Bug Out Bags (BoBs) 101

[James Yeager]

First some definitions:

A “Bug Out Bag” is different than a “Survival Kit”.

A bug out bag is very specific and is used to get you from one location to another. Typically the destination, distance, and routes are known. The bug out bag contains what you need to make that trip as quickly and efficiently as possible.

A common planning period for a bug out bag is three days, but modify this to suit your conditions and plans. After three days it is used up and no longer useful. This means, for example, it will contain food rather than the tools to get food, and water rather than water treatment tools.

Some basic things found in a bug out bag include:

* Water - At least a 1.5 liters minimum
* Signal devices - Cyalume, Flares, Strobe
* Map/compass/GPS
* Food - Take enough for 1-3 days
* Cash
* Medical Kit
* Multi-tool
* Mags

In contrast to the BOB the survival kit is meant to sustain life for an unknown time under primitive conditions and includes tools to:

* Gather Food
* Collect Water
* Build a Shelter
* Take Care of Medical Emergencies
* Signal
* Start Fires

A bug out bag should be designed first to expedite your bug out, and then a primitive survival kit should be added. Keeping the two functions separate in your mind will improve the way you think about your selections. There will be some overlaps giving you efficiency and the dual design will give you some back-up gear and methods.

[James Yeager]

This is a kit my friend WETSU uses:

This all fits into a medium ALICE pack.

SHELTER
7x5 piece of waterproofed ripstop parachute nylon. (camo)
2 space blankets
50 ft 550 cord
50 ft cordage
small pk of screws, nails, clips, duct tape
2 poly adult sized ponchos-heavy, camo
2 garbage bags

FOOD-some of this stuff has been overpacked w/ a food sealer-nice and tight.
3 field stripped MREs
2 pounds rice
1 pound beans
1 pkg lifeboat rations
small zip bag of coffee and tea, sugar, salt
Crackers, MRE peanut butter
6 BALANCE bars
4 pc beef jerky

WATER
1 filled USGI canteen-soft
1 20 oz bottle of water
1 Sweetwater water filter w/ brush, screen, coffee filters, rubber bands
6 Iodine preps
6 water treatment tabs
1 empty Platapus water bag

FIRE
2 bic lighters
1 "fire kit" w/bic mini lighter, steel/flint, tinder cubes, life boat matches, waxed paper
1 waterproof container of strike anywhere matches
2 eight hour candles
1 esbit stove w/ 3 tabs
1 small can of sterno

COMMS
1 Grundig SW radio inside a fitted case, w/ extra batts, long antt. List of stations and freqs
1 Bearcat scanner preprogramed w/ local public safety, surrounding county-same, plus lots of others
Signal kit w/ mirror, penflare and 5 flares, whistle, handheld flare, signal panel
2 GMRS radios in ALosaks.

TOOLs
1 multi tool
1 WETSU survival kit
1 Airforce pilot's survival knife
1 Gerber folding saw
1 Old Buck lockback
1 metal cup w/ foil lid
2 spoons, 2 forks, 1 knife
1 Boy Scout cook pot-small w/wire bail (no lid)
1 small metal bowl
Solar battery recharger w/4 AAs, 4 AAAs. (rechargaable type)
Waterproof case with extra 123 batts and coin batts for Reddot sights, M3 and Surefires

LIGHT
3 white 8 hour lightsticks
1 red stick
1 green stick
1 Minmag light
1 LED pinch light
1 Princton tec headlamp in it's case
1 "shake" light


HYGINE-no more diapers yahoo!
pkg of baby wipes
smashed half roll of toilet paper
7 tampons, 7 panty thingy's
Camp suds 4 oz bottle
finger toothbrushes (4)
floss
chap stick
small tube of petroleum jelly-Eucerin?

CLOTHING
2 pairs socks-his and hers(sealed)
2 pairs grundies-his and hers (sealed)
4 pairs kids socks, 4 pairs kids undies (sealed) Rotated out each year, sized a bit large in case
extra fleece pullover, OD, vaccum sealed-nice and tight
2 sets kid's sweats
2 pairs gloves-nomex, flyers
2 wool watch caps
spare glasses w/ nerd strap (me)

MEDICAL
1 boo boo kit w/ bandaids, neosporin, meds, eye drops, dental repair kit, tape, etc
1 Blow out kit w/ H bandage, TK4, Traumadex, Primed, ACE, 2 safety pins, 14g needle, Nasal airway, gloves
Other medical: 2 USGI dressings, eye patch, 2x2, 3x3, and nonstick pads, 1 Thin Cinch, short SAM splint, pet gauze, syringe, EMT shears, bandage scissors, iris scissors, hemostats, splinter forceps, temp dot as well as glass thermometer, #11, #10 scalpel blades, 3M 5 shot stapler and remover.

