where a BoB is required, The great state of Louisiana has open carry as a state law (I believe) that being said weapons were still confiscated.

In some parts by some officers. And guess what. The courts ruled that this was a violation, and all the weapons had to be returned.

Is California not part of the United States of America? Have you walked down the street with a rifle?

Yes.

But of course your bill of rights and 2nd amendment reigns true in America.

Your rights have never being infringed.

Sure they have but not nearly as much as others. I'm just grateful that the framers had enough foresight to codify my right to bear arms so I'm not at the mercy of the government for protection.

Still didn't answer the question.

What part of concealment do you not understand? in a situation where I require my BoB I will not worry about parking tickets or if I can carry a firearm.

I understand that if you have to use it, you'll be in a world of trouble even if the use was justified. Or, if someone sees it and rats you out. These things aren't beyond the realm of possibility.

I have already answered that before in the thread; yes, Although if the weather is nice then just my parka will do.

Have you ever walked anywhere without spare socks?

Sure all the time. In fact on the weekends you'd be hard pressed to find me in shoes. However walking somewhere and bugging out to an unknown location for an unknown amount of time are two totally different things.

Mainland France is the size of one of your states, apart from specific regions the climate tends to vary by only 8 degrees tops.

I know what to expect. The cold is the last thing I worry about- in the south Heat waves take lives, the cold frankly doesn't bother me.

Which brings us back to the issue of travelling out of your environment. You already said you're currently in england so that kind of moots your point. You have no idea where you will be when something bad happens. Thats why you prepare.

In the context of survival as in staying alive you don't need many things.

More tools and equipment just make things easier & more comfortable.

Assuming a best case scenario. What happens if you're injured or you lose some of your gear?

I suppose thats the main difference here. You seem to think that there are no variables outside of those you've considered. You seem to think that you're prepared for anything because you are familiar with your surroundings. You seem to think that having backups is extraneous and using proper gear is a perk. Thats both a sign of immaturity and inexperience.

 

[Fallbrook Forge]

forcedstrike, it seems to me that you are stuck in your own ways and are not looking to learn/adapt in any way. to not carry first aid supplies for yourself is just foolish, to not carry spare clothing, again foolish, it does not need to be "cold" to get hypothermia, 50-60 degrees is all it takes.
you should consider taking others experience and views and thoughs and advice into account, I thought that's why this thread was up

 

[forcedestrike]

So you've never been stuck out in the rain? Never been in a hurricane or flooded areas? Never had trouble starting a fire. You seem to think that because you haven't personally experienced it, you are immune to these problems. Thats not how murphy or mother nature work.

I agree, stuff happens outside of ones control- But you can't live your life in fear of every eventually, one day I will die and so will you- its how I live my life that matters.

I have been in flooded areas- just didn't stick around for very long Obviously I have been in the rain but the way you make it sound is that if I walk around with wet feet for 1 day then they will fall off. I must be a walking miracle if thats the case.

And weather forecasts are never wrong? You've never been somewhere where its snowing?

Lmao, of course- but I can rig together a rudimentary shelter.

Furthermore it doesn't need to be freezing for you to get hypothermia. Cold and windy will suffice. Even more so if you get wet. As far as common sense goes, one who invokes that shouldn't be advocating taking the bare minimum. Just the opposite. Take good equipment and as much as you can without having it weight you down. Thats common sense.

I advocate taking the bare minimum for myself, what you do is up to you.

So if its basically just as light and just as compact and does the job much much better, doesn't common sense demand that you take it instead of trashbags.

you can! /shrugs- I use garden bags (seriously thick green ones with a type of meshing) my bivi is also tough but I don't consider it an essential.

Nothing was taken out of context. You seem to think that hypothermia can only occur in freezing temps or in extreme cliamtes. Thats just not the case.

never said that, but if one is careful and thinks ahead you can avoid hypothermia- fire, proper shelter (or atleast a wind breaker) ect.

So what happens on day 4 when the disaster hasn't ended and you can't get to your long term bag.

That makes no sense- my bug out bag is to bug out. not to substain me for extended periods.

I always have options- make my way towards people (in most Europe if you walk for 1 day in 1 direction you are bound to meet someone) .

but thats not the point- a bug out bag is not for camping or going on extended trips or for indefinite survival.

its for escaping a crisis zone until you can go back or find a more permanent solution.

