What's in your bug out bag?

[ExtraTang]

Strongly advise having something larger than a cup for water/food prep....esp for multiple persons.

Is that Stanley the double-wall INSULATED cup? Not ideal for cooking/boiling at all.

Oh nononononono It's the steel one. It came with the two insulated cups though. Good idea though, I will look into getting something larger

 

[gadgetgeek]

I've found 800ml to be a good size for cooking solo or maybe for 2, it fits most canned stews and such, without being huge. 0.8-1L would be my first choice, 2L if foraging or feeding a few. 500ml really ends up being more like 300 if you are leaving room to boil and stir, which is pretty limiting. I also like having a frying-pan lid over just a lid, but it does cost you some weight. But it all comes down to needs, if I was having to melt snow as my water option, 4L would the go, you want surface area to get a good melt going.

My current walking kit is the snowpeak trek800 titanium set, but if I was building a kit that wasn't going to see much use I'd go for stainless. Cheap and durable, you wouldn't have to worry about babying it. you could dig with it if you felt the need. Aluminum is great for a lot of things, and if it was also part of a camping kit, then that would be an option, but for SHTF stainless will get the job done. Fire, stove, bbq, you can adapt. I also like fitted handles, rather than grippers for that same reason.

Don't underestimate the morale factor when it comes to hot food and drinks.

 

[EChoil]

Knowing what your local emergency responders will be using will help, FM works better in urban areas, AM for rural, much bigger reach, shortwave for world. If I had to pick one, AM would be my choice. NOAA band is also very handy since you can get weather updates, works in Canada as well, at least enviro canada used the system last time I was there. HAM is another option. Again, depends on what you do, and where you are as to if it will help much or not.

Yeah, FM MIGHT be effective for a while...until all the DJ's, local talk hosts and joke book readers they employ decided they better go home and see about the wife and kids in such a situation. IMO, the FM "grid" would be the first to fall--72 hrs. max maybe? In addition, the stability and range limitations of FM signal fall far short of the more stable AM signal advantages anyway, and it covers urban and rural simultaneously.

The U.S. AM radio network was designed to be (and still is, though no one thinks much about it because they rely on cell phones so much now) the primary goto of the citizenry for such situations and would continue to be if this thing happened . Not only is it a long established string of Conelrad/Emergency Alert networking, it has been drilled and drilled for decades. much to our displeasure when it periodically interrupts Must See TV for 30-second testing. The 50,000-watt continuous reach overlap system of select stations within the AM world at least has a chance of supplying the wide coverage that would be most beneficial, even after partial breakdown of AM stations in the same manner as their FM brethren.​

Further, those employed for such, and specially trained and dedicated for AM Emergency Network operations, will be at the broadcast boards a bit longer than the FM jokers, IMO.

NOAA is government operated radio. Decide for yourself how long the federal gov't would remain a reliable broadcaster in certain situations.

IMO, HAM radio could well be positioned to become the sleeper 'hero' of a shtf situation which ultimately concludes successfuly. However, with its decline since the www, there would likely be too few full-feature recievers and too many people clueless to its effective operaton and key frequencies to be effective for the masses. Actually, I think the best chance of a 'hero' resurrection of a technology may lie in citizen's band when all is said and done.

"BREAKER, good buddy....."

 

[EChoil]

Oh nononononono It's the steel one. It came with the two insulated cups though. Good idea though, I will look into getting something larger

I know it's steel...but be sure it isn't the double-wall "insulated" one if you intend to cook or boil w/ it. The heat transfer's attrocious. That's all I was trying to point out. Use a single wall steel one for 'cooking' if you can.

 

[gadgetgeek]

I'm not planning for the breakdown of society, so it doesn't really matter. I may have to look after myself for a few days, but the other possibilities are so remote as to not be worth worrying about. In built up areas, some places will only get FM signals, and so its still worth having for those first few hours. But AM is the long term one, as you said. I figure we are all far more likely to end up in an extreme weather event of some sort, so thats what I plan for.

HAM can give you the ability to tap into repeaters and phone systems, again, good way to let others know you are okay, in the case of being stuck in a tough spot, since cell towers get quickly overwhelmed. Also can let you be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

 

[A.L.]

I don't have bug out bag, but I do have man purse just in case.

- Book consisting of medieval Chinese prose
- German dictionary
- Notepad sleeve
- Pen
- Handkerchief

 

[Coastiekevink]

I would bug out if a tornado or flooding was imminent...most likely I would bug in. But without repeated what most listed, the least listed thing was food. Carrying 12 knives is great but I'm gonna want to eat. And as much as people think they can hunt their way out of hunger it's just not that easy...a lot of critters are nocturnal, and you may not want the attention of gunshots. I suggest a small conibear trap maybe a 110. They are light, fold flat and take up little room. If you know anything about game trails, etc you will be more likely to catch something overnight while you sleep and it's quiet. I do carry a snare for same purpose or emergency. What to forage and how to read game signs/trap is what I think people need to hone their skills on.