OTHER STUFF
Cash
maps of AO, routes etc
Arial photo of same
Range Card-360 degree
Pen, pencil, waterproof paper grease pencil, sharpie
prepaid phone card
Contact list
Thumbdrive w/ business and personal info
USGI lensatic compass
small button compass

This all fits into a medium ALICE.

[19kilo]

I wouldn't mind seeing what you carried while in Iraq.  What did you keep on hand if you were stranded in a place like that?

[James Yeager]

My Bug Out Bag (BoB):
 
Backpack
Water
Signal Devices - Cyalume, Flares, Strobe, Smoke
Map/Compass/GPS
Food
Blow-Out Kit
Multi-Tool
Pencil and Notepad
WETSU Survival Kit
Magazines
Fragmentation Grenades
Smoke Grenades
One Thermite Grenade
Cash and credit cards
Sat phone

Blow Out Kit:
 
1) Compression Bandage
1) Tourniquet
1) Gauze
1) Nasopharyngeal airway
1) Water based lube for airway
1) 14ga x 3 ¼ catheter
2) Safety pins (2”)
1) Duct tape
1 pr) Latex gloves


 

[19kilo]

Very cool. 

Hope you never had to use it.

[James Yeager]

Unfortunatley I had to use the med kit.

[Lucretius]

My Bug Out Bag (BoB):
 
Backpack
Water
Signal Devices - Cyalume, Flares, Strobe, Smoke
Map/Compass/GPS
Food
Blow-Out Kit
Multi-Tool
Pencil and Notepad
WETSU Survival Kit
Magazines
Fragmentation Grenades
Smoke Grenades
One Thermite Grenade
Cash and credit cards
Sat phone

Blow Out Kit:
 
1) Compression Bandage
1) Tourniquet
1) Gauze
1) Nasopharyngeal airway
1) Water based lube for airway
1) 14ga x 3 ¼ catheter
2) Safety pins (2”)
1) Duct tape
1 pr) Latex gloves


 

Frag grenades, but no knife (except the multitool?)

Oh, and there's a pair of scissors in the blow out bag?

[leatherneck]

In regards to the bag you use for your BOB, I know a lot of folks use milsurp rucksacks or similar tactical bags.  These are great bags and I keep one at home to use for my get out of town bag, but for the BOB I keep in my vehicle I prefer a regular backpack.  The reason I like a standard backpack is if we where to have a SHTF type situation and I had to get home on foot, part of my trip will likely be through town.  If we are in a SHTF scenario then chances are we will either have martial law or at a minimum a heavy police presence.  My theory is if you have to go through a check point of some sort, or even if you just come in contact with a lot of civilians, You will draw a lot less attention to yourself if you are carrying civilian camping type bag versus a OD ruck sack with a machete attached to the outside!
As for contents I carry the following:

Fire steel
Dry tissue paper ( for number two and fire starting)
about 20' 550 cord
Multi-tool
small tarp
granola bars
ramen noodles
Tea bags
Milsurp canteen (filled in the summer)
canteen cup
2 pair extra socks
extra long sleeve shirt
watch cap (beanie)
Rain jacket in rainy season, warm jacket in the winter
Sure fire G2
Extra batteries for my sure fire G2
Extra ammo for the glock that a have as a CCW

This in addition to the knife, flashlight and cell phone that I always carry.

I try to keep my bag to a minimum because typically the furthest I am away from home is 10 miles when I am at work.  Worse case scenario, if I had to take the LONG way around town I should still make it in a day. Even if I had to make it a two day trip I should be good for an over night.

[leatherneck]

I forgot to add, I keep a couple bandannas in my kit as well. I'd recommend everyone keep one or two in their BOB.  They can be used to pre-filter water, as a wound dressing, Sling, wash-rag, and of course a bandanna.

[Gas-Mask]

I've also heard something about wetting them and using them breathe when in smoke/dust....

[BigDanInTX]

I've also heard something about wetting them and using them breathe when in smoke/dust....

I have the actual n95 dust masks for that.  I keep some in BoB and some in EDC bag in case their needed.  Extras for family or coworkers.

