Bug Out Bag, Bug Out Vehicle, Get Home Bag.....all the Buzz Phrases these days! So what IS a Bug Out Bag, know as a BOB to some? A Bug Out Bag is a wonderful item that EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE! It is usually a Medium Sized Backpack filled with all the necessary items to survive in a Bug Out (evacuation) situation. People have their Bug Out Bags filled and ready to grab in an instant. And you should too.

It is not just if something happens where you have to leave your home. Many things could happen and you might need the items inside that Bug Out Bag just to get through a Rough Time. Weather can change and knock out power in an instant. Volcanoes erupt, Financial Collapses (Country Wide or Personal), Earthquakes, Floods, Chemical Spills, Fires, Hurricanes, Even Wars that could come On Our Own Shores. And most of all, Have you read what the Bible Says about End Times?

We have all seen the footage on the TV News of different, many different Country Citizens Evacuating from their homes for one reason or another. Lord knows it could happen here too.

The truth is not only "You Never Know", the Boy Scouts Have Always Had It Right! "Be Prepared". I was raises to stock up and be ready. My Father (and his brother and cousins) fought in WWII and his Father (and brothers and cousins) fought in WWI. My Father was a Hunter, he Fished and Gardened. We always had a LOT of food in our home. My Father was also a Boy Scout Master. So this is not a new thing to me.

So what should a person load into their Personal Bug Out Bag? Should each person in a family have a BOB? What type of Backpack should a person use for a Bug Out Bag? Where do you store them? How big should they be?

A BOB should be made up of some items that everyone should carry and have on their person. If each member of the family has one, not only will you be able to have more items with you, if you were to get separated each person would have a better chance.

The type and size of the BOB depends on the size and health of the person it belongs to, and how far they are planning to travel. It depends on how many items you are planning to carry, and if there are any dietary needs such as diabetes. Many medium sized Backpacks now have internal frames making them more comfortable to carry and easier on your body. The added waist strap on some packs keeps the Backpack closer to the body and supports the person's back carrying it.

Color of the bag? Ha3 This will open a can of worms in different circles when this question is asked. Most people will tell you ONLY Camouflaged Fabrics. Me? I say a Bright Lime Green BOB is better than NO Bug Out Bag.

Where do you keep/store your BOB? That is a personal choice. In a cool dark area is best, but handy for sure. Do you want to have it in your vehicle in case you would be away from home and need to keep driving away from your own area? Or in case something would happen while you were away? Carrying the bag in your vehicle with you is how the bag got the name Get Home Bag...GHB. We live way out on the Prairie, we carry ours in our vehicles. We have spent many nights on the other side of the prairie from our home due to the Gumbo Soil we live on being wet or too covered with snow to get in. We try to always be prepared for that. We also carry blankets in our vehicles just for that purpose.

A Bug Out Bag is a very personal item and should be tailored per person in your family. However. There are many items that really NEED to be inside or hanging from your BOB.

Let's not forget the Family Dog(s). Most dogs of all sizes can carry a Dog Backpack. Many of the Medium to Large sized Dogs could carry, with training, quite a bit of items for you on their back. Keep in mind....you may well, in an Emergency Situation, be separated from your dog if it is not on a good leash with a good collar. For more Dog Backpacking Information see our pages on www.WorkingGermanShepherdDogs.com www.DogStarKennel.com as well as www.WorkingBigDogs.com

So just what should a person (or dog) carry in a Bug Out Bag? These items are some of what will be important for your survival. They are not necessary listed in order of importance....that would be up to you.

1. Use a well made, finely constructed, Backpack that fits you well for your Bug Out Back. Spend the money for a good one. Your life could depend on this Backpack lasting and staying together at the seams, zippers continuing to work. Many people, and Deron and I do, use a M.O.L.L.E. type Backpack. They make M.O.L.L.E. Vest for Dogs too. (think of it being just the Dog Backpack Yoke that you add pouches to).

2. WATER! and a Water Filter. More than anything your body needs fluids. You can not just drink out of creeks or rivers or ponds as they did in the past. You will need a good Water Filter to survive.

3. FOOD! you can buy long lasting pouches of dehydrated food that you can put into your BOB and forget about (unless you have mice). You will add hot filtered water to these food pouches to cook them before eating.

4. FIRE SPARKS! you should have at least three different ways to Spark a Fire. Have matches, I buy the strike anywhere type and coat them with wax. But a windproof lighter and keep the fuel filled. And one of there metal strikers is a very good thing to have.

