Bug out bag

[floorit]

Anybody got one? I half heartedly started one awhile back, but never finished. If you do, what's in it?

[Gone]

Yeah we have one. It's not complete yet (is it ever) but we keep working on it.

In the end there will be only two kinds of people left, those that have stuff and those that will have to steal stuff. Be smart: Pack weapons...

[floorit]

I am rarely very far from my truck, and can forsee very few circumstances where I would need to abandon it. So my bag has started out a bit heavier than the average. I suppose I should make a bag in a bag, in case I have to leave the big stuff behind. Actually, it's the weapons that got me thinking about it agian. I recently picked up a 10/22 and while researching what I wanted to do with it, cama accross THIS http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff343/floorit76/Mobile%20Uploads/10-22mod.jpg

[sprink]

I've worked out a couple, but really am not ready to just grab and go. Kids make it more important, but harder.....

I have a big tote to go in the car/van that was pretty complete with tools food first-aid etc, but it gets picked through for camping, hunting etc...

Always have a pistol & spare mags, AR15 & spare mags, first-aid/blowoutstuff, and food water on hand, but would have to throw it together at the moment...

Maybe I should.

[sprink]

Since I have no place to bug out to, I have been more concerned with having what I need here.

[floorit]

All I have to do is get home. I'm never generally more than 30 miles away, so it shouldn't be an issue. We are pretty self sufficient out here. Plenty of food, water, generators, etc. feel silly for worryin about it at all. But I do.

[Gone]

Here are a few links that have some great info. on a bugout kit. There are tons more out there, these I like.

http://www.thebugoutguy.com/bugoutbagAM.htm

http://www.captaindaves.com/dl-list/dl1-toc.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Affordable-realistic-amp-commonsense-list/lm/R76SWP2C9L3V5

http://familysurvivalblog.com/bug-out-bags/

[brimic]

Yep, I have the minimal items that I might need to get home stashed in my car. Home is well stocked and I have everything I need to survive for long term there.

In my car kit:
SKS with 2 strippers loaded (I had picked the SKS because I can afford to throw it away to lighten the load once i get passed the bad areas on the way back home- 35 mile hike).
2 Liters of water
2 large garbage bags
magnesium firestarter with some charred cloth tinder
mini maglite
a few energy bars and chocolate bars
extra socks
extra shoes, boots, clothes depending on the season
Gerber Freeman knife
50' of parachute cord
duct tape
first aid kit
space blanket
Ruck sack to carry it in.

I also have a budy that I work with that would have to walk the same way home who is similarly prepared- we've discussed what-if scenarios and what we would do to get out of the city.


I recently picked up a 10/22 and while researching what I wanted to do with it, cama accross THIS

That's pretty neat. I was considering getting a Kel-tec carbine for my wife's car- they make a carbine that folds in half.

[floorit]

Sub 2000. I have also looked at the Rossi Combo kits, 22-410 22-20, 223-12 etc.

[floorit]

Been thinking about this more recently, anybody have anything to add?

[floorit]

Seems to me that a backpack would be the best choice for this. I'm looking at some A.L.I.C.E packs on ebay. Any military types like to chime in if they think that this would be a good choice?

[nmbillb]

I would suggest picking up a copy of "Patriots, Surviving the Coming Collapse". There's quite a bit of good information in there, along with an interesting fictional storyline. Great read and great info.

[floorit]

I would suggest picking up a copy of "Patriots, Surviving the Coming Collapse". There's quite a bit of good information in there, along with an interesting fictional storyline. Great read and great info.

While I appriciate the sugestion, I'll have to decline. I have to limit my "SHTF" reading since my imagination works overtime the way it is. :laugh

[DeD Fred]

I work 75 miles form my home. I leave at work. A Mauser 30-06, with 30 rounds. My ranger tomahawk, a long knife. Rain gear, and boots.

With this stuff I can walk home under any conditions.

[Doc45]

I guess if one is concerned about a "Katrina" type situation the contents might be different than in a "total collapse of society" type event.

