Introduction
A Bug Out Bag (BOB) is your go-to survival kit in emergency situations. It should be lightweight, portable, and contain all the essentials for immediate survival. This guide covers the critical items you need to include in your BOB.
Hygiene & Health
Maintain hygiene and manage minor health issues with these items:
– Handkerchief: 2
– Toothbrush: 1
– Toothpaste: 1 tube
– Soap: 1 bar
– Pain relievers: Aspirin or Tylenol, 1 box
– Antihistamine: Benadryl, 1 box
– Rub-on pain reliever: 1 tube
– Hand sanitizer: 1 bottle
– Anti-fungal foot powder: 1 small container
– Blister medicine: 1 tube
– Dental floss: 1 small container
– Tweezers: 1 pair
– Sunblock: SPF 30+, 1 tube
First Aid
Prepare for minor injuries with a basic first aid kit:
– Pain relievers: Aspirin or Tylenol, 1 box
– Antihistamine: Benadryl, 1 box
– Rub-on pain reliever: 1 tube
– Blister medicine: 1 tube
– Anti-fungal foot powder: 1 small container
Tools & Equipment
Equip yourself with tools for various survival tasks:
– Pocket knife: 1
– Butter knife: 1
– Long knife: 1
– Knife sharpener: 1
– Multi-tool: 1
– Hatchet: 1
– Machete: 1
– Hand chainsaw: 1
– P-38 can opener: 1
– Carabineers: 2
– Para-cord: 100 feet
– Steel wool: 1 pad
– 9V battery: 2
– Magnesium rod: 1
– Compass: 1
– Magnifying glass: 1
– Lighters: 2
– Matches: 1 box
– Solar-powered/hand-crank radio: 1
– Two-way radio: 1
– Electronic charging device: 1
– Rechargeable batteries: 2 sets
– Hand-crank charger: 1
– Zip-lock bags: 10
– Maps: 2 sets
– DNR maps: 2 sets
– Poncho: 1
– Sunglasses: 1 pair
– Prescription glasses: 1 pair
– Metal water container: 1
– Quick-dry river shoes: 1 pair
– Folding shovel: 1
– Walking stick: 1
– Whistle: 1
– Mirror: 1
– Dikes: 2
– Fishing pole: 1
– Bobber: 1
– Fishing line: 1 spool
– Sinkers: 1 set
– Man-made lures: 1 set
Shelter & Clothing
Ensure you have adequate shelter and clothing:
– Sleeping bag: 1
– Change of clothes: Lightweight, 1 set
– Poncho: 1
– Camo gear: Optional
Food & Water
Stock up on non-perishable food and water:
– MREs: 3 days’ supply
– Energy bars: 10
– Tuna: 3 cans
– Crackers: 1 box
– Beef jerky: 1 pack
– 5-hour energy: 2 bottles
– Water container: 1 gallon
– Small containers: 10 for transferring supplies
Navigation
Navigate safely with these tools:
– Compass: 1
– Maps: 2 sets
– Binoculars: 1 pair
– GPS: Optional
Communication
Stay connected with these devices:
– Two-way radio: 1
– Solar-powered/hand-crank radio: 1
– Cell phone: Optional
Fire & Light
Start and maintain fires and light up the night:
– Steel wool: 1 pad
– Magnesium rod: 1
– Lighters: 2
– Glow sticks: 2
– Fire-starting tools: Matches, flint, etc.
Miscellaneous
Include these items for comfort and convenience:
– ID copies: 2 sets
– Fake ID: Optional
– Marker: 1
– Pens: 2
– Books: 2
– Magazines: 2
– Playing cards: 1 deck
– Dice: 1 set
– Condoms: Optional
– Sunglasses: 1 pair
– Prescription glasses: 1 pair
Optional Items
Consider adding these items for enhanced survival capabilities:
– Hand tools: Hammer, pliers, etc.
– Rope: Hemp or nylon, 50 feet
– Scent-free candles: 2
– Lightweight cart: 1
– Coffee: 10 packets
– Hatchet: 1
– Machete: 1
– Walking stick: 1
– Whistle: 1
– P-38 can opener: 1
– Gloves: 1 pair
– Fingerless gloves: 1 pair
– Dikes: 2
– Mirror: 1
– Books: 2
– Magazines: 2
– Cell phone: Optional
– Playing cards: 1 deck
– Dice: 1 set
– Flare gun: 1
– Flares: 2
– Important contact info: 1 card
– Tuna: 3 cans
– Crackers: 1 box
– Beef jerky: 1 pack
– 5-hour energy: 2 bottles
– Scissors: 1 pair
– Razor: 1
– Blister medicine: 1 tube
– Hand sanitizer: 1 bottle
– Anti-fungal foot powder: 1 small container
– Sunblock: SPF 30+, 1 tube
– Dental floss: 1 small container
– Tweezers: 1 pair
– Hair brush: 1
– Condoms: Optional
– Folding shovel: 1
– Hatchet: 1
– Machete: 1
– Hand chainsaw: 1
– Walking stick: 1
– Whistle: 1
– Mirror: 1
– Dikes: 2
– Books: 2
– Magazines: 2
– Cell phone: Optional
– Playing cards: 1 deck
– Dice: 1 set
– Flare gun: 1
– Flares: 2
– Important contact info: 1 card
Do Not Bring
Avoid these items in your BOB:
– Makeup: Not necessary
– Corded electronics: Too heavy
– Perishable food: Spoils easily
– Perfume: Attracts animals
– Pets: Unless working dogs
– Money: Not needed in survival situations
– Jewelry: Attracts thieves
– Credit cards: No use in remote areas
– Drugs: Illegal and dangerous
– Glass items: Breakable
Summary
Your Bug Out Bag should be a well-organized survival kit containing essential items for immediate survival. Ensure you have the right tools, food, water, and equipment to navigate and survive in any emergency situation. Remember to keep your BOB lightweight and portable, and regularly check and update its contents.