Conwict's Bug-out Bag, prototype!

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

conw

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2007
Messages
3,364
Hey guys,

I made a rough list of bug-out bag items that I am going to refine and get some input on...anything with parentheses means I need suggestions, and I definitely need nutrition and 1st aid suggestions. I'm in a bit of a rush so I'm keeping this brief, but if this goes anything like my "pocket survival kit" thread it ought to end up being a wealth of info...rather than just listing items randomly, I categorized. There is obviously some redundancy between categories but that's a good thing.

Please, please, let me know what you think

SHELTER
3 Contractor bags
Windbreaker (recommendations?)
2p. Under armor or long johns (recommendations?)
4 Socks
4 Hand warmers (maybe?)
Gloves (recommendation?)

TOOLS
Compass
Maps
3 Microlights
Radio (what kind?)
3 Folding razors
Romisen RC-G2 1xAA LED
Folding shovel
Wire saw or other compact saw (what kind?)
2 Sporks
Hammer/Nails (What kind?)
Can opener
Screwdriver
EOD breacher bar wrapped with paracord
Needle/threat

FOOD
Olive oil
Protein source - powders, tuna, beef jerky
MREs
Psyllium fiber
Sodium
Coffee
Seasoning

FIRE
3 Lighters (what kind?)
3 boxes Waterproof matches
Tinder (25% steel wool, 25% vaseline, 50% dryer lint)
Magnesium starter
Metal pot
Lighter fluid

H2O
Water purification tabs
Container (what kind?)
H2O (how much? worth taking?)

DEFENSE
50 rounds 9mm NATO FMJ
20 rounds #3 buck, 20 ga.
10 hollow point 20 ga slugs (copper?)

SIGNAL
5 Flares
Signal mirror
Air horn (what kind?)
Whistle (what kind?)

FOOD GATHERING/HUNTING
20 rounds 9mm Subsonic (what kind?)
20 rounds #7.5 20 gauge
5 Pre-made snares (what kind?)
Slingshot (maybe? what kind?)
2 Fishing setup(s) (what kind?)
CHEAP 20 gauge youth model with barrel off for portability, screw on as needed (anyone know a brand that is decent and goes for <$60 used?)

1ST AID ETC
Snake kit (what kind?)
20 Benadryl
Rubbing alcohol (or what?)
Nail clip
Potassium iodide
Cotton
Epi-pen
Bandages
25 Ibuprofen
Antibiotic ointment
Antibiotic meds (what kind?)
What else??

MISC
ID
Cheese-cloth
Fuel replacement (for car...need a brand-name for this, wal-mart used to carry it, gets you about 15-20 miles extra on empty)
20 Caffeine tabs
Sunglasses
Sunblock (what kind?)
Bug spray/wipes (what kind?)
Hat
5 Cigars
Shemagh
"Axe" body spray
Deodorant
Sharpening stone
Rope (what kind, how much)
Para cord (how much?)
5 Batteries for radio and light
Waterproof paper
2 Pens
Sharpie
Toothbrush
Floss
5 Candles (what kind?)
Small Bible
Small Constitution
Compact manuals: navigation, medical, wild foods, field dressing
Cards
2 bars Soap
Monocular (what kind?)
2 Ear plugs
$50
List of items in bag
 
What's a "contractor bag" and "psyllium fiber" ?

Sodium is poisonous and will explode on contact with water (or your tongue). Did you mean 'salt'?
 
Never been mountain hiking have you?

Ever plan on coming back? Most bugouts are simple, bit a food and cash and your fine.
 
How big is that bag? Are you planning on using one pack mule or two?

How about a couple gallons of water, some Spam and other canned goods, a box of matches, a flashlight with extra batteries, a pump shotgun, an AM/FM radio with extra batteries, and a roll of toilet paper?

Forgive my ignorance, but what's a "Shemagh"?
 
A shemagh? Well that gives it away. He's going to load his bugout bag on to a camel!
 
