Narrowing down the Grab-n-Go Bag

[Atticum]

It is impossible to make a pack thats suitable for every need. The most likely uses of a grab-n-go bag or a "bug out bag" are house fires, flooding, and other natural disasters. Far less likely but more firearm conducive reasons include escaping inevitable violence such as gangs and looters, offesive invasion, aerial attack with conventional, bio/chemical, or nuclear weapons, or an anarchal breakdown of social order.

After reading a Katrina victim's blog that a THR member linked on a similar thread, I feel that protecting one's identity is extremely important, but of course not as important as staying alive.

I've begun making this pack in an old, large backpack of mine. Here is the complete list of what I've seen suggested for a grab-n-go bag. I need your help in narrowing it down.

What to grab
Pack - Kifaru Daywalker or Eberlestock Gunslinger
Winter jacket and Hunting Vest ready to go

Protection:
CZ SP-01 - Hip Holstered
2 loaded mags - in Vest
boxed 9mm ammo x 100
Gerber Air Ranger Serrated 3.25" Folding Knife
Fixed Blade knife - 4"+

Survival:
Leatherman Wave multitool
First Aid Kit (the contents of which could be an entire thread)
Hatchet
2-4 MREs (out of box to save space)
Camelback
Polar PUR Iodine Crystals
a few Multi-Vitamins and any Prescriptions
Zippo Lighter
2 man tent with tarp
LED Headlamp
backup maglite
Batteries for both
All weather fire starter
Poncho
Beanie
Underwear x3
Wool Socks x3
Change of clothes (wool or gortex) x1
Winter GlovesDetailed topographical maps of escape route and surrounding areas
Compass
GPS
TP
Toothbrush + Toothpaste
Towel
Can Opener and Utensils
Feminine Products (my fiance is coming with me or I'm not leavin)
Cash (putting away small amounts at a time)

Extended wilderness vacation:
Folding Shovel
Binoculars
Large brim hat
Fishing kit - gill net?
550 parachute cord - 100ft
Pocket book with info on local plants
Work Gloves
Duct tape
Sewing Kit

Signaling
Hand crank 2-way Radio
Flares
Whistle
Glow Sticks
Prepaid Phone Card

Identity:
Passport / IDs
pen and rite-in-the-rain notepad
2x Thumb Drive w/ important documents
Laminated Documents - Insurance Cards, Birth Certificates, SS Cards, Credit Cards, Drivers Licenses, Checkbooks, College Transcripts, Diplomas, Immunization Records, Current Resumes, Latest W2, Auto Titles and Registration, Firearms records and receipts, Major item receipts, Current Bills, Important addresses and numbers.
Full set of house / automobile keys
SD card with photos of possessions
(not in bag) Online database with digital copies


What can go?

 

[Gunship69]

They say a true test of a man's intelligence is the degree to which you agree with him. That being said...you are a very smart man! This is almost exactly whats in my bag, minus the fishing kit (no good lakes around here and the fishing sucks). Sounds like a winner of a kit to me.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

My minimalist 48hr bug out bag includes a carton of smokes, a bottle of bourbon, and a Hustler. All that other junk is just going to weight you down.

 

[Templar223]

Why isn't most of that already in your escape pod, eh? That way you only need to grab your man-purse and/or loved ones, get in the car and drive off into the sunset in an emergency.

Personally, I'm almost always with my vehicle, so I've made that vehicle a rally point, of sorts, in and of itself.

If I need to flee the house in case of a fire, I just put on my pants (which have all my stuff in them from the previous day... wallet, keys, breath strips, etc.), grab my bag by the door on the way out and I'm good to go with fresh breath as I'm driving away.

Proper prior planning prevents p... poor performance.

Or plan to fail if you fail to plan.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

Yeah, no way I'd carry all that. A canteen, my rifle, ammunition belt, pistol and magazines, and my ruck, maybe with some extra clothing and some canned food, matches and a lighter, and a knife or two. $1,000. Small camera, paper and pen, mobile phone and charger, condoms and a good book. Oh, and a flask of bourbon. If I left anything out, I'll figure it out under the circumstances. Did I really see a toothbrush and toothpaste on your list? Use saline solution and your finger, it's the best thing anyway.

