Survival 101: Bug Out Bags (B.O.B.)

by Adam Amend

This article begins our latest series, Survival 101, which will be composed of several smaller segments detailing the basic tools, supplies, and skills need to survive just about any situation you may experience. When we are finished, you should be able to print each posting and create your own Survival Book with the valuable information we are providing you.  The most important tool for survival is the Bug Out Bag. Therefore, it made sense to start this series with an article detailing Bug Out Bags. Be sure and check back for the rest of the Survival 101 series.


It's finally happened. That event you've been prepping for years for. That natural disaster that's devastated your area, that zombie apocalypse all your friends laughed at you for preparing for, that civil unrest that causes you to retreat from your home. Or maybe you're that other guy, the one that's not prepared... 

It's never too late to be prepared for.... anything!

Let's talk about bug out bags, AKA: BOB's. A bug out bag is a kit you've put together that can last you 24-72 hours depending on your level of preparedness and what you want to carry. It should contain clothing, tools, enough food and water for up to 72 hours, supplies for finding, gathering, hunting, cleaning and filtering food and water for anything after 72 hours, and a host of other miscellaneous supplies and accessories that you will use to survive until you can get yourself to a better situation.

Natural disasters come in many forms depending on where you are,
and many happen without warning. Being prepared is not paranoia,
it is foresight.

Bug-Out-Bags should be considered as a temporary survival plan or as a backup at best. You should keep in mind if you are forced to leave your home or retreat; you have essentially made yourself a refugee, which is the last thing you want during hard times, but it's important that you equip yourself with the tools to survive. Let's discuss what you're going to need in your Bug-Out-Bag. It should be noted that you should have a bag for each person in your group or home. I suggest a 72 hour bag accompanied by a few 48 and 24 hour bags as well for easier 

transport, especially if you or someone in your group isn't in the best of shape.

Bug out bags come in many shapes and sizes.
Some come fully stocked, while others are nothing
more than a backpack.

This will be the lightest of the kits. Since you're anticipating getting to your stronghold in about a day, you won't need that many supplies. The other scenario for carrying this bag is that it's one of many in the group and there is a larger bag being toted by someone else with more supplies. The lists below show what I suggest carrying,

The 24 hour bag

1. First Aid Kit
2. Potable water (At least a gallon per person is recommended per day)
3. At least 2000 calories of food per person. MRE's are great for this. Check your local Army surplus store or visit Food For Patriots. Protein bars are also a great caloric energy source, just make sure you choose bars that are low in sodium, as water will be limited and sodium increases thirst.
4. One extra set of dry clothes per person.
5. Gun and ammo. Whatever you are comfortable carrying.
6. Knife and multitool
7. Fire starter kit/wind proof lighter - you can assemble your own kit by using dryer lint, cotton balls, water proof matches, and some sort of magnesium fire starter.
8. Flashlight/batteries - I recommend at least two flashlights and enough batteries to allow two to three changes in each
9. GPS
10. Cold weather gear: Gloves, hats, hand warmers, thermals.

The 48 hour bag: (This list includes what was listed in the previous bags)

1. 2 sets of clothes per person
2. Tent or hammock
3. Food (24 hour bag multiplied by 2)
4. Axe/shovel
5. Solar powered radio
6. Snacks such as nut mix, bars, or other protein heavy items
7. Personal hygiene items
8. Rope (Charlie Bronson's always got rope)

The 72 hour bag: (Also includes any items previously listed)

1. Enough water/food/clothes per person
2. Sewing kit
3. Snares or traps for hunting
4. Water filtration system

Louisiana after Katrina is a great example
of why you need to be prepared for self evacuation. Even a 24hr B.O.B.
would have helped many of the displaced families

These aren't complete lists, simply guidelines. You should customize your kit to your needs and liking. Be aware of how much you can carry as well. Don't forget to have defense measures on hand. I, personally, would have not only my sidearm, but my AR-15 rifle ready to go with the appropriate mags loaded as well. It is also wise to invest in a good plate carrier or proper rig. I'll go into depth on that in another article. Keep your kits accessible and in multiple locations such as your vehicles, closets, work, and various rooms of the house. You never know when you'll need that kit accessible. So when the stuff hits the fan, grab your pack, and get to a preplanned stronghold you've prepared like the boy or girl scout you are!