Understanding the Purpose of the Bug Out Bag
The bug-out bag (BOB) serves as a portable survival kit designed to sustain you for a critical period during an emergency evacuation or bug-out scenario. It's essential to comprehend the primary purpose of this bag: providing for your fundamental needs while on the move. You want to stay as light as possible while still providing for your needs.
This is a baseline Bug Out Bag. It provides minimal equipment to provide for your needs and includes very little in the way of comfort. To maximize mobility, the goal should be a final pack weight that is no more than 10% of your body weight.
There are three key aspects that must be included in any Bug Out Plan:
- Identifying and packing resources that provide for needs while on the move.
- Having the knowledge and skill to use each resource that is chosen.
- Being physically fit enough to carry those resources for the distances planned.
In other words, it is not enough to simply have a Bug Out Bag packed. You must also know how to use each item in the pack, and be able to physically carry the pack for long distances while navigating.
It should go without saying, but everyones PRIMARY PLAN should be to Bug In, that is, stay at home where you live for as long as possible and only leave if the situation no longer allows you to stay (out of resources, no longer safe, etc.).
Your Bug Out Plan should include an Alternate Bug-In Location that you are leaving to go to. Simply going out into the wilderness to survive out of a bag is not practical. Disasters are often isolated to specific areas, while other areas are safe an unaffected. An Alternate Bug In Location may be as simple as a friend or family members home in an area that is not affected by whatever drove you out of yours.
Choosing the Right Backpack for your Bugout Bag
Selecting an appropriate backpack is the first step. GB2 recommends a durable, weather-resistant backpack with ample storage compartments. Comfort and durability are key factors, ensuring it can withstand the challenges of the wilderness.
Recommended Backpack: MYSTERY RANCH COULEE 30
Essential Bug Out Bag Kits
Fire Kit
From the standpoint of preparedness, there might be scenarios where initiating a fire is not advisable. The distinction lies in whether you are in a permissive or non-permissive environment.
In a permissive environment, visibility and detection are less critical, as you are merely attending to your needs like others in the vicinity. This situation is generally less dangerous in terms of personal safety if discovered.
On the contrary, a non-permissive environment requires a more discreet approach, necessitating stealth and avoiding detection. The strategy for maintaining core body temperature differs in such scenarios, and relying on a fire may not be the optimal choice, unless in extremely cold weather conditions.
Appropriate clothing is crucial for both environments, but in a non-permissive setting, heavy reliance on a well-equipped shelter system becomes paramount for temperature regulation. Even if shelter is the primary focus, having the capability to start a fire becomes a crucial contingency in case conditions demand it as a last resort for preserving body core temperature.
Shelter Kit
The bulk of your Core Temperature Control and protection from the elements will come from your shelter system, with appropriate clothing for your environment and weather conditions being your first form of shelter.
Remember that comfort is not the goal, nor is it a requirement. The goal is to quickly move between point A and point B. The shelter kit consists of carefully chosen components to ensure adaptability and efficiency. The military poncho provides immediate protection and doubles as a versatile tool for creating shelters. The combination of a poncho liner (woobie) and Snugpak SF bivvi caters to sleeping needs in different conditions.
The inclusion of a dedicated Rapid Ridgeline and additional cordage ensures the flexibility to construct various shelter configurations. MSR Groundhog tent stakes, while not essential for survival, contribute to time-saving and convenience.
Water Kit
In the realm of survival, maintaining hydration is a non-negotiable priority, especially when covering extensive distances. Regardless of the environment, you need a well-rounded water kit that covers procurement, disinfection, and storage. A comprehensive water kit is fundamental to any survival strategy. The emphasis remains on quick and efficient water procurement, ensuring that staying hydrated is not compromised.
WATER BOTTLE (SINGLE-WALL, NON-INSULATED, METAL)
Food Kit
Now that we've covered hydration, let's shift our focus to sustaining the energy needed for the journey from point A to point B. In survival situations, especially when exposed to the elements and under stress, caloric intake becomes crucial. However, you have to balance the importance of efficiency in obtaining these calories without compromising the primary objective of reaching a safe location quickly. Again, comfort is not a requirement to survive.
The recommend SOS emergency food rations align with the philosophy of quick and practical energy consumption. Breaking out a bar and eating it on the move ensures a constant supply of calories without the need to halt progress. In a bug-out scenario, where time and movement are critical, such rations provide a pragmatic solution.
First Aid Kit
In emergencies, being prepared to address life-threatening injuries is paramount. The GB2 Custom IFAK, with its meticulous selection of components, offers a comprehensive solution following the proven MARCH protocol. Supplement it with an additional tourniquet, trauma shears, and a mylar blanket for a more versatile and robust medical kit. Keep it all organized in a practical manner with the GB2 Customs IFAK Pouch. This ensures readiness for a spectrum of scenarios, from localized emergencies to navigating through more extreme survival and bug out situations.
ADDITIONAL TOURNIQUET
Navigation Kit
Assembling your navigation kit involves a careful selection of tools that serve multiple purposes. The Suunto MC-2 Compass stands as a versatile and indispensable instrument, complemented by the practicality of Pace Beads for consistently tracking distance travelled.
In addition to these, a reliable map provides the spatial awareness needed for effective navigation. The inclusion of mechanical pencils and waterproof paper ensures precision in plotting coordinates and allows for essential note-taking during the journey, despite the weather conditions.
WATERPROOF NOTEBOOK (4”X6” MINIMUM)
Signal Kit
A critical yet often overlooked component in everyone’s Bug Out Bag is the Signal Kit. While signaling might not be a primary goal in a survival scenario, it holds immense value for communicating within a community or indicating your presence to other members of your team at a bug-out location.
Tool Kit
As we progress past the essentials of survival, our focus shifts to tools—integral facilitators that enhance overall preparedness. While the primary goal remains swift navigation from point A to point B, these tools become crucial enablers.
Comfort Items
As we delve into the realm of comfort items within your bug-out bag, it's crucial to maintain a practical and purpose-driven perspective. The focus should always revolve around meeting your needs efficiently rather than accumulating unnecessary weight for comfort. However, the content of this baseline Bug Out Bag is meant to be adapted to individual situations, skill levels, and environments.
RX/OTC MEDICATIONS (AS APPLICABLE)
HYGIENE KIT
WOOL SOCKS
T-SHIRT
Conclusion
Packing a bug-out bag is a meticulous process that demands a balance between preparedness and practicality. This guide serves as a roadmap for building a comprehensive bug-out bag tailored to your specific needs, environment, and skill level. By following this systematic approach, you can enhance your readiness for unforeseen emergencies and ensure a higher chance of survival in the wild.
Recommended Viewing: Green Beret's No-Nonsense Bug Out
I hope to see you around our campfire soon!
-Joshua
1 comment
Very informative and well thought out article. The minimalist concept is one that I have emphasized to Scouts for many years and I feel is applicable to everyone including youth, adults and seniors.