Have you ever used your Bug out Bag

[CoRoMo]

I agree.
I have a 'possibles' pack and a survival kit that I carry when hunting/hiking in the back country. Possibles gets used and contains items that I might possibly need for a day's hike/hunt. My survival kit... I hope I'm never in a situation where I have to break the seal on that tin. It is strictly for life/death survival.

Each vehicle has an ample roadside/possibles kit that I stocked from top to bottom with things we'd likely need if stranded for any reason.

My house contains all the items I'd need for the end of days. When that time comes, I'll pack them up and head for the hills along with millions of other "survivalists".

 

[sendarope]

BOB Video

I made this video a while back:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cDgMYiu1TU

 

[cottonmouth]

They are a very good idea,I didn't know what a bug out bag was until I got "over here". Mine is a back pack with 6 extra M-4 30 round mags, green smoke, 3 M-9 mags, Gatorade and a GPS. I haven't used it yet and hope like hell I never do.

J.B.

 

[Ringtail]

I don't have a BOB but I do have a SAR pack, which seems to be more or less the same thing. The idea is to be ready to go at a moment's notice and be able to stay in the field for 48 hours. I've never tested it for 48 hours, but I think I could stay out for that long and still be able to perform search and rescue duties. I only use it two or three times a year. I'm in the process of making two SAR packs, one for cold weather, one for warm weather. That way I can carry less and still have everything I need.

 

[Doc_Jude]

I keep two bags and multiple survival kits, & use them & practice with the supplies. This is very important, to keep up your skills w/ survival equipment. The big stuff isn't in the bag (big choppers, guns, etc), but very quick & easy access, less than 30sec & that stuff is packed ready to go.
Take your spare BOB & survival kit with you camping & use the stuff. The more comfortable you are with it, the easier things will be.
As they say: Skills before Tools...

 

[expvideo]

I made this video a while back:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cDgMYiu1TU

Excellent video. Very well done and well informed. I would recommend that everyone watch this.

 

[Tyrannosaurus]

Sendarope,

Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the video. I have a BOB that I did have a chance to use during Hurricane Ike. Though I didn't go anywhere, I was out of power for almost three weeks. We were very lucky that the weather was very nice after the hurricane, and it was nice that we could open the windows and get some nice air. I live in a very old house, which was probably designed before A/C, so we were able to take advantage of a much-needed breeze.

As you mentioned in the video, a radio of some sort (and the batteries that are required for it) is of utmost importance in an emergency situation. I'd like to throw an exclamation point on this fact. With an FM radio, we could find out what was going on around us, such as places to get water and ice, and where generators and other essential goods were available for sale, as well as a general understanding of what was going on in our area.

Communications with your friends and loved ones is also important, so I suggest picking up a car charger or other source for the cell phone. I was very glad to have mine. Without it, you're pretty much screwed.

Don't wait for an emergency to occur to pick up batteries. They'll be gone from the stores in minutes. Minimize the need for batteries as much as you can, and store batteries in their original packaging for the things you do need them for.

To answer the original poster's question, yes- I did use my Bug Out Bag, and it would have been a very difficult situation without some of the items that I had the foresight to accrue.