5. FIRE KINDLING! yes, fire again. It is a very good item to have Fire Starters. A wax covered pinecone, a couple baggies full of sun dried pine needles, wood shavings (I would wax cover these too). What ever it is, keep it dry and ready so that when you are ready to eat or boil water or want to be warm, the startings are ready to go.

6. Extra Socks. Your feet are going to get tired and sweaty from walking. Wash the ones off your feet and your feet when you take them off. Dry them and have them ready for the next changing.

7. First Aid Kit: You can buy these off the shelf. I however recommend buying an inexpensive First Aid Kit, mostly for the basic items and the nice box, then add whatever you think you might need to that box. (Empty out the 1/2 filled boxes of stuff in the First Aid Kit that you buy to make more room in the box for more useful items. I do pack the Bandaids and such in small zip lock bags). Be sure to add Mole Skin to your BOB First Aid Kit. Your feet will Thank You for it. Yes, you could use Duct Tape, but the Mole Skin is far more comfortable and does not hurt as bad when you pull it off your skin.

8. Change of Clothing.

9. Extra Gloves. Even in the Summer take a thin pair of Gloves. You never know what the weather or your campsite might bring.

10. Duct Tape. I could go on and on and on and on about all the things this stuff is good for. You might want more than one roll. And they make it in all colors and many prints including several camo prints.

11. Cook Wear. You will need at least one light weight skillet (believe me on this, you are not going to want to lug around cast iron) and a pot or two. If you take instant coffee you will not need a Coffee Pot.

12. Eating Utensils. Light Weight Forks and Spoons will work well. Use your Pocket Knife (keep it clean) for cutting your foods. Plates and such? Deron and I have small light weight skillets we cook and eat out of when we take Backpacking Trips. This works very well for us. The handle is handy for holding the hot skillet when there is no table to set it on. Plates can be handy, but in truth, they just add more weight/take up room to/in your Backpack and are something else that has to be washed after eating.

13. Chain Saw ~ The Hand Held Type with Rings At Each End. You will need a way to saw firewood, large saws are out of the question for quick and lots of carry. These hand held Chain Saws have come in handy for years and years for Backpackers and Campers everywhere. Also good for bones if you are a Hunter.

14. Small Ax. If you do not know how to use an Ax, learn. They can be a very dangerous tool and a very useful and life saving tool. Again, learn to use one. These can be used for cutting Firewood, some people dig with them (it will take your sharp edge off) and also as a Weapon.

15. Multipurpose Tool. The item that folds like a Pocket Knife but has many tools within. Even a Cheap One is better than not having one. Multipurpose Tools are like Duct Tape, very useful for so many jobs.

16. SLEEPING BAG! Don't buy a cheap sleeping bag unless it is all you can afford. Buy a nice well made sleeping bag in the temperature range for your area. This item will strap on BOB.

17. Compression Bags. I LOVE them, other people think they are a waist of money. A compression bag is a bag that goes over your gear, manly your Sleeping Bag, that is usually Water Proof Fabric and it has three straps on the outside. You put your Sleeping Bag into the Compression Bag and tighten the straps so that is squeezed out of your Sleeping Bag making it tighter and smaller to carry. The Water Proof Fabric will also help keep the Sleeping Bag DRY between uses.

18. RAIN GEAR! Rain Gear is a must. Invest in a Rain Suit, not just a garbage bag you plan to put holes in and wear. The less wet you become the warmer your body will stay. Even in the Spring it does not take much to become Hypothermia Victim. There are also Ponchos that cover the person and the Backpack. These are great, but you should still have light weight rain pants too.

19. Tent? Now here is a debatable item. I recommend it, IF you can carry it. Of course it will need to be a small light weight Backpacking type tent.

20. TARP. Carry at least one small tarp. Three is better. You can use a tarp for so many things including and not limited to a Shelter or Clean Water Catcher.

21. Latex Gloves. These should be kept in your First Aid Kit as well as where ever you can tuck them into. I carry several pairs when Deron and I take Backpacking Trips. You can not always wash your hands so using these to handle things/stuff you do not want in your mouth, might just keep you from becoming ill, really ill. I use them when I handle raw meats/mostly chicken/fish when cooking in camp. If someone is injured it is good to put a pair of these on your hands before coming in contact with their body. Not only will it keep the dirt off your hands on them, it will keep their blood or germs off you.

22. Paracord. Again, an item I could write and write of it's uses, In Fact I have, check out our 101 Uses For Survival Bracelets here at this site.

23. Games. Days can be long, if you are out and away from everything, especially if your electronics as not working, you will be looking for something to do. Take a deck of cards and a set of dice. Keeping yourself busy will keep you happier too.