In some parts by some officers. And guess what. The courts ruled that this was a violation, and all the weapons had to be returned.

But there guns were taken away when they needed them the most.

Yes.

Walked around in L.A would have been a better question-

"California has the most restrictive gun laws, banning a variety of weapons and ammuntion. Open Carry with a permit is permitted in California, so long as you are in an area with a population of less than 200,000 as of last census and it is your responsibility to know the population. It is believed that Many of these restrictive anti-gun laws in California can be attributed to it's lack of constituional protection of the right to keep and bear."

Sure they have but not nearly as much as others. I'm just grateful that the framers had enough foresight to codify my right to bear arms so I'm not at the mercy of the government for protection.

If you don't fight for your rights the government will take them away.
If the government can undermine the constitution in one way then it can undermine everything else- its up to patriots to keep the government on there toes by always pushing back.

Still didn't answer the question.

As stated before I have already answered the question.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5711576&postcount=72

I understand that if you have to use it, you'll be in a world of trouble even if the use was justified. Or, if someone sees it and rats you out. These things aren't beyond the realm of possibility.

My friend, If I have to pull a gun on someone that individual will die because the only reason I would use deadly force is if my own life was in danger. I hope I never have to at any point in my life but if I have no choice I will.

I would rather be considered criminal than dead. I would have thought a man such as yourself would take up a similar position.

Besides; the whole of France has more or less "make my day laws" and I don't think in a crisis I would end up in prison for defending myself with what is available to me.

Sure all the time. In fact on the weekends you'd be hard pressed to find me in shoes. However walking somewhere and bugging out to an unknown location for an unknown amount of time are two totally different things.

Unknown location? Again I know my immediate environment and since I live in an urban environment if I bug out it will be from urban environment to outside urban environment-

I don't have the luxury of carrying my BoB with me everywhere.

Which brings us back to the issue of travelling out of your environment. You already said you're currently in england so that kind of moots your point. You have no idea where you will be when something bad happens. Thats why you prepare.

I have my BoB with me, however England is so densely populated that bugging out is pretty much pointless, France is 3 times the size of England yet has a smaller population, you can find truly uninhabited parts of France, in England that would be difficult.

Assuming a best case scenario. What happens if you're injured or you lose some of your gear?

Thats a ridiculous question, what if you lose your BoB? What then mon ami?

What will you do?

If I lose it then I will do the best I can to survive with the knowledge and tools at my disposal, and so will you in that situation.

I suppose thats the main difference here. You seem to think that there are no variables outside of those you've considered. You seem to think that you're prepared for anything because you are familiar with your surroundings. You seem to think that having backups is extraneous and using proper gear is a perk. Thats both a sign of immaturity and inexperience.

I have considered my environment quite carefully and as I said in another post, I accept the risks.

I am all for having back ups, my longterm bags have lighters, flares, fire steel, magnesium block, maya dust ect.

Why so many ways when 1 will do? because one might fail and for longterm survival I can't have failure.

I can go without food for 3days, I can't go without the means to create fire for an indefinite period of time.

But as I said before which is something people seem to completely ignore-

my bug out kit is for 3 days, it allows me to sprint away from a crisis and live for 3 days.

No more.

Lets say it again shall we?

3 days- to escape a dangerous situation.

for 3 days.

if I get struck by lightening I may die.

If I get shot at point blank range with the right caliber and bullet type I will die.

I can't control that but I can control how fast I can get away from a situation which to me heightens my chances of survival.

The moment a situation occurs, I decide on the seriousness of the situation- can I bug in?

If yes- lock doors and bug in.

If not- grab bag and GO. go like the effing wind, navigate the people, mingle amongst them but get away.

Which to me is the most important thing.

If your BoB is designed for weeks or even months its no longer a bug out bag but a fully fledged survival kit.

Frankly mon ami, this conversation has been great- some interesting points of view and who knows I may give the bivy a second look that being said we are going round in circles, arguing for arguments sake and while this is entertaining it really doesn't change a thing !

I have my views and you have yours and while they are not mine I have nothing but the deepest respect for them.

Instead of chewing each other out lets acknowledge that only people who truly care about survival would fight for so long about a bivi bag and spare socks. . hahaha.

So lets take this off topic;
So- whats your favourite steel in a BoB situation?

 

[forcedestrike]

I am very stubborn, something I freely admit!

1. I do have a small medical kit, I suggest you read my OP.

2. for 3 days I do not need spare clothing.

