Whats in your bug out bag ?

VictGerbSogCamill

VictGerbSogCamill

Joined
Feb 19, 2010
Messages
862
I've had my bug out bag for a year or so. I keep it near by. I have a good amount of my fixed blade knives in it, just a good place to keep them. In a true bug out bag, I wouldn't obviously need that many. I keep a lot of my camping/survival gear in it.
I'm not going to list everything, I'll mention a few. You can always ask me if there is something your curious about. Cant wait to see what everyone else has ! :D

makarov 9mm
signal mirror ( cant see where I would need it, but have it.)
cobra walkie talkies W/ weather and emergency bands
magnesium fire starter
backtrack (just got)
compass
lots of para cord...para cord bracelets
pack of cards that have edible and poisonous plants of Ohio. Pics on front
description on back..these are very good to have.
safety whistle
first aid kit
knife sharpener
pentagon flashlight
etc.

bugoutbag.jpg
 
I like this thread so far being that it only has one post other than mine, but this might be better set in the Gadgets and Gear section but I am not a mod and I will let them decide. But I am looking forward to seeing that every one else has in their BoB's. And one thing not bashing your decision but a Makarov 9mm which I think that Makarovs are cool pistols but I think that a regular 9mm pistol would be easier to find ammo for a maybe lighter, but I am sure that you already know that.
 
Adding a couple of bottles of water and a few of energy bars or some peanut butter would be groovy. You'll probably get hungry and thirsty in short order if you really are bugging out. And maybe something to sleep under, like a tarp or poncho.

:thumbup:
 
I don't have a bug out bag, per se, but I do keep my travel backpack fairly well stocked with things that don't take up much space, but that I could just grab and go if I had to (ie. evacuation for weather, fire, etc.).

I keep extra keys for my house and car, an easily filled bottle for water, a flashlight and batteries, compass, knife of some sort (right now a Camillus Pilot's survival knife) about 50 feet of paracord, a protein bar (powerbar, or the like) and a small package of cat food/treats along with two small bowl for my cat's food and water.

The bag sits on top of my cat carrier because if I have to leave the house in an emergency situation, there's not a chance in hell that I'm leaving the cat behind.
 
Thats a lot of knives you have in your bag.

Adding some water and food would definitley be a good addition to your BOB.

Maybe a poncho and emergency blanket too.
 
all the weapons seem totally overkill.

I'd ditch the pistol and 5 of the knives, and get a water purifier, water tablets, and emergency rations, and a huge first aid kit. And as much water as I could carry.

In my opinion the whole idea of a bug out bag is perhaps silly in the first place (i'm still slightly undecided).

Chances are if something disastrous happens, you won't be near your bug out bag anyway.

Also, in the event of an emergency, unless its something like a nuclear explosion or biological (in which case you are likely fucked anyway), the safest place to stay is inside your home. Home's are shelter. Water, shelter, food, etc. in that order of importance.

Just my 2 cents.

-Freq
 
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Thats good that you're thinking about these kinds of things most people do not. Even though 95% of BOBs are never used they can definately save your life one day and they're just cool to play with. If it were me I'd get rid of four of your fixed blades, keep one big one and either a small fixed blade or a folder. Hell if your bags going to weigh that much you might as well replace a few knives with a hatchet or big chopper. The most important things you could add in my opinion would be an emergency blanket or two, a stainless steel cup or bottle, water purification tablets, a water bottle or two (full of water), and some food. If nothing else some cliff bars, honey packets(a very good thing to have in a survival situation. Packed full of energy and free at restaurants...), maybe some dehydrated food, sealed jerky. Otherwise cool BOB.
 
you have got more knives than John Locke.

Tie knots and cut them, tie knots and cut them. That is all you will be able to do. What happens when you need to eat or drink? Looks like a mile or so of rope or tape and ton of knives.

At least you have a tennis ball to play with.
 
I think he's been beat up enough on the knives...that's just where he has them temporarily stored; not the best place but it's a starting point.

First, I would just focus on you BoB. What is your worst case scenario and what is most likely? History tells us that bad things do happen, but most have been regional...so a good BoB set up to last 72-96 hours just to get out of town is a good start. Cover the basics:

- Clothing...what critical that isn't already on your back?
- Shelter...from a small tent/hammock to a simple poncho (keep the rain/sun/wind out)
- Knife/tool (you definitely have that covered, but don't leave out a multitool)
- Compass/Map/GPS
- Water! Purification/filtration, transport (bladder/bottle) and a good pot/mug to boil in
- Fire...just a simple kit with more than one method and good tinder
- Cordage (550-cord, etc.)
- Signaling...whistle, mirror, cell/radio and don't forget a good flashlight/headlamp as most new LED models have a strobe function; I would also include a small AM/FM/Shortwave radio receiver to get updated info
- Food/rations...on the move stuff (Gorp, protein/energy bars, Datrex type rations as they keep in the vehicle well to, MRE/Freeze dried if you have the kit, etc.)
- FAK to include insect repellent, sun screen and any prescription meds
- Protection...a pistol should be a staple if you can legally carry, but other less-than-lethal methods are available; a stout walking stick, pepper spray, etc.