24. BIBLE. We carry our Bibles everywhere we go. I have smaller full Bibles in our Backpacks, and in our Dog Backpacks we carry the smaller New Testaments with Psalms and Proverbs.

25. Trowel. Many people do not even know what these are. A Trowel is a very small, garden tool, shovel. These are now made in light weight, heavy duty, plastics that are perfect for Backpacking.

26. We carry Wet Wipes. Back in the 1970 - 1990's I Babysat for a Living. I learned quick how much a Baby Wipe could be used for. They clean more than bodies.

27. Compass. If you know how to use a Compass take one with you. If you do not know how to use one, you might want to find out.

28. Maps. Maps from your house to where you are going. Topo Maps would be best. Good chance you could be walking.

29. Flashlights. Notice the word Flashlight has an S on the end. You will need more than one. If you can find and buy one that you wind up for the energy all the better. You sure do not want your batteries going out during your stay out under the stars.

30. Teeth Care Items. Pet a small new in the packet Toothbrush in your BOB and leave it there. If you use it, before your next trip or time of need, replace it with new. You can also load Toothpaste, but it is not a necessity, believe it or not, you can brush your teeth without water or paste in a pinch. Also Dental Floss. It can be used for many uses.

31. Women should remember Feminine Products. These can also be used for other emergencies.

32. Toilet Paper. Warning. It takes up a lot of room in your BOB and is used up quickly.

33. A few Bandanas. Again, on this site I have 101 Uses For A Bandana. One Backpacking Trips or Bugging Out, take several. They are wonderful for so many things and one or more, might just save your life.

34. Gun of your Choice. Take the gun you are most comfortable shooting. If you do not know how to shoot a gun, NOW is the time to learn. Find a Certified Instructor and tell them why you want to learn to use a Gun. The Certified Instructor will be able to teach you to load, shoot, take apart, and clean your gun. Make sure you can use it well before you shoot it without the Instructor with you.

35. Fishing Hooks. Depending on where you go and how long you will be there (and you never now) you will need to replenish your food. If you have at least a Fishing Hook with you, you should be able to find a line (use a string from inside paracord) and worms to catch fish.

36. Cash. Have money, cash, in your BOB and leave it there. Leave it there. You might need this to get out of town, or to eat. Have money in your different pockets too. And perhaps, as we all did so long ago, have a couple of bucks in the bottom of your shoe.

37. Small Radio. Hand Cranked Energy for it is best. A radio will keep you entertained and keep you up on weather and whatever other disasters are happening. Some Hand Cranked Radios have built in Flashlights...all the better.

38. "Camp Shoes". There is not enough room in a Bug Out Bag to carry everything. If you do have the room a lightweight type of shoes would sure come in handy. Think Flip Flops or Crocs or such.

39. Any Prescription Medications you normally use. For some people this could mean life and or death, even those on daily aspirin should bring them along. Many people have died from taking aspirin everyday and then stopping abruptly.

40. About 10' of Thin Wire. Wire will not take up much room in your BOB. You can use it for so many applications. Wire can keep your Tarp up for Shelter or can be used for an animal snare for food.

41. Hat. Hats are very important. You really do loose heat through your head. You really are warmer when you have a hat on your head. I recommend and Winter Type Hat AND a Base Ball type cap to shade your eyes and hide your face if needed.

42. Sewing Kit. Just a small Sewing Kit will be handy if your split your pants or tear your tent or sleeping bag.

43. Waer A Watch. You will want to know what time it is more than once a day. A watch with the Date on it, could come in very helpful.

44. SMALL COOK STOVE! You will need a Small Light Weight Backpack Type Stove. And a lot of fuel. I love my Sterno Stove. It is light weight the fuel is easy to carry and in a pinch, a person could add twigs inside of it to cook with.

45. If you need a Pillow, take a Pillow Case to stuff with clothing or the like. Otherwise just roll up clothing or the like and use it for a Pillow without the Pillow Case.

46. Clothes Pins. Another of those useful items that have many uses. If nothing else, for holding your clothes on the line to dry.

47. Insulated Coffee Mug. Yes. Those little metal cups are very romantic when you think of Backpacking and Camping. But they are small and hot to hold with warm drinks. Deron and I have lived off grid since 1999. We do not have a Refrigerator. Using he insulated cups will keep your drink the temperature you want it, plus the lid on it will keep pests out of it, and keep it from spilling if tumbled. You can store and carry items inside of the Coffee Mug as you travel.