 

[Atticum]

Oh, and a flask of bourbon.

It's a damn shame a fifth of whiskey isnt on my list... maybe there will be a few extra seconds???

 

[DHJenkins]

You sound like you've got most of your bases covered, however you seem to have overlooked one vital thing: Cooking equipment. Cast iron is great if you know how to take care of it, but for the survivalist I would recommend stainless, heavy-bottomed cookware. It's inherently sanitary, has no coating to burn off, and it will not rust.

Personally, I can't see the need, but everyone's situation is different.

For example, where I live, the only "natural disaster" we have to worry about is an accidental house fire.

I used to work construction and I'm also a former land surveyor, so extra clothes, TP, antibiotics, tools, etc... are already in my truck.

Anything else, and I figure I'll have plenty of time to pack whatever I need.

If the SHTF, though, I would definately consider what you've got on your list to be a decent guidline.

 

[SIRVEYR666]

After reading a Katrina victim's blog that a THR member linked on a similar thread...

You will recall from your reading that "Survival is not a kit"...

BTW, that is a lot of [stuff] to carry!

 

[ironvic]

Aw, i'd just jump in my Class-B RV and go. It's already loaded for camping and all I'd need to do is toss a few guns in back. See ya at the DNR campsite!

 

[Duke of Doubt]

Yeah, all that stuff on his back yet not one condom.

Unacceptable.

 

[NIB]

What to grab
Pack - Kifaru Daywalker or Eberlestock Gunslinger(Unless your carrying a rifle, skip the gunslinger. Kifaru is nice but the $$$ is too much)
Winter jacket and Hunting Vest ready to go (Leave the hunting vest.)

Protection:
CZ SP-01 - Hip Holstered
2 loaded mags - in Vest (carry them on your belt in a mag pouch)
boxed 9mm ammo x 100
Gerber Air Ranger Serrated 3.25" Folding Knife (I'd get a better knife but that's just my opinion)
Fixed Blade knife - 4"+

Survival:
Leatherman Wave multitool
First Aid Kit (the contents of which could be an entire thread)
Hatchet
2-4 MREs (out of box to save space)(how many days is this bag for??? Add +1 day to that)
Camelback(Carry as much water as you can)
Polar PUR Iodine Crystals(I would prefer a dedicated water filter instead)
a few Multi-Vitamins and any Prescriptions(drop the multi vitamins)
Zippo Lighter (trade the zippo for a couple of bic lighters)
2 man tent with tarp (sleeping bags???)
LED Headlamp
backup maglite( make sure it is a LED light)
Batteries for both (bonus if they both are the same type of batteries)
All weather fire starter (stuff happens, have 3 ways to start a fire. You got 2 plus you should learn to make fire the primitive way)
Poncho
Beanie
Underwear x3
Wool Socks x3
Change of clothes (wool or gortex) x1
Winter Gloves (You have work gloves listed below, find some warm work gloves that could fill both roles)
Detailed topographical maps of escape route and surrounding areas
Compass
GPS
TP
Toothbrush + Toothpaste
Towel
Can Opener and Utensils
Feminine Products (my fiance is coming with me or I'm not leavin)(I see you have feminine products for your fiance but what about clothes, jacket, beanie, gloves for her....does she have her own pack?)
Cash (putting away small amounts at a time)

Extended wilderness vacation:
Folding Shovel
Binoculars
Large brim hat
Fishing kit - gill net? (screw the gill net)
550 parachute cord - 100ft
Pocket book with info on local plants(good idea to learn these into your brain and leave the book at home)
Work Gloves (see Winter Gloves notes)
Duct tape
Sewing Kit

Signaling
Hand crank 2-way Radio
Flares (At first I was going to question this but I figure they can be useful for signaling and fire starting but I would leave them in the car)
Whistle
Glow Sticks
Prepaid Phone Card