In reality I have all I need here at my house and can secure my home quite well. However at the minimum you should have some cash on hand, all your important legal papers/bank records/etc, list of Rx, basic exmergency medical kit complete enough to take care of anything outside of major surgery in case you can't get to a hospital, a good medical handbook, very bright flashlight w/spare batteries, hand crank radio, solar cell phone charger (providing the net is still functioning), evac plan for any family/friends that will make up your "support" team, some water, water purification tabs, and a whole shit load of other stuff that will be unique to your situation. :D

Always make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Aw hell, just watch "I Am Legend" and gear up like Will! :laugh

Don't mean to treat this lightly but you can worry yourself sick about this or use some common sense, do a little lite reading and make a plan. Good luck.

[dr.feltersnatch]

I would suggest picking up a copy of "Patriots, Surviving the Coming Collapse". There's quite a bit of good information in there, along with an interesting fictional storyline. Great read and great info.

agreed very good read. check out one second after. its kind of the same but it involves a emp going off and it kills all electronics in the us.

[wandrur]

This has been dormant for a while. I'd like to bring it back to people's attention. Would love to hear some suggestions about bags to use and contents to have.

[AsSeenOnTV]

One thing I have in mine is a water purification bottle to filter any kind of water to drink from.

[floorit]

I have never really done any more on a bag. I carry a Nitecore D10 led light, and Benchmade 940 on me everyday. And my truck is loaded with crap. A Marlin Papoose takedown rifle, ammo, rope, rain gear, lighters, matches, hatchet, machette, axe, ussually some extra clothes, etc. etc. Nothing specific, just the things we use out in the trees anyway. But we have been working on a small pack for our canoe so that we could stay out if we needed to. I know I would need more in a real "bad" situation. But I'm still probably way ahead of the average.

[OmegaRunner]

One thing I have in mine is a water purification bottle to filter any kind of water to drink from.

My wife and I both have one of these in our bags. I think they are essential equipment for any bug out bag/GOOD bag/GTH bag.

In addition to a self filtering water bottle, I also like to have a tourniquet than can be applied with one hand.

[pin-hi]

We don't "carry" up here in Canada, so when the bug out comes, we'll have to just watch and say, man, what's all the fuss down there?

[Ireeman]

Fire, knife and medical supplies. The rest i can find, make or organize.

Wait...i love my bang stick...that folds neatly and works above and below water.

[Screwdriver]

I carry a Maxpedition Jumbo VersiPack in my car. My job was 12 miles from my house. I could walk it easily in 3-4 hours.

Ruger SP101 3"
3 Speedloaders with 127 JHP.
Marine three day food bar.
Water bottle and purification tablets
Cold Steel Pocket Bushman
Mag-lite XL100
Med Kit with a QuickClot and space blanket
50' of Paracord
Cold Steel Inferno Pepper Spray
Leatherman.
Bic Lighter
I had some condoms, but that pissed off my wife.....:banana

[AsSeenOnTV]

Up here, condoms are great for keeping water off the rifle..

[wandrur]

Especially dirty water...

[Loner]

Not a bug out bag but I got a earthquake kit at home
five one gallon jugs of water all sealed, i keep extra cans of food and dried box stuff that just needs heating.

For a bug out bag, I do have the follwing
A backpack or day pack
with:
A water bottle with purifier built in, you can replace the cartridge,
A multi -tool of some sort.
Fixed blade knife I do have a buck model 10.
Two sources of light, a mini mag lite and possibly a candle(s)
lighter and waterproof matches, plus a fire starter and some lint from the dryer.
all in a plastic bag.
Jet boil stove. with spare cartridge,
a couple of MRE and or camping meals like mountain house.
Bandana or two
para cord
space blanket
first aid kit
spare socks
and other items as needed.

Weapons
I do have a Glock 26, not big but beats a rock.
BTW
My camera bag also has stuff in it besides camera gear that might go in my bug out bag.
Pain Killers
Sun Screen
Eye wash-lubiricant for my contact lens and I have a spare set in the bag, plus a pair of glasses.
Hand Sanitizer.
Micro fiber cloth, lots of uses.

