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Survival Gear & Bug Out Bags

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BOB - Bugout BagA Bug out bag is basically a big survival kit that contains all of the items you would require to survive after a disaster. A Bug Out Bag allows you to grab what you need quickly and evacuate should a disaster happen.

Most experts suggest that your BOB should contain enough supplies to last for at least seventy two hours.  Since most major disasters can disrupt services and normal life for longer than 72 hours, we think it is a good idea to have a Bag that will allow you survive for an indefinite period of time.

Make sure your Bag is built to fit your needs. Some people may need items that are not listed on this list. Remember that this is a guideline meant to help you get your bag together. When putting your bag together take into consideration any special needs or items that you or your family might need.

Below we discuss what should be in most Bug Out Bags, as well as our suggestions on what are the best Items to buy that will hold up when it really counts.

What items should be in your Bug Out Bag?

BOB emergency survival bagThis will depend on a number of factors, such as the area you live in (climate, elevation, etc….) But the basics are as follows:

Comments

10 Comments on "Survival Gear & Bug Out Bags"

  1. scott on Mon, 6th Oct 2008 3:12 pm 

    what kind of bag is that shown in the 2nd picture

  2. Robert on Mon, 6th Oct 2008 5:39 pm 

    Hello Scott the Second Bag is a Naneu Pro Military Series Briefcase….. I’m Not sure that it’s the best bugout bag, but it might be a good for a smaller bag that you keep in the truck of your vehicle. I liked the look of the bag thats why I used the picture, but I am not 100% sure on how good of a bag it is…….

    You can but them on Amazon the link is below:

    Naneu Pro Military Series Sierra Convertible Briefcase/Messenger SLR +12.1″ Laptop Case – Olive Drab

  3. Davy on Sat, 10th Jan 2009 12:21 pm 

    This is really good advice. However, one litre of water per person per day is too little. Two to three days is what an average person uses in normal activity, at least twice that if physical exertion or hot/dry weather are part of the equation.

  4. Davy on Sat, 10th Jan 2009 12:22 pm 

    (my comment should read “Two to three liters is what an average person uses…)

  5. Randy Hahn on Sun, 11th Jan 2009 5:12 am 

    I include a small, inexpensive digital camera in my Bug out Bag. not a necessity, but a great “nice to have” in emergencies or to capture the moment. I never, and I mean never leave home without my Bug out Bag over my shoulder, and placed im my Jeep. On more than one occasion I have needed the camera.

  6. Todd Smith on Tue, 13th Jan 2009 2:22 pm 

    The kit looks excellent, but I would recommend adding one more item. Quick Steel. It is a 2 part epoxy in a tube, you cut or break off a little bit, roll it together, and in a few minutes, you can “weld” anything that is broken back together. It also is water proof. I have 2 tubes in my bag.

  7. Randy Hahn on Thu, 15th Jan 2009 3:18 am 

    This is just my opinion, but the best Bug Out Bag I have ever used and am still using, is the one from Camelback. It is the the AMBUSH, huge, 2550 cubic inches. I startd using during my first tour in Iraq, then used it as a bug out bag. Now I am in Iraq again, and using it for daily combat operations, it is incredble. Holds up to everything. I have used and spent alot of money over the past 20 years on backpacks, and this is the best one I have yet to own. Lots of pockets, tough, and organized. Great 72 hour bug out bag.

  8. Jeff Tappan on Thu, 7th May 2009 1:53 pm 

    Let’s not forget the inexpensive items that have countless uses. I mean zip-top bags, aluminum foil. paracord, and, of course, duct tape. I am talking about the REAL duct tape, not the kind named after waterfowl ( we all know where to find that ) , or the $ 2.99 roll. The 100-MPH tape is the best and is relatively cheap. Put all of that together in a few 30-55 gallon trash bags with a good multi-tool, and you’ve got the start of a good toolkit that takes up very little space in a bug-out-bag.

  9. TJ on Sun, 2nd Aug 2009 2:34 pm 

    All of these are great ideas-Definitely MORE than 1-liter per person/per day..3.5 liters weighs about 8 & 1/2 lbs though so weight needs balancing. While I carry a Victorinox “Swiss Army” multi tool-which I LOVE, I also believe that a Fixed Blade should be an essential item. I’ve used the Alice Packs a lot but prefer the SOF Ruck pack from BlackHawk-Pricey(saved for mine awhile) but sturdy as iron. I keep one at home B.O.B. and one in my POV, both packed and ready to bug. Also, just like real duct tape, buy REAL Paracord!!! Walkie-Talkie Radios I bought for $50. for two are awesome also. i have 6 of them so that units that might split stay in commo. Stay Sharp And Be Prepared…

  10. simon reynolds on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 10:11 am 

    Great list.
    I also added a petzl Tactikka headlight which allows me to have hands free at night.
    Two compasses, aquamira water filter and a emergency whistle.
    I still have a way to go but with great info like this Ill get there.

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