A B.O.B, Just what is it?

First let me clarify what is considered to be a reasonable B.O.B. (Bug out bag), Or should I say, I took the time to have a look see as to what many consider a B.O.B. Personally I go to the whole idea of  “It depends on your personal needs and preferences”. But I wanted to see what the Guru’s had to say. Well just because.

After all they are the experts, I was interested and wanted to know if my 2 packs I currently use as my walkabout and overnight camp “carry all’s” ( L.L.Bean Maine Warden Day pack and the Karrimore SF, Predator 30) would make the grade as a Bug Out Bag or do I need to add or have a new separate Bag.

 

Here is the basic description…from Wikipedia.org  

“A bug-out bag or BOB is a portable kit that normally contains the items one would require to survive for 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster, although some kits are designed to last longer periods. Other names for such a bag are a BOB, 72-hour kit, a grab bag, battle box, personal emergency relocation kit, go bag, GOOD bag, INCH bag. or quick run bag. The focus is on evacuation, rather than long-term survival, distinguishing the bug-out bag from a survival kit, a boating or aviation emergency
See more on en.wikipedia.org ”

Well, that surprised me. I was under the impression that a Bug Out Bag was for Major survival and disaster’s lasting longer than 72 hours. From this description its not a long term survival bag unless specifically designed for longer period survival. Which of course I assumed. Well lets see what else the experts say.

The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary according to each his own. Here is a list of what is suggested. I find it hard to believe this could all be fit into a reasonable sized Back pack.

I have whittled it down a bit as it tended to include Items I assumed were covered before, such as warm clothing, tents etc.

This includes

1. Water (Washing, drinking and cooking.)
2. Non-perishable food
3. Water purification supplies.
4. Cooking supplies.
5. Multivitamin
6. A first aid kit.
7. Necessary clothing
8. Fire-starting tool
9. A disaster plan (emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes).
10. Emergency literature for reference.
11. Standard camping equipment
12. Bedding
13. Medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
14. Battery or crank-operated radio
15. Lighting
16. Portable solar charger
17. Cash
18. Fixed-blade and folding knife
19. Swiss Army Knife
20. A Multi-tool
21. Duct tape and rope or paracord
22. Tarpaulins for shelter and water collection
23. Wire for binding and animal traps
24. Compass
25. Hunting equipment
26. Small Fishing tackle 
27. Signal mirror
28. Emergency whistle
29. Rubber tubing
30. Trash bags
31. Bandana
32. Super glue
33. Hatchet
34. Pepper Spray
35. Folding Saw
36. Hand Sanitizer

Surprisingly my packs have most if not all of the above. I do not have Pepper spry and non perishable food. Some thing I need to look at. Typically I add the food stash before leaving on a trip or walkabout. I do see the need and you should have a stash of non perishable food. At least handy enough to add to the pack ASAP. Maybe stored with the bags in a prepacked stuff bag.

Although this is a VERY basic look at a BOB bag. The list is a great reference or reminder. Check your kit and see if it makes the grade. Remember that this is a general list and each item will differ according to your needs. just be sure it meets them. Being a Novice at this I am learning. Every time I look up a subject I learn. Be sure the items you add are meaningful and not a “gadget type item”. Weight is a concern. If you cannot carry it for an extended period its of no use to you. 

Does your B.O.B make the grade…. time to check…Up next Ill be taking a closer look at the my 2 packs I use for Walkabouts and overnight stays. I have as I mentioned before, been on a tear to reduce weight and size of what I carry. I felt I over packed on trips and carried a lot of “Gadget things”.

Can they still make the grade as a BOB now I have “minimalized”.

Remember Knowledge is a survival skill. Always take time to add to it.

The Novice survivalist