3. I know what hypothermia is.

4. I do. (Acknowledge that other people are wrong. JUST kidding of course I respect other peoples point of view, but my BoB is based on my experiences and choices. People should respect that too.)

My first BoB had everything but the kitchen sink in it- camo tarp, tent, pegs, axe, saw, binoculars, sleeping bag, mat, tent EVERYTHING I could possibly need.

but with all of that stuff I could not get from A to B and I decided to start from scratch based on my needs and what I expect from a bug out bag. ect.

5. This thread was up because I wondered who else bugged out light. Then it was about sleeping bags, then rifle vs. Handgun and finally about socks.

6. Your probably a great guy to debate with but frankly everything you could ask or criticize has already been said and as such starting a debate at this stage is counter productive.

Have a great day!

forcedstrike, it seems to me that you are stuck in your own ways and are not looking to learn/adapt in any way. to not carry first aid supplies for yourself is just foolish, to not carry spare clothing, again foolish, it does not need to be "cold" to get hypothermia, 50-60 degrees is all it takes.
you should consider taking others experience and views and thoughs and advice into account, I thought that's why this thread was up

 

[forcedestrike]

This thread is seriously entertaining in a slash horror film sorta way...messy and wrong but you can't look away and at the end you just end up laughing.

It should be stickied for awesome'ness.

 

[attej]

Talking 'bout "survival" and "comfort"... If Id have to spend three days in the woods on my own in Finland, during winter, I'd rather have a sleeping bag with me than food. Or, if I'd have to walk long distances, Id rather keep my feet in good condition, than my stomach full. For short emergencies, if we are talking strictly about surviving, food is not a priority. Sure you lose energy fast, but a healty western can easily go a week or two without eating. Hypotermia, however, kills you within hours in the right conditions.

 

[nemoaz]

If Id have to spend three days in the woods on my own in Finland, during winter, I'd rather have a sleeping bag with me than food.

Food isn't even a concern for the first 30 days. That was the first thing they taught us in the survival aspect of special ops training. Too many here think that if they aren't catching fish by the second day, they will die.

I don't care to comment on this guys BOB. Maybe it works for Europe. No roads. Many don't have cars and the trains and busses are unlikely to be working. I guess if he had threats of snow, he'd know it.

Everything is a balancing act. I think back to my military days, now quite long ago. We sorta had two levels of equipment. One was basic LBE euipment. Aside from miilitary equipment (weapons and tactical gear), I carried water (2 qts), purification tabs, two canteen cups, a compass and a two backups (an orientiering around my neck and a button compass packed away), a pace cord, a signal mirror (also a shave mirror), lighters, match, and fire starters, TP, a poncho, some cord, a large knife (mine was a Ontario K-bar copy or USAF version), a sharp knife (mine was a spyderco), a pocket tool (mine was leatherman), and maybe some parts of an MRE. Gloves were always carried. I usually had a wool watch cap and at least two drive on rags (nercherchief or sling swathe). A flashlight and at least one backup along with batteries. I usually carried some of those heavy duty casualty blankets (the reflective foil lined ones). A couple of military trauma dressings, some mole skin, bandaids, some iodine, triple anitbiotic, some antifungal were carried by everyone. I was a medic so I carried more. This was sort of our everyday everywhere stuff.

If we were moving or definitely bivouacking somewhere, we carried our ALICE packs and a bunch more equipment. Usually at least a few MRE's (which could last two days), more water (2 two quart canteens), a ponch liner, maybe a sleeping bag cover (like a precursor to a bivvy bag), an extra poncho or two (one for the shelter and one for the groundsheet), socks and undies, maybe a foam sleeping pad (I also had a small thermarest for cold weather), maybe a sleeping bag if it were cold, A field jacket and liner. Wool glove liners (usually two). I usually carried a wool field shirt no matter what. I usually carried an extra pair of boots and a spare uni. An entrenching tool (shovel/but also a chopper) and maybe a hatchet or machete depending on the location. Spare water tabs, fire lighting stuff, heat tabs, maybe a stove, lighters etc. Of course, we carried lots more ammo, batteries, mountaineering and other team equipment. Subartic loadouts had special equipment, ECWS, boots, maybe skis. Axes and similar necessary equipment for the extreme. Sometimes we had special tents.

