Bug out bag
Mr. Perfect
Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
It's been a while since we had a good bug out bag discussion. Yes, I too _intend_ to bug in, but as we are all well aware, that ideal mayhap become untenable for any of various reasons-- forcing even the invalid to flee. Prudence would suggest being prepared regardless of intentions under perceived worst cases. Besides, my ability still permits it so on that hand it just makes sense.
I've done a good bit of researching lately on ultralight backpacking and found that I have been at least 10 years behind the curve on what is available, mostly since I've been backpacking for so long I've gotten used to my equipment. But there have been some areas where it appears upgrades are both warranted AND beneficial for bugging of both stripes. Backpackers usually worry most about (or should worry most about) "the big 3": pack, shelter, and sleep system, so that's where I'll focus this topic too.
You see, to my mind, backpacking has a fair bit of cross-over with bugging out, with just a few sparse extras that one might want to include from the art of bushcrafting. So that's where I begin, but without delving into the details, obviously.
The first thing, of course is the bag. If you're bugging out, legend has it there's a bag involved. There's lots of great bags on the market these days that hover around the 1 to 2 lb mark that thru hikers have put through the ringer and shown their durability. Bugging won't entail nearly as many miles but may mean rougher conditions (e.g. some limited bushwhacking) that might put on greater wear in less time. No matter. To me it's a wash. I see lots of offerings out there but one of the more appealing is the ULA CDT. It's not expensive, as packs go, weighs 1.5 lbs, and has the perfect bugging load capacity. https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/cdt/ It also fits well into grey man theory, which is appealing in many respects. It's my choice, but there are other good options. What's yours?
Shelter is the next item on the big 3 list. Whoooo BETTY! The options here are just as numerous. I have adopted the Lunar Solo by Six Moon Designs for backpacking and it works well for the BOB, too, i'd wager, so it's what I'm going with here. It's a smidge over 1.5 lbs and won't break the bank like some of the lighter DCF shelters out there. https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/collections/ultralight-shelters/products/lunar-solo. Whatcha got for this one, ladies and gents?
The last of "the big 3" is sleep system. I'm still not as dialed in on this as I'd really like, but I'm close. Unfortunately, this is where it gets expensive (until we start talking weaponry) because there's a good deal of materials involved and keeping the weight and bulk down means you're spending some cash. I have a serviceable 2 lb mummy bag in the REI Magma 15 (I don't want a quilt, but they have their following) https://www.rei.com/product/148248/rei-co-op-magma-15-sleeping-bag-mens, and I couple it with a Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated air pad https://seatosummitusa.com/products/ultralight-insulated-mat. The mat COULD be seen as a luxury, I suppose, but frankly, the less luxurious foam mats are so much bulkier, they lose right out the gate, for me. What do you ladies and gents like for sleep system?
At this point, the whole mess is running right at about 6.5 lbs. To me, that seems pretty reasonable. I can throw in a takedown .22 into this setup, add ammo, food, and water, and be well under 10 lbs and be at or below 15 lbs when I add in some of the other goodies like fire starter, knife, and pistol which honestly don't have to be in the pack cause I can carry them other places on my person, and often do.
Let the discussion (generally) begin! ... or "continue", as it were.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
Comments
You have WAY too much time on your hands😉
I don't think so. I recreate in the outdoors and those skills cross over. I've killed two birds with one stone and SAVED time.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
Age and arthritis conspire to prevent much bugging out in my case . So for me and mine we will bug in . Sounds like you have put s lot of thought into this . From my limited perspective they sound like good choices
I plan to just stop at Waffle Houses along the way, get a burger or two and a few hours sleep and be on my way. That would make a good tv series like Kung Fu. Lonely stranger traveling the country and fighting unruly drunks at Waffle Houses, leaving a long line of waitresses pining for him.
Bugging out should involve going to a pre-prepared place where you’ve pre-positioned all the stores you need. You’re just leaving a high-threat area for a low-threat one. Bugging out into the wilderness is a poor second option (maybe that’s my white privilege talking).
