Bug Out Bag

[MrReady]

Do any of you guys have a 72HR kit or B.O.B ? I kinda have one, it is a work in progess. I think everyone should have one and if you have one what are some of the things you have in yours. I am not a nut either just prepared . . you never know.

[Bman505]

Do any of you guys have a 72HR kit or B.O.B ? I kinda have one, it is a work in progess. I think everyone should have one and if you have one what are some of the things you have in yours. I am not a nut either just prepared . . you never know.

Guess this would back up your user name , MrReady. I have never really given it much thought. I am sure it wouldn't hurt to have one. What do you have in yours so far?

[MrReady]

Flashlight
WaterProof Matches
BIC Lighter (X2)
Knife
Leatherman Tool
Ink Pen (X2)
Poncho
Solar Blanket
Tape
550 Chord
Cell Phone Charger
Zip Ties
Batteries (AA&AAA)

I am adding more stuff this week like med kit,food,etc. I guess you could never be done but this is my start.

[Bman505]

What about a flint or magnesium stick along with your lighters? Also a water purifier and purification tablets.

[Bman505]

You can find those items at REI (http://www.rei.com/).

[jniles]

How large in size and weight can this kit be and still make you happy?

Later,

John

[MrReady]

Well, this is my bag I carry around to work, shopping, etc. So I wouldnt have the things I need if I were to have to be away for 72 Hours. At home I have other types of things. I do agree with a fire starter and water purification equipment and thats on the way with other things. I plan on having more than one kit though. If I had to really "bug Out" i would need lots and lots of stuff.

[jniles]

Are you willing to carry a 70 pound ruck sack or are you out of shape like me and want it all to fit in 8 to 10 pounds? Pretty hard to tell what your goal is with ambiguous "lot of stuff" and "food". That can make it huge or small.

How about a tent and sleeping bag with mattress? Don't laugh they make them very small and light for mountain climbing but very expensive too.

Stove perhaps with a French Press for your coffee? Love mine. (Green Mountain Arabica bean coffee too)

If you will carry 25 pounds you can really have it all including a 4 man tent (fits 2 and gear comfortably), self inflating mattress, stove, food for "awhile" dehydrated really good stuff, but killer for your heart health. The amount of food makes size and weight go up from there.

Check out some of the one to four man lightweight tents and other light weight gear: http://www.mountainsports.com/mssearch.asp?Option=Detail&Detail=081879

Where are you bugging out to? Makes a difference in selecting a 1,2,3 or 4 season tent and bedding if any and lots of other stuff.

Later,

John

[MrReady]

Thanks John. Well, I am sure 50 lbs wouldnt be too bad, 70 lbs would be much. If I were to bug out I would have a tent and sleeping bags. Stove would also be a must. Its just that I have recently starting buying things and haven't got around to it yet. It will take me a while to be 100% done. Good stuff though.

[jniles]

At fifty pounds you can carry a lot of really neat and good stuff. We have a couple of water proof duffels I used on a crusier M/C before my spouse started riding with me. Now we pull a Motorcycle trailer with those bags inside. Contents repacked in a good BOB would make a great start on this project for us. It is amazing how light you can pack if price is no object, but alas tis for me!

Later,

John

[85XCab]

My 2 cents.....

There are many different thoughts on what a B.O.B or SHTF bag should contain and the bottom line is what do you and your family need to "get by". Basics and comfort items both have their place in adverse situations. My solution is a combination of a couple of bags. One in each vehicle and one in the house to grab on the way out. The vehicle bags cover the basics and the house bag covers the a few additional basics and comfort items.
Here is my vehicle bag basics list:
100' of paracord
emergency blanket
Wool beanie, socks and gloves
6 chemical heat packs
LED "shaker" flashlight (no batteries req'd)
1L Nalgene water bottle
Water purification tablets (enough for 20L)
1 sheath knife
Multi-tool
Compass
whistle
lighter
fire steel
First aid kit
3 powerbars & 2 stripped mre's
36" duct tape
2 large black trash bags
2 1gal zip lock bags
TP
$$
important contacts and family info
1 black sharpie
1 bx of ammo (primary carry caliber)

As far as the house bag goes I have a handgun, ammo, handheld ham radio and comfort items (whatever you want or feel you don't want to do without, ie- a couple of pics of family, a sm bottle of worry be gone and some smokes).

[Bman505]

Nice list there!!

[GoatRoper]

Get a Boy Scout Handbook and it will give you suggestions on Survival Kits. One thing to include would be Plastic Baggies, sandwich, quart, and gallon sizes. A roll of heavy duty foil for making solar ovens. Candles. Roll of toilet paper in a quart size baggie. Wind up flashlight. Emargency wind up radio. Magnesium fire stick starter and a gallon baggie full of lint from your clothes dryer.

[85XCab]

For some good reading try these two books by Cody Lundin "98.6 Degrees & When all hell breaks loose". Cody provides a very minimalist but effective approach to staying alive in all circumstances. He also covers what equipment is absolutely necessary and why.

[MrReady]

Great stuff guys. Also, dont forget that the house has to also be ready (even more so than the bags). If you cant survive in your house for weeks/months you may be forced to bug out due to the lack of supplies. Just food for thought. I am happy that people think about emergency situations. We cant be 100% ready for 100% of emergencies but we can give oursleves and families a fighting chance.
Once again good info guys.

[Jizzle]

What are you gonna keep in ur first aid kit? just a standard kit? or what? I rec this one. You can't go wrong with it. Super small, light weight and covers all your bases. Check it out.

https://www.entrygear.com/product.asp?id=LB-IFAK-CB

[Descreet38]

Bag in my car at all times.

spare Cougar - 8000F unloaded
1 Surefire light
4 sets of extra batteries
1 handheld CB radio
6 extra mags loaded with Fed HS 115 +P+
2 boxes of Fed HS 115 +P+
Set of clothes
Survival Jacket
KBAR knife
Multi function knife/tool
6 pk of water
sm survival mirror
fire starter kit - flint&steel
2 pr handcuffs
50 zip ties - asst sizes
2 mre's


in car but not bag
2 boxes of Fed HS 115 +P+
my Paramedic bag
1 small oxygen

[AussieRogue]

I've started to put on together is mainly food water and some spare ammo as for the first aid kit this is the one I'm looking at

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MHR311-1.html

[MrReady]

Both are good kits. I just made one myself. Faster to buy one though. I think carrying certain things are a good idea, whatever that may be. Everyone is different but it is important to feel like you are somewhat prepared. Better to be safe than sorry.