Camper-Share

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What's in Your BugOut or Go Bag?

If you ever had to head for the hills, what would you take with you?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Russell Carpenter on June 6, 2009 at 10:14am

Sandra,
Good question. Not many think about this or even know what a "bug out bag" is. This can also be a survival bag in the trunk of your car, truck or suv. I was suprised when I learned my banker kept a "bug out bag" in her trunk. She explained in these times we never know what the day may bring. I have found some information on packing a bag on youtube. Also books published by Palidan press can be of great help. Here in Florida we are urged to build a "hurricane supply". I have use mine several times. I'm currently resupplying and updating.
We don't have many "hills" here in Florida, but having a plan on where to go and how to get there is a must with hurricane season here. Years ago when we were hit with several hurricans one after the other my family and I were in good shape. We were also able to help others that didn't prepare.
Remember when packing a "bug out bag" to include secondary meeting places for family members, compass, extra cash, meds,survival blanket, at least 2 sealed bottles of water, means to build a fire, current photos of family, quality survival knife, hand warmers, whistle, small first aid items and means for self protection.
Cell phones are very useful if the network is working. I have small CB type walkie talkies with extra batteries if this fails. I have 2 foil sealed tuna and/or one MRE. I pack a powdered protein shake packet also.
A "bug out bag" can be as small or as large as you make it. I travel for work sometimes and try to keep mine as small as possible. My primary bag is a med. "ruck sack".
This is for one person. Plan for others in your family and if you have someone with special needs pack for them also.
This can be be altered for each persons needs and wants so adjust to yours.
I hope this helps and I would like to hear ideas from others.
Thanks Sandra for all you do on this web site.
Russell

Permalink Reply by Sandra on June 6, 2009 at 3:10pm

Almost immediately after the 9-11 attacks all the banks and ATMS's shut down in NJ/NY area. I couldn't get any extra cash, so having some extra cash is a great idea. Also, someone mentioned having items to trade is a good idea, too, as in a long term situation cash will be next to worthless. Coffee is one such item -- lightweight and will be in high demand.

Permalink Reply by Sandra on June 6, 2009 at 3:17pm

I keep a larger bugout bag at home and a smaller one in my car that also has extra first aid items in case I come upon a wreck or something. (I've been the first person on the site of a car wreck three times to date.) The larger one has an excellent survival knife (the Tracker knife), emergency blankets (you don't know how many people you might be caring for), a decent sleeping bag, rope that can be broken down by strands into cordage, emergency water packs (minimum for three days), first aid pack, signaling devices, fire building methods, tinder for even wet weather, small backpacking tent (very lightweight), rain ponchos... I need to upgrade or add some things, including some of those 3600-calorie emergency food bars. Still working on it... Need to get a really good water purifier one day.

Permalink Reply by Russell Carpenter on June 6, 2009 at 10:46pm

A friend of mine has a ceramic purifier and he is very happy with it. It was used on a hike and they used water from a lake in a swamp. He said they strained the larger debris with a cloth and the purifier did the rest. He said it worked great. Filled a "camel back" for the walk back. Never had any promblems. He paid about $100 for it. I found one at Sports Authority for $79. Very Good idea to keep extra blankets in the car. Sounds like you've done your home work. What part of the country do you travel in the most? Because I live in Florida and travel to places like Ohio or NC I have to add and adjust for the area I'm going. I need to add extra blankets to my bag when I travel up north. Maps are another must. This one I'm slacking on. For some reason I have a hard time keeping up dated maps.

Sandra Essary said:

I keep a larger bugout bag at home and a smaller one in my car that also has extra first aid items in case I come upon a wreck or something. (I've been the first person on the site of a car wreck three times to date.) The larger one has an excellent survival knife (the Tracker knife), emergency blankets (you don't know how many people you might be caring for), a decent sleeping bag, rope that can be broken down by strands into cordage, emergency water packs (minimum for three days), first aid pack, signaling devices, fire building methods, tinder for even wet weather, small backpacking tent (very lightweight), rain ponchos... I need to upgrade or add some things, including some of those 3600-calorie emergency food bars. Still working on it... Need to get a really good water purifier one day.