I tend to pack the same way today. My vehicle bags are large and mimick my miltary ruck. My EDC kits are similar to my LBE load out. It has worked for grunts for decades, and they have a decent amount of practice. In most instances, a knife and fire starter get me through a week with little problems. A canteen, a poncho and some cord and I'm golden. Note that this packing list was sorta a non-combat load, designed more for comfort. The combat load tended to be every bit of ammo and water you could carry.

The priorities always remain the same. Water first and foremost usually, shelter and fire, nav signalling. First aid. Food and comfort (spare socks whatever) last.

The next level of course is being Abo man, with the skills to flintknap a knife, make cordage, make fire from nothing etc. I'm still working on that.

 

[attej]

Food isn't even a concern for the first 30 days. That was the first thing they taught us in the survival aspect of special ops training. Too many here think that if they aren't catching fish by the second day, they will die.

That's a good point. Since this thread is originaly about the absolut necessities for a 3-day BoB, I think food can be left right out. In general, gathering food from nature is more a self-reliance skill than a survival skill anyway, since most of the lost-in-the-woods -type of emergencies last only a few days. Of course it would suck to be out in the cold without a bite to eat for three days, but certainly not life-threathing. Cody Lundin in his book "98.6 degrees" emphasizes the priorities really well: the most common killer is either hypothermia or hyperthermia. I have no certain information about this issue, but Im sure there have been cases where people have died in an outdoors emergency simply because they have prioritised their needs incorrectly, and for example spent too much time and energy on gathering food, when they should have been thermoregulating their body temperature (shelter, water) in stead.

I don't care to comment on this guys BOB. Maybe it works for Europe. No roads.

Yeah, we aint got 'em fancy roads! (just kidding )

... I think back to my military days, now quite long ago. We sorta had two levels of equipment...

The priorities always remain the same. Water first and foremost usually, shelter and fire, nav signalling. First aid. Food and comfort (spare socks whatever) last.

Your list is a perfect example how the environment dictates directly what is sensible gear. While I served my time in the Finnish Army, my setup was quite different. Warm coat (extra), thick wool socks (extra), sleeping bag etc. was mandatory equipment. As far as knives go, I usually had only a ranger puukko with me, and the orginal leatherman multi-tool (which was most of the time only used to install mines, since the iron-wires were pure hell to twist 'round a tree in freezing temperatures)

Also the priorities you mentioned come of course directly from the environment. In here, almost troughout the year, it's all about shelter and fire. If Id have to choose between a knife, water, and matches, I would certainly take the matches. The most likely emergency shelter that I would make would consist of spruce branches, and those I could gather without a cutting blade.

 

[ROCK6]

The priorities always remain the same. Water first and foremost usually, shelter and fire, nav signalling. First aid. Food and comfort (spare socks whatever) last.

Good post nemoaz; you point out a good piece of info when you start laying out priorities. The situation and weather conditions will dictate what your priorities are. Winter time in many locations would direct your priorities to shelter, fire and clothing as the more immediate concerns. Water should always be at the top of your list, but even more so in more arid locations. Again, this is based on location, climate, season and the level of experience and skill you have.

ROCK6

 

[David E]

I really disagree here...just to be argumentative Quality socks and footwear would be essential if you needed to move any great distance by foot. I can only speak of over 20 years in the Army and an avid backpacker. If your feet are not conditioned, you will not go very far...period! Your ability to "survive" great diminishes with the loss of your feet (mobility), hands or eyesight. If these are not protected or conditioned properly, you won't be going far without wheeled transportation. I've humped a ruck of some type in the jungles, deserts, woodlands throughout the CONUS and in the snow. Your feet cannot be ignored if you expect to carry any weight for any distance.

Edited to note I was referring to socks. You are correct that you don't need socks to survive if you plan on staying put and awaiting rescue. As soon as your feet get trenchfoot, blistered so bad you can't stand or you get a cut and infection...than you're in a survival situation with zero mobility.

ROCK6

My points ED ZACKERY !

An unplanned 20 mile hike out of the Colorado mountains many years ago taught me the extreme value of quality footwear and socks.

I'm astonished at Forcedestrike's total reluctance to carry a spare pair or socks or even moleskin. It suggests he's never done a 20 mile hike anywhere, much less in the wilderness.

.

 

[koyote]

Oh, man, I love my poncho liners. I've got ponchos to go with them, too. er, shelter halves.

