Bob evolution

[Bumppo]

I pulled a BoB I had cached in 2000 to check on it and found that it was in perfect condition, which was not suprising as it was indoors, but what was suprising was how my ideas of what a good bugout bad should be equipped.

The original Idea was that I might have to get to an area about forty or so miles from "Point "A"" to "B". Roughly Joliet, Illinois to Ottawa, Illinois. Point "B" is a rendevous site where there are more supplies.

Contents: Cook Kit, Trangia stove and small pot with lid. No fuel. SAK. Chopsticks, Leather Gloves. Compass, USGS area map, with decoy sites marked. Rescue mirror. Water Purification pump, Four cans Spam. Nalgene bottle. Ziplock bags, note book, pencil. Whistle.

Some Obvious overlooks here. I am updating the kit, and thought it might be amusing to throw the list out there for all to see. When I finish building its replacement, I will list that as well, hopefully with pictures. Reading the BoB threads here is what prompted me to check on my Bug Out Bag, thanks for all of those threads that are helping me to better think out what i really need.

 

[Iboschi]

Glad to hear you pulled it out! You should consider checking on it more than once per decade! Perhaps bi-annually or more. Also, consider a small one for the car. I don't carry my home bob everywhere (just not practical for me), and even a tiny one for personal carry (altoids tin MINI BOB!). Glad to hear you're on it now! Keep us posted on it's evolution!

 

[JUST1MOR]

Also, consider a small one for the car. I don't carry my home bob everywhere (just not practical for me), and even a tiny one for personal carry (altoids tin MINI BOB!).


Iboschi, good idea. I just finished mine & my wife's B.O.B (extended), but also made one up for each vehicle, & still had some items left over so made one up for what we like to call our "Day Hike Bag" excursions. We have never had an actual overnighter, but have come damn close from being a might "bewildered" for awhile. I have been told by several people to check these once a year for the medications, batteries, food, etc. because of the expiration dates on some items.
Be safe.

 

[Iboschi]

Also, consider a small one for the car. I don't carry my home bob everywhere (just not practical for me), and even a tiny one for personal carry (altoids tin MINI BOB!).


Iboschi, good idea. I just finished mine & my wife's B.O.B (extended), but also made one up for each vehicle, & still had some items left over so made one up for what we like to call our "Day Hike Bag" excursions. We have never had an actual overnighter, but have come damn close from being a might "bewildered" for awhile. I have been told by several people to check these once a year for the medications, batteries, food, etc. because of the expiration dates on some items.
Be safe.

Great Job!!! I probably go through mine once every month or two so I tinker with it and consider ways to improve upon it, replace expired items, and meditate on how to consolidate the items so that I rely on skills more than stuff to save weight. I add in multi use items like a water-bottle you could boil in etc. However, if it was a TEOFWAWKI event, I do keep some heavier items to help me transition into a primitive living circumstance. It is SUPER Important to stay familiar with what is in it

Most of the stuff in my BOB is an echo of the gear I use for outdoor trips. I keep that gear in the backpacking closet and don't want to assemble the BOB on the fly if the SHTF, so I have doubles in a pack, waiting for a day I hope never comes. Glad to hear you've done right by the wife too! Mine thinks I'm paranoid, but we've dipped into her car kit a couple times now and she's now 100% on board. Keep up the good work!

 

[fixer]

Contents: Cook Kit, Trangia stove and small pot with lid. No fuel. SAK. Chopsticks, Leather Gloves. Compass, USGS area map, with decoy sites marked. Rescue mirror. Water Purification pump, Four cans Spam. Nalgene bottle. Ziplock bags, note book, pencil. Whistle.

ummm, is that really all you had packed in it? if so, i've gotta say i think it's more than a little minimal.

no firestarter, no meds or FAK, no light, no cordage, no shelter or clothing other than the gloves.

anyway... i hope you're leaving a bunch of stuff out because you "expect everyone has that" pr something like that.

new LED lights are WAY beyond where small lights were a decade ago and headlights leave your hands free. the stove needs fuel and a way to light it, and multiple ways to make fire are always good. this IS a knife-centric forum, so some implement a little more substantial than a SAK might be nice. FAK and assorted OTC meds for aches and pains, diarrhea, upset stomach, etc. (pink bismuth tabs, Imodium, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, perhaps some No-Doz)

a change of clothes is nice because i've ruined shirts at work, needed an extra shirt because i was cold, stepped in a mud puddle and wanted dry socks, ripped pants, etc. plenty of reasons to have a change of clothes in the vehicle even if it's not for an overnight somewhere. work gloves, warm gloves, a knit watch cap, bandanna, a Buff, sunglasses, prescription glasses or contacts, etc.

i'm currently reworking the GHB (Get Home Bag) i keep in my truck... mostly because a lot of things have changed and needed updating. after that i'll be reworking the BOB here at home, and some of the other gear that stays inthe truck all the time.

 

[Bumppo]

Yeah Fixer! I looked in there and said,..."What Idiot put this together?" And yes, although I had no perishable food or liquids in there, I should have at least checked the seals on the water purifier and replaced them. This kit was in my family home, and my family each has there own Bug out bag, but mine was sorely lacking. I visit there once or twice a year, but even so, I should have better preperation.

I live out of a suitcase, and have a small bugout bag much better equipped than that one, but am gearing this one up as well. right now it has come in handy for a few hotel evacs, one a bomb scare and the rest fires or false alarms.

As was stated by you guys, I think my biggest fault was not checking the kit every time I go home, and I realize it is very unbalanced. My skill levels have improved, but I can see where a little complacency on my part could have lead to big problems If I actually needed to bug out.

I did use the Spam for catfish chum, it looked edible, but did not try it

 

[JUST1MOR]

I did use the Spam for catfish chum, it looked edible, but did not try it

This was too damn funny !!!
Bumppo, I have learned a few things from the guys here on this forum as well. I had several bags I had packed back in the 80's thru the Mel Tappan era, and when I got into them several years later, just glad I did not need them. That's the fun part about this, you can get into these every 6 months or so & keep changing & replacing items that come out on the market that are a better fit to maybe something you already have. Our B.O.B.'s are geared more towards a weather evacuation or stay in place, & we have some industries that could go haywire & force us to leave as well. Keep reading these posts & listen to the veterans, pretty smart bunch of guys.
Be safe.
p.s.: still thinking about that Spam . . .