Bug Out Bag Suggestions?

I was thinking purchasing 4 bug out bag one for each member of my family. Two teenage boys.

Any suggestions on where to start and what to buy? Starting from scratch.

 

- first aid kit (incl. scissors)
- dental hygene equip (toothbrushes, etc)
- bug spray
- rope / paracord
- knife
- multi-tool
- food bars / MRE / etc.
- water bottles
- ammo
- socks
- change of clothes
- extra pair eyeglasses, etc
- nailclippers
- batteries
- flashlight (wind-up lights are good too)
- AF/FM radio (..also consider wind-up)

 

Plenty of good lists out there on the net.

A few of the things I think are important
small first aid kit
Perscriptions, prescription pain killers, anti biotics, advil asprin etc, other drugs
glasses, sun glasses (the smoke nemisis safety glasses are great for this (4$ a pair at your local industrial supply)
water purification tablets and something to filter sediment and chunks out with (bandana etc)
fire starting: have some of everything, matches, lighters, flint, and cotton ball/vasoline packs
Batteries and solid flashlights, more than one per bag. chem lights
duct tape zip ties and TP
dust masks
rain gear
good work gloves

Keep a solid pair of boots along side any of the BOBs ready to go.

 

The bag itself should be able to be worn as a backpack and a hand carry.

 

Find a pack that has waist/hip support. With just shoulder straps, you can only carry 20 lbs max. Make sure its not just waist straps, it has to be waist/hip supported.

REI has a good amount. I do like the Kelty 40 pack. Plenty of room.

 

You forgot the most important thing, TP!

 

www.survivalistboards.com
www.edcforums.com

 

The above is good, though if you have a decent multi-tool with scissors you can dispense with the nail clippers.

Remember in real life (vs some fantasy "end of days" survivalist scenario) you are actually going to be using this gear in the case of things like hurricanes, tsunamis, fires or tornadoes.

I'd reconsider a gun too -- in a real-world disaster in an urban area where law enforcement and the national guard will be coming in to organize things, a gun is just going to get you into trouble.

Remember that in a real-life disaster in a small or remote community you will be wanting to get your name on the list of survivors and be assisting with search and rescue and cleanup. What you want from your kit is the ability to live relatively comfortably and self-sufficiently for a couple of days until relief comes in, not the ability to head for the "hills" for an extended period of time.

Some additions (besides TP):

copy of birth certificate
small compass
prescription meds, if needed
water purification tablets
a couple of large sewing needles and 25 yards of line
lighter/waterproof matches
lightweight poncho
a couple of "space blankets"
lightweight sleeping bag
inflatable waterproof bag (makes a nice pillow too)
hand towel
a couple of large bandannas

The best thing, however, is knowledge and the ability to keep calm and react appropriately to the circumstances, which either comes naturally or with training. Knowledge and a good mental attitude is much more important than gear.

 

Never understood the whole bug out bag thing. It makes more sence to just bunker down.

 

I bought this bag, love it.

 

And if you're at work? And all of your "bunker down" stuff is at home? How will you get from A to B

 

Here are twenty-four pages of BOB ideas from another forum in the form of a sticky -- this is a pretty good site along with www.shtfplan.com -- for BOB ideas - there are literally millions -- fit your bag to your needs and do not go with a pre-made one (IMHO) - and keep it manageable and practice, train, practice -- like someone said, "The time to learn to dance is not five minutes before the prom." The BOB may also serve as a GHB (get home bag) depending on your needs -- again -- let your situation dictate your gear, not the other way around like some do.

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=128897

There is also an awesome survivalist thread on this forum that makes more use of your truck....

Stay safe!!

 

Work from home, and if I get caught out somewhere when the shit hits the fan it's a good thing I own a Tacoma