48. A P-38 Can Opener. This is a little, very small, keychain sized, flip out Can Opener. If your electric goes out, or out on the trail, if you need to open a can, you are going to need one. Be very careful and learn to use them correctly. They are very sharp and they make the can edges very sharp.

49. Tactical Pen. What is a Tactical Pen? It is a Metal well made ink pen with sharp edges to become a weapon. Many come with the Glass Breaker for your vehicle window if you become flooded or go off the road and find yourself under water. They write very well and last forever.

50. Small Notebook or Journal. At the very least take a small notebook. You might want to jot down items to add to your BOB, leave a note for a Friend or Family Member, write a letter, or your last will and testament.

51. Some sort of Dish Soap. They make Environmentally Friendly Dish Soaps. Take a little or take a full bottle with you. You can also use this on your body if you need to. You can use a Bandana to wash your dishes with.

52. Lotion. Body or better, Baby Lotion can be used for many uses. One is for cleaning your body. If you can not bath, strip down and put the lotion on all over your body. You will feel so refreshed and clean after.

53. Cooking Oil. Not worth the weight or space for many people. Others wold not leave home without it.

54. Emergency Blanket(s). Another of those items that I set up a full page for called 101 Uses for Emergency Blankets.

55. Survival Knife. What size, what brand? This is up to the user. Deron and I each carry a Buck Vanguard.

56. Candles. For starting fires, light to see, waxing items and more.

57. Emergency Whistle. Come up with tweaks for alarming your friends and family as well as using it for people to find you when needed.

58. I recommend those new to Backpacking carry a Camp Survival Book, they make them really small packed with information on Camp Crafts (such as how to build tents with a tarp, how to catch rain water, how to make a first aid stretcher, and much much more). This book could save your life.

59. Safety Pins. From tiny to diaper sized you will find a lot of uses for these.

60. Reading Glasses. Can be used for reading and or First Aid. As well as seeing other items better.

61. Vet Wrap. This stuff is like Duct Tape that does not have all the sticky with it. It sticks to itself, but does not have the same type of glue that tapes will have. Vet Wrap should have it's own page here at this site and one day I think it probably will. Vet Wrap comes in many colors and can be use for everything from wrapping a sprained ankle to using for compression on bags. Vet Wrap when taken off correctly can often be reused. Great and Diverse stuff, Vet Wrap.

62. Q-Tips. Wrap a few in a Zip Lock bag and put them into your First Aid kit. These can be used for many applications too.

63. Break and Shake Heating Pads. Another great item for your First Aid Kit. However, these take up a lot of room, place in or better, near, your First Aid Kit. The Heating Pads can also be used to warm a person's core temperature.

64. Break & Shake Ice Packs. Great for First Aid.

65. Tang Drink Mix. Tang Drink Mix is a Powder Drink that does not have caffeine and can be drank cold or hot (Musher's Drink) or luke warm. Tang has a few vitamins in it and can be a welcomed teat while out on the trail. Be Sure To Keep Hydrated.

66. Hard Candy. Hard Candy can be the difference between life and death for some diabetics. It can also brighten a mood. Of course you will not have a lot of room to carry much, but you could sprinkle some around in your BOB>

67. Hand Sanitizer. Put a small bottle in each member of your families BOB.

68. If you are Bugging Out with Children be sure to take a Few Crayons and a Coloring Book.

69. Snacks. Take a few packages of Dried Nuts, Dried Fruits and such. You can use it as a meal on the move, or a snack in Camp.

70. If it will fit into your bag. Insect Repellent. Insect Repellent is important and when the sun goes down, and he mosquitoes come out, it becomes even more important.

71. Small Metal Mirror. Can be used for grooming and signalling.

72. Glow Sticks. These are especially nice for kids at night. It might just help them sleep. Just remember, you can not point them and see things far off, nor turn them off.

73. Zip Ties. Zip Ties can be used, but only once. Stick a few down in between your items in your BOB.

74. Telescoping Walking Stick. This can be slung onto the outside of your BOB. When the trail gets rough, or slick, you will be glad to have this. Also has other uses, such as a weapon.

75. Medical Handbook. Might save a life.

76. Sleeping Pad. Sleeping Pads do more than make you more comfortable when having it under your Sleeping Bag. They also keep you a little higher off the cold ground and insulate you from it. You can use that same Pad to sit on during rest or around the campfire. Good to pad your knees when you kneel to pray.

