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! |
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 come in many shapes and sizes. Some come fully stocked, while others are nothing more than a backpack. |
The 24 hour bag
1. First Aid Kit2. 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 person2. 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 person2. 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 |