Let's talk bug-out bags...

[Lex Luthier]

So, recent events have inspired me to take a load-out closet inventory, including tactical gear, ammo, etc. While I occasionally drift into CT territory, I like the idea of having a BOB or two ready to go. One ruck to support a day or two, one ruck to last a week, and maybe a duffel with enough of everything to last a month. When I imagine all the items I would need, but might forget, it becomes a little overwhelming.

We can suggest what things ought to go into the bags, but the more I read about the LRRPs, Rangers and SEALS, there is a particular reason to put certain items in specific places. For instance: Are you willing to carry 500 or 1000 rounds of handgun ammo? MOLLE vest or ALICE pack or both? How much food? Pre-filled water canteens? Medications? Rifle? Clothing?

The bigger question is would you be physically able to tote this ruck and manage its contents? If you whack one of these together in a rush, the thing you really need "right now" might be under everything else. It would be a real bummer to discover you have more than enough .40JHP for the 9mm you brought with you.

Perhaps some of you men who have served in such situations and utilized such bare necessities might shed some light on the subject. Thanks.

 

[fallout mike]

I dont think we do bug out bags here.

 

[Rembrandt]

500-to-1000 rounds of ammo sounds like a bit much....

 

[Sam1911]

We don't usually do "bug out bag" threads as it is hard to keep them firearm-focused, and rightly so.

This is one that we did let run for a while (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=641738) and it concludes with a list of good places to look for this kind of information.

 

[silicosys4]

B.O.B. discussions are stupid as they always degenerate into two trains of thought as to the purpose of the bug out bag
Some people think its a bag that has everything you'd need to survive in an unknown and possibly hostile situation,
Some people think its a bag that has everything you'd need to kill as many people as you can, because that's how some people think they are going to "survive".

A true "bugout bag", imo....is going to be a brick or two of .22lr ammo,
and a lot of things that aren't "warrior", "operator", "tactical", "molle", or any of that nonsense.
Think duck tape, iodine pills, antibiotics, first aid equipment, survival type literature, and insulin....particularly insulin....if you want a bag that will get you through civilization crumbling. Don't just be another nubjob running around with a backpack full of guns, be that guy with a backpack full of things other people NEED....even in post apocalyptic america there are still 300 million people, so be ready to barter.

Better yet, take the time to get to know your neighbors and community, and you won't need to "bug out" if that time comes.

Not saying its not good to be prepared, but I think a lot of people get caught up in a warrior fantasy when they start talking about "bugging out".

 

[06]

Our BOBs are in three levels--three day--three weeks--and indefinite. First level are actual sports bags. Second are back packs, web gear, and the BOBs. Third are old military Aluminum shipping containers with virtual rooms in them. Also we keep empty flip top shipping crates so we can sweep our pantries/etc. The reloading gear is mounted with wing nuts for easy quick removal, powder magazine is on casters and has handles for easy carrying. The desk and contents can be placed into three flip tops and that gives us the ability to load most all common calibers/bores.

 

[hso]

Take up backpacking and you'll figure out reality from fantasy.