Bug Out Bags (BOB)

[kmussack]

There is hardly a forum I visit that doesn’t include threads or sections that deal with the discussion of Bug Out Bags (BOBs), some more seriously than others.

It would seem that guys like us love to lay-out, inventory and show off our gear. The creation and discussion of BOBs provide us with a great opportunity to do just that.

However, I’ve noticed a lot of “cart before the horse” behavior as it relates to the creation of a BOB.

We love to leap right into the listing of items before taking the time to define the mission of this kit. Part of this definition is to make an effort to realistically predict environmental conditions and threats.

Similarly, folks love to pile on the gear without regard for their real world physical limitations. Any pack over 35-pounds will be debilitating on a long cross country trek. Yet many BOBs described on the “interweb” weigh in around 75 to 80-pounds. I’ve humped loads like that as a 20-something infantry officer and it beat me down physically then, today it would kill me.

Reading some of the threads about BOBs reveals the fact the authors have never spent any serious time in the field or actually tested their kits. For instance after reading a packing list with over 100-line items I noticed no mention of spare socks, insect repellent or toilet paper. Having spent many years in the infantry I can assure you these three items belong at the top of anybody’s list.

I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss every aspect of BOBs so long as it can remain a serious pursuit and avoid diversions.

[944turbo]

I have seen a lot of those posts/threads too and it seems like their common mentality is to put together a BOB so they can grab it and "head for the hills" like Rambo if the SHTF. But I have to wonder where they are planning on going, what they're going to do once they're there, and how they're going to hump that heavy pack. Not a very realistic scenario in my mind.

I have a bag that I leave in my truck that contains emergency supplies designed to meet my needs for several days. Not sure I'd call it a BOB...more of a "get home bag". Whether my truck becomes stranded (major snow storm), roads are closed (ice storm, flooding), or there is some other emergency, I'll have what I need to either stay put for several days or to hoof it home.

It weighs about 25#, and even that can become tiresome when walking if you're not used to it. I'd be happy to list the contents if anyone's interested.

[evileyeswatchin]

I have a GHB in the truck. (basic necessities, protein bar, mylar blanket, etc.)
I have a small active shooter type bag.(ammo mags, light, batteries, blow out kit)
I have a BOB. (ammo, supplies, shelter, etc.)
And I have a large duffel type BOB that will "refill" the smaller BOB's. (too much stuff/you 'aint gonna carry it)

[BIG flash]

yup, it's not just about the gear. as is very common theme in this forum, it's about training too.

preparing ones body by being physically fit is even more important than half of the "stuff" in people's BOB.
that and getting out every now and then with nothing but your BOB will help you really asses what is important or not.

fwiw - i have a get home bag in the truck, front door bag, BOB, and a tote that can get thrown in the truck if it's possible to drive out.
plus a small edc pouch. and what is in them constantly evolves based on my budget and experiences.

[BUCKrub91]

I dont have a BOB I need to make one but havent gotten around to it yet... I have all the gear necessary to put in one but its all scattered all over the place lol

[kmussack]

I dont have a BOB I need to make one but havent gotten around to it yet... I have all the gear necessary to put in one but its all scattered all over the place lol

Take the time. Get it done.

[Lord Timelord]

1. Water Filter, Water Purification Tablets, and SteriPen... (on the list to get)

2. Energy Bars, a few Freeze Dried Meals, and Beef Jerky (GOT to have some Jerky!!!)... Check

3. Hennessey Hammock (on the list to get)

4. Sleeping Pad, Sleeping Bag, and Camp Pillow... Check

5. Titanium Alcohol Multi-Fuel Camp Stove, Titanium Cookpot, and Fuel... Check

6. Firesteel, Water Proof Matches, Fuel Cubes, Lighter... Check

7. First Aid Kit that can handle most low to mid level issues... Check

8. Two Sets of SYNTHETIC Shirts, Pants, Undies, Socks, and Footware... (on the list to get)

9. Cellphone, Ham Radio, AC/DC/Solar Chargers, Compass, Signal Mirror, Emergency Whistle, Maps... Check

10. Leatherman Multitool, EDC Knife, Paracord, and LED Lights (more than one)... Check

I have more things on my revised list, but those are some of the more important ones that I can remember off of the top of my head. ;-)

Everyone should keep their vehicles gas tanks above the 50% Level like Emergency Responders do. In a true Emergency you will most likely not have time to fuel up (Natural Disaster), or all the avaliable fuel will be fought over (Civil Unrest). Also a Motorcycle can get around traffic jams a lot easier than a 35 Foot Camping Trailer. :-)

[Temporaryscars]

My BoB is pretty sad at the moment. I'll post up in a bit what I have so far, what I need to get and what my ultimate goal is as far as its utility goes.