[xllent01]

I think the planning for bugging out and your bug out bag should be based that eventually you will be on foot. Vehicle break downs, road blocks, no fuel & raiders should all be anticipated. Therefore the bulk of your BOG will be filled with food, water, some clothing, and survival equipment. There may not be much room left to carry "extra ammo" especially for several different calibers.

My choices are;
1. Ruger 22 pistol. (light weight and can do anything the 22 rifle can do)
2. AR style rifle with collapsable stock in 223/.556 cal. (with as many loaded magazines that I could carry in a vest, bag)
3. A short barreled bolt action, scoped .270 that can be slung or carried in the BOG.
4. A high capacity semi-auto pistol in 9mm, .40 or 45 ACP
(for close in self defence)

I would stick with common military calibers that would be readlily available.

Don't forget...For $12 you can not go wrong with a siphon pump. It is a bit of plastic tube and a small hand pump for all kinds of liquids. If you have the equipment above, the ability to pull gasoline out of another parked car is a good thing. Just before Katrina hit, gas stations were closed for miles.

[wandrur]

I'd be packing a 9mm in the bag. Wondering what a reasonable amount of ammunition would be to avoid adding too much weight but still providing a sufficient supply?

[Loner]

As much as you can IMHO I carry 3 ten round magazines for my 26, one in the weapon.
a 50 round box of 9mm is small.
that is standard carry for cops and military three mags altough most do carry extra mags in a extra bag or pouch.

I also might check out the ruger 10-22 take down model or 10-22DTD
it breaks down into pieces and fits into it's own pack
I've a owned a few 10-22 one of the best 22's out there.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/ruger-1022-td-takedown-model-new-gun-review/

[wandrur]

I've got two 16 round mags. I figured 50-100 rounds additional would be about the right amount.

[Loner]

I've got two 16 round mags. I figured 50-100 rounds additional would be about the right amount.

sound about right to me too,

[xllent01]

I'm under the mind state of KISS

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID..

The idea that you need 10+ full mags to 'shoot your way to survival' is just brain dead stupid. One shot, one kill , save your ammo. Don't spray and pray your ammo..People who think a hefty supply of guns+ammo is the solution will be the first to perish.

It's the people with superior knowledge and training that travel light, move fast, and take full advantage of what they find along the way - those are the folks whom do best. History is full of true stories about people who survived against great odds with no much to work with......... loading yourself down with a bunch of heavy guns and ammo - not a good way to start out of the gate.

Pick a nice light weapon - AR is fine - buy the suppressor - and pack no more than 180-200rds. Instead of packing a useless 3lb pistol - consider how much more useful 3lbs of food would take you, or, an extra 3lbs of ammo for that AR?

[wandrur]

Some of us can adequately hunt with a handgun if necessary. I don't have the means to purchase another weapon, so I'm working with what I have.

I currently live ten minutes from the mountains. Though I'll be moving to the northern Denver area soon, I would still prefer to, if the need should arise, be able to retreat to the mountains and survive for a time.

[Ireeman]

Trapping is a lost art...quiet and effective.

I am thinking worse case scenario, stealth will be paramount until the alphas kill each other off or deltas and gammas die with them.

Being able on or below water is my scheme. I don't envision alot of agro competition underwater. Bang stick and a home made Hawaiian sling is quiet.

I can hide the the boat in mangroves that birds can't find, and have a tasty meal with or without fire.

[wandrur]

Waterworld Iree. :D

[Ireeman]

Waterworld Iree. :D

Well it does eliminate 80% of competition and lets face it, provides a bountiful
amount of selection of food.

Plus there is that whole Zombies can't swim thing.:banana

[floorit]

I currently carry a Marlin Papoose takedown 22 in the truck. I may be trading up to the 10/22 takedown once the new wears off and the price comes down a bit. I have been working on consolidating my gun collection into cheap/easy to find calibers, and redundancy. Parts and magazine interchangability factors in heavily.
I would like to ask... This thread has had more replies lately than it had when I started it. Have you just recently started to think about the possible need to "bug out"? Or have you been doing this all along?

[Ireeman]

I am from NH/Ireland, self sustaining is genetic.