Unless you already live in someplace like Montana, most of that is going to be utterly worthless in a real urban emergency. Your plan, should something bad happen, should be to get to the nearest populated but unaffected area. That means you're going to need a vehicle, lots of gas, lots of money, ID for your party, and a concealed weapon. Keep some food and water in the vehicle as well. But that's about it.

Collecting tons of camping and survival gear may be a fun hobby, but it has little to do with a real disaster on American soil. You're key is going to be moving fast, traveling light, and getting someplace else that is populated. Not going out to live in the woods for a few weeks. Bags and bags of tents, gear, survival vests and shotguns are just going to slow you down, and also make you a target. Nothing screams "look at me" like carrying around a shotgun in plain sight.

Step 1: Leave your urban area
Step 2: Arrive at an unaffected urban area
Step 3: Makes sure you have what you need to do steps 1 and 2, and not much else.
 
Dude . . . Weight, What?

Just out of curiosity, if you indeed already have the items listed, have you put them on the scale to see what they weigh, total?

That would include the weight of the bag that carries everything.

If it's over 20 pounds, and you're not under 30 years old, you might want to reconsider.

Now, if this is a 40 or 50 lb bag that you intend to throw in the car as you head out, that might make more sense.

Even so, you're likely not going to grab forty or fifty pounds of bag and hoof it very far so, should something interrupt your trip and should you fail to make it to your destination before the vehicle ceases to be viable, you would want a part of that bag configured separately so that you could grab just that part and saddle up your shanks mare for the long hike.

Now, if you're absurdly young and fit, and if you can handle hiking forty miles with forty pounds, then rock on, dude.

Otherwise, let's try to get a selection of stuff which, including the bag, weighs less than 25 lbs.

Let's try to target the terrain and climate where you actually live (or where you will actually be when you expect to need this).

(As a distinct issue from this, there should be a discussion of your skills as regards your equipment choices.

Fifty feet of para cord in the hands of someone who knows his knots, snares, lashings, and other applications, is a formidable tool. In the hands of the inexperienced, it's just a clothes line.)​

If you don't have the actual items, and you still want to "weigh" the bag, it shouldn't be too hard to find common household items that have the same weight as a test substitute.

I find this discussion interesting, as I have recently decided to reconfigure my "car emergency kit" to function both as a vehicle-based kit and a grab-and-hike kit, for those events that begin with the words, "so after the tree crushed the front of our car . . ."

It's cool to have a hatchet and a machete and a hammer and a mallet and wrenches and screwdrivers and a blanket and a gallon jug of water and a bunch of other stuff -- in the car -- less cool to have to lug all that crap around. So I'll be looking to configure the "inner bag" with just those things appropriate for hoofing it.

Mine will be different from yours. I live in a place where most of my "events" are likely to take place outside a metro area, and quite possibly amidst trees and with snow on the ground.

Oh -- and mine will include a hiking stick.
 
As far as a bug out bag, you might want to reconsider. Your BOB should be something light, easy to carry and what you described contains more then a special forces soldier on a three day assault!

Damian
 
Get rid of the snakebite kit they're worthless. Snake venom attacks the lymphatic system. your best bet is a constricting band, the snake's head & a quick trip to the Hospital.

I would also recomend a copy of Bradford Aniger's "How To Stay Alive In The Woods".

Now as others have said if you have to leave where you're at your best best is to either visit releatives in an unaffected area or get a room. Or if you want to save money got to a state campground outside the affected area.

Other than that my only recomendation would be at absolutely all costs to stay out of government control.
 
It's obvious to me your bug out is made for a vehicle carry. That is a perfectly legit plan depending on where you are and where your going.

