Essentials for a Bug Out Bag (BOB)
Preparing for emergencies means making sure you have the right gear at the ready when disaster strikes. This week, we’re looking at the essentials for a Bug Out Bag, or BOB for short.
What is a BOB and When Would You Need One?
A Bug Out Bag (BOB) is a versatile and adaptive bag loaded with essentials that help you survive during emergencies when you need to relocate quickly. Think of it as a middle ground between a Get Home Bag, which is for shorter, less severe emergencies, and an INCH (I’m Never Coming Home) bag, which prepares you for long-term survival scenarios.
In simpler terms, when the “soft brown squishy stuff has struck the oscillating air mover” (SHTF), you need a BOB to get you safely from point A to your designated safe location.
The Bag Itself
Your BOB should have a capacity between 40-50 liters. While you might be tempted to fill every inch of the bag, resist the urge. A sturdy bag from brands like Maxpedition, 5.11, or SOG is essential to ensure it can carry your gear without falling apart.
The 5 Cs
Cutting Tools
Cutting tools are some of the most critical items in your BOB. These should include:
- Belt Knife
- Folding/Pocket Knife
- Axe/Hatchet
- Saw
A good knife is indispensable. It allows you to make other tools, start fires, and cut materials.
Combustion Methods
Having multiple fire-starting methods is crucial. We recommend:
- Flint & Steel
- Butane Lighters
- Storm Matches
- Ferro Rod and Magnifying Glass
Fire is vital not only for warmth but also for cooking food, sterilizing water, and boosting morale.
Cover Elements
Cover starts with what you wear:
- Good Boots
- Heavy Duty Pants
- Long-Sleeved Shirt
- Hat
For protection against the elements, pack:
- Heavy Duty Tarp/Bivvy
- Wool Blanket
- Light Sleeping Bag or Thermal Blankets (Mylar)
Containers
Containers are primarily for water:
- Stainless Steel Water Container (Single Wall) – For boiling and carrying water.
- Water Filtration System or Water Sterilization Tabs
Cordage
Cordage is versatile and indispensable. Include:
- 550 Cord
- Hemp Rope
- Bank Line
- Fishing Line
- Wire
These can be used for shelter, repairs, and even catching food.
The 10 Cs
Besides the 5 Cs, consider adding these additional items:
- Cotton Material
- Cargo Tape
- Candling (Light Sources)
- Compass
- Canvas Repair Needle
Essentially, this is a repair kit with added navigation and lighting tools.
Defense
In an emergency, defense might be necessary. Be prepared to protect yourself from both wild animals and potential human threats, and consider including weapons you're comfortable using.
Food & toiletries
You should have some basic toiletries (toothbrush, towel, soap, comb) and 48-72hrs of food. You can pack dried food, canned goods, or MREs.
Additional Notes
- Pack for the environment and season you will be in.
Consider the climate and terrain of your destination when choosing gear to bring.
- Familiarize yourself with your equipment before leaving.
Make sure you know how to use all of your gear properly before heading out on your trip.
- Keep a checklist of essential items
Having a list of crucial items like fire starters, shelter materials, and navigational tools can help ensure that you don't forget anything important.
- Be mindful of weight restrictions
When packing for an emergency situation, it's important to keep
weight in mind. Carrying a heavy pack can slow you down and make it more difficult to move quickly if needed.
- Include items to signal for help
In case of emergency, having items like a whistle, mirror, or flares can help attract attention and signal for help.
- Practice basic survival skills
Even with all the necessary gear, knowing basic survival skills such as starting a fire, building a shelter, and finding clean water is crucial in an emergency situation.
Remember that emergencies can happen unexpectedly and being prepared can greatly increase your chances of survival. Keep your emergency kit well-stocked and up-to-date, and always be mindful of safety precautions during any outdoor adventure.
Conclusion
Building a BOB is about being prepared for the unexpected. By packing these essentials, you can ensure you’re ready for any situation where you need to relocate quickly and safely.
Ready to refine your emergency preparedness plan? Join our community of preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, and emergency planners to get more tips and insights.
Stay safe and be prepared!
Discover Three Essential Ways to Safely Quench Your Thirst: The Water Purification Guide
Water, the elixir of life – so says the maxim. And yet, the liquid that's seemingly synonymous with vitality can often be teeming with invisible dangers that can put our health at risk. However, in our technological age, where every necessity and convenience has been optimized, something essential about water still eludes many—safety. In this guide, tailored for the health-conscious, the outdoor enthusiast, and the sustainability champion in you, we will deep-dive into three elemental methods that ensure that your gulp is as pure as it can be.
