Building a Bugout Bag

[Shami-Amourae]

http://buyarmybags.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/182.jpg

I've been prepping more and more since I started posting on this forum and GiM1 since I've been becoming more and more awake. My prep strategy has been to Bug In, or prepare my supplies in the scenario I simply stay at home, and live out of my home during a SHTF scenario. I want to have a good, well rounded bugout bag incase I have to leave or get separated from home. I have a medium sized A.L.I.C.E. backpack, so I can fit a lot of stuff in it and take it wherever I go.

Can you guys make a list of suggestions of stuff I should get for it? I already have a mini-first aid kit, a Berkey sports bottle (portable water filter), a canteen, a mylar blanket, magnesium fire starters, flashlights, crank radio, and a few other things I can't think of right now.

What else? Are there any specific brands of MRE's you recommend? Knives? Cooking equipment? Portable shelters?

I'm setting up this thread so we can talk about this issue and get an idea of what is needed in a good bugout bag, and what isn't needed. I also understand what you want in your bugout bag depends your personal preferences, skill level, and location, so there's no universal setup for everyone, but there are some general things almost all bugout bags should have.

[Shami-Amourae]

Based on my research I already think I should get a small bundle of paracord and duct tape. Just putting that out there.

[Canadian-guerilla]

take a quick peek at Zombie Squad
they have one of the best BOB sub forums on the net

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/

[Shami-Amourae]

This looks like a good thread:
http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4103

[mightymanx]

on youtribe look up "Analyitical survival."

He gets a 9.5 on my scale

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kwB0g-1cU&feature=relmfu

BOB coontents are highly geographical dependent I need uber bad ass raingear near Seattle and not so much on water gathering while the crowd needs 27,0000 ways to get water and super sunscreen.

[MNeagle]

ayup, good to have one already in your vehicle and one ready to grab inside your home (in case you can't use/get to the vehicle). Natural disasters, or man-made accidents (think poisonous tanker derailings, fires, etc.) where you may be forced to evacuate on foot.

LED headlights are good, they free up your hands.

[Glass]

I have/had an old small pack. I'd guess about 18 litres. I had 2 changes clothes, 2 days wet food ready to eat, dry food. odd tools, lights, batteries, fire, cooking, small fuel, first aid pack, light shelter.

It doesn't fit. Actually it did, just. So i can get in enough stuff to carry me 2 days realistically but I'd like to do 4 and more organized packing.

I scored a couple of First Aid kits from a company closing down. Not used. I grabbed a standard gear pouch and packed in a bunch of good stuff. Bandages, dressing pads, guaze, adhesives, saline solutions, eye wash, neeldes, threads, scissors, mild pain relief, thermal blankets, sterilizing stuff, spray on bandage. All fits in to this gear pouch which just keeps swallowing gear. I have enough to do a second one

So am looking for a more suitable pack and as MNeagle says, two bobs is better than one. A lot gets said about Alice frames. At that zombie link there's a lot of talk about them. I don't know what there is to comare them to. Something that would do 30 lbs seems to be the target? How much is that in litres? A litre of water is a kilo so maybe 15L. Around about what I have now.

Lots of good info there on gear. I checked out the Chinese (Wonder) Shovel. I need even more now.

[big country]

Shami,
Here is my thread on this topic:
http://gold-silver.us/forum/showthread.php?49860-Get-home-bag-emergency-survival-kit

I've got pictures and discussion about what is in my bag. Speaking of which it is time that I revisit my bag and take some of the suggestions in that thread into account.
I updated it as the picture links had broken. Let me know if they are still broken.

[Awoke]

I also have a chainsaw in a can, collapsable bow saw, ultralight hatchet (http://www.easternwoodsandwaters.ca/images/stories/39/Trailblazer-axe.jpg), fishing line, collapsable fishing rod w/reel (http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/pen_fishing_rod.jpg)and hooks, snare wire, small blanket, space blanket (http://energyboomer.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/21/space_blanket.jpg), small tarp, paracord, pegs (tent style for cord), compasses and waterproof map of BOL area, waterproof container with waterproof matches and firestarting material, magnesium firestarter, SAS Survival pocketbook, pocket Bible, magnifying glass (for fire), metal pot & cup & utensils, knives, raingear, collapsable shovel, first aid kit, 22cal pellet pistol with CO2 and pellets, sharpening tools, 3/8th rope cord for lashing log bivouacs together and a bunch of other stuff that is not coming to mind.