[AsSeenOnTV]

Both my grandparents survived Warsaw Poland and were able to flee before the Soviets annexed Poland into the Soviet Union. I learned a little about staying alive in hard times.

[r4fthrs]

Kind of been a family trait for me as well. Grandparents survived the great depression and we grew up in rural farm country where it wasn't uncommon to be snowed in for weeks at a time(without power). Also worked for Homeland Security and it does have an effect of hightening some awareness. I highly recommend that everyone have a plan to be self sufficent for at minimum of 30 days (longer if possible) and to have an evacuation plan whether it is for a natural disaster or worse. The best person to depend on in an emergency is yourself.

[Ireeman]

The best person to depend on in an emergency is yourself.

And like minded capable people that have a plan.

My sub has only 2 more spots....just passing it along....

[r4fthrs]

I also wanted to add on the topic of firearms is, your selection should be based on what you are familiar and comfortable with. You can debate the topic of caliber and type of firearm all day but in the end it depends on what you can use effectively and be able to troubleshoot and maintain. There is no such thing as the universally perfect firearm, only what is the best fit for you. A well place .22 is better than a missed .45. IMHO

[wandrur]

I would like to ask... This thread has had more replies lately than it had when I started it. Have you just recently started to think about the possible need to "bug out"? Or have you been doing this all along?

Speaking for myself, my housemate--who is about the last person you would think of to do such a thing--has been putting together a 'survival' bag over the past year or so, so it got me to thinking. Then I had seen this thread and an occasional mention of bug out bags elsewhere, so I figured I'd tap the knowledge keg and see what you folks had to say. I know there are a lot of you out there who have them. :D

Do I foresee social collapse or a military/radical/nuclear attack coming anywhere near? Not especially. We're far from meltdown stage. But I am also familiar with Cold War mythology, and there were days not so long ago when American folk felt the end was right around the corner, and we were just waiting for someone to press that button.

Mostly I'm curious. Secondarily, what's the harm in having something just in case? Given my background in criminology, I would almost be tempted to think that social disorder would sooner be created by violent street gangs than politicians and warlords. But anything's possible, right?

[Loner]

I'm not a dooms dayer, but I like to be prepared.
I live in Southern California, I live at the juncture of three earthquake faults including the (in) famous San Andreas Fault, So I keep can goods, a case or two of bottled water and some boxed dried food like mac in cheese etc
I also keep my camping stove handy.
I'm looking to get a Trangia stove that uses multiple fuels.
Might never need it, but you never know.
The state gov't tells up to keep three days of supplies on hand but I could probably go a lot longer.
Bug out bag, yea I got my hiking backpack if I need to pack some stuff into, but in reality I live in a urban area and really don't have anywhere to bug out too yet.
You have to take in consideration in my case my only transportation is my bike and my feet,
So I can't really take a lot anyhow.
As for these people like the dooms dayers I respect that they got plans and equiptment to handle a situation.
But in my case realistically if it does hit the fan I'll be looking to defend what I got.
I got the basic skills to camp and look for food, purify water, perform basic first aid, make a fire without matches.
I hope all of those Survivorman and like shows I watched didn't go to waste.
I also got to thinking that having a 357 or 44 mag revolver might not be a bad idea.

[JoeFriday77]

Clean water is probably one of the bigger deals. With the weight, you can't carry all you need and will have to make your own.

For somewhat decent water or not much time to wait, I've got two choices.
http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw
+ water purification drops option

For lower quality water, I've got:
Amazon.com: Hydration Technology Innovations HydroPack Water Filter: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ASxQzzfRL.@@AMEPARAM@@51ASxQzzfRL
but it requires a long time to fill.

Additions to that are:
3 fire starting methods
8'x10' tarp
First Aid kit
Emergency candles
Compact machete
Knife
Paracord
etc.