[big dummy]

ditto the dust masks, hate to be without one if I ever have to bug out during a pandemic flu outbreak. 

Also, with the duct tape, I keep mine wrapped around my water bottle, stove case, etc. to save a little room vs. carrying a separate roll of the stuff.

[BigDanInTX]

The n95's won't keep out viruses, just are good for dust particles and smoke.

[19kilo]

The n95's won't keep out viruses, just are good for dust particles and smoke.

Dan,

I'm pretty sure that's not entirely true.  As a Respiratory therapist, I work a lot with these masks.  I wear them with Pt's who have TB (tuberculosis) Which is much more prevalent these days.  I think these would do well to stop any virus that is being carried by droplets when a person sneezes. 

Now a dry virus bug floating through the air is another story but I don't think they would survive long with out warmth and moisture.

I have a the flu pandemic protocol from my hospital but can't figure out how to post  a pdf.   

My puter foo is weak.

[Hraz]

I think a great thing to have in you BOB is a pillow case. You could put your dirties in it, stuff it to make a pillow or use it to carry stuff.

[ColdHaven]

The n95's won't keep out viruses, just are good for dust particles and smoke.

Dan,

I'm pretty sure that's not entirely true.  As a Respiratory therapist, I work a lot with these masks.  I wear them with Pt's who have TB (tuberculosis) Which is much more prevalent these days.  I think these would do well to stop any virus that is being carried by droplets when a person sneezes. 

Now a dry virus bug floating through the air is another story but I don't think they would survive long with out warmth and moisture.

I have a the flu pandemic protocol from my hospital but can't figure out how to post  a pdf.   

My puter foo is weak.

I think there is some confusion as to the nomenclature of the item BigDan is talking about. I think he is referring to the dusk masks that are used in construction, that are oval shaped, and white. The N95 masks are specially designed to keep out viruses. They are pink and shaped like a duck bill. I work at the local hospital and everyone who works there who comes in contact with TB patients are required to be fitted with one of these. The way they test to see if they work is they have you put one on and then they put this gigantic hood over your head and spray saccharin inside the hood. If your mask is on right then you will not smell the sweet smell the spray makes. I have a few N95 masks in my FAK and in my EDC. I would trust these in the event of an epidemic/pandemic.

About posting the PDF file. If there is a link to the file then you can just use that address and make it a link. If it is not on the internet somewhere then find a way to get it on the internet and then link the address.

[19kilo]

Your probably right about the mix up.

I can't get the link here at home so it is on our intranet at work,  I do have a copy of it somewhere.

Are you in a health care related field?  You pretty much described the TB mask fitting to a tee.  We fit all employees that are going to come in contact with a TB Pt.  Every year they need to get retested.  WHich is funny because there are only two sizes, small and regular.

[shadowalker_returns]

The n95's won't keep out viruses, just are good for dust particles and smoke.

Dan,

I'm pretty sure that's not entirely true.  As a Respiratory therapist, I work a lot with these masks.  I wear them with Pt's who have TB (tuberculosis) Which is much more prevalent these days.  I think these would do well to stop any virus that is being carried by droplets when a person sneezes. 

Now a dry virus bug floating through the air is another story but I don't think they would survive long with out warmth and moisture.

I have a the flu pandemic protocol from my hospital but can't figure out how to post  a pdf.   

My puter foo is weak.

Actually Dan is completely right. N95 mask is almost (but not entirely) useless against viruses. i'm a graduate of the US Navy's NBC defense program and at one time a hazmat specialist. N95 mask may or may not work but the manufacturer of the device by rating it as N95 is saying it won't work. N99 or N100 is what you need to filter viruses. These are the 3M product numbers of to masks tested and proved to perform as rated by various governments and agencies. Before you invest any money in mask get one example of each so you can compare them with any cheaper mask you may choose to get. They are 3M #8233 N100 particulate mask and 3M #8293 P100. The 'N' designates a mask NOT suited to filter any oil containing aerosol and the 'P' designates a filter that will work against oil based aerosols. The 'P' versions of masks are the better versions but the also cost a bit more. Any mask rated N/P95 or better must have the feature of these masks to be effective. This means if your mask does not have an exhalation valve and two (2) straps to go around your head it is not the best of masks. The exhalation valve really extends the usefulness of the mask and the more expensive mask will last longer because of them. The more expensive mask is also more cost effective as one mask will last 4-8 hours whereas the cheap masks need to be changed out about every 45 minutes. Spend a few bucks and buy at least one of the filters I've recommended so you have some idea of what a GOOD disposable respirator looks like.

