The Novice Survivalist
A novice outdoorsmen learning camping, fishing, bushcraft and survival. "KNOWLEDGE IS A SURVIVAL SKILL"
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
- Water (Washing, drinking and cooking.)
- Non-perishable food
- Water purification supplies.
- Cooking supplies.
- Multivitamin
- A first aid kit.
- Necessary clothing
- Fire-starting tool
- A disaster plan (emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes).
- Emergency literature for reference.
- Standard camping equipment
- Bedding
- Medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
- Battery or crank-operated radio
- Lighting
- Portable solar charger
- Cash
- Fixed-blade and folding knife
- Swiss Army Knife
- A Multi-tool
- Duct tape and rope or paracord
- Tarpaulins for shelter and water collection
- Wire for binding and animal traps
- Compass
- Hunting equipment
- Small Fishing tackle
- Signal mirror
- Emergency whistle
- Rubber tubing
- Trash bags
- Bandana
- Super glue
- Hatchet
- Pepper Spray
- Folding Saw
- 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
