Anatomy of a Bug Out Bag (BOB)

     Bug Out Bag, survival bag, gear bag, emergency supply bag, call it what you will, but we ALL should have one in our vehicles! Let me start with a few questions. Have you ever pumped gas into your car only to realize that you left your money or cards at home? Have you ever had a minor cut and could not find a bandaid? What about broken down, or stuck in a major traffic jam for hours on end? Some preppers fear an EMP blast will knock out all electricity including vehicles making a long walk your only way home. Those are but a few very good reasons to have a bug-out-bag packed and ready in your car at all times.

   A bug out bag is a very customized item of gear. While I like the idea of several places selling different pre-stocked options, it is simple to make your own and much more practical since you pack what you will actually use. The pictures of are my own bag and some of its contents, and this is simply a place to start.

   The bag itself should be a sturdy style that is easy and comfortable for you to carry. Mine is by Maxpedition, a backpack style with the option of having a waist belt. There are any number of combinations of smaller add-on bags you can clip to the Max bags due to all of the molle's (webbing straps sewn to the outside of the bag). This adaptability is a huge plus in my opinion. Max bags are incredibly durable and are built to take some abuse. Any backpack or shoulder bag will work as a bug out bag: an old gym bag, a huge purse, or a briefcase. The idea is to get a bag you can carry comfortably when it is filled, and which has the available capacity to hold the things you think you need. Once the pack is loaded, try carrying it around to be certain that it is not too heavy for you. The last thing you want to do in an emergency situation is fight with your bug out bag or cut off all feeling to your arms.


    As I mentioned earlier, the contents of the bag are personal. What works for one person will not work for another. My bug out bag has a spare magazine for my 9mm, my son's bag has a deck of playing cards. Each member should consider the bare necessities they would have to keep with them if this single bag was all they could take. The contents of my bag are as follows:

• folding multi-tool
• fishing hooks, weights, line
• a tiny camping stove with a small can of fuel
• a sierra cup
• lighter
• water proof matches
• strike anywhere matches in a waterproof container
• cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly*
• several knives, folding, hunting, and small pocket knife
• binoculars
• small saw blade
• zip ties in various sizes
• paracord
• water purification tablets
• dish soap
• shampoo and conditioner
• a small "camp" towel
• toothbrush and tooth paste
• bags of dehydrated food
• bag of oatmeal
• instant coffee
• bottle sized packet of drink mix
• tea bags
• splenda and sugar packets
• toilet paper
• hand wipes and sanitizer
• spare loaded magazine 
• map and compass
• small pouch style survival kit
• $120 in cash - mostly small bills
• several silver ingots and coins
• small trauma kit
• sunscreen
• extra change of clothes individually sealed in vacuum bags**
• rain gear
• heavy spork from the hiking store
• bandanna
• pouches of water
• camel back - bladder bag for water
• whistle
• mirror
• magnifying glass
• pencil and paper
• heavy duty trash bags
• extra zip lock bags 
• medications: allergy and pain relief
• mole skin for blisters
• several flashlights with extra batteries

As I read my list I thought of a few more things I will add this week:

• a few family pictures in watertight container
• a zip drive with my personal records and all family pictures
• names, addresses, and phone numbers of family members

    Sturdy walking shoes that have been broken in already actually stay in my car anyway, so I do not add them to the bug out bag list. If you are traveling with someone else, add your walking shoes to their car when you load your bug out bag.

     This list is very fluid in nature. If I find something I think is "good gear," I add it to the bag. I also check the batteries in my flashlights when I check my home smoke alarms and change my clocks with the seasons. Remember to change out your spare set of clothes based on the season as well; shorts in the snow is bad planning. The ** I put beside the sealed clothes is to point out that cotton is not your friend! Cotton kills! If your socks are cotton and they become wet on a cold day you will be horribly uncomfortable until they dry; if they dry. Wool will keep your feet warm even if they are wet, but synthetic is the best option. They hold heat, and dry fast; just keep them away from fire since they will melt.

   You may also notice that there is a lot of redundancy on my list. I assure you that this is done on purpose! "Two is one, and one is none!" Please remember that statement if nothing else. I have several ways to start fire for just that reason. The cotton balls with petroleum jelly has a * and are worth noting. These are insanely easy to make at home, and they burn for over 5 minutes, long enough to start a small fire in a bad situation. It is hard to think that such a small easy thing could save your life, but it is true. With 2 being used, it may be enough to boil water. Not long enough to kill bacteria, but enough time to heat up dinner. Make a few and try them out for yourself.

     With so many people hitting the road this week for the holiday, please consider adding your personal bug out bag to your packing list. Also, remember to change out the stuff in your bag as the seasons change.