Identity:
Passport / IDs
pen and rite-in-the-rain notepad
2x Thumb Drive w/ important documents(Take one and secure the other one i.e. bank deposit box, long distance relative.)
Laminated Documents - Insurance Cards, Birth Certificates, SS Cards, Credit Cards, Drivers Licenses, Checkbooks, College Transcripts, Diplomas, Immunization Records, Current Resumes, Latest W2, Auto Titles and Registration, Firearms records and receipts, Major item receipts, Current Bills, Important addresses and numbers.(Some of these can stay on your thumb drive)
Full set of house / automobile keys
SD card with photos of possessions (I would put these on your thumb drive also and drop the SD card, not all comps have a built in card reader but most likely will have a USB port.)
(not in bag) Online database with digital copies(I'm not fond of online databases for your personal data for security reasons)

There are thousand of ways to pack a BOB. You will be adding stuff and taking stuff out as you learn more. Read up all you can and learn.

 

[MDG1976]

All you need is a portable DVD played and some Man vs Wild discs. He'll tell you how to get out of any situation.

 

[Bear Tracker]

Sounds pretty good. My kit is similar but I have SS pot and several 3000 cal food bars not MRE's (too heavy).
I also have 'First Need' Filter and one Nalgene bottle, but no water. There are small streams, springs, ponds and plenty of other sources around here (toilet tanks, water heaters, fountains, etc.)

I agree with most of the feedback and I do advocate several levels of response. (i.e. some stuff in the vehicle, some stuff one your person, everyday carry items etc.

I also have several Mylar blankets in my kit. They are inexpensive and multi use. Shelter is top priority. Remember SWF (1-Shelter, 2-Water, 3-Food) You can die in minutes from exposure, days from dehydration, weeks from starvation (contingent on what your environment is). You can use "Stay Warm First" as a nemontic.

Since we do not know the circumstance of your evacuation (otherwise we could eliminate a lot of items and add others specific to the circumstance) I also think a clotting agent like CELOX, is not a bad idea. If you or any member of your party is wounded and bleeding (i.e. flying glass or debris, knife or gunshot wound, compound fracture etc.) This might buy you the time you need to save a life. My choice is the CELOX Hemostatic Clotting Agent GM Powder Military Pack. They run around $30-35.00 but think about what that means in terms of one’s life.

I have added a 10" recip. saw blade (with a few wraps of duct tape at one end for a handle), in case I encounter a locked gate or padlock I need to open. Comes in handy for other things as well. 18 tooth per inch is my preference. Any coarser and it can be hard to use by hand, any finer it does not cut very effectively.

Bear

"Knowing a great deal is not the same as being smart; intelligence is not information alone but also judgment, the manner in which information is collected and used”
Dr. Carl Sagan

 

[tuckerdog1]

Communication. Cell phones may be inop under some circumstances. You and your lady might become separated. A pair of decent compact walkie talkies to get you back together.

Tuckerdog1

 

[psyopspec]

Here is the complete list of what I've seen suggested for a grab-n-go bag. I need your help in narrowing it down.

Where ya goin'? How far is it? How are you getting there? Reason I ask is that I used to plan with a ruck - now it's a couple of heavy duty trunks with wheels on them that get lugged down to the truck and tossed in the back. No way I'd try to hike out of Denver in a mass emergency, particularly with a long gun exposed. Even driving is questionable. Plan A is to bug in - have enough supplies for at least a month and go from there. That's assuming there isn't a direct threat to the biosphere (IE, train with chemical payload derails...)

 

[Exmasonite]

nice set up...

I've begun a huge fan of a modular, layered design to my BOB/Go bag.

I have a large, internal frame back pack with 6000 cubic inches of internal space. Fully loaded, it weighs about 60-65 lbs.

In its various pockets, i have a small hatchet, change of clothes, small stove, some extra ammo (brick of .22), some canned food (beans and spam, yum!), back up light, small folder, matches/lighter, 200' of paracord.

Inside the main compartment, i have another backpack- a maxpedition pygmy falcon II. In that, is more of a "fast pack"... has some ammo, extra mags, gun maintenance gear, walkie talkies, water filtration set, first aid, survival (flint, steel, mateches, rope, twine), nalgene bottle, this bag is like 25-30 lbs. Also has my primary fixed blade, multi tool, flashlight. Even inside this pack, everything is divided up into small pouches/packs for organization.

