What's in your bug out bag?

[Brother DXer]

I've read through most of the threads here and haven't come across bug out bags. I packed my first bag on September 14, 2001. I already had everything I needed except for the bag, so it only took me 15 minutes, the first time.

The thing about a bug out bag is, you want to put everything in it that you can possibly can, just before it rips. Or, maybe wait until you need it, then pack according to the "event", the weather, etc.. But this negates the concept of a bug out bag, which we all know should be ready to go at a moments notice.

I struggle with packing one so I have several. Small, medium, and the back breaker! I start out with basically the same stuff in each one, then add accordingly to each. My first item is a pistol and ammo, then a revolver and ammo. The rest, well, probably most of the basics you would think. Fire starter, water treatment, flashlight, knives and much more... My small bag weights around 24 pounds, the medium bag is in the neighborhood of 40 pounds and the big bag, I have no clue and I'll probably never take it.

So I'm curious, what's in your bug out bag that you think we would all benefit from knowing?

73's

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I haven't done anything yet, but this is what I was thinking.

A deck of cards to help pass the time, because hopefully there won't be too much excitement.

Three days worth of high calorie survival bars for each person:
SOS Food Labs, Inc. 185000825 S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food bar - 3 Day/ 72 Hour Package with 5 Year Shelf Life, 5" Height, 2" Wide, 4.5" Length, white

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TXP1P5?tag=worradfor-20


Some way to make water safe:
P&G Purifier of Water Portable Water Purifier Packets. Emergency Water Filter Purification Powder Packs for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Hunting, and Traveling. (12 Packets)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PZ27TW6?tag=worradfor-20


For first aid kit, I plan to use a basic kit and add a few things like:
Clozex Emergency Laceration Closures - Repair Wounds Without Stitches. FDA Cleared Skin Closure Device for 3 Individual Wounds Or Combine for Total Length of 4 1/4 Inches.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088S7PR3B?tag=worradfor-20

And

Adventure Medical Kits QuikClot Gauze - Gauze for Emergency Survival Kit, Doomsday Prepping Supplies & More - Stops Bleeding Fast with Kaolin - Flexible Hemostatic Medical Gauze - 3" x 24"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WV5P9RS?tag=worradfor-20

 

[whiteastro]

LOL ! Probably almost everything but the Kitchen Sink because I'm Spoiled in my old age. Getting serious about a Bug Out Bag ( S ) would require a truck or suv & trailer. Sometimes I like to watch that program on TV called Alone and think of all the stuff a man needs to survive ?????

 

[Brother DXer]

For first aid kit, I plan to use a basic kit and add a few things like:

Clozex Emergency Laceration Closures - Repair Wounds Without Stitches. FDA Cleared Skin Closure Device for 3 Individual Wounds Or Combine for Total Length of 4 1/4 Inches.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088S7PR3B?tag=worradfor-20

35 years ago, in another life I was an EMT/Paramedic.
The things you listed are perfect for a go bag. I definitely don't have these, or even enough of anything in my first aid kit.

I have several brands of the survival bar. I took some with me when Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast. I lived on these for the first two days.

Thanks for the info!!

 

[Brother DXer]

LOL ! Probably almost everything but the Kitchen Sink because I'm Spoiled in my old age. Getting serious about a Bug Out Bag ( S ) would require a truck or suv & trailer. Sometimes I like to watch that program on TV called Alone and think of all the stuff a man needs to survive ?????

Well, you may just need to shelter in place. Bugging out, for me is a last resort. I travel for work and always keep my small bag with me.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

For Christmas two years ago, I bought each kid an ammo can to put in their vehicles. I loaded them with tow straps, jumper cables, flashlight, ice scraper, first aid kit, mylar blanket, fold up shovel, and a warm hat. They were jam packed for sure.

 

[whiteastro]

Well, you may just need to shelter in place. Bugging out, for me is a last resort. I travel for work and always keep my small bag with me.