There's a couple reasons i'm not concerned about food a lot, but still carry some and concern myself with foraging. One is age 5. One is 21 months and still nursing. (which means my wife eats, too). Again, EVERYTHING is situational in this subject. They can get by for a few days, but food goes higher on the priority list due to them. Me, I could USE 10 days of no food



I would never carry a long gun openly in a bug out situation if there was a government response of any sort. Bad juju. Honestly-- I don't WANT to make the national guard or militarized civilian cops nervous when I want to move out. Thanks, but no. If I'm wearing my nerdy ARES vest and working on emergency response and the situation warrants a gun, then fine. The sherrif will tell me how openly to carry it. But that ain't buggin out.


Shelter- around here unless I get into serious elevation, that's a tarp and a couple blankets (ww2 era hospital ship wool ones. not ikea polarfleece, kay?). I have to plan for night time temps of 25 to 65. So I plan for 20. I've camped all around here with a pair of wool blankets and an emergency blanket in a hammock and never had a problem. With the exception of rain, shelter is not a top priority around here. I'm seriously considering a nice blanket coat, though.

I also always wear Decnt Vasque boots- because they are about the only thing that fits and I move around throughout the day. I'm also a bit of a nutter on spare socks. usually have 2 spare liners and one spare outers with me. Just in general.

 

[forcedestrike]

:yawn:

I do wear high quality footwear and socks, where did I state that it was not important?

My point was that a spare pair of socks is not essential to survival. I have gone over this many times in the thread I suggest you look it up.

"It suggests he's never done a 20 mile hike anywhere, much less in the wilderness."

I point out that you can survive without spare socks...

...its flipped into -I have never hiked.

Guess you got me all figured out mon ami.

My points ED ZACKERY !

An unplanned 20 mile hike out of the Colorado mountains many years ago taught me the extreme value of quality footwear and socks.

I'm astonished at Forcedestrike's total reluctance to carry a spare pair or socks or even moleskin. It suggests he's never done a 20 mile hike anywhere, much less in the wilderness.

.

 

[nemoaz]

Yeah, we aint got 'em fancy roads! (just kidding )

I meant relatively speaking. We have wide roads, with 4+ lane interstate highways (often several) leading into and out of all major and most smaller cities. And city streets are with very few exceptions designed for motor traffic (often 4 lanes of it). Much different in most of Europe where many streets are barely wide enough for a small car. Much more use of busses, trains, and such over there.

 

[attej]

I meant relatively speaking. We have wide roads, with 4+ lane interstate highways (often several) leading into and out of all major and most smaller cities. And city streets are with very few exceptions designed for motor traffic (often 4 lanes of it). Much different in most of Europe where many streets are barely wide enough for a small car. Much more use of busses, trains, and such over there.

Yeah, sorry, I just had to make a bad joke about it

Anyway, for example we in Finland don't have 4+ lane highways, but on the other hand, we have ~5 million inhabitants in the whole country, and the largest city, Helsinki, has less than 600 000 people in it. And, almost everybody has a car. I've visited NYC and LA, and both had a disasterous traffic compared to Finland. So, in a local disaster that would call for the evacuation of a larger city, one might be better off bugging out in a car here than in many locations in the US.

To be fair, sure there are places in eastern Europe that have basically no infrastructure to speak of, but those places are not a majority. And Im sure the roads over there can handle a lot more traffic than in here, since you guys actually have cities that have been built after the invention of car, and because of that have an entirely different layout to begin with. If I remember correctly, Forcedstrike was from France? I've driven trough France once, and spent a few days in Paris, and a couple of weeks near the southern border of France, and I suppose bugging out from Paris in a car might be a shitty deal. Then again, from the southern parts, it shouldnt be a big deal.

 

[David E]

My point was that a spare pair of socks is not essential to survival.

My point, also made by others, is that if you're relying on your feet for your transportation, then a spare pair of socks and some moleskin ARE essential in a "Bugout" situation.

Speaking of which, the "Bugout" part of your OP seems to wax and wane depending upon your mood.

Bugging out, to me, does not imply an orderly exodus from the town, but it seems to imply that to you.

Bugging out, to me, does not mean you get to choose the weather or time of year that it might happen, but it seems that you can.

A t-shirt and bluejeans would be about the worst clothing to wear for a bugout.

How many miles is it to your bugout location? How many days does it take to HIKE there? Does anyone else know about this place?