Fairly well thought out and I think most of your questions regarding type is not all that important. That 20ga. youth at $60 is going to be a hard find, and likly a single shot that you will have to trim yourself if you want it more compact, but keep and eye out at the pawns and such for a beat up one and you may come close - don't so the 12ga. singles. The 20ga. is the right choice in my opinion. Keeping a case of bottled water in the vehicle is a good idea if you live in arrid climate. Just keep thinking and sorting, and your doing just fine.

Keep the battery operated stuff to a minumum and use LED flashlight for long battery life - you also don't need a light that casts a beam to the moon. I carry a single AAA cell LED from Wal-Mart. $6 and the battery will last a long time and give enough light to take care of most needs.
 
My BOB weights about 20 lbs. It gets me home where my real survival stuff is, as in the stuff I use every day to live. BTW, I live in the country. Lord I feel for those poor souls who will get caught in a big city should SHTF.
The senerio I dread most is an enenmy setting off an EMP on either the East or West Coast.
What are ya'lls plans if your car/vehicle won't run? Are any of ya'll, who live in a big city, planning on sticking it out and staying at home?
 
Get a radio that does not need a power supply one of those emergency radios with a crank windup would be preferable.

Bic lighters are cheap plastic lighters but are very good as apposed to the nameless plastic lighters. Cotton balls soaked in vasaline also makes a good firestarter. (but put them in film tubes or seomthing simular there messy)

Epi-pens are great if you have an allergy and know how to use them, but DO NOT use them on someone esle unless you are a trained medical personel, to many things can go wrong with misdiagnoses, and what not. Roles of Kerlix are a big plus can be used for packing wounds, and pressure dressings. Get a first aid manual and READ IT knowledge is better than an entire FAK without knowing how to use it. Anti-diharrea medication is also recommened because even though we dont think about it diharrea in 3rd world countries KILLS people through dehydration and lack of nutrition, which in a survival situation can be fatal.

www.zombiesquad.org

Has great advice on this exact topic, and NO there not all about zombies it's used as a metaphor. In their minds if you are prepared to survive a zombie invasion, you should have no problem with other disaster. Well barring a giant metor crashing into your state, and in that case where all pretty much screwed.

In a SHTF situation, speaking as a resident of a very large city (right outside of NYC)I think the best advice is to get home, bunker down for at least 3 days, and then try to self evac after whatever is going on has had time to quite down. Unless its a flood then im f**ked and I'll be waiting on my roof I guess.
 
My God, are you bugging out for a couple of days or moving to another country? Honestly, I think you're over reaching here. Your list sounds more like a Bug Out Trailer than a Bug Out Bag. You should read through Listening to Katrina ( http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blogs/klessons/index.html ) and reconsider your priorities in light of a more realistic assessment of what might happen.

"Travel light and freeze at night." When I was in the Army, I would always be amazed at the excess junk people would drag to the field. Man, are you going on a three-day FTX or making a PCS move?
 
I'm working on a car kit myself so thanks for the ideas: Separate the items that would be handy for the car but otherwise to cumbersome. Maybe a lite carry Bag and a tool box.


Please, please, let me know what you think

SHELTER
3 Contractor bags I skipped this and went with a 6x8 tarp (drab)
Windbreaker (recommendations?) I have a german surplus pancho
2p. Under armor or long johns (recommendations?) again I did surplus, CZ i think
4 Socks
4 Hand warmers (maybe?) It doesn't get that cold here
Gloves (recommendation?) good heavy gortex, and something light and fingerless

TOOLS
Compass
Maps
3 Microlights
Radio (what kind?) a cheapo AM/FM and a CB,
3 Folding razors
Romisen RC-G2 1xAA LED
Folding shovel
Wire saw or other compact saw (what kind?) the wire ones suck, get something decent if you really think you need one.
2 Sporks
Hammer/Nails (What kind?) I don't see the need
Can opener
Screwdriver
EOD breacher bar wrapped with paracord
Needle/threat

FOOD
Olive oil
Protein source - powders, tuna, beef jerky
MREs
Psyllium fiber
Sodium
Coffee
Seasoning