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey S Burns on June 7, 2009 at 5:49pm

I have been involved in S.A.R. and C.E.R.T for a long time I have a 24 hour bag that includes extra clothing and required equipment and such and a 72 hour "box" that contains all my " field supplies" including my tent and cooking supplies that can double as a family "bug out" camping box. Being that we are effected by Hurricanes from time to time in our area we have a cache of stuff in our home that we gather around this time every year that includes batteries, water, extra food, charged cell phone batteries, 4 mag light flashlights, head Lamps, and Rhino FRS GMRS radios ect. I also keep a Trauma Bag in my vehicle that goes with me every where.

Permalink Reply by Sandra on June 7, 2009 at 6:08pm

Yes, a Bug Out bag is basically an emergency survival bag or box in case of earthquake, hurricane, or any other kind of disaster that would keep you out of your home.

I was standing on my porch last night and thinking to myself, what if an earthquake crushed my car and demolished my house right this minute and I had no bugout bag, then what? It was dark and not cold, but definitely nippy. Hey -- I live in California, you never know. (I'm always what-iffing myself when it comes to this kind of stuff). What would you do?

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey S Burns on June 7, 2009 at 10:39pm

WOW... I thought I was the only one who played what if,,, you know the Stock Market Crashed and World mayhem erupted.. but I never gave much thought to a earthquake in my part of Texas..

Sandra Essary said:

Yes, a Bug Out bag is basically an emergency survival bag or box in case of earthquake, hurricane, or any other kind of disaster that would keep you out of your home.

I was standing on my porch last night and thinking to myself, what if an earthquake crushed my car and demolished my house right this minute and I had no bugout bag, then what? It was dark and not cold, but definitely nippy. Hey -- I live in California, you never know. (I'm always what-iffing myself when it comes to this kind of stuff). What would you do?

Permalink Reply by Salimah on June 8, 2009 at 12:27pm

hopefully i can take my family... it would be great if we EACH had a backpack with matches/ lighter, food, water, shelter suplies, knife, first aid kit, crank radio/ flashlight, blanket. I wonder how much previous preperation and camping experience would help in a situation like this. I suppose 'extra' supplies too. One thing i find frusterating is the lack of preperation from others. My grandma always said 'God bless the child that has their own'. We each need to have appropriate supplies. (but I will try to have more than I need to help others) But long term survival may mean that extra gear and or food is no longer expendable. I might want a weapon also (i dont know how to shoot or handle a gun, maybe this is a good survival skill). Depending on the situation, you might have to protect your supplies from others that would take it by force. I would also bring a chess board :-p

Permalink Reply by Rudy Reynolds on June 14, 2009 at 3:21pm

This may sound corny, but some items i have carried in my survival kit many may not think about, since being a paramedic with a former Nam medic as partner, are tampons and maxipads for first aid usage. Tampons plug bullet holes nicely and the maxis are excellent bandages for heavy bleeding. Don't leave home without them!

Permalink Reply by Russell Carpenter on June 14, 2009 at 6:58pm

Amen Brother! We packed them in our "ruck sacks" as back ups. I keep them in both of my " bug out bags". An "Ace elastic wrap" can help with the "maxie pad" to apply compression when you need a third hand. Be careful when using any survival first aid. If your not trained or at least have some knowledge of first aid you can make matters worst. Maybe a blog on wilderness first aid would be nice. What do you think Sandra? I like to see others adding to the list, it makes me take a second look to see how up to date I am.

Rudy Reynolds said:

This may sound corny, but some items i have carried in my survival kit many may not think about, since being a paramedic with a former Nam medic as partner, are tampons and maxipads for first aid usage. Tampons plug bullet holes nicely and the maxis are excellent bandages for heavy bleeding. Don't leave home without them!

Permalink Reply by Sandra on June 14, 2009 at 8:20pm

Wilderness medicine is indeed, another subject in and of itself -- whether for survival, SAR, backpacking, or even in camp, sometimes hours away from hospitals. Thanks for the input and yes, I will start a group on Wilderness Medicine.

Permalink Reply by Sandra on June 14, 2009 at 11:12pm

I just got a fire piston from Rose Mountain fire pistons -- their work is beautiful. While this isn't something I could go carve out of wood in a survival situation, it's still interesting as a means of making fire. I think there is a learning curve, though, 'cause unlike the guy on YouTube, I can't get an ember every time -- yet.