Boiling: The Old Master's Test
Among the most ancient of purification methods, boiling is akin to the trial by fire for impure water. The process is straightforward enough – heat water to the point where it bubbles and holds at that state for 10 minutes. This time-honored technique guarantees a kill-off of nearly all microbial foes, be they bacteria, viruses, or even parasites.
The Science Behind It
The logic behind boiling water is beautifully simple. The energy in the heat causes the water to evaporate, and in the process, it leaves behind the bulk of the impurities. Once the water achieves a full, rolling boil, the minute organisms within are subjected to temperatures that no microbe can withstand, resulting in a clear, safe drink.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Inexpensive: You only need a heat source, a pot, and patience.
- Effective: It's a virtually foolproof way to purify water.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Requires waiting for water to boil then cooling down to drinkable temperatures.
- Resource-Intensive: It demands a constant heat source that may not always be available.
Filtration: Nature's Best Engineer
Nature filters water through soil and rock over time, giving many the purest water known. You can mimic this process with modern water filtration systems, which work by passing water through a porous material, trapping undesirable elements.
The Science Behind It
Today's water filters use a range of components, from ceramic to activated charcoal. These materials consist of microscopic pores that stop larger contaminants, while others, like activated carbon, bind chemical components through a process known as adsorption.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenient: Portable filters can be used on-the-go.
- Reliable: Many filters meet rigorous NSF International standards for water safety.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Filters require regular cleaning and replacement to remain effective.
- Selective: Some filters, like UV filters, may not remove certain types of contaminants.
Chemical Treatment: The Portable Purifier
For water purification on the move, nothing beats the portability and simplicity of chemical treatments. Tablets or drops that contain chlorine, iodine, or other substances can effectively neutralize harmful pathogens from your water source.
The Science Behind It
Chemical treatments are game-changers because they can disinfect water without heat, which makes them ideal for situations where boiling is impractical. The active chemicals work by impairing the organisms' ability to function – a bit like when you put a plastic bag over a fly to catch it.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact: Treatments come in small, lightweight packaging.
- Rapid: Purification can sometimes be achieved in 30 minutes.
Cons:
- Taste: Iodine treatments, in particular, can leave an undesirable flavor.
- Resistance: Over time, some pathogens can develop a tolerance to certain chemicals.
The Best Method? It Depends
Water, as a living, adaptive force, often resists simple categorizations. Similarly, the most effective purification method is one that takes into account the source's peculiarities and the context in which we find ourselves.
While boiling is the veritable standby, the inconvenience of waiting and the need for a heat source make it less than ideal for every situation. Filtration is a balanced approach, but one that demands consistent maintenance. Chemical treatments, though capable and portable, may leave a taste to be desired and cannot be used regularly due to the risk of microorganism resistance and long-term health effects of certain chemicals.
Conclusion: A Tale of Adaptation and Preparation
In the end, as with all things in life, adaptability is key. A traveler will cherish the convenience of chemical treatments, a homebody the steadfastness of boiling, and a naturalist the elegance of filtration. Remember, these methods are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they can complement each other beautifully, ensuring that no matter the circumstances, your cup runneth over with a drink that is both safe and satisfying. Choose wisely, and savor not just the water, but the wisdom in how you've chosen to purify it.
Until next time.
Brandon & Angela
I believe in owning up to mistakes.
Having said that, I made a big whoopsie in regards to prepping. A few days back, there was a pretty good windstorm that was kicking up. Forecast looked nasty, lo and behold the warning sirens and announcements went off. Distance from the speakers and weather being what they were, we did not hear the actual verbal announcement, only the blaring siren.
Okay boys, this is what we wait for as preppers!
I went down to the vault and started getting Angie’s gear first. SxS 12ga, .357 revolver, bugout bag. Awesome.
Went back downstairs to get my gear. Single shot break-open 12 ga, gun belt/kit, shooting bag, bug out bag.
And now we start down the rabbit hole.
My first brain fart began with loading up the gun belt. I brought out the Super Blackhawk (.44) and the belt rounds. Wait, should I bring the .45lc? I have that adapter in the shooting bag for the 12ga. Never mind, keep going Brandon.
Picked up a ’94 in .44 to go with the revolver (ammo compatibility). Hmmm, maybe the .45-70 would be a better choice for game/defense if needed. Yeah, do that!
Piddle fart with all this stuff, which goes completely against the grain of the concept of a “minute man” mentality. We ended up never having to leave the house, which gave me plenty of time to ponder how I had just gotten so far in my head, playing so many “what if’s” that I basically just went in circles.
So, here’s the moral of my little story….
If you have multiple plans/load-outs for different situations, grab that particular kit and stick with that plan. If this had been a completely different scenario (more combat-esque) it would’ve been Tavor or AR/web gear/72hr pack. No sweat.
