Introduction
In the previous articles I mentioned some pieces of gear it’s pretty good to have always at easily reach when it comes to create a natural shelter, to purify water and so on.
Now it’s time to take a closer look to the single elements a solid bug out bag should contain, considering the macro categories we can cluster them.
A regulary Bug out bag (set for at least 72 hours) must answer to some specific requirements. Remember that the Bug Out Bag depends on several factors, like, for example,
- how much time you are going to spend far from home
- season you are in
- temperatures
- bug out location you want to reach
- and so on.
Additionally, all the components must be
- reliable
- durable
- well maintained in a safe and dry place
- often checked in
- tested before any use
By that saying, on the website of General Prepper we can actually find all the elements we need to set up our Bug Out Bag.
The only way to go… is to prepare yourself
“By Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Benjamin Franklin
The selection of the right backpack is up to you, your expertise and your comfort in carrying in for a considerable amount of time.
Here you can find a couple of recommended backpacks in terms of reliability and toughness:
Savotta JÄÄKÄRI XL (70 Lt)
Snugpak Bergen (100 Lt)
What about bags? My personal choice will definitely go to:
Snugpak Kitmonster (120 Lt)
101 INC Range Bag (50 Lt)
These bags, in fact, can be easily stored inside the back of your car and always be at very easy reach.
- On Hygiene products and First Aid
(First Aid Kit, Duct Tape, Tourniquet, Tooth products, menstruation items..)
On the specific page dedicated to Hygiene, First Aid and First Aid Kits you can find a lot of valuable kits where you can start setting up your Medi-Kit.
I would suggest to combine several together, as, for example, Cederroth & First Aid & Burn Station with First Aid – Lifesystems Traveller and First Aid – Lifesystems Mountain.
In this manner you can count on different pieces, covering a wide range of emergency situations.
Additional elements to store in:
(You can find much more in the section Camping – Hygiene of the website)
- On Clothing
(Dry and clean clothes, waterproof jackets, warm cothes, proper shoes, scarfs, hats..)
Your knowledge about yourself and the risks connected to a SHFT scenario should be the keystones which help you in determing your clothing. Remember that the best option is always to go for a multilayer system. This means to pair different clothes together like thermic undewear, thermic long sleeve t-shirt, fleece, soft shell, anorak, Armaskin antiblister socks and so on.
At this page you can find organize bags where you can pack your clothes in, as Cocook Packing Cube Light Set, Snugpak packbox and so on.
- On Tools and weapons
(Multitool, survival knife, weapons of your choice, ammo, cleaning kit..)
Having more than a tool is mandatory, especially if caught in the middle of nowhere. In order to accomplish several purposes like batoning, sharpening, opening, scratching and so on the choice of your blades needs to be performed with accuracy and awareness. Fixed blades like Fällkniven A1 or Geber LF II Infantry can be combined with some folding knives like EKA Swedblade or Fällkniven PXLBM.
I would suggest to add a Multitool (Gerber MP600) along with some shovel, saw and repair kit that you can find here.
The set up of the Survival Kit represents another important part of your BOB: if you have no previous knowledge on what to pick up for, here you can find some good kits which already contain the main important pieces.
- On Navigation
(Mobile Phone, Compass, maps of the area, GPS, batteries, charging station, pace counter, watch, adequate marking items..)
It’s all about how you are able to make your way once you got yourself far away from any dangerous area. Having reliable tools at easy reach and, most important, being able to use them is what markes the difference between life and death.
General Prepper offers a wide choice in terms of signaling devics, binoculars, compasses, maps, walkie talkie and much more,
My personal choice of the main items will go to:
SOL Rescue Flash Floating Mirror
Along with a detailed map of the area I am in.
- On Protection and shelter
(Tent, tarp, Space Blanket, Paracord, Sleeping bag, Bivy tent..)
The essential gear related to Protection and Shelter would certainly need a long, and fully detailed article by its side. The importance of solid and durable gear couldn’t be stressed enough. Here’s some good advices in the phase of selecting what you really need to spend more than one night out (always related to the season you are in):
Sleeping Bag: Snugpak Softie Antarctica
Bivy Tent or Tent, Hammocks: Big Agnes FlyCreek HV, Eno Skylite Hammock Pacific
On the page “Camping” you will find other solutions too.
- On Nutrition
(Purifying tablets or Filtering Systems, Betadine, energy bars, MRE, aluminum, cutlery, canteens, collapsible bottles and jerrycan..)
On purification, freeze-dried food, stoves and cooking utensils you just have a full range of sets of gear and meals ready to eat to make your SHTFT days far from home comfortable, like Primus Light Stove System or Optimus Electra Cook Set.
Being prepared means to have all the tools (and food) you need to turn things easier.
- ID Documents and stationery
(Personal documents and licenses, pen, pencil, colored pencils, permanent marker, Rainproof notes..)
Never go without a rain proof notebook! As bad weather strikes in, you will need to have all your ID safe and dry by using a waterproof bag.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
Abraham Lincoln
About The Author
Article by Kyt Lyn Walken. Official Representative and Instructor for Hull’s Tracking School and Certified Conservation Ranger for the NGO Conservation Rangers Operations Worldwide.