You need water, shelter and food, so you should have multiple ways to provide those three things in the bush.

I plan on adding a small sleeping bag as well as a space-sleeping bag. I haven't done any winter camping yet, but my thoughts are that the space blankets will hold the heat in, so if you have your sleeping bag wrapped in a space sleeping bag, that should help hold heat in without carrying a big bulky sleeping bag.

EDIT to add picture links

[Shami-Amourae]

I actually spent about $250 the other day based on some of the information from this thread. I did a lot of frugal shopping for like 12 hours or so and think I got enough supplies that would normally cost about $750.

I'll post pictures and an outline of what I did when I get everything together. I made some of my own unique decisions to reduce costs and weight.

[Canadian-guerilla]

I actually spent about $250 the other day based on some of the information from this thread. I did a lot of frugal shopping for like 12 hours or so and think I got enough supplies that would normally cost about $750.

I'll post pictures and an outline of what I did when I get everything together. I made some of my own unique decisions to reduce costs and weight.

now how much of these BOB items are possible EDC items ? ( EDC - everyday carry )

[Shami-Amourae]

Hmm. Maybe 1/3rd? I'm not entirely sure. I dunno if I can carry the Buck knife I got around California, but I'm planning on storing a lot of this stuff in my bugout bag. I'll keep it in my car so I have it with me at all times. I carry pepper spray on my keychain already since I can't carry a gun legally here.

[Canadian-guerilla]

i remember when i was a kid, i always wanted a utility belt like Batman

25 years ago i used military surplus

now i use Lowepro pouches for EDC

http://www.beststuff.com/images/articles/090903c.jpg

[Shami-Amourae]

Thanks, I'll look into it.

[madfranks]

Here's what I've got in mine so far:

Food & water:
Hard Candy
MRE Cracker/Bread
Bottled Water

Warmth:
Poncho
Hand/Body warmers
Emergency blanket
Tube Tent

Cooking/Fire:
Matches
Fuel-Fire Starter kits
Utensils & accessories

Light & Communications:
Whistle
Lightsticks
LED Flashlight
Batteries
100 hour candles
Radio w/ batteries

First Aid & Sanitation:
Respirator mask
Sunscreen
Mosquito Repellent
5 gallon water storage system
Enzymes to clean water
Toilet Paper
Hand Sanitizer
First Aid kit
Toothbrush
Safety pins
Bar soap
Razors
Sanitary Napkins
Tissues

Storage & Tools:
Ziploc bags
Multi-function knife/tool
Duct tape/emergency tape
Leather gloves
Trowl
Tri-fold shovel
Nylon rope
Memo pad/pencils
Sewing Kit

[MNeagle]

Throw a bandana in there, many uses for them. Also, how about a hat?

[horseshoe3]

Socks and underwear.

[Shami-Amourae]

I got all that. I got a boonie hat, wool socks, regular socks, and a lead free banana. Yeah, lead free. Most have lead these days.

[Awoke]

I got all that. I got a boonie hat, wool socks, regular socks, and a lead free banana. Yeah, lead free. Most have lead these days.

LOL.

BanDANa, not BaNANa.

[Awoke]

I also have a chainsaw in a can, collapsable bow saw, ultralight hatchet (http://www.easternwoodsandwaters.ca/images/stories/39/Trailblazer-axe.jpg), fishing line, collapsable fishing rod w/reel (http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/pen_fishing_rod.jpg)and hooks, snare wire, small blanket, space blanket (http://energyboomer.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/21/space_blanket.jpg), small tarp, paracord, pegs (tent style for cord), compasses and waterproof map of BOL area, waterproof container with waterproof matches and firestarting material, magnesium firestarter, SAS Survival pocketbook, pocket Bible, magnifying glass (for fire), metal pot & cup & utensils, knives, raingear, collapsable shovel, first aid kit, 22cal pellet pistol with CO2 and pellets, sharpening tools, 3/8th rope cord for lashing log bivouacs together and a bunch of other stuff that is not coming to mind.