[default14845]

My BoB is constantly changing, lighter materials, less stuff I want more that I need...I see alot of stuff these guys have and I shake my head at the cost and weight...good luck to them. I'll defend my castle before I retreat anyways.....but it's there if I need it.

[hill5673]

I have a BoB for each family member (myself,wife,daughter)
They are not complete yet but we are working on them.

[Temporaryscars]

Anyone keep gloves in their BOBs?

[NCNY]

Anyone keep gloves in their BOBs?

Damn straight. See this gentlemen here:




His missing glove is in my BOB!

[Temporaryscars]

Hahahahah. Nice.

[Jeff]

Anyone keep gloves in their BOBs?

Probably a good idea since these things will likely stay packed until who knows when. Probably right after that huge ice storm when it's freezing out and the power has been out for days.

[Temporaryscars]

So you think they should be cold weather gloves? The pair I thought about throwing in were more like work gloves. Now I'm wondering which type would be better.

[WebsterNYtech]

I was thinking about this one tonight... Idk how many of you guys are smokers (I know terrible habit that puts you at a huge disadvantage) but have any of you thought about provisions to keep calm in the event that something happens and you have no access to nicotine? Assuming something terrible happens before I find the willpower to quit, I was thinking about throwing a box of nicotine gum in the BOB.... anyone else have any thoughts? (other than the obvious, "suck it up and quit already")

[Temporaryscars]

Ha, I certainly like the idea. Maybe go with some patches instead? I think it would take up less room.

[TheStig]

i keep a 1st aid kit and ALOT of TP in my ditty bag. i figure when it goes down we will all be traiding ammo for TP and baby wipes. lol

[jhm8071]

So you think they should be cold weather gloves? The pair I thought about throwing in were more like work gloves. Now I'm wondering which type would be better.

Why would you need work gloves in a BOB? What are you going to need them for in the couple days that you are getting to your destination?

I could understand throwing a couple pair of latex gloves in a first aid kit and winter gloves in for the cold weather.

[kmussack]

Why would you need work gloves in a BOB? What are you going to need them for in the couple days that you are getting to your destination?

I could understand throwing a couple pair of latex gloves in a first aid kit and winter gloves in for the cold weather.

For wear while moving through thick undergrowth (nettles, briars, berry bushes, etc.)
For wear while moving through urban wreckage (rusty sheet metal, barbed wire, broken glass, etc.)
For wear while conducting search & rescue (broken glass, sheet metal, re-bar, etc.)
I think that's enough.

[Jeff]

So you think they should be cold weather gloves? The pair I thought about throwing in were more like work gloves. Now I'm wondering which type would be better.

Leather work gloves with the fuzz in side? They're pretty warm and durable for things that kmussack mentioned.

[EnfieldGuy]

+2 they cant hurt.... But I agree sooo many wanna be guys out there with their own version of a BOB its funny...

[Temporaryscars]

I'd say the ones I'm talking about are more like mechanics gloves. There's no lining. Maybe I should look for a pair like the ones you described tough so they can pull double duty.

[WarrenDee]

Why would you need work gloves in a BOB? What are you going to need them for in the couple days that you are getting to your destination?

I could understand throwing a couple pair of latex gloves in a first aid kit and winter gloves in for the cold weather.

Because (remember, this is a SHTF situation and medical help is a blip on the horizon) you get a cut in your finger, thistle under the nail or cuticle on Monday, get something else in there and your finger looks like a sausage by Thursday and you're three days at most away from losing a hand, that's why you wear gloves. Don't ask me how I know this to be a fact. Still have the finger though.

[Temporaryscars]

Because (remember, this is a SHTF situation and medical help is a blip on the horizon) you get a cut in your finger, thistle under the nail or cuticle on Monday, get something else in there and your finger looks like a sausage by Thursday and you're three days at most away from losing a hand, that's why you wear gloves. Don't ask me how I know this to be a fact. Still have the finger though.

Ok, now I definitely want gloves.