FIRE
3 Lighters (what kind?) Bic's in a ziplock
3 boxes Waterproof matches
Tinder (25% steel wool, 25% vaseline, 50% dryer lint)
Magnesium starter
Metal pot
Lighter fluid

H2O
Water purification tabs
Container (what kind?) a couple of 2liters will work just fine
H2O (how much? worth taking?) You should have enough to fill the radiator in your car, trade it out once a year so it stays semifresh for drinking

DEFENSE
50 rounds 9mm NATO FMJ
20 rounds #3 buck, 20 ga.
10 hollow point 20 ga slugs (copper?)

SIGNAL
5 Flares
Signal mirror
Air horn (what kind?) mini boat horn?
Whistle (what kind?) Coach or Ref style

FOOD GATHERING/HUNTING
20 rounds 9mm Subsonic (what kind?) You will destroy anything small enough to eat in a sitting with a 9mm
20 rounds #7.5 20 gauge
5 Pre-made snares (what kind?) I'd skip
Slingshot (maybe? what kind?)I'd skip
2 Fishing setup(s) (what kind?) #4-6 hook, 8-10# line, and split shot sinker, use a branch as a cane pole, bugs/worms spare food should be easy to score
CHEAP 20 gauge youth model with barrel off for portability, screw on as needed (anyone know a brand that is decent and goes for <$60 used?) Good luck on the <$60, but as mentioned above, you could spend a little more and have a way more capable weapon. I'd rather have at least a pump, I have $100 in a chopped down HD Moss. 500. Personally, for the truck I have been thinking of a pistol caliber carbine like the Sub2000. Definitly compact enough for the pack and you could pack some shot shells for small close game. Still cheap at <$200 and much much better than a 20ga at longer range

1ST AID ETC
Snake kit (what kind?) SKIP, most north american snakes won't kill you if you stay hydrated, it'll hurt like hell and will imobilize you though
20 Benadryl
Rubbing alcohol (or what?) alchohol pads are less cumbersome, don't leak, and could be burned as tender
Nail clip
Potassium iodide
Cotton
Epi-pen
Bandages
25 Ibuprofen
Antibiotic ointment
Antibiotic meds (what kind?) no idea
What else??

MISC
ID
Cheese-cloth
Fuel replacement (for car...need a brand-name for this, wal-mart used to carry it, gets you about 15-20 miles extra on empty)
20 Caffeine tabs
Sunglasses
Sunblock (what kind?) a travel size 45spf
Bug spray/wipes (what kind?) I really like the Off towletts
Hat
5 Cigars
Shemagh
"Axe" body spray
Deodorant
Sharpening stone
Rope (what kind, how much) 75' 550 cord, braid it if you need more strength
Para cord (how much?) see above
5 Batteries for radio and light
Waterproof paper
2 Pens
Sharpie
Toothbrush
Floss
5 Candles (what kind?)I like the little tea light candles since they don't need a holder. Some made from oleo sterin animal fat (the Yellow Fat) can allegedly be eaten or cooked with in a pinch.
Small Bible
Small Constitution
Compact manuals: navigation, medical, wild foods, field dressing
Cards
2 bars Soap
Monocular (what kind?) I don't like monoculars, but I got a compact set of 10X25 Simmons Bino's (model 899584) that were cheap enough to stash and forget
2 Ear plugs
$50
List of items in bag
__________________
 
You should have enough to fill the radiator in your car, trade it out once a year so it stays semifresh for drinking
Click to expand...

Doesn't everyone use coolant along with water in their radiator?
 
Another thought for a survival gun is a scoped Ruger Charger. Relatively small and accurate, especially since many of us live in states where SBR's are not allowed. Great for small game getting but fits in a backpack (sort of).
 
You should have enough to fill the radiator in your car, trade it out once a year so it stays semifresh for drinking
Click to expand...
Doesn't everyone use coolant along with water in their radiator?
Click to expand...