You need water, shelter and food, so you should have multiple ways to provide those three things in the bush.

I plan on adding a small sleeping bag as well as a space-sleeping bag. I haven't done any winter camping yet, but my thoughts are that the space blankets will hold the heat in, so if you have your sleeping bag wrapped in a space sleeping bag, that should help hold heat in without carrying a big bulky sleeping bag.

EDIT to add picture links

EDIT I just remembered I also have a solar powered/crank powered Shortwave radio with a chunk of wire to clip onto the antenna as well.

[madfranks]

I don't know about the rest of you but I do keep a banana in my bug out bag. You never know when you'll get hungry.

[muffin]

hahhaha i glanced at it too and thought "banana?? what is mneagle smoking??"

[Canadian-guerilla]

on Ebay right now going thru their " Bug out Bag " deals

always looking for new tips / ideas

[big country]

I keep my car bag in a small adidas duffel bag. Its just one big open pocket, but I keep small things in other containers inside the bag. You can use pretty much any bag you already have without spending a lot of money. IMO, unless you want/need a backpack, the bag is a trivial part of the process.

[Shami-Amourae]

I pretty much finished my BoB. I have a giant list of stuff, dunno if you guys wanna see it since it's so massive.

It's about 22.5 lbs total, which I hope isn't too much. I may want to lighten the load, or not. I'm not sure yet. I'm not going to specify my amounts on everything. I'm packing an alcohol stove and cooking a lot of freeze dried foods to save space and weight. I tested out my alcohol stove with normal rice, and it required too much fuel to cook the rice fully, so I decided to switch to Minute Rice, since it doesn't require as much fuel/time to heat up. I can basically make a "chicken" (TVP) and rice soup with veggies with my setup for cheap, and get plenty of meals out of, despite the tiny weight/volume.


I have absolutely no clue if I'm doing smart things, or stupid. I'm just trying to use as much common sense as possible.


Keep in mind this list doesn't include my Every Day Carry. My EDC has plenty of weapons, flashlights, fire starters, and other useful gadgets. I don't want to share that information since my strategy is to appear weak.


Here's my current contents of my Bugout Bag:


Clothing
Backup Glasses w/ Cleaning Equipment
Gloves (Cold Weather)
Gloves (Dirt)
Socks (Normal)
Socks (Wool)
Belt
Shirt
Cord (Leather)
Boxers
Pants
Thermal Underwear



Cooking
Paper Towels
Rubbing Alcohol
Mini Trangia Cookset
Heet
Fork/Spoon/Knife combo


Electronics
2.5" Hard Drive in External Enclosure - Computer Data Backup (I encrypted/password protected it.)
Wind Up Radio
Spare Batteries
All Electronics protected in a Faraday Bag to shield from EMPs



Fire
Kine Lighters
Matches
Tinder
Spark-Lite Firestarter



Food
TVP "Chicken" (Freeze Dried)
Rice (Freeze Dried)
Veggies (Freeze Dried)
Chicken Bullion Cubes
Cooking Oil
M&Ms
Salt Packets
Almond Butter Packets



Help Info
Pocket Survival Instructions
SAS Survival Handbook



Hunting
Fishing Kit



Hygiene
Lip Balm
Hand Wipes
Soap Bar
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Tooth Brush
Toilet Paper
Lotion
Tooth Picks
Hand Sanitizer Pen
Tooth Powder
Mouth Wash



