It's late and I'm tired, so there isn't going to be much introduction to this post.
Basically, this is a rough outline of what I keep in a BOB (bug out bag). This is a worst case scenario, gotta get outta Dodge NOW, leaving with only what I can carry and carry on my back, bag.
It should have all of the essentials for you to survive for an indefinite period of time while covering all of the basics of survival; food, water, shelter, fire, protection, and first aid.
I also recommend practicing with the bag. Do a day long hike with it. Do a two or three day camping trip with it and nothing but it. This will help you figure out if it is missing anything you might need and familiarize you with the use of all the items in the bag. This is vital. In a worst case scenario is NOT the time to learn how to build an emergency shelter or a make a fire or realize that some vitally important bit of kit is not in your BOB. Bush craft skills are like any other, they must be learned and practiced. Learn now the proper technique for sharpening your blades. A dull axe or knife not only causes you to work hard at any given task, but are far more dangerous to use. In a SHTF situation is not when you want a large knife wound to the thigh.
Anywho, my list of what I recommend to start:
Bug Out Bag
A.L.I.C.E. pack (large),
first aid kit,
flashlight,
extra batteries,
emergency food bars (a couple of weeks worth),
multi-vitamins,
1 MRE,
seeds,
compass,
area maps,
army survival guide,
pocketknife,
fixed blade knife,
sharpening stone and files,
machete,
fire starter kit (cotton balls/Vaseline, magnesium fire-starter, 3 disposable lighters),
2 pair socks,
2 pair underwear,
1 change of pants/ 1 change of shorts,
2 tee shirts,
1 long sleeve shirt,
1 windbreaker,
1 set long johns,
rain poncho,
ammunition,
4 extra magazines (rifle),
2 extra magazines (handgun),
space blanket,
2 large, heavy-duty garbage bags,
water purification tablets,
100' paracord,
fishing tackle (hooks, sinkers, line, floats, lures),
duct tape,
axe (small),
E tool,
Leatherman,
snare line,
blanket/sleeping bag,
mess kit,
toilet paper,
hand sanitizer,
bug repellent,
sunscreen,
P-38 (can opener),
camelback water system,
collapsible water containers,
hand crank radio,
radios/'walkie-talkies',
light sticks,
leather work gloves,
beanie,
money (small bills, change),
USB info storage/family pictures,
notebook/pencils/pens,
safety whistles,
small metal signal mirror,
sleeping pad,
Also add to this list the assault weapon of your choice (AK47 *my personal choice for it's ruggedness* or AR15) and your handgun. Of course, there are solid arguments for grabbing either a .22 caliber rifle or a .12 gauge shotgun instead of an assault rifle. While this is not the post to debate this issue, suffice it to say I personally would grab the AK, though I don't feel one would be wrong or ill prepared if they chose to go with one of these other choices. Actually, I can say the same about the person who chooses to go with a lever action .30-30. Comfort level with, and skill at handling are far more important than having the latest whiz-bang, sub-MOA, flashlight equipped, folding stocked, wonder gun that the authors in the gun magazines make out to be the next quantum leap forward in firearms technology (which, ironically enough are nearly always based on the Stoner M-16 design, which was designed in the late 1950's, or on the Browning designed 1911 which was designed an entire century ago). And honestly, we haven't had a real quantum leap since forward since 1852 when Charles Lancaster introduced the first true center fire cartridge, and honestly even that was part of an evolution and not so much a quantum leap. So pick what works for you and practice with it.
Well, there ya go, that should be a good start. Obviously you will want to customize it to fit your own specific needs, for example, if you take any medication (high blood pressure, asthma, etc) be sure to pack at least a few months supply (this is also covered in the first aid kit). Also, I would recommend a lot of cigarettes if you smoke, or better a few large bags of tobacco and a pipe. When all is falling apart around you, it really doesn't seem like the most apropos time to quit smoking. A large unbreakable flask of your favorite spirits might be worth the space it takes as well, in the comfort it can give you dealing with the initial shock of the situation that has caused you to rely on your BOB in the first place. What I provided is simply what I keep in mine, and what I recommend as a starting place for someone new to this. However, if you are new to preparedness, and you start with this, you are definitely on the right path.
Latter I will post the list for the VE kit. When taken in its entirety it can seem like a lot to get, and it is. But don't take it in it's entirety. Just make sure you get a little each payday, or maybe try to buy the more expensive stuff with a tax return, or whatever. The point is, get started. It doesn't need to get done over night, but I believe, it needs to get done.
