check out my BOB, comments welcome

psy-ops

psy-ops

Joined
Sep 27, 1999
Messages
3,164
My break out bag

Tactical tailor 3 day assault pack
Attached to outside, 16 oz plastic canteen, 1 carabiner and a 6X6 tarp
large section
1 qt. water bladder
*1 extra Bianchi leather belt
1 wool shawl
2 wickers longjohn pants
2 pr wool socks
1 pr rain pants
1 pr neoprene water slippers
1 6x6 nylon tarps
1 survival blanket
1 stuff sack
2 bandanas
1 camping towel
100 ft of paracord
fold up streno stove
1 stainless cook pot w/ bowl inside and wash cloth, 20 Esbit fuel tabs, matches and a tuna can
4 freeze dried camping meals
1 5 gallon collapsible water bucket
1 empty cotton shoulder bag
1 balaclava (poly prop)
roll of duct tape
Middle section
2 extra compression straps
*first-aide book “ where there is no Dr” isbn 0942364155
Emerg-C instant electrolyte packets
Herbal toothpaste pills
Nasyeem sinus and throat clearing medicine
1small vitamin case,Valerian capsules, Grapefruit seed extract capsules, Cayene capsules peppermint,fennel ginger capsules
Anti bacterial hand wash & Soap
Pur water filter/purifier
2 pencils and paper
1 case, extra shoelace, needle and thread, dental floss,fishing hooks and line
4 power bars and 4 packs of peanuts
12 more Esbit fuel tabs.
16oz. Nygene container with 5 grain oatmeal
Front pouch
Spoon
Multi-tool
*Straight razor with single edge razors
Fire making kit in a small zip hemp bag (magnesium, fatwood, Sak,, paraffin)
Extra dental floss
……………………………………………………………………………………………………

I would have to transfer some items from my daily carry to BOB.



My daily back pack contents
Pock-itz
AA mini-mag with 2 spare batteries
Nail clippers
Leatherman super tool
Sak ambassador
matches

First aide kit
Guaze & large dressing pads
Medical tape
Bandaides
Alcohol swabs
Military lg. wound field dressing
Ace bandage
Extra shoe lace
Latex gloves
Golden seal
Arnica pills (need more)

Elsewhere in pack: handkerchiefs, pens, wool hat, compass, matches, rain coat, fleece vest or jacket, waterproof matches.

On me always
Spyderco Delica and Endura
Keys with Micro-lite, 12” of paracord, mini screw driver key
Watch





Things to add, Yerba matte, a small sharpening stone.
 
You might want to add some comm gear. I'm not sure what is out there, but there are CB radios, HAM, FRS, Cell Phones, etc. There are some times one would need to Bug Out but still communicate.

Nice bag otherwise!
 
Hi Chris,
Excellent timing. I just replaced my car (with another beater :D) so I'm reviewing the stuff I carry in the back. Your list looks good, you seem to have all the bases pretty well covered. I just had a few questions:

What's the total weight of your bag?

I noticed that you have 2 6x6 tarps and wondered why not a single larger one, say an 8x10?

Does the wood shawl replace a jacket?

Do you wear a liner sock under the wools?

I'm planning on adding a change of pants and shirt to my kit. Maybe I'll vacumn pack them to reduce the bulk. I sometimes carry one of those backpacking towels, too.

Noticed you have 2 bandana's. Right on! They are an extremely useful piece of gear. A question: Is it just me, or does anyone else think a larger bandana (say, 28x28, or even 30x30") would be more useful? I've looked around and all I can find are the regular ones, or the long but narrow military headwraps/dust shields. Guess I'll have to make my own.

I'm thinking of replacing my toothpaste and soap with a product called Dr Bronner's peppermint soap. It's a liquid soap (all natural, I believe) that's supposed to work as soap, shampoo, detergent, toothpaste and mouthwash when used at different dilutions. I'd be interested in hearing if anyone's tried this, otherwise I'll try it out and post the results, assuming anyone's interested.

I agree with Crayola's comment on adding a commo device, something appropriate to whatever your planning for. Personally, I always have a small FM stereo and my cell phone with me. I may be adding an am/fm/shortwave for the car kit.

The freezdrieds are great, but too expensive for me. Instead, I generally carry a container of instant rice and some buillion cubes and assorted spices to add some variety. Not a criticism, just a difference in approach.

Great post! Thanks, Chris.