I would recommend some specific items such as:

A quality water filter
Good leather gloves
Extra wool socks
A quality pair of hiking boots
Small binoculars

A lot of BoB stuff is also used for backpacking and that okay, in fact, that's what like because it's stuff you actually use and are familiar with. Also consider that if you have to vacate immediately, have you important documentation as a part of your BoB. Think of going on an overseas trip...pack somewhat accordingly; outdoors type clothing, passport/ID's and important paper. I would add a few hundred in cash as extra insurance.

The most important aspect of a bug out bag is a plan. If the area is flooded, hit by a hurricane, in the path of a wild fire, etc...where do you plan on going? Friends, relatives, bug out cabin, State Park???? Everybody's BoB should have a destination because if you just hit the road after a major catastrophe you'll soon be added to the list of refugees. You can't live out of a backpack for very long...most could only handle a week at best and that's not even discussing the aspect of walking 30-100 miles to a certain destination. Additionally, have your routes pre-planned...primary and secondary; know the back roads, rail-roads, power line runs, waterways, bridges or any other choke point.


ROCK6
 
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ROCK6 said:
I think he's been beat up enough on the knives...that's just where he has them temporarily stored; not the best place but it's a starting point.

First, I would just focus on you Bob. What is your worst case scenario and what is most likely? History tells us that bad things do happen, but most have been regional...so a good BoB set up to last 72-96 hours just to get out of town is a good start. Cover the basics:

- Clothing...what critical that isn't already on your back?
- Shelter...from a small tent/hammock to a simple poncho (keep the rain/sun/wind out)
- Knife/tool (you definitely have that covered, but don't leave out a multi tool)
- Compass/Map/GPS
- Water! Purification/filtration, transport (bladder/bottle) and a good pot/mug to boil in
- Fire...just a simple kit with more than one method and good tinder
- Cordage (550-cord, etc.)
- Signaling...whistle, mirror, cell/radio and don't forget a good flashlight/headlamp as most new LED models have a strobe function; I would also include a small AM/FM/Shortwave radio receiver to get updated info
- Food/rations...on the move stuff (Gorp, protein/energy bars, Datrex type rations as they keep in the vehicle well to, MRE/Freeze dried if you have the kit, etc.)
- FAK to include insect repellent, sun screen and any prescription meds
- Protection...a pistol should be a staple if you can legally carry, but other less-than-lethal methods are available; a stout walking stick, pepper spray, etc.

I would recommend some specific items such as:

A quality water filter
Good leather gloves
Extra wool socks
A quality pair of hiking boots
Small binoculars

A lot of BoB stuff is also used for backpacking and that okay, in fact, that's what like because it's stuff you actually use and are familiar with. Also consider that if you have to vacate immediately, have you important documentation as a part of your BoB. Think of going on an overseas trip...pack somewhat accordingly; outdoors type clothing, passport/ID's and important paper. I would add a few hundred in cash as extra insurance.

The most important aspect of a bug out bag is a plan. If the area is flooded, hit by a hurricane, in the path of a wild fire, etc...where do you plan on going? Friends, relatives, bug out cabin, State Park???? Everybody's BoB should have a destination because if you just hit the road after a major catastrophe you'll soon be added to the list of refugees. You can't live out of a backpack for very long...most could only handle a week at best and that's not even discussing the aspect of walking 30-100 miles to a certain destination. Additionally, have your routes pre-planned...primary and secondary; know the back roads, rail-roads, power line runs, waterways, bridges or any other choke point.


ROCK6
Click to expand...

Thank you for being one of the only ones to actually READ my thread. It's a temporary storage for the knives. Someone had mentioned tarp or ponchos; the emergency ponchos are in it. As far as the makarov, I have a SIG 9mm and yes ammo would be easyer to find but I love the makarov, its highly accurate. In short i just kind of threw this bag together, yes I should have food and water. And there are other items I have, that should be in it. But, I have not put them in yet. Thanks for the info and comments, but I have yet to see someone else's. Lets see them pics. :):)
 
I have always felt folks spent too much time worrying about the minutia aspects of an emergency bag.
As long as you cover the basics, water, food, comfort and safety, the contents can vary widely.
Unless you intend to live out of the darn thing for the next 20 years, most folks also carry FAR too much stuff.
 
Just wanted to jump in as another Makarov fan. Price was excellent, spare mags and ammunition readily available. Mine is my dayhike/ramblin around gun.

Sure for defensive purposes I carry a .40 but if Im just out kickin around I take a Makarov. Their history generates further appeal for me. I'll try to post some pics later. Good start on your bugout bag.:thumbup:
 
I'm looking to set up one of my own based on the recommendations in Cody Lundins book: 98.6 the art of keeping your ass alive.

The focus is preventing exposure (hypo/hyperthermia). Generally multipurpose items for fire making, signal and rescue, shelter, water gathering/disinfecting and lots of duct tape.
It's lacking in food gathering/cooking area, but that's based on the rationale that most survival situations last 3 days, and wasting energy on food gathering when you can survive without it for over 3 weeks is pointless when exposure can get you in less than 3hours.
 
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