[mxr33]

this topic was touched on some in another thread about what you could not live without. i am no dooms dayer but enjoy diy projects and have found several to keep me busy. loner, check out the motorcycle camping section here for a penny stove i made out of pop cans. or google search penny stove, altoid tin can survival kit, survival necklace, all can be found on instructables.com. these are some items i have made and keep handy just in case. still working on putting together a bug out bag. dryer lint was mentioned earlier and found a way to water seal it by using a straw. cut a short pice of straw, pinch the end closed with pliers and heat with a lighter until it melts together and seals. pack full of dryer lint and repeat on other end. if you have ever hit dryer lint with a spark from a fire starter it is amazing how easy it ignites.

[Loner]

I already got lightwieght camping stuff, Bivy tent and sleeping bag.
If push comes to shove, a canteen cup can be used to boil water and cook in.
I might pick one up on my next trip to a surplus store, I do have a stainless steel one cup camping cup that I can cook in if need be.
If I'm in a bug out situation I won't be making a big fire and setting up a big camp, staying out of sight and not making noise or creating smells is the order of the day.
Camo netting?

BTW I've done camping on motorcycles and bicycles and you learn to pack light on a bicycle.
There are tons of lightwieght camping stuff, gadgets, tools and what not.
If it really came down to bare bones
I would carry
A tarp and blanket
pocket stove, I've seen those soda can-hobo stoves and those would be great.
Camping cup-metal.
some food, mre, freeze dried, energy bars.
A good sturdy hatchet, I get the one with a knife in the handle
My multi-tool
Para Cord bracelet
Flashlight and a couple of tea candles.
a lighter and matches
water bottle with a filter
A handgun
Pepper spray
first aid kit
and some cash.


On a related note, if you go to bulk aisle at the market, you can get granola, trail mix, and quick cooking food like rice, oats and other things like that, then divide up into smaller ziplock bags, I do that for camping, I learned from experience to use the bag that a plastic zipper rather than the cheaper kind that just stick together those are good for taking lunch to work not such much for rough and tumble hiking,biking and motorcycle camping.
all this will fit in backpack.

On a related note someone mentioned having someone else along, that is a good idea safety in numbers the bad guys are hardly ever alone.

[mxr33]

i have the snow peak titanium 600 mug and really like it. they have some other really cool lightwieght camping stuff that i would like to get, foldable fire pit and grill, foldable charcoal box, chopsticks.

[AsSeenOnTV]

And like minded capable people that have a plan.

My sub has only 2 more spots....just passing it along....

I'll stick to the trees and the land I know. Just north of me at the edge of my property is a lot of moose preserve territory. A lot of this to easily get lost
in and away from others:
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/Planejain/Alaska/100_5149-1.jpg

[wandrur]

Late night musing again...

...about what bag would be best. :o

[Loner]

Musing about what kind of pack
Not tied up on brands but I think a day pack with a hip and sternum belt would be best.
I've been looking at a photographer vest with all it's pockets.

I've thinking this subject over a bit lately.
Forgot about this thread.

[wandrur]

Glad I brought you back. :smoke

I just ordered a 5.11 Tactical "Rush 24" backpack. Will see what it's like when it arrives. I scoped out a few of the 5.11 bags at the local Gander Mountain, and the 24 seems to be the best size (12 too small, 72 is kinda huge).

[Tater]

Well at 76 YO I'm not much on the bug out thing, but I did find what I would consider a very good range bag that could also be useful as a bug out bag...
Don't go to the sporting goods section, go to the tools section and find a heavy duty tool bag, the one I got was $23.97 @ china-mart and there were very good looking ones cheaper... A shooters/range bag was on sale in sporting goods and marked down a good bit to $49.97 but I like this bag better...

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/JoeTRobinson/IMG_0021-1.jpg

It holds what I normally take to the range very well, and is actually stronger than their range bag, you can't tell by the pic but it even has a hard bottom...
Have a good one...Tater...

[xllent01]

P-mags...good choice..:gun

[wandrur]

Very nice, Tater. Excellent idea!

[Ol Rip]

Tater, PM sent.

[wandrur]

Checked WallyWorld for the Fat Max bag, but the only ones were quite small. Will keep looking. :)

[wandrur]

A :bump for the Sunday evening crowd.

