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Contents
The suggested contents of a BOB vary, but most of the following are usually included:
Enough food and water to last for seventy two hours. This includes:
4 litres (1 gallon) of water per person per day, for washing, drinking and cooking.
spoil-free food.
water purification supplies.
cooking supplies.
cutlery and cups/dishes.
A first aid kit.
A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes etc.
Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference.
Maps and travel information.
Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
Clothes and bedding.
Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period if, for example, one's home were destroyed.
Pet, child and elderly care needs.
Radio.
Lighting (battery or crank operated torch/flashlight(s), glow sticks).
Firearm(s) and appropriate ammunition.
Crowbar (offensive weapon, building/vehicle entry, etc.)
Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
I have a real problem with this list. I shall go down the list and explain.
1: Water, water is very important BUT the weight factor in a BOB (Bug Out Bag) is critical. If you can't carry your supplies, what good are they? A better idea is to use your map,
hopefully a good topo , and pick out places along your Bug Out Route where you can top off your water.
2: Food: May as well bring up the rule of 3s , (you can go 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food) This isn't to say that you will be comfortable
without food but it can be done. My recommendation for food is 1: if water is a factor go with MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) 2: if water isn't a factor use dehydrated meals like the
mountain House ProPacks.
3: water purification, Invest in a good filter like the MSR Mini Works Ex, add to the purification tablets. The filter is good for things as tiny as bacteria the the purification tabs will kill virus'
While we are on water, forget canteens and get yourself a hydration bladder. They are lighter for the amount of water you can carry.
4: Cooking supplies, go with titanium cooking gear, it's light weight more than makes up for it's cost. Remember you're hauling this stuff on your back!
5: Utensil & plates, utensils, again go with titanium and plates are redundant so don't even bother.
6: first aid kit, invest in the largest most comprehensive kit that will fit in your bag then add to it any meds that you are required to take and spare glasses if you need them.
7: your disaster plan etc., This should be in your head with way points and rally points only on your map. Stay away from emergenct centers! The people who are there didn't plan
and are a walking supermarket with the gear in your kit, also it is a breeding center for diseases.
8: Reference books, pick 1 or 2 that will fit in your kit
9:Maps, covered above in water section
10: Camping gear, strip it down to the minimum. You don't need that 12 person tent!
11: Clothes and bedding, makes sure your clothes are tough and appropiate for your climate and enviroment. Bedding is redundant ie the sleeping bag in your camping gear.
12: medicine, Covered in first aid kit
13: pets, children and elderly, There simply isn't enough room or time for me to cover this here
14: Radio, do your research wether it be FRS, portable CB or portable shortwave
15: Light, I perfer battery operated lights with rechareable batteries and a portable solar recharger. If you are going to put chem lights in your kit, be sure to rotate them as they
do have a shelf life.
16: Firearms: Get some traing first then get an appropiate firearm in an apporpiate caliber/gauge
17: Crowbar: If you must have one get one made out of titanium (remember you have to carry it!) Otherwise just invest in a well made large knife. Speaking of knives why was
there no mention of knives except for cutlery in the cooking section? A good knife is the second most important tool you will have (the first being that gray matter between your ears)
You should have several knives in your kit, as no one knife is right for every job! A good multi-tool should be in your kit as well.
18: Cash, It should be in small bills along with some change. Don't forget any silver coins you may have, gold tends to be in too large a denomination to be really useful.
sarky
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Retired Navy SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) Instructor
certified pistol, rifle, shotgun, home defense Instructor
NRA Life Member
Survival & Disaster Preparedness Instructor
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