I would like to share my thoughts on the creation of a Bug Out Bag. (Or “BOB” for short.) I have refined my BOB based on my own camping experience, and the experience of others, especially survivalists and wilderness campers on Youtube. (The real ones, not phony Bear Grills types, LOL.) I will give credit for their ideas where it is due. A BOB is a personal thing, it should fulfill your short-term needs and, if you can spare the weight, a couple luxury wants.
Additionally, you also have to consider the people you are bugging out with, such as your family, and potentially share items across your bags. However, the essentials should be present in each person’s bag. My BOB is most likely too heavy for my current physical conditioning if I have to bug out on foot. However, I know in my head which items I are more of a luxury than a need and would ditch items accordingly. If I had to go on foot, then I would also carry more food than what is in my pack right now.
Keep in mind, if you attempt to build the BOB that I’m describing in this article it will be very expensive. Do not get discouraged. Start with simpler items and upgrade to better/higher quality items as you can. Your best bet is to make a monthly budget for all prepping and then prioritize what you will buy.
One of the first things that most people do when creating a BOB is to buy the bag. Instead, I would recommend you buy the bag towards the end. You should see how many things you need to put into the bag first. To start off, you can put items in something as simple as a school book bag. I think that picking the bag is a very personal choice. “Gray Man” blending in doesn’t really apply to a BOB in my opinion due to the size of bag needed to carry your gear. The main thing you have to decide is whether you want to get a bag with every possible “tacticool” pocket and zipper or go with a bag that has less compartments and organize with smaller pouches like the Rothco tactical breakaway pouch. Personally, I don’t like digging in zippered compartments so I like bag option number 2. There are many ways to expand a simpler bag.Continue reading“One Bug Out Bag Approach – Part 1, by J. Smith”