Patrick
 
the pack weight is about 20-25 pounds without water.

I carry 2 tarps and 1 emergency blanket! one as a ground cover, one as a over head and the emergency blanket to wrap.

the shawl is extra warmth and compact.


instead of a change of pants I have rain pants and long johns. much lighter and compact than pants and can stand the elements better.

as far as a comm's go. I don't have the cash right now.



what do people think about neoprene/rubber slippers as a backup? for compactness and use. practical or not?

I have leather gortex boots similair to the matterhorn style. That I would be wearing.
 
25# is a good weight - Easy to carry.

Rainpants/long johns - I'd wondered about the two pairs of LJ's. Sounds like a good combo. Definitely compact.

Not too sure how the rubber slippers would work here in the NW - it rains all winter, so you could get some nasty foot rot :( They may work fine for you on the east coast.

Costs of commo: Cell phones and the better radios can get pretty expensive. But a radio doesn't need to be expensive to be useful. A decent AM/FM radio will keep you up to date, and still cost under $20. something like this, maybe.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/dmart/aiwperamcasp.html

Pack it in a plastic bag with a hole for the earphone cord, and your ready to go.

I use my sony fm radio (about $15) in the field all the time. It's always falling out of my pocket onto the ground or into the mud, but it's still going strong! In the context of an emergency, I used it during the last quake to keep up to date on road closures, etc. My cell phone was useless!

Patrick
 
Mr chrisaloia what is the most likely scenario in which this kit will be used? Also personally I'd replace your knife with a short 4-4.5" utility and a 18" army machete this combination will be of more use then your cornet fixed blade knife. Also a small shovel might come useful or get the kind of machete you can dig with. And some XL garbage bags you can't have enough of garbage bags. ;)
 
I had a small shovel, but took it out for weight concerns.

on the knife subject, there is alot of debate on this site about what is/are the optimum combo for a BOB.

I was thinking that a 7" would cover most things. but Now I am leaning towards a bigger blade and a smaller one. I am thinking kukri.


outdoors, the radio is an excellent idea.

the rubber slippers would be back up. Maybe I should take'em out. that would give me more room.


thanks
 
Chris,
I got my first khukuri as a BOB/heavy utility knife, I think it's awesome. I have no excuse for the others I've picked up over the last two years;) :D

Survivor
I carry a machete nearly every day at work. Here in the Seattle area, the heavy undergrowth (blackberries, hardhack, salmonberry) makes some kind of machete a requirement for backcountry work.

On the other hand, I lived in the midwest for 30+ years and never used a machete once. I generally carried a 'hawk and a 4-8" knife for outdoors work and while hiking or canoeing.

It all depends on the vegetation and you personal preference.

Patrick
 
Well Khukuri is an a very good knife but I offered a machete as it can be used as a digging tool. But than again it's your kit and you put in it what you fell will most benefit you. Two more items that came into my heed is 1st bring more fire starters you can never have enough fire starters, 2nd by the "SAS survival manual" or any over pocket size survival manual. :p
 
Here's my take:

1.I'd go with Betadine(provodine iodine) wipes over alcohol, as they are more effective.

2.I'd go with the .3mil contractor's trash bags instead of the tarps. Much lighter and just as effective in my experience.

3.Add a U.S. issue camo poncho and maybe a liner

4.I prefer G.I. trioxane tabs and a canteen cup over any kind of stove, sterno, etc. The cup fits right with your canteen, and the tabs are easier to use and carry vs. Sterno.

5.I'd go with less clothing and no towels,etc. I carry two pairs of socks, the ones on my feet and the dry ones in the bag. I expect to be wet and dirty in the field.

6.550 parachute cord, accept no substitutes.

7.Motrin, accept no substitutes.

8.I like to have a small tough fixed blade like the Fallkniven F1.

9.Wrap some duct tape around your flashlight. Keeps you from carrying a roll. Saves space and weight.

I always try to keep things as simple and light as possible. You'll never have what would be ideal, and you can never carry everything that might come in handy, so just carry what is necessary. KISS.

Above all else, get out in the field for a weekend and see what works, using just your BOB. Nothing beats experience.