Light
Light Sticks
Tea Candles



Medical
Activated Charcoal (Capsules) To treat poison, diarrhea, or make carbon filters
Mutli-Vitamins (Capsules) Obvious
Apple Cider Vinegar (Capsules) Digestion
Probiotics (Capsules) Digestion
Quercetin & Bromelain (Capsules) Breathing/Allergies
Butterbur (Capsules) Breathing/Headaches
Inhaler
Cold Pack
Colloidal Silver
Dust Mask
Gauze Pad 2"x2"
Lugol's Iodine
Latex Gloves
Medical Tape
Antiseptic Hand Wipe
Oil of Oregano (Capsules)
Sleeping Pills
Ibuprofen
Antibiotic Ointment
Insect Sting Relief
Diphen
Tongue Depressors
Tweezer
Medical Scissors
Mini Bandages
Regular Bandages
Fat n Regular Bandages
Finger Bandages
Small Finger Bandages
Scalpel Blade



Miscellaneous
Cord (Nylon)
Duct Tape
Wire
Foil
Fresnel Lens Magnifier
Compass
Paper
Mini-Pencil
Bandana
Cloth Bag
Plastic Bags (Small)
Plastic Bags (Medium)
Plastic Bags (Large)



Repair
Safety Pins
Sewing Needle
Nylon Thread



Shelter
50' Paracord
Bivvy
Poncho
Emergency Blanket



Signalling
Whistle
Signal Mirror



Tools
Hand Chainsaw /w Holder
Leatherman Wave /w Holder
Binoculars /w Holder




Water
Canteen BPA Free w/ Holder
2 Liters Water
Coffee Filters
Sports Berkey

[MNeagle]

Waterproof list of emergency numbers (family, insurance, etc.) and addresses/account numbers/800-numbers
Money
Medical Alert bracelets (if needed)/list of allergies
Maps
Perhaps a magnifying glass to aid w/ slivers

[mightymanx]

Current pictures of loved ones.

Much easier to say "have you seen her" while pointing, than explaining how she looks.

[Errosion Of Accord]

A purple heart vet I know recommends tampons for bullet wound dressing. sterile and made to stop blood flow.

[MNeagle]

Another guy's list: http://frugaldad.com/2010/02/10/bug-out-bag-essentials/

Reader's comments are worth looking at too imo.

[freespirit]

I have a pretty solid BoB at the ready.

i noticed i have a couple of things in mine that weren't mentioned so far...

1- zip up life vest (buoyant, good insulator, doubles as a pillow, and may provide a little protection against impacts and sharp objects)

2- a Bible.

[MNeagle]

http://edge.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/637162/80697894.jpg

[Book]

...made to stop blood flow.



2730

http://www.amazon.com/QuikClot-Sport-Advanced-Clotting-Sponge/dp/B005CB6HLI

[Gaillo]

I have 3 suggestions for you to add to your BOB, Shami:

Small caliber handgun with holster
Spare magazines for handgun
Ammo for handgun

Unarmed men will not last long post-SHTF, in my opinion.

[ximmy]

Thanks GSUS... ...Shami-Amourae

http://guest-travel-writers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/very-big-carry-bag.jpg

[Shami-Amourae]

Bump.

[Dogman]

Good ideal thread here, my thread is more first responder jump bag, trauma first aid setup.

But in many many ways they go together, just a matter of detail.

[Shami-Amourae]

Good ideal thread here, my thread is more first responder jump bag, trauma first aid setup.

But in many many ways they go together, just a matter of detail.

I have a first aid kit section too.

I think most first aid kits overlook naturopathic remedies.

One of the best is Activated Charcoal, which can treat poisons like snake bites to varying degrees (it's better than nothing and could save your life but hospital is also recommended too), improvised filters for water or air, stomach issue relief, drug detox, diarrhea remedy, externally applied pain relief (mix with some cayenne and a little bit of olive oil or water, and some clove oil and apply to injured gums/teeth or wounds to reduce/remove pain.)

I now also keep cayenne to mix with activated charcoal to mix with it for that pain relief thing, or you can apply pure cayenne directly to a wound to help clot it.

[Dogman]

I have a first aid kit section too.

I think most first aid kits overlook naturopathic remedies.

One of the best is Activated Charcoal, which can treat poisons like snake bites to varying degrees (it's better than nothing and could save your life but hospital is also recommended too), improvised filters for water or air, stomach issue relief, drug detox, diarrhea remedy, externally applied pain relief (mix with some cayenne and a little bit of olive oil or water, and some clove oil and apply to injured gums/teeth or wounds to reduce/remove pain.)

