Bug-out Bags

Well December 21 2012 has come and gone with no major catastrophes and we are currently sitting at April 1st 2013. Why on earth would you want a Bug-out Bag now ? Well a Bug out Bag, 72 hour bag, or Go Bag as others refer to them are not just for the end of the world. A Bug-out Bag could help you in many situations where you would need to leave town fast, so it is a very good idea to have one available in the most common spots such as our homes, cars, and place of work. Some of you may be wondering where the term Bug-out Bag comes from. The term Bug-out bag was taken from the pilots who flew in the Korean War and carried with them an emergency kit known as a bail out bag, this bail out bag had basic survival contents in it to aid the pilot in a survival situation.  In this Post we will take a look at some of the items that should be included in your Bug-out bag.

1.        Food and Water are essential for survival and each person should have enough for 72 hours. 2 litters is the minimum for water, and the food should be non-perishable.
2.        A first aid kit.  One that is able to handle a number of casualties.
3.        A plan. Each family should have a plan of where they will meet up if a crisis were to take place.
4.        Matches , lighter, and or ferrocerium rod with striker. You will need to have a fire to stay warm and dry as well to cook your food on.
5.        Survival guide of some type. My favorite is the SAS Survival Guide, this book is compact and has everything you would need to know.
6.         Knives. A good strong high quality fixed blade survival knife and a high quality folder.  Remember these will be your tools of the trade so don’t cheap out!
7.        Small hatchet. Handy to have if you have to make camp for a period of time.
8.        Manual chain saw. These work great for cutting up wood for your shelter or fire.
9.        Tinder. A small jar of tinder packed away is great especially when the weather is wet out.  
10.    Flash light with extra batteries.
11.    Clothing to change into or layer up with what you already have on.
12.    Pot or pan for cooking with small size will work just fine.
13.    Fork, Knife,& Spoon kit or Spork combination.
14.    Fishing line and a couple of hooks to catch fish with.
15.    Rope. Many uses for this one.
16.    Hand warmers. The ones I use are chemical and can be recharged in boiling water.
17.    Light Sticks. These can be use for signaling at night
18.    Candle. Once you are in a small space it can provide heat. Just make sure you have some ventilation.
19.    Emergency Blanket. These will help keep you warm and dry.
20.    Duct tape. What I do to save space is I use an old plastic card of some type and wrap the duct tape around it.
21.    Hat with a full brim to keep the sun off my face and neck.
22.     Binoculars for looking at areas from a distance to make sure the area is safe.
23.    Maps of the surrounding area you are located in.
24.    Paper and Pencil. Water proof paper is best , if you don’t have that put paper into Ziploc bag.    
25.    Bear bangers and signal flares.
26.    Gloves
27.    Playing card. These can help you pass the time.
28.    Marking tape or trail markers of some kind to show where you have been and are headed.
29.    Compass or GPS unit.