The
Bag:
The
body of every bug out bag is of course the bag. A good bag makes a world of
difference in a “go” situation. Choosing the right bag is essential to
increasing your odds of surviving comfortably. Everyone has different needs, so
there is no clear cut bag that will work for everyone. However, I have found a
bag that is capable of working for most people.
If you are ok with the color and pattern, this pack
will serve as an excellent starter pack. It’s big enough to store enough items
to survive comfortably and small enough for the average person to handle with
relative ease. It features a waist buckle, which is great for extra carrying
support during long hikes, and MOLLE straps around the front for anyone who
wishes to customize attachments.
Medication: Arguably the
most important part of any bug out bag or go bag is medication to suit your
specific needs. If you require any regular dose of medication, pack it. Medication
is usually small and light so it should be easy to carry at least 30 days worth
of anything that you depend on to live comfortably.
Food
and Water:
Something that can be a bit more burdensome to haul around in large quantities
is food and water. Food must be nutritious or there is really no point to
hauling it around in the first place. I recommend something with light weight
packaging that is easy to open and has a long shelf life. One product that
meets all of these requirements is the Chicken of the Sea salmon packs (found at most grocery stores). My
personal pack includes six of these salmon packs, a few bags of homemade beef
jerky, and an MRE or two. As far as water goes, luckily for me, I live on a
lake and near many other good water sources. So I only carry about two liters
of fresh water in my hydration pack. People who do not live near any decent
water sources should carry more.
I also carry a hand pump water filter to ensure that
I can stay stocked on water. A good hand pump filter can provide 12,000 gallons
of clean and safe water over its lifetime. That’s enough water to keep a family
of four hydrated for almost nine years!
Communication: The fourth bug
out bag essential item is a means of communication, a way to leave notes and
messages is a good start, but is not enough. Radio is the most effective way to
communicate in an emergency situation. I recommend having both two way radios,
and CB or HAM radios at your disposal. In addition to a regular AM/FM radio of
course.
When storing radios and other important survival
electronics, it is important to consider the possibility of an Electro Magnetic
Pulse (EMP). An EMP is a weapon that is like a bomb only it completely fries
electronics in a certain radius. A good way to protect your equipment from an
EMP blast is by storing it in an airtight metal box. An ammo can makes a great
EMP proof box. I keep my entire bag in a very large ammo can to protect my
radios and other electronic equipment from an EMP. ESD bags are another great way to keep your electronics safe.
Defense: Having a means
to defend yourself is key. Keep in mind that in an emergency situation, there
will be a lot of people who are not prepared and are willing to hurt you in
order to acquire what they need to survive. Wildlife can also be a danger
depending on where you reside. A firearm, crossbow, bow and arrow, machete or
hunting knife can all be suitable. What it really comes down to is what you are
comfortable handling. For example, if you have never shot a gun before or if it
is illegal for you to own one, do not pack one. Instead bring a large
fixed-blade knife or machete; even a walking stick can serve as a weapon for self-defense.
Do not force yourself out of your comfort zone simply because I recommend having
a weapon. Choose something that is right for you and that you feel you are adequately
skilled with.
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