Coolant (anti-freeze, anti-boil) is recommended but not essential. A car will work on just plain water, just be sure not to let it sit with water in it overnight in freezing temps or you will bust the block or at least pop the freeze plugs on the block. Boiling is easier, just let the car sit and cool down if you have this problem. Long term there are rust and lubrication issues but in an emergency you can probably skate by on this one.

It is assumed you will somehow fix the radiator or hose leak before pressing on, unless of course it is a fairly slow leak and you have only a reasonably short distance to make it to your next water refil or destination. A roll of radiator hose repair tape or can of radiator sealant is a good idea for the trunk if this is something that really worries you. I saw MacGuyver fix a radiator once by cracking a couple of eggs into the radiator - the egg protein congealed and stuffed the leaky bits of the radiator but was still soft enough to circulate thru the rest of the engine. But then, I'm no MacGuyver... try this tactic at your own risk.
 
:rolleyes: Water is multipurpose and would work just fine to get most well maintained cars home with the residual coolant in the block/bottom of the radiator. Of course he should have coolant, but it doesn't really fit into the BOB question. He can determine how many 2liters he needs/can carry when bugging out.

That said, a "car kit" wouldn't be complete without a couple of dozen other things not mentioned specifically for car repairs maintanance. If he doesn't already have that covered he needs to rethink priorities. He is way more likely to spring a leaky radiator or throw a belt in the middle of nowhere with no cell service than he is to have to hike into the wilderness.


EDIT: Bruss beat me to it
 
Yep, sounds like vehicle based living afield. Not bad if you can swing it...
Some thoughts... (please don't take the heat on any thing I added ot would delete, just suggestions or comments)
SHELTER
3 Contractor bags I skipped this and went with a 6x8 tarp (drab) go a bit bigger or get a tarp tent, super light and can be roomy enough.
Windbreaker (recommendations?) I have a german surplus pancho get some decent lightweight rain gear top and bottom
2p. Under armor or long johns (recommendations?) again I did surplus, CZ i think
4 Socks
4 Hand warmers (maybe?) It doesn't get that cold here - skip these
Gloves (recommendation?) good heavy gortex, and something light and fingerless - wool or microfiber and perhaps leather work gloves

TOOLS
Compass
Maps
3 Microlights
Radio (what kind?) a cheapo AM/FM and a CB,
3 Folding razors
Romisen RC-G2 1xAA LED
Folding shovel
Wire saw or other compact saw (what kind?) wire saws suck, hatchet or sven saw will serve you much better...
2 Sporks
Hammer/Nails (What kind?) I don't see the need
Can opener - P51 or multitool
Screwdriver
EOD breacher bar wrapped with paracord - think hatchet
Needle/threat - floss would work fine

FOOD
Olive oil
Protein source - powders, tuna, beef jerky - crackers and stuff too...
MREs
Psyllium fiber - ahhh yes, I carry all the time!
Sodium - packets of salt and pepper...
Coffee
Seasoning

FIRE
3 Lighters (what kind?) Bic's in a ziplock
3 boxes Waterproof matches
Tinder (25% steel wool, 25% vaseline, 50% dryer lint)
Magnesium starter
Metal pot
Lighter fluid

H2O
Water purification tabs - and/or liquid drops
Container (what kind?) a couple of 2liters will work just fine
H2O (how much? worth taking?) You should have enough to fill the radiator in your car, trade it out once a year so it stays semifresh for drinking

DEFENSE - perhaps a 22 pistol and/or a shottie/rifle combo? 9mm is kind of in between for most anything, just an opinion...
50 rounds 9mm NATO FMJ skip substitute 22 brick
20 rounds #3 buck, 20 ga.
10 hollow point 20 ga slugs (copper?) 12 gauge may be more universal though more brutal to shoot, tossup I guess