 

[STAINLESS90]

My bug out bag is really more of a get home bag. I work within a 15 mile radius of my home in a heavy urban environment so my primary concern is having enough gear to make it on foot assuming my vehicle is disabled or inaccessible. Above what everyone else says about use this or have that, have your bag on you at all times and know your environment. None of the fancy gadgets will teach you your surroundings and they're all useless if you don't have them with you/ can't carry them because the bags to heavy. Figure out multiple vehicle and foot routes home and for the foot routes test yourself with your gear, make sure you can carry whatever you have in your bag that far. Never assume you will have a vehicle (no gas, disabled, no access, road closures). Having said all that I'll put my money where my mouth is.

Goruck GR1 with compression straps and padded hip belt.
Outside of pack:
4X Maxpedition web dominators (holding water bladder tube in place, keeping straps out of the way)
2X ITW Quick links 150lb. breaking strain
ITW molle whistle
I also keep about $150 dollars in small bills spread out in about five different places throughout the bag

Rear "laptop" compartment:
Mechanix gloves
Bandanna
4X contractor bags
50 Ft. Milspec Paracord

Inside main pocket:
3 liter source low profile water bladder
2X Tanka warrior bars
4X Cliff bars assorted flavors
3X Liquacell concentrated liquid protein assorted flavors
Sawyer mini filter
32 Oz. Nalgene bottle
Leatherman bit kit with Burktek pocket wrench and nut drivers
Emerson CQC-10
SAR global signal tag
Trauma style first aid kit along with boo boo kit
Laminated street and other maps

Sealine Macsac dry bag containing:
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Spare socks
Spare shirt
Hooded sweatshirt
4X spare CR123 batteries in holder
10X aquatab 32 Oz. tablets
Pocket juice USB battery pack

Front slash pocket:
Bic lighter
Waterproof matches
Space blanket
Duct tape
Mini survival kit
Ear plugs
Lip balm
Sharpie

Inner mesh pocket:
Compass
Glow stick
$3 in pre 1964 quarters (silver barter or for vending machines/payphone)
Spare Shoelaces
Phone charger with car and wall adapter
Silcock key

Top inner pocket:
Source UTA adapter (allows filling of water bladder without removing from tap and bottle sources)
CPR mask and gloves in small pouch
Solarforce pocket light
Black Diamond headlamp
Glock field cleaning kit (nylon brush, armorers tool, patches, cleaning jag, wood shaft cotton swabs, Froglube)

On my person:
Handgun with at least one spare mag
Leatherman Charge ALX
Emerson knife (depends on the day what I carry)
Solarforce flashlight

I'm sure I forgot some items but as you can see my bag focuses on mobility and simplicity, all my electronics are either CR123 or usb charged by the Pocket juice battery pack. I plan to only stop for water refill, injury, or to avoid confrontation. My route is one only a small portion of the population will even realize is there, storm runoff drains. They are accessible very easily, are only flooded during heavy rain, and can be used to traverse the entire city with only quick aboveground "changeovers" required.

 

[EChoil]

....None of the fancy gadgets will teach you your surroundings and they're all useless if you don't have them with you/ can't carry them because the bags to heavy. ....
I'm sure I forgot some items

Pretty heavy loadout to get you only 15 miles primary. First glance tells me you've set forth the bulkiest, heaviest load in the thread, esp. since you said there's even more. But maybe not...

Nothing to cook or boil in? Check my list on Page 1 for some items I think you are lacking, IMO.

 

[STAINLESS90]

Pretty heavy loadout to get you only 15 miles primary. First glance tells me you've set forth the bulkiest, heaviest load in the thread, esp. since you said there's even more. But maybe not...

Nothing to cook or boil in? Check my list on Page 1 for some items I think you are lacking, IMO.

Cooking means stopping and making fire which both uses valuable time and draws attention. Name why I would need to cook or boil and I can give you 20 reasons in my environment why I don't. Name one useless item in my bag ( looking for feedback not trying to come across as an a hole).

 

[EChoil]

Cooking means stopping and making fire which both uses valuable time and draws attention. Name why I would need to cook or boil and I can give you 20 reasons in my environment why I don't. Name one useless item in my bag ( looking for feedback not trying to come across as an a hole).

Me either. Honest.

True. I suppose there are roots, berries, grubs and tubers in abundance out there.

Nothin's useless when the need arises.

 

[exracr]

Toss in some chicken/beef romain NOODLES!!! They never expire, and cheap/light to carry

 

[STAINLESS90]

Me either. Honest.

True. I suppose there are roots, berries, grubs and tubers in abundance out there.

Nothin's useless when the need arises.

I understand in my situation I'm in a heavily populated area so stopping could be dangerous and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. I keep extra food, water, and a 32 Oz. stainless steel blackthorn bottle in my trunk but 132 Oz. and the food listed should be enough for the trip home plus a little extra just in case.

 

[hank_rearden]

you young-uns think you're so smart. what about us guys with less-than perfect 20-20 vision? aside from spare reading glasses, you need sun protectors, a couple of magnifying lenses (for seeing and for starting fires), and maybe two mirrors (one flat, one concave.)

