B.O.B.

Do you have a Bug Out Bag? I'd like to know what you consider you're MOST ESSENTIAL items.  I welcome any and all intelligent input.

For all my prepping and big talk, I don't have a ready bag. I'm going to remedy that ASAP. I don't hold the popular view of a B.O.B. Read on and I'll explain why.

First, I don't think you need MOST of what is being hard sold to the modern "prepper" market. If it says prepper, survival, any of the "cool" catch words in their advertising, I'm immediately suspect, and looking at that particular item with a wary eye. It might be a good product, but marketeering is a BIG red flag (and a turn off) to me.

It's my belief that B.O.B. is to get you from point A to point B. It's not a camp out bag or a spend time in the woods bag... whatever. If you're bugging out, #1. You'd better have a destination planned, and #2. You only carry the essentials to get you there. You should have preps stashed at you B.O.L. enough to keep you a few days until it is safe to move on, go back, or go to a contingency location.

Honestly consider and assess your skill level.  Pack accordingly.  If you haven't already practiced starting fires with sticks in the rain you will probably need a lighter or some sort of other fire starter.  Don't try to be Mr. Bushcraft when your safety is on the line.



1.)  Weight:  Be smart. You are only as fast as the slowest person in your group, and you have to know your own capabilities. DO NOT over pack. Bug out bags are for emergency travel. FOOT travel. The more you have the harder the trip. Think it through.

2.)  Water: Take water. Have water ALREADY IN YOUR BAG. Don't wait til you're bugging out to say, "Oh, hang on while I fill my water." You can't make it without water.  A life straw or something to purify water would be a definite plus.

3.)  Tarp for shelter. You need it. Elements claim more people than most other things in a survival situations.  There are some pretty nice mylar foil type blankets that are very compact that might be a good thing to have in case of a drop in night time temperatures.  The prices vary greatly, but if you shop it you can find them at a fairly reasonable price.

4.)  Clothing. I'm not going to carry much for changes of clothing.  Lightweight things to change into while you dry or clean the ones you are wearing is about all I will have.  Having a separate small bag attached to the outside with additional clothing in case changes in the weather require it would be smart. Then if you need it you can take it, and if not you can take it off and spare yourself the additional weight and bulk. An extra pair or two of socks might be smart. If your feet hurt or get wet, it's the makin's of a horrible trip.

Additions to clothing: I know a guy who has a "naked bag" stuck right to the outside of his B.O.B. He says it's in case he's in the shower and something happens and he has to run for it-- RIGHT NOW: NAKED. Then he'll have clothes at the ready. Pretty good idea, actually. If you don't use it, you can jettison it later to lighten your load.

5.)  Food. I'm not going to carry food that has to be cooked, only fuel for the trip, and as lightweight as I can find. No pans for cooking, no using water to boil dried foods. Just energy bars, calories/carb dense foods. Remember, B.O.B. is for MOVING, not for being Grizzly Adams.  B.O.B. implies S.H.T.F. and what is generally considered to be a hazardous time, so I don't think starting fires would be a good idea unless it's absolutely necessary.  

6.)  Gear. What's essential for me may be different from what is essential for you, so think and plan-- then pack.  A good multipurpose knife, a multi tool, some paracord, a couple of disposable lighters and maybe a fire starter puck, flashlight, a small first aid kit, fishing line... essentials is all you should have in a B.O.B.  

7.)  Bag. I chose this pic, because I'd take that rig in a heartbeat, but truth is, you don't absolutely need any particular type of a bag. Some are made better than others and are tried and true, made for the job, and have very functional components, etc... but if you don't have one, don't be deterred. Just get something sturdy that you can easily carry for long periods. Fill it with what you NEED. Don't buy every top dollar item that's out there. A ten dollar Morakniv would be as good as any knife. A kitchen knife is better than NO knife.

8.)  Special Supplies:  People who need medication or have some special need that can't be ignored had better have a ready bag with that stuff, and you'd better schedule rotation for it so it's as up to date as possible at all times.  Considerations for children, elderly, women's needs, anything peculiar to your group... address it and provide.

Just think about it long and hard. What is essential? What is not? What does it weigh? Can the weakest/smallest person in your group manage their bag?  Are you able to operate the things in your bag successfully?

Pipe up, jump in. I'd like to hear what you think.