I now also keep cayenne to mix with activated charcoal to mix with it for that pain relief thing, or you can apply pure cayenne directly to a wound to help clot it.

Yes, I have more in my kit than listed, and add to it all the time, My biggest thing is over the last bunch of years the stuff got scattered all over the house and I neglected my kit. Woke up to that fact a few weeks ago, and been getting everything back into one go-to kit. That also forced me to look at the supply's and determine what needed to be replaced and what needed to be added to enhance capability's of the kit.

What I carry is with the mind that getting to a doctor/hospital may take some time, or as a prep, outside medical help does not exist.

That kind of trauma/first aid bag is not small, mine takes up close to one cubic foot of space if not a tad more. The only reason it all fits is that the supply's are divided into smaller packs and vac packed to lesson the bulk and increase the shelf life of the supply's.

One good thing about both our threads is bringing them up now on the forum, can maybe make members and they that read them to look at what they have in the way of bug out/jump/first-aid/trauma supply's.

Sure you can have a pack that is out of mind and ignored, for years , then bam you need it and when you call on it to work for you, it fails.

[mick silver]

my bug out bag light , something to sleep in some water food . so I can move fast and make time to get back home

[Jewboo]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a7/The_Road_movie_poster.jpg



Might be a good time to revisit this thread. My thinking has evolved. My bugout bag has evolved. Forget about some doomer end-of-the-world The Road scenario. People we know in this forum, at GIM2 and Timebomb2000 and even Zombie Squad reported real-world PREPS situations: House fire. Lost job. Divorce. Eviction. The most common was sudden medical problems and lack of health insurance...instant bankruptcy and homelessness.


https://cdn.nexternal.com/armynavy/images/gi-plus-military-duffle-bag1.jpg


Smartest guy I ever saw was while volunteering at the local Rescue Mission. This guy appeared one day carrying everything he owned in a standard $47 military duffle bag. Had a big padlock protecting the contents from pilfering by Rescue Mission employees. He kept stuff sorted and rolled in common pillow cases so the pilferer could not slide his hand inside and touch anything. At night he even inserted his little day pack inside. Then locked it. Kept the key around his neck even in the shower room.

Even if you are staying with family or friends during hard times this will keep snoopy kids out of your stuff.

Only buy the real water-resistant CORDURA (http://www.amazon.com/Military-Double-Backpack-Duffel-CORDURA/dp/B00QY7O20C/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1440031895&sr=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=cordura+Duffle+Bag) version.

:)

[Shami-Amourae]

There's a lot of modern bags with molle and water bladder pouches. These are commonly used by hikers and fly under the radar, yet hold everything you need.

5.11 Rush 12 for small journeys:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpIXpCk6xn4

5.11 Rush 72 for major journeys:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Ywmg2GUG0


These are really well designed for preppers.

[Dogman]

Toted a duff at least the equivalent of several times around the world, in the day.

It is amazing how much can be crammed into one, and if folded and packed right clothes come out wrinkle free.

Mine (still have) was old school single strap, one handle.

That pack strap setup is neat, wish that was available and issued in my time.

[Glass]

I used a duffel for many years of travel. I could easily get 1 weeks worth of gear in something the size of a carry on. The bag was made of stiff cordura with fairly stiff piping on the joins which made it self standing, if that makes sense. Everything could go in the one bag and come back out in wearable state.

That bag was completely trashed by the friendly baggage people at miami airport. I have not seen another one like it.

I have a duffel from a US company. Name escapes me. They make a lot of range gun bags. You would know the name if I could remember it. This bag is completely soft and has not ability to stand up on it's own. Not suitable as a travel bag.

I'm still using my Maxpedition gear slinger as EDC. They have a new design out now which is ambidextrous. Gear slingers are either left or right strapped and you sling it over one shoulder and it crosses your torso. The idea is you can swing it around in front of you for easy access to the pockets etc and then easily sling it back onto your back. I only use that when I'm in queues, public transport or if I am carrying other gear. OTherwise I just hoist it over my shoulder like slinging one shoulder of a regular back pack and not across the torso.