I like you would need some Hand Guns but would also include my 3006 and a 22mag rifle. Also thrown in some fishing gear with knives and axe. Radio gear and like Shadetree M says some medical supplies. I use to go camping a lot and have a box made up with some essentials but I'm getting rusty in my Old Age. LOL

 

[Brother DXer]

The reason I started a bag, as you can probably guess was the natural panic mentality people have right after a disaster.
I was 360 miles away from home, with a client on 9/11/2001 and places were running out of gasoline. I didn't have time during the day to fill my tank and by the time I was at the pumps, they were out. I spent 2 hours in this mid size town looking for gas and food.
I was away from my wife and boys and I was just about to panic, trying to figure out how to get home. Two days later I managed to find some gas, filled up and filled up a 5 gallon can, then headed for home.
It got me to thinking. How long would it have taken me to walk home? And what would I need? 360 miles... This was definitely a huge wake up call for me.

 

[whiteastro]

The reason I started a bag, as you can probably guess was the natural panic mentality people have right after a disaster.
I was 360 miles away from home, with a client on 9/11/2001 and places were running out of gasoline. I didn't have time during the day to fill my tank and by the time I was at the pumps, they were out. I spent 2 hours in this mid size town looking for gas and food.
I was away from my wife and boys and I was just about to panic, trying to figure out how to get home. Two days later I managed to find some gas, filled up and filled up a 5 gallon can, then headed for home.
It got me to thinking. How long would it have taken me to walk home? And what would I need? 360 miles... This was definitely a huge wake up call for me.

What's going on in this country & the world is scary if a man thinks about it too much ! PS . I almost forgot ! I should throw in my Cross Bow for those Quite Kills if need be.

 

[unit_399]

Luz and I have bugout bags but unless the area around the farm in uninhabitable, we plan on staying. Our place is high up in all directions and easy to defend. One absolute necessity is a good 4WD (or two) with off road tires, and a couple of spares. Also ammo and plenty of it. A BIG well-trained mean-ass attack dog is a good idea too. We have two. Our handguns and rifles are all 9mm so we don't have to stock different types of ammo. Shotguns are both 12 Gauge. A sawed-off is probably overkill, but one shot will clear whatever is coming thru a door.
If you plan on staying in your home like us, a couple of night vision goggles are a good idea. I got ours several years ago when there were a few night-time robberies and breakins in our area. We also have a pair of 3000W generators. Both are diesel because fuel doesn't degrade over time like gasoline does, and it's cheaper. One of our 4WDs is diesel too. I won't mention radios, because on this forum everyone already knows about communications equipment.
Last of all, I'll mention MONEY. If the need to run arises, chances are paper money won't be worth shit. We have an emergency cache of Canadian Maple Leaf gold coins in 1/2 and 1/10 ounce weights. Also some old US silver coins. Our freezer is well stocked with frozen meat and vegetables, and the two fresh water wells on the farm are there too. A couple dozen Litre bottles of rum for relaxation are the REAL must -have items.

I'm certain I forgot some things, but I think we're ready.
Like I said in an earlier post, "These country folks will survive."

 

[whiteastro]

Another thing that would be handy is I have more than 1 of those Harbor Freight 45 Watt solar panel kits that could be handy for recharging batteries.

 

[Brother DXer]

Luz and I have bugout bags but unless the area around the farm in inhabitable, we plan on staying.

I'm certain I forgot some things, but I think we're ready.
Like I said in an earlier post, "These country folks will survive."

I'm with you JJ, hopefully we won't need to bug out. I much prefer staying home with my safe full of guns and ammo.
Generator, lots of food, water and security. I will say, the big bad ass dog is something I may check into. Our two older pups recently passed, and it's a bit too quiet around here.

Brother, it sounds like you've got a hell of a setup there! Shame on the man who treads on your property with bad intentions.

Added: You are 100% correct about the money. I don't have any gold but I have been buying and hording 1 oz silver rounds and the 90% American coins pre 1965. But the rum? Now that's something I haven't thought about. Thank You Sir!!

 

[whiteastro]

Unfortunately for me I live in town so all my unprepared neighbors will be trying to steal everything but I do have a country place to escape to if need be. I won't express my sick sense of humor. LOL

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Unfortunately for me I live in town so all my unprepared neighbors will be trying to steal everything but I do have a country place to escape to if need be. I won't express my sick sense of humor. LOL

I live on the edge of town, a stones throw from the city limit. I am in the same boat.

 

[whiteastro]

I live on the edge of town, a stones throw from the city limit. I am in the same boat.

Hard times brings out the worst in people.