Good night and G-d bless and keep you.
Basically, this is a rough outline of what I keep in a BOB (bug out bag). This is a worst case scenario, gotta get outta Dodge NOW, leaving with only what I can carry and carry on my back, bag.
It should have all of the essentials for you to survive for an indefinite period of time while covering all of the basics of survival; food, water, shelter, fire, protection, and first aid.
I also recommend practicing with the bag. Do a day long hike with it. Do a two or three day camping trip with it and nothing but it. This will help you figure out if it is missing anything you might need and familiarize you with the use of all the items in the bag. This is vital. In a worst case scenario is NOT the time to learn how to build an emergency shelter or a make a fire or realize that some vitally important bit of kit is not in your BOB. Bush craft skills are like any other, they must be learned and practiced. Learn now the proper technique for sharpening your blades. A dull axe or knife not only causes you to work hard at any given task, but are far more dangerous to use. In a SHTF situation is not when you want a large knife wound to the thigh.
Anywho, my list of what I recommend to start:
Bug Out Bag
A.L.I.C.E. pack (large),
first aid kit,
flashlight,
extra batteries,
emergency food bars (a couple of weeks worth),
multi-vitamins,
1 MRE,
seeds,
compass,
area maps,
army survival guide,
pocketknife,
fixed blade knife,
sharpening stone and files,
machete,
fire starter kit (cotton balls/Vaseline, magnesium fire-starter, 3 disposable lighters),
2 pair socks,
2 pair underwear,
1 change of pants/ 1 change of shorts,
2 tee shirts,
1 long sleeve shirt,
1 windbreaker,
1 set long johns,
rain poncho,
ammunition,
4 extra magazines (rifle),
2 extra magazines (handgun),
space blanket,
2 large, heavy-duty garbage bags,
water purification tablets,
100' paracord,
fishing tackle (hooks, sinkers, line, floats, lures),
duct tape,
axe (small),
E tool,
Leatherman,
snare line,
blanket/sleeping bag,
mess kit,
toilet paper,
hand sanitizer,
bug repellent,
sunscreen,
P-38 (can opener),
camelback water system,
collapsible water containers,
hand crank radio,
radios/'walkie-talkies',
light sticks,
leather work gloves,
beanie,
money (small bills, change),
USB info storage/family pictures,
notebook/pencils/pens,
safety whistles,
small metal signal mirror,
sleeping pad,
Also add to this list the assault weapon of your choice (AK47 *my personal choice for it's ruggedness* or AR15) and your handgun. Of course, there are solid arguments for grabbing either a .22 caliber rifle or a .12 gauge shotgun instead of an assault rifle. While this is not the post to debate this issue, suffice it to say I personally would grab the AK, though I don't feel one would be wrong or ill prepared if they chose to go with one of these other choices. Actually, I can say the same about the person who chooses to go with a lever action .30-30. Comfort level with, and skill at handling are far more important than having the latest whiz-bang, sub-MOA, flashlight equipped, folding stocked, wonder gun that the authors in the gun magazines make out to be the next quantum leap forward in firearms technology (which, ironically enough are nearly always based on the Stoner M-16 design, which was designed in the late 1950's, or on the Browning designed 1911 which was designed an entire century ago). And honestly, we haven't had a real quantum leap since forward since 1852 when Charles Lancaster introduced the first true center fire cartridge, and honestly even that was part of an evolution and not so much a quantum leap. So pick what works for you and practice with it.
Well, there ya go, that should be a good start. Obviously you will want to customize it to fit your own specific needs, for example, if you take any medication (high blood pressure, asthma, etc) be sure to pack at least a few months supply (this is also covered in the first aid kit). Also, I would recommend a lot of cigarettes if you smoke, or better a few large bags of tobacco and a pipe. When all is falling apart around you, it really doesn't seem like the most apropos time to quit smoking. A large unbreakable flask of your favorite spirits might be worth the space it takes as well, in the comfort it can give you dealing with the initial shock of the situation that has caused you to rely on your BOB in the first place. What I provided is simply what I keep in mine, and what I recommend as a starting place for someone new to this. However, if you are new to preparedness, and you start with this, you are definitely on the right path.
Latter I will post the list for the VE kit. When taken in its entirety it can seem like a lot to get, and it is. But don't take it in it's entirety. Just make sure you get a little each payday, or maybe try to buy the more expensive stuff with a tax return, or whatever. The point is, get started. It doesn't need to get done over night, but I believe, it needs to get done.
Good night and G-d bless and keep you.
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