The latest design has 2 straps like a regular backpack, but the are removable and you can take one strap and latch the bottom of the strap across to the opposite corner turning it into a slinger.

Excellent build quality. After several years of hauling this thing around it still looks new. It is no good for a BoB. Not enough depth or thickness to it but it certainly can hold more stuff than you need for EDC. Lots of good organizing options. They need to make a bigger pack. something in the 40 - 70L range. Thats a big range but their biggest packs are still not much more than a day pack. I like being able to have it on the back out of the way then swing it around in front if I am on a crowded train or in a queue so no one can fiddle with it.

I recently discovered someone actually fiddling with it. I thought they were standing behind me oddly in a queue for a ticket. Just off to the side so I could not quite see them out of the corner of my eye. I moved position a couple times and they moved as well. When I slung the bag around as I got on the train I discovered they had been slowly opening one of the pockets. They could not get the items out, being jammed in there but I could have lost a fair amount of money and some important documents if they were successful.

I'm still looking for something as a 3 day pack. I want about 50L or so. I was looking at eberlestock packs. Requires much $$.

[Jewboo]

I recently discovered someone actually fiddling with it. I thought they were standing behind me oddly in a queue for a ticket. Just off to the side so I could not quite see them out of the corner of my eye. I moved position a couple times and they moved as well. When I slung the bag around as I got on the train I discovered they had been slowly opening one of the pockets. They could not get the items out, being jammed in there but I could have lost a fair amount of money and some important documents if they were successful.



Sadly, a common occurrence these days.

THEFT-PROOF BACKPACK (http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=theft+proof+backpack&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=30908616381&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7298756046425009893&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_9jjw4rsak_b)

[Half Sense]

I'm thinking more along the lines of pants and vest with many pockets. Duluth Trading makes some good stuff. I think their fire hose overalls had 17 pockets. That would give you quick access to a wide range of things while on the move. You could add a small Maxpedition shoulder bag or a small water bladder and still remain pretty mobile.

But I actually have a semi-practical Plan B involving a rugged recycle bin with wheels. I would replace the wheels and axle with components from a heavy duty hand truck. I also wonder if some kind of armor plating could be added. You could pack a lot of stuff in there, and it's essentially waterproof with the lid closed. At night, unpack it, lay it on its front with the lid propped up to form a canopy, and sleep in it. Your legs and most of your body are protected against critters and snakes. I would have most of our stuff in 6-gal buckets with lids (the square cat litter kind), which we could place around us while we slept. There are obvious downsides to this plan, but also upsides (the heavy duty weatherproof shell, wheeling instead of carrying, potential to carry concealed long guns, carry much more stuff, etc. The major downside is security. Everything is in the bin and you can't really abandon it, you have to defend it. You would be limited in the terrain compared to being on foot. The best way to use this would be for a group or caravan of 10-12 bins to travel together. The pace would be slow, but might work well for families, etc.

Everyone should also plan a bugout on bicycles, if possible. You can take at least 3x as much stuff and travel at least 3x as fast. You can make waterproof saddlebags out of the cat litter buckets.

[Glass]

Apart from main stream hiking or day packs I haven't found much in that 40-70L range. One of the better ones is the Blackwolf stuff we get down here. Well designed. Laid out well but thin ripstop material. Cordura 700 Denier. Not sure about durability. No external molle.

I came across these guys. Tasmanian Tactical (http://www.tasmaniantactical.com). I don't think they are Australian and all the reviews I can find are in German. Seems very popular gear there But I can't understand the reviews. I found one a guy did in English. He used the TT RAID pack and pointed out good and bad. Not much bad. I think it was "Mark I" bag.

The Mark II seems to have more even molle layout. #1 complaint. I also think access to back of pack might be easier now. You had to undo a lot of stuff to open the rear panel. Or go through the top.

Looks good. Not as heavy material as maybe Maxpedition (1000 Denier) or Eberlestock but looks durable. Its lighter for same capacity. Maxped doesn't have as big as this. Its a contender.