This particular event should have been bushcraft shotgun/long term bag, .45lc & belt, DONE!
I spent way too much un-necessary time and energy trying to cover all my bases, when the plan for that scenario had already been set.
Make a plan, keep up with your preps (stay familiar with your gear), and STICK TO YOUR PLAN!
Rant over, lesson learned and focusing in practicing what I preach.
As I wrap up this blog on the importance of being prepared and sticking to a plan, I want to leave you with a valuable resource to help you on your path to preparedness. If you've been inspired by my story and are now considering the importance of having a well-equipped emergency bag (also known as a 'go bag' or 'bug-out bag'), I encourage you to explore my course on this very topic.
Just as firearms have evolved, so has the concept that we now call the truck gun. Last time we talked about the single shot and side by side shotgun, & how versatile they can be.
Time to jump forward.
Lever action rifles
As I said in the last post, Dad always had at least one rifle in the window rack of his “69 Ford pickup out on the ranch. His go-to was usually a Winchest ‘94 in .30-30, but he sometimes doubled down, bringing his ‘94 in .25-35 (Great Grandpa’s).
The shorter barrel of the ‘94 makes for a good length for a truck gun, and the higher power of the rifle cartridges vs a shotgun load makes for longer shots. It kind of goes without saying, follow-up shots are no issue thanks to the tubular magazine.
My modernized take on this one utilizes a Winchest ‘94 Trapper in .44mag, to go along with a Ruger Super Blackhawk.
I have both of Dad’s ‘94s now, and they occasionally get to go for a ride.
I don’t think any post (especially one of mine) would be complete without mentioning the Marlin 1895.
Absolutely, positively my favorite all around cartridge. Period. My 1895 sees a lot of carry, and gets used whenever possible. Classic design for a classic (still in use) cartridge.
Pump action shotguns
Ah, the old reliable shotgun makes another appearance!
While not as fully versatile as its’ break action brother (sub-caliber inserts a no-go), the pump shotgun definitely has a place as a truck gun. The capability to hold more than the two rounds of a SxS gives plenty of punch when needed. Whether you prefer the classic styling of a Defender style with a larger magazine tube or the modern aesthetics of a Super Nova (3 ½” Mag capable) this gun gives options baby!
Lever action shotguns
Say what?
Yep. While not nearly as popular as either a pump or even a break action, they exist. I’ve owned several modern reproductions of this 1887 shotgun. Prices can range from about $400 to an arm and a leg lol. Trust me on this one, if you go with the $400 copy, be friends with a gunsmith! I’ve broken mine down & polished everything possible, it now runs great.
Faster than the single shot or SxS, definite “cool factor”, but can be finicky.
Parting thoughts
Obviously there are limitations to these gun/round combinations. None are as overall versatile as the shotguns mentioned in Part 1, but they fill a different niche.
From food gathering to a limited defensive role, lever & pump guns certainly have a place in or list.
Here’s some stuff to ponder, Part 3 coming soon!
As a kid growing up in Northern New Mexico & Southern Colorado, it was not unusual to see a rifle in the rack of almost every pickup in town.
My dad kept a lever action .30-30 in his truck (usually a shotgun too), and just about every “ranch kid” that brought their truck to school had some kind of rifle in the rack.
Evolution of the truck gun
Why?
The “truck gun” or “trunk gun” depending on where you live, is basically the evolution of the canoe gun concept. Traders & trappers preferred a shorter barreled weapon for use in the canoe or on horseback. Shorter barrel, easier to swing into action.
We’re starting this mutli-part post with the single shot and SxS shotguns.
The single shot break action
A single shot 12ga shotgun is just about as “all around useful” as you can get in a modern gun. Not a lot of moving parts, a multitude of available loads that are easily obtained, and very easy to learn. You can even get adapters that will allow you to fire .22, 9mm, .38, etc etc.
While not the ideal weapon for fighting your way out of a sticky situation (it is 1 round at a time lol), it’s perfect for the errant snake, or if you need to leave the vehicle for small game or birds.
The side by side
The next step up for me would be the side by side (SxS) 12ga.
This idea has a lot going for it, aside from the cool factor of being about as Western as you can get!
The SxS has the same potential for usefulness as the single shot, with the added ability for a follow-up shot if needed. I was talking to a good friend about this concept, when he popped out with, “Hell, you could leave the insert in one barrel and use the other for whatever shotgun round you wanted!”
Exactly.
Versatility defined
#6 shot, #8 shot, buckshot, slugs, .22, .38, 9mm, .40, .44, .223, etc all out of one gun! From birds all the way up to larger game at close range, this is the most versatile tool in the box (or the trunk) in my opinion.
Be sure to come back for Part 2, as the Truck Gun evolves!
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