regards all,
Shadowalker

[ColdHaven]

Subject Moved to New Topic

Sorry but the topic, although interesting and informative, was derailing the original topic so I moved it to here: http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=2398.msg23064#msg23064

[Strangersolz]

One thing I don't see often in BOB lists, and I think might be helpful, is an ipod or equivalent. I've seen some mentioned but for entertainment purposes only. I picked up an RCA at Wal-mart for about $40-50 befor Christmas. It has a small screen to watch videos and I've been considering purchasing another and putting survival tips and such on it and storing it in my BOB.
What do you think?

[BigDanInTX]

That could work.  If you have a solar charging system, you could recharge the ipod as well.  make it your survival "teacher" so to speak.  I would recommend a pelican case just to ensure it stays high and dry.

[James Yeager]

That could work.  If you have a solar charging system, you could recharge the ipod as well.  make it your survival "teacher" so to speak.  I would recommend a pelican case just to ensure it stays high and dry.

I-Pod Pelican Case: http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=107&products_id=3147

[Heavy G]

(This thread has been selected as a “best of” thread by Heavy G.  You can search for “best of” threads by using that term in the search mode.  Everyone on the forum is encouraged to reply to a post they think is “best of” worthy so we can all search for them.  For more information on the “best of” thing, see http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=3423.0 )

[infobomber]

One thing I don't see often in BOB lists, and I think might be helpful, is an ipod or equivalent. I've seen some mentioned but for entertainment purposes only. I picked up an RCA at Wal-mart for about $40-50 befor Christmas. It has a small screen to watch videos and I've been considering purchasing another and putting survival tips and such on it and storing it in my BOB.
What do you think?

I was thinking the same thing earlier today. I know you can find small solar units to charge small devices. There is a pdf reader app for the ipod touch, you could download a life time of survival manuals and information on to there. Even if the internet crashes you can use it to remotely control things on your home network, or even check security monitors.  If someone was savvy they could make a repository of survival information (this forum for example) available off line and one could browse it w/o an internet connection. It would also be a good way to store vehicle, weapon, and machine diagrams, instructions, etc.   You can use the built in calculator, and there are other useful functions such as a level etc.  Many of these apps are free, some cost very little. If it is one without gps one could still have maps stored and access on demand.  

Since it (ipod touch) also makes a handy pda for storing notes and such its a good thing just to keep on your person.

Looking at the app store, there are apps for plant ID, and catalogueing your garden.

[Sinclair]

I-Pod Pelican Case: http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=107&products_id=3147

I would love to find something like this for my ZUNE

[James Yeager]

I would love to find something like this for my ZUNE

I have a Sanza by Scandisk and it works fine in it.

[shadowalker_returns]

Just quick note. I have again found reason to stop using latex gloves. Was doing a job on a clinic in Houston TX and they had some Latex gloves laying around. So we thought to use them while moding an area that had possible biohazards left behind. The gloves almost to a man tore completely through the first time we tried doing anything that required a strong grip. Screw latex get yourself some Nitrile gloves.

Regards,
Shadowalker

[infobomber]

I've also heard something about wetting them and using them breathe when in smoke/dust....

yeah i always keep one handy as part of my daily kit.  good quick dust mask, and from what i hear you can soak them in lemon juice to help counter riot gas.

[Gas-Mask]

yeah i always keep one handy as part of my daily kit.  good quick dust mask, and from what i hear you can soak them in lemon juice to help counter riot gas.

Can anyone confirm?

[infobomber]

Can anyone confirm?

Id read this in a sort of underground 'zine that afaik circulates by hand via of tramps and punks. Its Called DIY. Last time I looked for info about it online I didnt turn up much. But I did check this fact to back myself up.

How to Deal With Riot Control Agents
http://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Riot-Control-Agents

Alternatively, soak a bandanna or other cloth in apple-cider vinegar or lemon juice and tightly cover your mouth and nose with it. Bring airtight goggles to protect your eyes. Swimming goggles work fine as long as they have a good seal. If possible, don't wear contact lenses. Prepare and carry a solution of water and baking soda (the solution should be about 5% baking soda) to neutralize the chemicals on the skin.

also not mentioned on this site is the use of whole milk, but afaik that only works with pepper spray.