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Preparing for an unknown situation is what we do as Preppers. There's not one of us that would not prefer to live a life of Pot-luck Dinners every Friday night and a little, white, picket fence around our yard, but we live in the real world, where anything is possible. Anything except a life like our parents knew. So, we substitute cases of MRE's and the new Grandma's Cook'n Meals (sorry, for the plug) and rather than white pickets we keep rolls of razor wire in the garage, ready to go at a moments notice. Reality is that we live in an uncertain world and as Preppers, we choose not to be victims of a situation.
What happens when things get too heated, too close to home? If survival means we must leave an area that is no longer secure for ourselves and our family, then we "Bug Out" to a predetermined location. Some will travel in vehicles, others will be on foot, regardless of travel means, both will need a "Bug Out Bag".
There are many reasons that would motivate you to leave. It could be due to a fire, earthquake, or even the threat of organized gangs raiding your area. In a situation like these, you have to grab your Bag and go. What you carry in your Bag is what will be needed to keep you alive during this time. So, what is a Bug Out Bag? - and - What do you carry in it?
A bug-out bag is a portable bag, usually a back-pack, that contains the items you need to survive for at least seventy-two hours. This bag is also known as a 72-hour kit, a grab bag, a battle box, and other popular names include "Personal Emergency Relocation Kits" (PERKs), GO Bag and GOOD (Get Out Of Dodge) bag. What ever you want to call it, it's purpose is to keep you alive for a short period of time.
The term "Bug-Out Bag" originated from the "bail-out bag", which is the emergency kit that many military aviators carry. The purpose is still the same, to carry the basic supplies and emergency gear needed for a short-term emergency situation.
The Bag that I use is the military LC-1 Alice pack. I recommend utilizing a bag that blends in with your terrain, rather than a bright hunter-orange pack that can be seen a mile away. It's best, in this situation, to remain concealed.
Some of the items needed are;
Water – Military canteen with cup and cover for your web belt. Also an individual water filtration unit, water bottle and a good filter.
Fire – Waterproof matches, a magnesium fire starter and tinder. Dryer link mixed with Petroleum Jelly works great to tinder.
Food – Pack enough to last 5-7 days. Rice, oat meal, beef jerky, energy bars etc. Another option is our new Grandma's Cook'n Meals. Choose foods that are light weight and a suitable shelf life.
Stove – A small stove is essential it you want to stay hidden. Smoke and noise from the cutting and burning of wood would be undesirable if you are in hostile territory or being pursued.
Sleeping bag – If you are in a cold area a good sleeping bag could mean the difference between life and death. Get a bag rated to -20 degrees.
Shelter – Rain poncho, tarp and Tube Tent, stay with natural colors that blend with the surrounding area.
Cooking – A Military Mess Kit and Canteen Cup will work.
First Aid – What ever first aid kit you use, make sure that it covers worst case scenarios, like gun shots. Don’t forget to add personal medications.
Light – Thanks to LED, a Flashlight has become a light weight item. Many run off of AA or AAA batteries that are easy to recharge, so don't forget your solar charger.
Tools – The fixed blade knife is your main tool, but you also need a folding saw, Swiss Army pocket knife, and a light weight shovel and Machete.
Clothing – At least two extra pair of socks and underwear, camo pants and shirt, and a camo jacket/coat.
Fishing – Pack-Pole, line, hooks and sinkers and a few small lures. A Fishing Yo-Yo is a great investment in catching a fish. You can find these in our Store, located on the Equip Review page. If you have room, a Casting Net can mean the difference between fresh, roasted fish for dinner or some more beef jerky instead.
Yo-Yo Reel http://goo.gl/Aew7u
Snare wire – That broken Guitar string makes an excellent snare, but don't forget to carry at least 100 feet of para-cord.
Plastic bags – Two or three large lawn bags and several zip-lock sandwich bags, used for a number of tasks and to keep things dry.
Small Binoculars – See what's in your area before they see you.
Sewing kit – Needle and thread, a few extra buttons. It's a good idea to carry some of the monofilament thread also. This can be used in the event you have a cut that needs suturing.
Misc – Head net, duct tape (now in camo), electrical tape, face paint, gloves, sharpening stone.
Firearms – I use a 12 gauge, .22 caliber, and a 9mm, but use what you have. Just make sure that you have enough ammo to start a small war, because that could be what you're heading in to.
Add to this list as you see fit, but remember that you have to be able to carry all this stuff, so some things may have to stay behind. When it comes to weight, Napoleon put it well when he said, "Which is heavier a soldier’s pack or a slaves chains”.
Everything you need to put your Bug-Out Bag together can be found at our Store. http://goo.gl/Aew7u
Get your Bug-Out Bag ready! Position it where it can be grabbed in a hurry, not stuffed away in a closet under a bunch of boxes. Make your Bug-Out Bag a part of your preparations. And remember, "Preppers live to prepare and prepare to live".