OTOH: I support any preparation that makes you a better survivor...we’ll need people like you when the end comes near. Keep the discussion going.
This isn't a true "bug out" bag since I don't expect to need to survive more than 2-3 days in an extreme emergency.
I have a plastic tub with a latch down lid that holds a bag with food/shelter/fire/defense items. Approx weight is 25# and it fits in the rear floor of my extended cab Chevy. If I'm traveling alone, a bandoleer of loaded AR mags is included(rifle carried separately). Going on a hunting trip next week so replaced the .223 ammo with 9mm since we'll already have hunting rifles.
The kit includes water purification, cooking utensils, shelter, Coleman cooking stove, first aid kit---all the normal short term survival items. Also included are 4-5 MRE meals, machete, and a number of widgets that might be handy in a variety of scenarios. It's designed to keep me semi-comfortable if caught in a blizzard, the aftermath of a serious storm, or a moderately serious civil uprising.
Weaponry is important in most all situations but I would add some light weight fishing gear into the mix.
dont think i could carry what i need very far dam heavy
I also keep a bug out bucket. A 6 gallon bucket with dehydrated food and some other items enough for a couple weeks in addition to the bug out bag. A bucket has a good handle and is easy to carry, waterproof, shock proof.
My bug out bag is right here at home.
But if I had to actually bug out I would need a porta-potty, TP, a 1/2 gallon of Jim Beam, Ice, 100# propane cylinder, a 20K BTU heater, propane cook stove with stand, a portable shower, shampoo, deodorant, Zest soap, clean sox and underwear, a padded cot with fuzzy blankets, two pillows, a generator, TV, DVD player, charging station, satellite internet, a four walled tent with LED lights, extra gas for the Honda Pioneer 500 (you don't think I am going to walk, do you?), my slippers, long johns, a variety of coats and jackets depending on weather, a portable AC unit if it is summer, bug dope, a 45, AR 15, 30-06, a 22 rifle and pistol, the Browning Citori and Remington 870, 500 rounds for each gun/caliber, reloading equipment, several hats, several blue tarps of various sizes, 1000 feet of para-cord, a propane peizo-electric torch, a hatchet, axe, chainsaw, several knives, cooking pots and pans, Dawn dish soap, silverware ( I detest plastic utensils), plates, cups, coffee maker, egg poacher, both barn cats and food for them, $500 in cash for motels, two gold coins, bars of silver, a 12V cooler, 20 gallons of water, a case of beer, salt, pepper, garlic and last but not least bacon, thick sliced with pepper.
I keep my bug out bag in the trunk of my car. In today's world and living where I do, the threat of natural disaster is low, the most probable threat is other people, as in an uprising or civil unrest. So my bag is equipped mainly to get me out of a bad situation in the city to my farm. Once there I am good. More than likely I just need to means to get from work in town out to the rural areas. I have no interest in trying to survive in the wilderness during unrest. So my bug out bag is more about effective weaponry and supplies than weight or size. Now my hiking bag is a different story, I am still working on building one that is comfortable and has just the real necessities for survival.
I just carry a gun.
I will pick up what the other guy no longer needs.
My thoughts are that my abode is my bug in spot. Its prepped. Thing is if I'm out and about and need to get there I might be in need of a bug out bag to make the trek.
Wish you guys would make up your minds. Got all these guns to stay and fight and now you want to run again. Don't know what would make you guys head for the hills, but if you hear shots on the way out of town its just some cranky old fart who ain't going anywhere protecting your rear flanks.
You guys just keel me on your bug out theory. Where are you gonna bug out too. Some place someone has bugged out off. haha.
I look at things different. A few pounds of gold and silver, a few 5 gal buckets of ammo brass will provide me with everything I need. If SHTF happens, money as we know it will be worthless. Bartering system will be king for months or years.