So, i can grab my "monster" pack and depending on what's going down, i can streamline down to a smaller bag. granted, i probably loose a few lbs for the extra bag and pouches but i think it's worth it.

 

[psyopspec]

Those of you who plan on humping it, when was the last time you donned your pack and hiked around with it? How often do you practice to keep in shape?

 

[Exmasonite]

Those of you who plan on humping it, when was the last time you donned your pack and hiked around with it? How often do you practice to keep in shape?

personally, i don't plan on humping it but the bag will be ready if the situation warrants.

i stay in pretty good shape (trips to the gym 2-4 times a week) and am an avid hiker. usually do 8-10 weekend trips a year with a 35-40 lb pack (12-15 miles/day) and try to get a few 5+ day trips with a pack that'll push 50-60 lbs depending on the season.

i see that you're in denver... i'm stuck in the flatlands. i'd love to have some experience/training at altitude. grad school is over pretty soon so hopefully i'll be headed to CO to hit some 14-ers!

 

[earlthegoat2]

What to grab
Pack - Kifaru Daywalker or Eberlestock Gunslinger
Winter jacket and Hunting Vest ready to go (depending on weather)

Protection: (if you think you need it prolly should go with a lever carbine, not tellling you what firearm to take but this is survival and 9mm handgun will not bring home the venison)
CZ SP-01 - Hip Holstered
2 loaded mags - in Vest
boxed 9mm ammo x 100
Gerber Air Ranger Serrated 3.25" Folding Knife (no need for serrations, keep the thing sharp, see the end for the addition of a whetstone)
Fixed Blade knife - 4"+

Survival:
Leatherman Wave multitool (an Original will work fine)
First Aid Kit (the contents of which could be an entire thread) (your choice on the contents but yes a 1stAidKit is a must)
Hatchet (adds weight and your fixed blade knife can do chopping if you have learned how)
2-4 MREs (out of box to save space) (2 probably and only eaten in emergencies)
Camelback (canteen, your wearing a backpack right, or get a pack with integral hydro bladder)
Polar PUR Iodine Crystals
a few Multi-Vitamins and any Prescriptions (if you can get by without them lose the prescriptions(dont need that ritalin anymore) Vitamins can come in handy at delaying the effects of starvation)
Zippo Lighter (get a butane, doesnt run out of fuel near as fast and lighter, handier, you dont need spare fuel, you can even bring 2-4, granted they arent as durable as the zippo)
2 man tent with tarp (skip the tarp, its just too much, make a bed out of pine fronds, or leaves)
LED Headlamp (lose it, or keep it and get a small LED flashlights with batteries and lens filters if you wish)
backup maglite (way to heavy, stick with the smaller ones)
Batteries for both (for the small ones, no maglite)
All weather fire starter (you have butane lighters)
Poncho (you have a tent rainfly I hope, use it well)
Beanie (depends on the weather in your area)
Underwear x3 (2)
Wool Socks x3 (1x depending on weather)
Change of clothes (wool or gortex) x1 (goretex thank you)
Winter Gloves (depends on weather)
Detailed topographical maps of escape route and surrounding areas (I like this one and it doesnt take much space, weatherproof it somehow)
Compass (make sure you know how to use it)
GPS (lose it you have a compass that you know how to use)
TP (this is what your change of underwear is for)
Toothbrush + Toothpaste
Towel (lose it, everything becomes wet and stays that way in survival, and when things get wet they get heavy and then they get lost and we are full circle)
Can Opener and Utensils (you brought that Leatherman right)
Feminine Products (my fiance is coming with me or I'm not leavin) (she can bring a change of underwear too)
Cash (putting away small amounts at a time)(always useful)

Extended wilderness vacation:
Folding Shovel (lose it, unless your going to be burying somebody)
Binoculars (small ones)
Large brim hat (pick a hat and stick with it, only one now)
Fishing kit - gill net? (no gill net)
550 parachute cord - 100ft (200 ft)
Pocket book with info on local plants (memorize this and lose the book, take some hikes for some field experience)
Work Gloves (lose them, they dont help)
Duct tape (bring 2 rolls)
Sewing Kit

