A Bug Out Bag, or BOB, is a grab-and-go kit that contains important items needed in case of an emergency. Whether it is a natural disaster that prevents you from returning home, an emergency evacuation that removes you from your home, or if you are just stranded and waiting for a way to get back home, a BOB can help make the time easier! In this blog, we will cover some BOB Basics, and help you be prepared for the just-in-case situations!
A Bug Out Bag should be packed with the consideration of where you live, the climate, and weather conditions you may face. Not every single thing will fit into one backpack, however, you can strategically pack an extended survival kit that has winter items to save room in your bag for the less bulky necessities if needed.
There are different types of BOBs, each one has its own function, and is useful for different situations. Here is what I recommend.
*A main BOB, this one I carry in my vehicle just in case there is a situation that I cannot make it home for a night, or a few days.
*A home BOB, this one has more items in it, and compliments the main one I keep in my vehicle. This is the one I would grab in case of an emergency evacuation.
*An Everyday Carry BOB, this is just a few items I can keep in my purse, in case I cannot get to either of my other BOBs and there is an emergency.
*An Extended Survival Kit, this one has clothing, mainly for the winter months that may be too bulky to carry in your other BOB. This one is mainly recommended if you live in a climate with colder winters.
*An Evacuation Food BOB, this one has food and water supply to last for at least 3 days for your entire family. Keeping this food supply ready to grab, aids in the speed of evacuation if needed.
*A Pet BOB, this one is for your furry friend! Most dogs can carry a pet style backpack, so let Fido help!
Main BOB
In the main BOB that I carry in my vehicle, I just keep some basics, these are:
- A change of clothing (including undergarments)
- An extra pair of shoes
- High caloric snacks such as protein bars
- Basic first-aid items such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes and cortisone cream
- A lighter and matches and a sandwich bag of tinder (dryer lint)
- Feminine hygiene items (ladies don't forget these!)
- Knife
- Paracord
- Any medications I might need for a few days
- Bottles of water, and a water filtration bottle
- A whistle, a whistle is much easier to blow for a signal than it is to holler and yell.
- A compass, in case I have to leave my vehicle and walk, to prevent from getting lost on my way
- Some glow sticks, and a flashlight. The glow sticks work great for a dim light in the night. It is still very visible for search parties and you don't have to worry about the flashlight batteries dying.
A few examples of some items to include in your Bug Out Bag
Home BOB
For my home BOB, I keep it in an easily accessible area that I can grab it and go in case of an emergency. This BOB compliments my BOB that I keep in my vehicle, however, it contains a few different items. Remember, this is in case of an emergency evacuation. You may or may not be able to reach other shelter, so it is a good idea to be prepared!
- A change of clothing for both warmer and colder months (including undergarments)
- Hygiene items such as wipes, a toothbrush, deodorant, or a hairbrush can make a big impact
- High caloric snacks such as protein bars
- Vacuum sealed, single-serving packets of rice
- Pouches of peanut butter for a protein boost
- Small fire safe cup for cooking rice
- Eating utensils
- A couple of knives, multipurpose and hunting style
- First-aid items such as bandages, gauze, wraps, sutures, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, butterfly closures, super glue (for wound closures, and more
- Water filtration straw
- Compass and whistle
- Small, travel sized bottles of alcohol used for bartering, antiseptic use, anti inch treatment, and odor killer
- A tarp and some cordage that can be used for creating a shelter.
- Sun hat for protection from the sun
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Sleeping bag
- Odds and ends such as: Duct tape, zip ties, hair bands, and some sunscreen
Mini bags such as these make perfect storage for the Everyday Carry BOB!
Everyday Carry BOB
I carry a few things in my purse, just in case there is an emergency. Remember, you are not always at home, or in your vehicle! What if a tornado hit while you are in a shopping center and you become trapped? Ladies, your purse is almost always with you, so why not carry a few things to help you be prepared for not only your survival, but to help others as well!
- Whistle - again, great for signaling for rescue
- Lighter- doesn't take up much room, and may be needed for fire starting!
- Hand sanitizer- not just for cleaning hands, but this can also be used for starting fires!
- Pocket knife- just a small one will work, you never know what you might need to cut free from
- Mirror - most women have a mirror in a compact in their purses already, this is great for signaling if you are outside!
*Tip: a mini cosmetic bag or even an empty mint tin can be used to keep some of these things together so they aren't just floating around in your bag. Us girls carry so much stuff as it is, keeping these items in a grab-and-go kit makes it so much easier!
