Comments on: The Bug Out Bag

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:29:48 +0000

Two bits of kit I always take while hiking, camping etc. Inside my pack I have a Dry Bag as an extra precaution agaonst stuff getting wet. In an emegency you can always fill it with water. The other thing I have is a GME brand MT410G PLB. Personal Locator Beacon with GPS location. This thing will transmit you position. It is light, waterproof and has a strobe. Here in Australia it is registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority as a land based beacon. Similar organisations exist in other countries. Four Hudnred bucks for the unit and worth every penny IMHO.

By: A-Poc

A-Poc — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:34:53 +0000

Great points, Gonzo. I was actually thinking about this a couple days ago. I have a pair of Redwing boots right next to my b.o.b. for that very reason. But I was also thinking about my get home bag as well and was considering a good broken in pair of tennis shoes. If I had to get home from work by foot, it would likely take two days depending on time of day at the outset, and I am wondering if tennies would be better.

Either way, like the man said, make sure you break them in first. If you were to buy a brand new pair of Redwings and not break them in, I can promise you you wouldn’t make it a mile.

By: gonzo

gonzo — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:52:23 +0000

One thing that I believe no one mentioned is the fact that you should have is a good pair of boots. When you have to bug out and are going to be doing things like traversing thru unknown terrain or mud, sand and water , your feet are going to be effected if you don’t have the right kind of shoes. Yes sneakers or crocks are nice to have but if you live in a climate that is( rain one day dry the next then the following week snow ) you’ll be happy that you have a pair . And don’t wait till you bug out to break them in , do it as soon as you get them that way your feet can get used to them and you can find out if they are going to fit you right or you need to return them and please wear good socks because they make a difference how your feet are going to feel inside them.
Make sure you have boots that are * inches tall …. they can help keep your ankles safe from animals and bugs and support your legs and ankles from injuries and last but not least keep extra socks in your bag.

By: A-Poc

A-Poc — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:41:19 +0000

Great points, Chris!

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:36:49 +0000

A good little invention for immediate, light, and temporary shelter is a Bivvy Bag (or a Bivvy Bag / Sleeping Bag combination). This term is commonly used by British and Australian Military Forces. It is essentially a goretex or similar sleeping bag, it will provide protection from Wind a sliding scale of Water protection, depending on the manufacturer and model. They generally will add 5 degrees celcius to the rating of your sleeping bag, and are extremely light and compact. Snugpak and Platatac are good sources.

Another option is “Hutchie” (it can be spelled different ways). This is essentially a tarp, or waterproof sheet with the ability to have ropes tied through the ends to it. You can make various basic shelters with this, and again, they are light and have loads of other uses tactically and practically.

Another potential option is some form of entrenching tool (ET) or folding shovel. You can do your own research for your own needs, but a good ET can substitute or become makeshift (other) tools, like hammers, picks, axes, and potentially a weapon.

Whilst I understand that having a Bug Out Bag has the underlying goal of rescue in sight, do not underestimate the value of concealment. Keep in mind that the disaster in question may escalate criminal, terrorist or gang activities.

Keep in mind that Water is not only used for drinking. People, especially Women, need to conduct hygiene activities requiring water every couple of days. Water is also needed for first aid. Carrying hydration salts/packs are highly recommended by myself. Take note of the amount of water you are carrying, and how you will use it effectively if there is literally no ability to resupply.

My last point, is that you should prioritise and practice your pack. What I mean by that is, store the items you will use first or frequently in places where you can access them in that order. At any one time, you should only have the bare minimum outside of your pack, so if something bad happens, you are able to grab your kit and be mobile in seconds, without having to leave resources behind.

By: Ian

Ian — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 10:26:02 +0000

A comment on the post about BIC lighters and field testing them. I can’t say I have field tested them however, I can offer a tidbit about them. I scuba dive for a hobby, one of my favorite dives is a local river that thousands of people tube on every year. One it is a lazy dive no kicking just go with the flow two you can find lots of treasures dropped by tubers. A common thing I find is BIC lighters. I push the button under the water if bubbles come out it goes in my treasure bag, if no bubbles it goes into my trash bag. The ones with bubbles after giving them a few days to dry out have a 95% I would say success rate of fire. These lighters are generally covered in rust but they still work.

By: Bets'

Bets' — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 04:52:16 +0000

In my small bob, I have a pair of rawhide gloves. I also keep a 9 volt battery and a baggie of steel wool. Touch the posts to the wool and the wool will burn instantly. Test try it, it’s amazing!

By: Carol Combs

Carol Combs — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:47:04 +0000

Great! Just great.

By: ashes follow

ashes follow — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:31:17 +0000

Also another way to condense gear, Jetboil makes a nice little field cook kit, completely containd flame system and they make options for more then just one person, all farily cheap as well.

By: ashes follow

ashes follow — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:28:04 +0000

Ok I have a few ideads on the general B.O.B. concept. One Camelbak makes what is called the Squadbak, it carries 6.6 gallons (25L) of water in a backpack platform, two instead of carrying everything in a backpack, with some carefull planning you could do it in a Molle vest, I use the Camelbak Delta 5, have for years for my line of work, you could attach just about anything to it and theres a bladder storage sewn into the back of it, so my rig covers everything and then some to include my weapons and I still have ample space in my backpack, just a thought outside the box.