[rottenralph]

I have a pistol, shotgun, and a 2 foot crescent wrench for any attitude adjusting. I have some mini fishing poles also and my pack flyrod and vest. I am not very ready so I will just stay home. The pool has 10,000 gallons of drinking water.

[90sportster]

Check out voodoo tactical.
I use one of their backpack style bags for my B.O.B.

[Outsidelookingin]

If you're interested in exploring BOB's & the like further (and I mean REALLY FURTHER), check out www.zombiehunters.org (http://zombiehunters.org/forum/). Under the forums section you will find all sorts of preparedness and survival topics.

[XLXR]

Be careful about bugging out. I have no where to bug out to. It is far better for me to be home with neighbors I know and supplies I have, than 15 miles from nowhere with no food or water, no friends and an empty back pack. It is very difficulty to walk 15 miles with a back pack and enough supplies to live more than a few days. Only the young and strong can do that. There is no open land nearby where I could live off the land. 20,000,000 people to the north of me, Mexico/desert to the south, desert to the east, ocean to the west. I am prepared to stay in and defend my home for 45 days without electricity, water, or gas. But the trick is, I have to be able to get home. I have an electric bicycle which I keep in the trunk of my car with enough batteries to go 60 miles, in case I can't drive home because of power failure, grid lock traffic, bridges out etc. I also keep 3 days food and water, back pack, supplies etc in the trunk of my car.

The pool has 10,000 gallons of drinking water.

I have a built-in spa and looked into using it as emergency drinking water. First problem is without electricity the water will grow algae in a few days to weeks. A lot of chlorine can stop the algae growth, but then the excessive chlorine will make the water unsafe to drink. From what I read, most of the commercial pool chemicals are not safe for use in drinking water for drinking a few quarts per day. I switched my spa over to BBB system. Bleach, borax, baking soda, and muriatic acid which don't have the bad residual chemicals found in commercial pool chemicals. The ph/acidity/alkalinity levels of pool water can also be at dangerous levels. So I keep an extra supply of test strips to test and filter pool water before using it as drinking water. I keep extra suppliies of bleach, borax, baking soda, and muriatic acid to balance the ph before I filter it or boil it.

I also have several ceramic filters, enough to filter out 30,000 gallons of water, to be able to treat water from spas of my neighbors to help keep neighbors working together and protecting each other. I have several pounds of activated charcoal, metal screens, paper coffee filters, and water purification tablets. Steri-pen makes ultraviolet water sterilizers which can be hand or battery operated to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. I can mix and match water filter and sterilization supplies to make drinking water from any source of water. I have also experimented with solar distillers enough to be able to make and use one.

I have a lot of lightweight camping gear which can be carried in back pack or used long term. Bottom line, I can bug out with a back pack, bicycle, motorcycle, or car full of supplies, but only as a very last resort.

[wandrur]

Just received my 5.11 Rush 24 backpack. Very nice! Pricey, so I hope it's worth it. But it looks great, lots of pockets and lots of places to hook things.

[Ireeman]

Loin cloth, spear and yeast.

[wandrur]

You're first, naked bread baker. :gun :laugh

[wedge]

I agree with Loner that it is unlikely that we will ever need this sort of thing for anything more than an earthquake or one of the storms that have recently wiped out entire communities. Still, it's good to be prepared.

Most preparation is stocking up at home and being able to turn the gas off quickly.

If it ever comes to a roaming situation where you have to survive, then we are lucky here in California, because there is a lot of desert, and a person can blend into the background within a short distance of others.

Guns are nice if you don't mind drawing attention to yourself, and I would bring one to start with, but eventually I would make a bow and some arrows to hunt with. (Get a copy of "The Traditional Boyers Bible", it's a 3 book set, and you will be able to make a bow out of any type of available wood by varying your technique depending on what it is).

I think Ireeman has the right idea in general here.

[Ireeman]

Beer maker, wandy...beer maker.

[wandrur]

Oh, fine. You make the beer, I'll bake the bread. :smoke

[wedge]

Then of course you need a fire piston. I tried to make one, but couldn't get the hole bored clean enough to get enough compression, plus I think the wood I used was too porous. In the meantime it's just gonna have to be magnesium and flint.