 

[Converge]

Basic stuff....

In my trunk I have 2 spare jackets, a jack stand for my car, jumper cables, basic tools to fix my car, an automotive fire extinguisher, an etool shovel, along with my emergency bag.

My bag has basic stuff,
Some emergency packets of water and food, mainly energy bars and trail mix
extra clothes.... underwear, socks, pants, shirts, winter hats and a face mask, 2 pairs of gloves.
Dust masks and a half face respirator with combination partical/gas/fumes cartridges.
2 medical kits with the basics, plus tourniquet and extra bandages, blood clotting agent like quickclot
Tools, knives, flashlights. 2 good multi tools. Extra batteries and a sharpener.
Ammunition for my carry handguns, 9MM and .380 with spare magazines.
Some 12gauge, .223, and 7.62x39 which I shoot
Small items that could come in handy, some wiring and electrical components, zip ties, duct tape, a mirror
Lighters and fire starting materials

 

[EChoil]

you young-uns think you're so smart. what about us guys with less-than perfect 20-20 vision? aside from spare reading glasses, you need sun protectors, a couple of magnifying lenses (for seeing and for starting fires), and maybe two mirrors (one flat, one concave.)

Mirror's a good addition. And maybe a spare truss....

 

[gadgetgeek]

Rule of 3s right, for 15 miles of hoofing it, yeah, you'll burn some calories, but home is where food is. So that's not a big deal. 15 miles in Vegas summer heat, and water will certainly be a limiting factor, If you are dehydrated when you get home, and there is no easy re-supply there (lets go with multi-state blackout as a pretty plausible bad news scenario) Then suddenly a heap of food does not much matter. Plus some guy busting out a jet-boil in an urban area instead of moving on, that's going to draw attention. Someone with a pack looking like they have a destination in mind, much more invisible.

In my case, anything that leaves me time to bug out, leaves me time to pack both cars and clear out, otherwise everything in the apartment is part of the bug-in plan. Camping fuel, water jugs. anything that means I have to run, I get my man-bag, and thats it. I won't be able to carry enough to make a difference, because it will be a mad dash for high ground. And we'll see how far I can sprint.

I've also got the advantage of 10 years accumulated camping gear, some of it for fun, some for guiding. So I can pick depending on what's coming. I keep coming back to the fact that there is no template.

Echoil, just out of curiosity what's the risk matrix as you see it for where you live, just the generals, what could happen, how likely, and how bad would it be?

 

[vanslem6]

No bug-out bag, here. I just head straight home - and I'm typically not far from there.

 

[STAINLESS90]

Rule of 3s right, for 15 miles of hoofing it, yeah, you'll burn some calories, but home is where food is. So that's not a big deal. 15 miles in Vegas summer heat, and water will certainly be a limiting factor, If you are dehydrated when you get home, and there is no easy re-supply there (lets go with multi-state blackout as a pretty plausible bad news scenario) Then suddenly a heap of food does not much matter. Plus some guy busting out a jet-boil in an urban area instead of moving on, that's going to draw attention. Someone with a pack looking like they have a destination in mind, much more invisible.

In my case, anything that leaves me time to bug out, leaves me time to pack both cars and clear out, otherwise everything in the apartment is part of the bug-in plan. Camping fuel, water jugs. anything that means I have to run, I get my man-bag, and thats it. I won't be able to carry enough to make a difference, because it will be a mad dash for high ground. And we'll see how far I can sprint.

I've also got the advantage of 10 years accumulated camping gear, some of it for fun, some for guiding. So I can pick depending on what's coming. I keep coming back to the fact that there is no template.

Echoil, just out of curiosity what's the risk matrix as you see it for where you live, just the generals, what could happen, how likely, and how bad would it be?

Most likely I would be traveling at night due to working swing shift so heat shouldn't be too bad. For water that's where the Source UTA adapter and silcock key come into play.

The UTA allows you to fill from a water source without removing your pack. The silcock key opens water outlets that are commonly found on gas stations, public buildings and a lot of other places. The water is clean enough to drink with a filter without boiling.[emoji2]

 

[EChoil]

.....Echoil, just out of curiosity what's the risk matrix as you see it for where you live, just the generals, what could happen, how likely, and how bad would it be?

Hmmmm....with modern "just in time" delivery methods and scenarios of goods and products to avoid soaring inventories, keep in mind we're ALWAYS just 48-72 hours from food riots. Always. Like right now. It's hunger that will release the monster.

In a real shtf situation? It would likely be the scavenging gang scenario of Walking Dead and deteriorate quickly from there. First thing would be to clear town, find a personal enclave and dig in for a while to assess things--importance of AM/shortwave radio.

I've always told everyone I know who maintain the "well stocked, fortified bunker" that all they are doing is keeping it clean and maintained for the gang that will seize it in the first 72 hrs....and they won't be feeding extra mouths.

btw, that jet boil you mention would probably become the $50 coin of the realm....if I may quote Eugene....ammo becoming the Franklin and firearms becoming the Cleveland.