SIGNAL
5 Flares
Signal mirror
Air horn (what kind?) mini boat horn? skip it
Whistle (what kind?) Coach or Ref style

FOOD GATHERING/HUNTING
20 rounds 9mm Subsonic (what kind?) brick of 22
20 rounds #7.5 20 gauge - I'd go with 12 ga
5 Pre-made snares (what kind?) I'd skip too, but I carry stainless safety wire rolled up, weighs nearly nothing.
Slingshot (maybe? what kind?) I'd skip too
2 Fishing setup(s) (what kind?) #4-6 hook, 8-10# line, and split shot sinker, use a branch as a cane pole, bugs/worms spare food should be easy to score - my fish kit is in a expended dental floss container...
CHEAP 20 gauge youth model with barrel off for portability, screw on as needed (anyone know a brand that is decent and goes for <$60 used?) I too would rather have at least a pump or perhaps an over under rifle shotgun combo.

1ST AID ETC
Snake kit (what kind?) SKIP
20 Benadryl
Rubbing alcohol (or what?) I agree with the handful of prep pads, work fine and weigh nothing.
Nail clip
Potassium iodide
Cotton
Epi-pen - if you have allergies, otherwise uh uh
Bandages
25 Ibuprofen - more
Antibiotic ointment - tube or packets of bacitracin
Antibiotic meds (what kind?)
What else?? TP is the basis for our entire civilization, sorta kinda

Misc
ID
Cheese-cloth - bug net instead weighs nothing
Fuel replacement (for car...need a brand-name for this, wal-mart used to carry it, gets you about 15-20 miles extra on empty)
20 Caffeine tabs
Sunglasses - don't forget spare glasses if you need them and/or reading glasses.
Sunblock (what kind?) a travel size 45spf
Bug spray/wipes (what kind?) I really like the Off towletts
Hat - beanie/watch cap if in cold climate
5 Cigars - I will go with gun instead
Shemagh - chamois I think you meant. Go with a microfiber towel.
"Axe" body spray - no thanks, you have bo juice & soap listed...
Deodorant
Sharpening stone - double sided if you must
Rope (what kind, how much) 75' 550 cord, braid it if you need more strength - if you must carry rope get some double braid boat rope, great stuff & lasts forever...
Para cord (how much?) 100'
5 Batteries for radio and light
Waterproof paper
2 Pens
Sharpie
Toothbrush - tooth paste too...
Floss
5 Candles (what kind?) think cheap votive candles or the like
Small Bible - not for me, sorry no offense intended
Small Constitution
Compact manuals: navigation, medical, wild foods, field dressing - basic building ideas flip card
Cards
2 bars Soap
Monocular (what kind?) Skip the mono and use bino's
2 Ear plugs - several sets of cheap foam plugs weigh nothing
$50 - More is better..
List of items in bag


Good ideas you have. Maybe do a "test run" and try out a few days afield in the manner you envision. You will probably find some gaps and surpluses here or there. Have fun with it. There are TON'S of sites with lists, peruse some and you will get a lot of great ideas that may serve you better than you thought could be possible. Try to think multiple purposes where ever possible.

You may want to be weight conscious should you need to be afoot w/o a vehicle ( I am assuming you are doing the vehicle based kit here, If I am mistaken, your kit needs to go on a diet and think ultralight backpack hunting). Have GREAT boots, dry socks and a sharp mind.

Be safe and have fun with it.

Patty

Another THR Linky:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=322325
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
Bug Out Bag List
Replies
6
Views
1K
Yo Mama
Yo Mama
T
  • Locked
Please critique my bug-out/bug-in system.
2
Replies
48
Views
3K
HammerG26
H
I
  • Locked
Survival/Medical/Fishing /BOB List
Replies
4
Views
674
CWL
C
H
  • Locked
Bug out Bag for college student?
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
ARGarrison
A
D
  • Locked
Bug-out bag
2 3
Replies
60
Views
5K
Fred Fuller
F
Back
Top