Extended Survival Kit
When packing an extended survival kit, you should consider what kind of weather is possible in your area. If you live in a mild climate that doesn't see a typical winter season with cold weather, then these items would not be needed. Always pack with a consideration of what type of weather you could possibly face, and the growth of each child in the family. It is better to pack clothing items for children that are a size too large, than a size too small!
- Shoes or boots that are sturdy and preferably waterproof.
- Warm socks - wool tends to chafe less and has some natural waterproof properties.
- Women should consider packing a comfortable and supportive sports bra. The pretty, lacy bras just aren't practical in a situation like what you are packing for.
- Warm long john-type base layers. These can be the thin, lightweight style or wool, depending on the type of winter you have in your area.
- Long sleeve top, again, wool is a good choice here, but as long as it is a proven warm top.
- High collar button-up shirt, this makes for a great layer that can be used as a light jacket, or buttoned for an additional warmth layer.
- Sturdy bottoms - jeans are probably the best choice here, you don't want something that is easily snagged. *Ladies, if you do not wear pants, then a sturdy denim skirt with some warm leggings will work just fine.
- Insulated waterproof jacket - I find that a jacket with a removable insulated liner works great for just rain, mild cold temps, and even colder temps, depending on if the liner is used.
- Gloves - I recommend packing both gloves for warmth, and gloves for work, just to be safe.
- Warm head covering - this can be a beanie-style winter hat or a hood covering.
- Maintenance items such as a sewing kit for small repairs and a small container of washing soap to wash your clothing.
- Pet supplies that may be needed for your furry friends.
Suitcases or backpacks can be used for this kit, and clothing for more than one person can be included to keep the number of things to grab to a minimum. If packing for more than one person, luggage organizer bags can help keep clothing items separated for each person.
Keep items organized for each person with luggage organizers.
When properly packed, a good backpack will be able to carry everything you need. Just make sure you disperse the weight well so it doesn't become too exhausting to carry!
Evacuation Food BOB
If you need to evacuate quickly, I recommend having a tote packed and ready to grab with some basic food essentials. You should have enough food to last your family for 3 days.
- Non-perishable food (canned and pouched food work great)
- Can opener
- Small stove or means to cook over a fire
- Water or means to purify water
- Cell phone charger (they make solar powered ones)
- Hand crank or solar powered radio
- Pet food
Canned food and pasta are great options for non perishable food.
Pet BOB
If you have a dog or other larger pet, a great idea is to get Fido his own BOB! There are many different designs and sizes available for dogs, cats and even other types of pets. Things you would want to include would be:
- Pet food - use storage baggies to pack serving size portions of food for your pet
- Medications - any necessary medications for your pet should be included.
- Water bowl - unless your pet is super talented, most cannot drink from water bottles, and although most will drink water from any old mud puddle, it is a good idea to have a collapsible water bowl to offer fresh, clean water to your pet.
- First Aid items - self stick ace bandages and ointments are perfect to pack for your pet. The self stick ace bandages do not have an adhesive, so no worries about painful removal.
Extra Considerations
Within your different BOBs, there are some extra considerations to be made, and some weird items you can include that can be helpful.
- Energy drinks - there are several concentrated energy drinks available that would be easy to include in your bag that could give a much needed energy boost.
- Cigarettes/cigars - even if you do not smoke, these can be used for barter, as fire tinder, or the tobacco from a cigar can be used for a poultice on bites and stings to draw out the venom.
- Vodka or other clear, unflavored spirit - these have a variety of uses besides inebriation! They can be used as an antiseptic, itch relief, odor control, or a bartering tool! The small travel size bottles work the best for packing.
- Candy - hard candy can easily be packed to help someone with low blood sugar, a quick energy boost, or a morale boost for young children.
- Notepad and pencil - whether you use it for communication, taking notes of happenings for easier recall later, or as fire tinder, it's a good item to consider packing in your BOB.
- Fire Kit - this can be done a variety of ways, all you need is a small water tight container like a pocket sized tackle box, an ignition source like some matches and a lighter, some tinder like dryer lint, cotton balls or char cloth and you have a fire kit!
Extra Resources
Here are some videos I have found very informative on different things that can be included in your BOB!
Just click on the photo to view the video on YouTube!
Dan with Coalcracker Bushcraft shows a super cheap and easy way to make fire starters that you can pack in your BOB!
This video from Homestead Launch shows a very realistic view of what should be included in a Bug Out Bag
Add comment
Comments