Bug Out Bag Considerations
Starting a bag from scratch
Josh / Modern Frontiersman.
Purpose:
Before deciding on what will go in the bugout bag, we first must define what the intended purpose of the bag is.
For me, the bugout bag is not a bag to live the rest of your days out of. It is a bag that contains the items I need to get to another location if I have to suddenly leave my current location in an emergency.
So, this bags purpose is to simply get me through until I get somewhere safer and that has more resources that I need.
Contents:
There are certain basic needs I want to cover with the contents of my gear. I want this bag to be a size and weight that I can still move quickly and wont drag me down, but will carry everything I truly NEED. So, I want to keep this in mind when deciding on exactly what gear and bag to use to cover these needs.
So what basic needs do I want to cover with my bag?
1. Water
2. Shelter
3. Food
4. Fire
5. First Aid
6. Communication
7. Navigation
What about security/defense???
Well, I didn’t include this in the bag, because there are certain items that are always on me, that will not go into the bag.
Pistol, knife, multitool, wallet, etc..
So what exact contents am I packing into the bag to cover my needs?
Bag
A simple backpack that doesn’t draw attention.
In my area it doesn’t matter if the bag looks “tactical” because everyone is carrying bags and gear like this for hunting and such.
In your environment, the situation may be different, so act accordingly.
Water
A Sawyer filter bottle. It doesn’t need any additional bags or supplemental items. You just fill it with dirty water, and drink.
Shelter
This includes any shelter needed for the season, clothing, rain gear, sleeping gear, etc..
For me, its simply a poncho, and poncho liner, and some 550 cord for if I need to put up a shelter with the poncho. Other than some spare socks, I’m not packing much extra clothing.
For winter time, I will keep a winter sleeping bag in the pack
Food
3 main meals from an MRE. Th plan is to move quickly to where I need to go. Alot of food is not a priority.
I will, however, pack a metal cup in case I am out for extended time and need to boil/cook acquired food.
Fire
Lighters, and water proof matches aas a back up. Also, some dry tinder in a water proof container.
First Aid
I am packing a MyMedic Solo Kit. It contains items to stop bleeding as well as basic meds.
Communication
The cell phone is the main method of communication.
Baofeng UV5R in case cell service is down. This way I can receive news, weather, and info, as well as communicate with others that may have a radio as well. (also pack extra batteries)
Navigation
While this may not be an immediate or major concern, depending on where and how far you are going, and if you are familiar with your area. However, in case you have to take a different route and things go bad, I would keep a local map packed in the bag.
I would also include extra flashlight, and headlamp in this category, as you may need light to travel at night. (also pack extra batteries)
Of course, you can pack whatever you want and is best for your situation and your environment. This is just to lay out a basic guide and give some points to consider.
These are the items in my personal bag, and the base on which I work with in,
Be careful with the “better to have it and not need it…” mindset, this can cause you too pack way to much crap that you don’t actually need.
Whatever you decide to pack…...stay self reliant!