Cheers,
Clayton
 
Patrick, Dr. Bonners magic soap is great! You really can wash, brush your teeth, and wash your hair with it. Make sure you get all the soap out of your hair or it will REALLY burn.
Matthew
 
Sounds lke a pretty well-thought out kit. As far as knives go, that's dependent on whether you're getting out of the city, in which case you don't want big, scary knives that will be seen. If you need a big knife that can be concealed in your ruck, look for a genuine Nepalese khuk with a blade length of 10 inches. Small enough to hide in your ruck, plenty big enough to cut down a tree. I'd also carry a 5-7 inch fixed blade for the more delicate work.

Digging implement are a problem. You won't need to dig a foxhole, but you will need to dig cat holes, and maybe a Dakota hole to hide your fire. I'd suggest a GOOD gardening trowel. I made a leather sheath for mine and lashed it right to my pack. Handy for the small digging chores you're most likely to be doing.

One question about your pack. I'm planning on getting one, but I've never seen one in person, just from pictures. Can you lash a shelter roll to the bttom, and is the pack sturdy/comfortable? I can see from the picture you posted (first one I've seen with a person wearng the pack; it's nice to have a sense of scale so I know how big it is) that you have your tarp lashed to the top. Did you add those straps, or were they on the pack? Thanks for any answers.

Also, if you CAN lash a shelter roll to the bottom of the pack, I'd suggest either a Thinsulate poncho liner or a wool blanket. Light, not too bulky, and easier to get in and out of than a sleeping bag, which *could* be an issue at times. The survivla blanket really isn't very warm, and isn't quite big enough to really cover yourself with. I tried (once) to use one as a blanket, and was cold all night.
 
hey v shrake,

the pack comes with compression straps on top which can hold a tarp or something like it.

the pack also has sewn on "spots of seatbelt material" that can hold army issue things like a canteen or whatever. the bottom has those too and you can tie a whole slew of things to the bottom. when I go camping I tie(compression straps) on my sleeping mat.



clayton,

I'd love to see your BOB, it sounds seriously compact.

I don't use sterno fuel just their stove. I use esbit fuel tabs which are non-toxic and hardly any smell. which I hear the hex smells pretty bad.




it sounds like I should put the shovel back in.
 
On the shovel issue,

I like the Cold Steel shovel over anything out there, but I only take it on canoe trips or long camping excursions. I rarely have a use for it, or a big knife for that matter. It's one of those things where if you have it, it'll get used for something, although another piece of gear or improvised tool would've worked just as well.

I've never had the urge to dig a hole. When I camp, I'm on the move the next day, so I don't bury anything. In a survival situation there'd be no need to dig a cathole, although you may need to dig for water or make a snow cave. A stick will work, as will a canteen cup.

Gear is personal as everyone does things differently in the bush.

A good thing to do is ever time you go out, leave a different piece of gear behind. You'll quickly discover what you really need, and what you've had taking up space for nothing.

I've spent a lot of time being wet, cold, and hungry, so snivel gear and jerky are high on my list of luxuries :D .

The Merlin Softie bag works well and is small. The BQ poncho liner is better than the issue one, and Wiggy's stuff is excellent.

www.actiongear.com
www.rangerjoes.com
www.wiggys.com
 
Thanks for the report, chris. That pack sounds just like what I need.

As far as a shovel goes, I have a really nice East German mil-surp shovel that is great, and works for anything that you could concieveably need a shovel for. It's also extremely heavy and bulky. I had it lashed to my ALICE for about an hour, and figured I could use that weight for something better. That's when I came up with the idea for the trowel. The trowel is great for any small holes, and if you need a big hole, you can use the trowel to break up the ground, and get a flat piece of wood to move the dirt out of the hole, then back to the trowel. And they only cost about $10.00, even for a good one, and they weigh less than a pound, and are probably only about 10 inches long. I don't even notice mine when it's on the pack.

And before you decide to go with JUST the survival blanket for bedding, spend a night outdoors with it. That'll change your mind. Wool blankets are cheap, lighter and less bulky than most sleeping bags, and do a good job if you sleep fully clothed. In the Army I often slept in just a sleeping bag liner; as long as I kept my uniform on I was okay. A wool blanket would have been even better.
 
Guys,

I just got back from an emergency trip to Boston. All I had with me was my BOB. (My daughter had been in an accident and I needed to either bring her back home after surgery or bring her back home for surgery on a badly broken hand.) The following are a few learning lessons from that 2 day trip:

Good:

I had made arrangements to stay at the new apartment of a friend of a friend's, which hadn't fully been moved in to. Read unstocked. No towels, no tp, no coffee. These are items that provide great comfort in an emergency and are well worth packing in your BOB. Camper's towel, Maxwell House Singles Coffee, and the little tp packets from MRE's came in very handy, as did the collapsable Swedish Army cups from Brigade QM.

