Assembling a Bug Out Bag

Creating a Bug Out Bag: The Ultimate Guide to Survival in a SHTF Situation

Picture this scenario: You’re at home and suddenly, disaster strikes. It could be a natural disaster, a pandemic, or even a societal collapse. Whatever the cause, you have to leave your home and evacuate to a safer location. That's where a bug out bag comes in.

A bug out bag (BOB) is a portable emergency kit that contains essential supplies you need to survive for at least 72 hours when you have to evacuate your home. Here are some things to keep in mind when creating your own BOB, with specific product examples:

1. Comfort: Make sure your BOB is comfortable to carry and doesn't weigh too much. A good rule of thumb is to keep your BOB under 20 pounds. A great option for a comfortable and lightweight BOB is the High Peak Fujiyama 75+10 Liter Backpack.

2. Essential Supplies: Make sure your BOB contains essential supplies such as food, water, shelter, first-aid kit, fire starter, and a knife. The Wise Company Emergency Food Supply is a great option for food, as it contains a variety of meals that are easy to prepare. For water, the Hydrapak Stow is a great option, as it's collapsible and can hold up to 1 liter of water.

3. Water Filter: A water filter is essential in case you run out of clean drinking water. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a great option, as it removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and parasites.

4. Fire Starter: A fire starter is essential for survival, and the magnesium fire starter is a great option, as it's easy to use and can start a fire even in wet conditions. The Gerber Fire Starter is a reliable and cost effective choice.

5. Tent: A tent is a must-have for shelter. The Kelly Kettle Camping Tarp | Ultralight Camping Tarp is a great option, as it's lightweight and easy to set up in even the most primitive locations, and the main selling point on this for me was it is made by Kelly Kettle which is the Gold Standard of survival camp cooking gear. 

6. First Aid Kit: A first-aid kit is essential in case of injury. The Adventure Medical Kits UltraLight and Watertight .9 is a great option, as it's lightweight and compact.

7. Multi-tool: A multi-tool is essential for survival. The Gerber Gear 30-000469N 12-in-1 Dime Multitool is a great option, as it's compact and includes essential tools such as pliers, wire cutters, and a knife.

8. Protective Clothing: It's important to include protective clothing to shield you from the elements. Even if the weather is sunny when disaster strikes, it's wise to be prepared for any changes. A recommended item to consider is the Hydro Packable Rain Jacket. This jacket not only offers protection from heavy rain, but it also conveniently folds into a compact size that can be easily stored in your BOB without adding excessive weight or bulk. Remember, being prepared for any situation is crucial in a SHTF scenario.  

In conclusion, a bug out bag is a vital part of your survival strategy in a SHTF situation. By creating a BOB and keeping it ready to go at all times, you'll be prepared to evacuate your home and survive for at least 72 hours. Make sure to include essential supplies, such as food, water, shelter, first-aid kit, fire starter, and a knife. And remember, the most important thing is to be prepared. If you enjoyed this article please consider sharing it with your friends on Facebook