3 days is an arbitrary timeline, as many events can occur that could turn a one day hike into a five day hike. A recent episode of "The Alaska Experiment" proved this very point. Three folks thought their hike would take 3 days each way and planned accordingly. But it took 7..........ONE way, causing them to use up all of their food and water. Usually, when pompous expectation meets cold, hard reality......reality wins.

What is your "Plan B" if your feet become so blistered you cannot take another step and you have to stop short of your bugout location? How equipped are you to stay in one place? For how long?

You say you'll conceal your .357 (I presume it has a 4" barrel) in a holster on your body.......with simply a t-shirt. I'd like to see that !

You said you were "comfortable" with your gun skill, but when I asked what you based that on, you said: "because I'm comfortable with my skill level" or words to that effect. IE; you didn't answer the question.

You have some good points, but it seems like when asked specific questions, you dodge them. (like, have you used your bags and leaves for real when it's cold out?)

At any rate, this thread has me thinking more about my own BOB.

 

[dougo83]

Ok...I am just gonna put Rambo in my BOB

and a pair of socks...

 

[forcedestrike]

My point, also made by others, is that if you're relying on your feet for your transportation, then a spare pair of socks and some moleskin ARE essential in a "Bugout" situation.

But you don't need them to survive, as in stay alive. you can clean and dry your shoes/socks when you sleep ect.

Speaking of which, the "Bugout" part of your OP seems to wax and wane depending upon your mood.

Get out of a crisis.

3 days.

Thats I all expect of my bob. what do you mean about the"bugout" part of my OP?

Bugging out, to me, does not imply an orderly exodus from the town, but it seems to imply that to you.

It means getting out-

and surviving for 3 days until I can get back or find a more permanent solution.

Who said anything about an orderly exodus?

Bugging out, to me, does not mean you get to choose the weather or time of year that it might happen, but it seems that you can.

Who said I could pick the weather or time of year?

A t-shirt and bluejeans would be about the worst clothing to wear for a bugout.

That debatable.

How many miles is it to your bugout location? How many days does it take to HIKE there? Does anyone else know about this place?

13 miles, in great condition with good weather just the one day otherwise two.

My immediate family.

3 days is an arbitrary timeline, as many events can occur that could turn a one day hike into a five day hike. A recent episode of "The Alaska Experiment" proved this very point. Three folks thought their hike would take 3 days each way and planned accordingly. But it took 7..........ONE way, causing them to use up all of their food and water. Usually, when pompous expectation meets cold, hard reality......reality wins.

...What is your point?

are they dead?

What is your "Plan B" if your feet become so blistered you cannot take another step and you have to stop short of your bugout location? How equipped are you to stay in one place? For how long?

Pace myself, bandage my feet and just walk slowly.

Standing still? With water? 3 days, if I can find a permanent source of water maybe 3 weeks otherwise without food I will need to go-

You say you'll conceal your .357 (I presume it has a 4" barrel) in a holster on your body.......with simply a t-shirt. I'd like to see that !

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=4802 Currently in the U.K so can't show you.

And why only t-shirt and jeans? (I have a parka you know).

EDIT: and before you respond with "because you said so";

Please stop taking my answers out of context- I said I would not bug out in camo gear in a post to someone else, but rather "normal" clothing (jeans t-shirts ect.) and I detailed my reasons for this earlier.

You said you were "comfortable" with your gun skill, but when I asked what you based that on, you said: "because I'm comfortable with my skill level" or words to that effect. IE; you didn't answer the question.

No, I said because I was comfortable shooting my gun, I already responded to you regarding shooting, I don't proclaim to be a marksman and never stated anything to that effect.

You have some good points, but it seems like when asked specific questions, you dodge them. (like, have you used your bags and leaves for real when it's cold out?)

Yes, but as stated not extreme weather or temps because we don't have it unless in specific parts (alps ect.).

It has been "cold" but never to the point that it could be compared to Alaska.

At any rate, this thread has me thinking more about my own BOB.

 

[David E]

Suffice to say, there are disagreements. Not only about what to put in the BOB, but also about how a bugout situation might unfold and therefore require.

Your viewpoint reminds me of the folks that don't carry a knife afield, since they "can always use a sharp rock".....

The best post asked: "What's wrong with carrying more as long as I can keep up with you?"

There is "going light" and there is "going TOO light for no reason."

.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Heres something to ponder. What about diabetics, like myself and many others on this forum.