I had a list of insurance policies, contact names and addresses, spare cash and credit cards in the BOB. They were invaluable.

When I had gotten the message about her accident, I was preparing for our opening day of deer season and had just put a Victorinox SAK Camper in my watch pocket. It was worth its weight in gold. In 2 days, I used every tool on it (except the saw) many times.

Other well used equipment were my Photon flashlight and Traser Glowring on my keychain - they too were invalueable.

Bad:

My BOB was pretty much set up for a wilderness bug out, so clothing became a problem. Imagine the suspicious looks one now receives wandering the streets of Boston in milspec woodland camo BDUs. My travel budget was cut by the price of a new pair of jeans and a couple t-shirts. The BOB will be retro fitted with clothing that is outdoor durable but city street sheeple friendly.

Commo with home became problematic when my cellphone discharged. No means of recharge with me meant I had to resort to PITA phone cards.
Have a commo device and the means to recharge it. Phone cards can be really handy as well, but they slow you down by having to stop someplace safe to use them. Also, if your cellular is programmable, have a backup address book of phone numbers/contact info in case the cellular dies unexpectedly.

OC and firearm were a comfort at night, but the firearm couldn't be legally carried. Storage became a problem. Packing a firearm might not necessarily be a good idea. My BOB gun is a Ruger .22/45 which was too big for indiscreet carry in such an environment. My choice may change when funds permit to something a little more concealable. I will also look into CCW permits in states where I travel.

My large knife in my BOB is an Ontario SP5 Bowie, which usually rides attached to the outside of the bag on the compression straps. The knife had to be moved to inside the bag for city street carry. Make sure your big knife or tool will fit inside your carry system.

Last, but not least, WATCH THE WEIGHT. Boston is probably the worst area I've ever driven through, so walking and taking the subway were acceptable alternatives. My BOB weighed in at around 33lbs. and became too heavy - lighten up for more comfortable carry. I think 25lbs is even pushing the limit. I will work to get mine as close to 20lbs as possible.

Mike
 
we often forget that we might have to travel among regular people.
My BOB does have a bit of a paramiltary look. it is funny in Seattle that was taboo, but in MS the camo look goes over just as normal as jeans.


CH, How do you make a comfortable shelter with Garbage bags? I know one can be improvised. but it seems that a tarp is really easy and more durable. if I were to go with plastic I would use a roll of plastic which is cheap and versatile.



outdoors,
I found good comm's at Campmor grundig mini-world shortwave radio.
$29.95 4oz 4" x 2" x 3/4" runs on 2 aa batteries.
 
The use of heavy duty trash bags is limited only by your imagination.

You can cut a hole in the corner and use one as a rainjacket or wearable shelter, for when you don't have the time to construct anything fancy. You can stuff them with dry leaves or boughes for insulation as well.

You can cut them open and use as a standard piece of plastic sheet, using some thin nylon cord to make a "tube tent" type of shelter.

You can use them to cover your gear, and to make a raft.

Space blankets are handy for some things, but they are the recipiants of a lot of hype as well. You will freeze your ass off testing these things out :D .

A "civilian" addition to your BOB is a great idea. A shaving and shower kit along with a change of clothes and a non-military raincoat may come in handy. Money is always a "good thing", as Martha would say ;) .

As always, pack your kit according to your environment.
 
Actually, the only clothes I pack in my Urban Kit is extra socks, a wool watch cap and a pair of thermals, in case it gets cold while I'm out. I normally wear OD BDU pants, and where I live that's perfectly acceptable, since we're pretty rural. And sice BDU's don't show dirt easily, I can get away with wearing the same pair of pants for quite a while. So, for me, cold weather adaptability is more important. A t-shirt and maybe a Pendleton and I'm set for wearing the same thing for the duration.

sgtmike88, have you looked at the HP-22? I just got one the other day, and it's a great *little* pistol. With the 3 inch barrel on it, you could hide it in a windbreaker pocket, and it's still acceptably accurate. Put on the optional 5 inch barrel, and it would be a more than accpetable small game gun. And it only weighs 20 ounces, and the magazines are less than 3 inches long. Should make a GREAT BOB gun. That's what I plan on using mine for, once I get my Oregon CCW.
 
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