Signaling
Hand crank 2-way Radio
Flares (you have a flashlight)
Whistle (you can use an acorn top, if you dont know how learn with your fingers, or a spent cartridge casing)
Glow Sticks (what???, use the flashlight)
Prepaid Phone Card (1-800-COLLECT)

Identity: (this is your call, Id just take my passport and other IDs)
Passport / IDs
pen and rite-in-the-rain notepad
2x Thumb Drive w/ important documents
Laminated Documents - Insurance Cards, Birth Certificates, SS Cards, Credit Cards, Drivers Licenses, Checkbooks, College Transcripts, Diplomas, Immunization Records, Current Resumes, Latest W2, Auto Titles and Registration, Firearms records and receipts, Major item receipts, Current Bills, Important addresses and numbers.
Full set of house / automobile keys
SD card with photos of possessions
(not in bag) Online database with digital copies

get a whetstone for the blades

Honestly this is still too much but you got a big enough pack.

Last but most important learn to find food and water without humping it around all day and night. Get books, watch Man Vs Wild, or whatever. If you have never been to SERE school, or anything like that get training.

 

[leadcounsel]

To keep it on topic, I have a similar set up. My ruck is about 60 lbs. I can ruck about 12-15 miles in a day, drinking a lot of water, but that is a MISERABLE day. And most people could never do that... that requires a high level of fitness. Figure the average person could ruck half of that weight for half of that distance in a day.

I would only bug OUT if absolutely necessary. I, like most people, have other complications like family and pets that complicate the scenario.

Best bet would be to bug IN. Need canned food and water for all people and pets for a month. Plywood and 2x4s to secure windows and doors from looters.

If you MUST bug out, I would go in a reliable 4x4 vehicle with enough gas in the tank and cans to travel for a couple days. Ideally you'd have a winch (in case you get stuck), shovel, saw (ideally a chainsaw for clearing paths), and a large camo net to cover your vehicle/camp from the air or from a distance.

I think that odds of survival bugging out on foot would be low and should be considered only for very drastic circumstances (a la NOLA).

 

[mr.trooper]

You have a lot of tools that overlap multiple times. get rid of some.

 

[PzGren]

Did I miss a sleeping bag?

 

[psyopspec]

To keep it on topic, I have a similar set up. My ruck is about 60 lbs. I can ruck about 12-15 miles in a day, drinking a lot of water, but that is a MISERABLE day. And most people could never do that... that requires a high level of fitness. Figure the average person could ruck half of that weight for half of that distance in a day.

I can do the same, but never voluntarily and then I can't do any serious long distance moving on my feet for at least a couple days. The reason you'll see me throw it out there is that most of the yokels who plan on "bugging out" (often without a destination) have an expensive pack with a lot of crap in it, a 3 point sling for their tacticool M-4gery, and they couldn't make it two city blocks without having a heart attack if they tried to move under load. While I find a sort of dark hilarity in that, my point isn't to call them out, but rather to raise the question in the hopes that they'll PT enough to do it, or change their bug out plan.

Even though I can do a little humping, I take the maxim I learned from an SF medic - Why walk when you can drive, why drive you can fly, and why move when you can stay in place?

 

[salthouse]

My wife and I just had a conversation about bug-out bags. She's a real planner for the family. We agree that the bag(s) you take should not be rated on how long they will get you through, but how much time you have before you depart. We have our kits numbered- 1 is most important, 2 if you can get back in the house to grab it, 3, 4, 5, etc... depend on how much time you have when you are leaving.
Back to the topic of the thread, I would add a survival guide. I think you will want something to read that will be useful and also occupy your mind a bit.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

I've taken to rucking around my area, exploring every possible location of interest. Some people go to gyms, some people prowl around dams and trestles, looking for vantage points, points of observation, edible wild plants, fresh water, whatever. It's fun, and it got me back into pretty decent shape, for free. Want to go and buy a twelve pack of beer? No problem -- walk to the country store, load it in your ruck, and carry it home on your back while detouring through the bird sanctuary. Tends to reduce the temptation just a little, and to burn off most of the calories contained in the twelve pack to begin with. Nine miles now is a non-event, cardio-wise. That's all the way to the seafood market and back. And then there are the cross-country skis.