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Back to the Basics: The Bug-Out-Bag
Sometimes, even an experienced prepper needs to start over. In my own case, I put together a bug-out-bag way back when. I then dutifully hung it on a hook in the closet near my back door and other than an occasional update of documents and meds, pretty much left it alone. What a shame, or shall I say how lucky can I get that I did not need to use it.
The reason is a simple one. Since that date way back when, I have upgraded my gear, added to the basics and well, I simply have become more educated as to what my own particular requirements might be.
With that bit of background information, today I am going to go back to the basics and re-define my own bug-out-bag by merging the old with the new and starting fresh with the items that are included in the new kit I put together a few months ago for Survival Gear Bags.
Getting Started
Before showing you my newly revamped Bug Out Bag, I want to pass on a bit of advice. When picking the pack itself, keep in mind the size. It has got to be large enough to carry your stuff but not so large that that it will overwhelm you size-wise. Equally important is consider how much you can actually carry. You may have to make some tough decisions in order to keep the overall weight manageable, so be aware upfront that you may need to be a bit ruthless while making selections for your pack.
Okay, enough said. What are the basics and what is in my own Bug Out Bag?
Bug Out Bag Basics – How to Start?
Since the purpose of a bug out bag is to provide you with essentials to survive for a thee days to a week, I am going to start with the priorities of water, first aid, light, warmth and shelter. These things do not have to be exotic, but they should be there in one form or another. The other essentials are identification, copies of important documents and any essential prescription medications for all family members.
Cover these things and from there you can move on with the other items you want to have with you if you need to bug-out. I need to make a point here and that is to be sure to examine the risks you face in your own geographical area so that you can determine the types of events that may require you to flee.
For example, where I live in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, the unthinkable events requiring me to leave my well-stocked little home and all of its survival goodies would be of the catastrophic type such as a nuclear attack in nearby Seattle or that 9.0 (or larger) earthquake that we all know is coming (but hopefully not in my lifetime).
The point here is that your mileage may vary so secure the basics first and move on from there.
Bug Out Bag 2.0
So here it is, all laid out for you. There are a few things not in the picture such as my all-important duct tape, my FRS radios and my pepper spray.
As you can see, the pack is sized just right for my smaller frame and yet it is carrying a ton of stuff.
What’s all included?
A lot more than you think including but not limited to paracord (100 ft. plus bracelet plus key ring plus lanyard), mini-flashlight, batteries, storm whistle, fire starter, knife sharpener, the Kershaw OSO Sweet knife, Swiss army knife, chemical light sticks, cash in small bills, copies of important documents, toiletries, meds, first aid items, rain ponchos, my Berkey sport bottle, a military grade compass, survival blankets, sanitizing wipes, flash drive and more.
Oh – one more thing worth mentioning – a big roll of toilet paper!
Bug Out Bag On a Budget
I do have a recommendation or two if you are just getting started with a limited budget. Invest in a decent pack which should run you $30 to $50. Then simply take a run through your house and gather up any items that help accomplish some of the key areas. (Remember I mentioned water, first aid, light, warmth and shelter?)
You probably have some bottled water or can get some for just a few bucks. Add a lighter, an old flashlight, some extra batteries, bandages and gauze, an old blanket, toilet paper, wipes, a pocket knife, contact lists, poncho or rain coat, rope, a section of duct tape and you are well on your way.
Then, over time, replace these items with newer things or better quality items that will see you through for the longer term.
Extra Credit – Advice from an Expert
I while back I asked Kelly Gendrou (who runs SurvivalGearBags.com) for some advice on selecting a Bug Out Bag. Most definitely, he subscribes to the “less is more” theory when it come to Bug Out Bags.
I like a more compact bag for everyday carry and constantly use my items just being out with the kids. If it were too big, it would end up just sitting in a trunk or in a closet. You might as well get as much use as you can out of the items, even if it is not an “emergency”.
Keeping your kit modular or having a lot of attachment points can help accomplish this as well. Then you can take your main pack with you for a walk in the woods, while leaving some additional gear back in the car. Other times I leave the main pack in the car and just bring the first aid pouch over to the playground, or to the bench at the range.
Another solution can simply be utilizing compressions straps or some of our bags that have hidden pouches or expansion gussets that zipper away when not in use. In some cases these sections can almost double the size of the bag.
You can keep them nice and compact, and then when needed, you have extra room to store extra layers of clothing or other supplies.
So size is important. You want a bag that will hold all of your gear without being so bulky that you will never want to carry it.
I also asked him what he recommended s additional items – beyond the basics – for someone that is just getting started in putting together a Bug Out Bag and survival kit.
People will need to add seasonal clothing items, or just a change of clothes. You never know what you might be wearing at the time of an emergency.
Data is also very, very important. Having a detailed contacts list, important account info, and reference materials/guides can make a huge difference.
Although you will survive 72 hours without food, the situation will be a bit more comfortable with some nourishment.
Medicine or other medical items unique to your situation.
A book or deck of cards. In some situations you may be relatively safe but end up stuck until weather clears or until help arrives.
Now interestingly enough, some of the additional items are part of my own basics. That just proves that everyone has their own set of requirements and needs. One guys extras are another gals essentials. Go figure.
The Final Word
Putting together a Bug Out Bag is not optional – it is something you must do. Start with the basics then think of the possible scenarios that you are preparing for. From there, think about the items you might need in those situations. Starting with a minimal kit is okay, really it is. The important thing is to start.
There is no excuse, really.
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
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Back to the Basics: The Bug-Out-Bag is the latest article from the SurvivalWoman at Backdoor Survival.
2012-11-07 22:24:33
Source: http://www.backdoorsurvival.com/back-to-basics-bug-out-bag/
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