A parent with hungry children will become a thief or killer to feed his family if he can find food anywhere. Most of you were born after 1950 and have no knowledge on actual survival. According to previous posts, most of you are on heavy medications, some with physical limitations so bugging out is not a choice. Also many of you are "city slickers" and need a/c, TV, internet... How long has it been since you have plowed a mule?
I was born in 1935 and living off the land was our way of life. If you didn't grow it, you didn't eat. Time to grow crops will not be a choice. My family still owns most of that land so Alabama (Winston County - Free State of Winston) would be my choice since I'm only about 35 miles away.
Things ya'll have left out:
Salt
Pepper
Hotsauce
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer(works on cuts and will aid in starting a fire)
1st aid stuff
A folding saw is better than a small hatchet and 1/2 the weight(like a Laplander saw)
I think 2 knives and a multitool are enough, both knives should be carbon steel and you need something to sharpen them with.
Good compass and maybe a small gps like the one that goes on your wrist. A map or 2 of the area you are planning to bug out to.
For me the only reason to bug out would be the wife and dogs are gone or dead and or the area was made uninhabitable from something like radiation from a close nuke or poison gas of some type. My bug out vehicle would probably be my On/Off road adventure bike. Not sure where I would go, probably to Ricci's and eat waffle house hash-browns and watch the world end.
Living off the grid is not living, it is existing. I have free unlimited natural gas, a natural gas/propane powered generator, stove furnaces, ventless heaters and water heater, plus lots of things that go pew-pew with tons of lead for projectiles. I will just stay here hoping enough family and trusted friends show up to grow food and keep security air tight.
when younger I may have put together a "Bug out bag"
now too old besides from where I live reality is it would take a few days to even try to get to the hills of KY or TN ( note that's well I use to be most familiar with ) and sneaking or fighting our way there just not seem reasonable I already live in the country not the real country as in middle of no where ( just what city folk would call it )
sadly I will be one of the DRT in my home or maybe with a with a close by similar family to improve odds , with luck I will expend my ammo supply before I go down . but I will add I hope there is enough like minded people with me to use what's left if I do not get to use it all , bottom line hope we win so I would have gone down for nothing 😉
just a short walk around the neighborhood should reveal a lot. Houses with bodies laying all over the yard are to be avoided, anyplace with a Biden/Harris sign or green deal sign would be easy pickings though there may not be much worth taking, though you could probubly eat their cats if desperate........
I think you'll see I did include water. It's not in the "big three" but I discuss bringing it. As a backpacker, I have multiple filtration systems I can choose from for gathering clean water. I like my sawyer filter, but I was saving the nuts and bolts details of things like that for a different post.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
I have a "get home" bag, which is stocked differently. I might post about that at some point.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
I'm pretty sure you can buy dehydrated water that is a lot lighter to carry and when you need it you just add water.
Not an item for a BOB but some advice. If you plan to "Bug Out" you need to have a place/area or even 2-3 areas you consider going to to.
You should do a through recon of these areas, have good maps and really learn the area, best way is to stay there multiple times in different weather conditions, learn the area like the back of your hand and at the same time ensure no one else knows what you are doing.
I would go so far as to think about burying a cache in the area/areas you plan on going to.
No bug out bag needed here. Ken and I will stick it out.
I will go down with the ship if necessary.
As of right now looks like we are going to need a get out bag instead of a get home bag.
The covid damdemic is going haywire. But that is according to Lester Holt. So I have been told. Going on 6 weeks and no news except what you guys and gals post.
We do have a major breakout in the area but the media fails to mention it is in the local prisons. Duh.
Another interesting observation. 99% of the folks around here are "masked up" but how can the increase in covid number be on the rise? Looks like masks are loosing the fight.
BTW, where is Suzie?
Where as in my physical location or am I still green side up? Lol.
Still on the green side I hope. Not seen any post in a while.
I live in an urban area......probably have to stay in place.