77. Identification. You might need a few of your important papers, or copies of, stuffed into your BOB.

78. Whetstone. Some folks will want to carry a Whetstone to sharpen and resharpen your Knives and Ax and other tools.

79. A Couple of Heavy Duty Trash Bags. Like Emergency Blankets (and many of the same applications) the Trash Bag is versatile.

80. If you are taking a dog with you will need to make sure you have it's Dog Health Papers with it's Rabis Vaccine Records with you, or at least a copy.

81. Save your Metal Mint Tins. They make great containers for other small items you might be carrying. One way to reuse the Tin is for your Sewing Kit. Be sure to put a Rubber Ban or two around the Tin when it is filled and especially if you have needles inside of it.

82. Ir you are riding your Bicycle while wearing your BOB, have an Inter-Tube and Small Air Pump in your BOB.

83. Number 82 was two items.

84. If you are Bugging Out in your Vehicle, you might need extra Gasoline, safely in Gas Cans along with you as you travel. Finding Gasoline along your route might be impossible.

85. If you are Bugging Out by Equine (horse, mule, donkey) You will need a Hobbler.

86. If you are bugging out with any type of Pack Animals, make sure you have everything they need for the trip.

87. Communication Could Be Very Important. Will your Cell Phone work?

88. For Communication you might want to take Walkie Talkies, at least one for Listening with you.

89. There are little but bright, LED Flashlights, that clip to the front of a Baseball type cap. They work great and will shine where your head turns.

90. Sock Liners. I mentioned Extra Socks above. Many people do not know that hiking, especially Backpacking, is much more comfortable and you are much less likely to get blisters if you wear two pairs of socks in your boots. Sock Liners are thin socks to wear under your wool sock. Take extra pairs.

91. Holster for your Handgun. Remember that you will have a Backpack on. Many type of Holsters will not work out while carrying your Backpack as they will hit/lay on the body in the same area. Drop Holsters are probably best.

92. Drier Lent. A Zip Lock Back with Clothes Drier Lent. Drier Lent makes great Fire Starter. This will be light weight and easy to pack. Having more than one type of Fire Starter is just good packing.

93. Zip Lock Bags can be used along the way for many thing. Putting left over food is just one.

94. Honey. Honey can sweeten your food and it has healing purposes.

95. Seeds. Depending on where you are going and how long you will be gone, you might want to take some Heritage (replantable) Seeds for planting and eating.

96. Cotton Balls saturated in Vaseline can not only be used to start a fire, but can also be used on a wound or to sooth chapped lips.

97. Chap-Stick or some sort will keep your lips soft and supple.

98. Small Container of Salt and Pepper as well as a few other Spices can mean the difference of very bland meals and eating well.

99. Razor Blade. Can be used for many purposes.

100. Snake Bit Kit. No matter where you go, there are bound to be snakes in the area. Many people swear by Snake Bite Kits other say they do not work well. You decide.

101. A Sentimental Item. Make it a small one. But take something that means a lot to you. Under some circumstances, you will never return to your home. In some situations, it may well be gutted or ransacked before you get back.

For many emergencies you will have to leave in what you have on your back. You will not have time to change your clothing or shoes. Grab your BOB and go. That is why you should leave a pair of Cargo Pants, a jacket and Hiking Boots right with your BOB. Grab and Go and Still Be Prepared!

However, if you have time to change your clothes and pack your pockets, use that time wisely. Know in your head what you will need. You might even have an area where you keep all these Pocket Items Together and waiting.

If it is Colder Outdoors, dress in layers. Put on TWO pairs of socks if you have time. Put on a Bandana around your neck and around your leg just above your knee. Wear a hat.

These are items that one might NEED on the trail or are items that you sure do not want lost along the way. I must also tell you that I carry at least two of most of these items, one set in my pockets (daily) and more of the same in our Backpacks. These are items if lost you could really be in a bad way. You might find that Cargo Pants are very fashionable for the Hiking/Backpacking/Bugging Out. Being able to carry a lot of survival items on your person, in your pockets, could be the difference between life and death while you are out on the trail.

Your Keys, and carry another set in your Backpack. This way, if you loose one set, you have a back up so that when the trip is over you will be able to get into your vehicle and drive home. When you arrive home, you will be able to get into your home.
Pocket Knife
Your Identification
Your Conceal Carry License and or Hunting and Fishing Licenses
A Small Flashlight, day or night, make that always
A bit of cash
A whistle (I also carry an empty 22 cal shell to blow into for a whistle)
I carry a glass cabochon (you can use this as a magnifier on many items)
Fire Starter (Lighter, Matches, or Magnesium Strikes) one should be windproof lighter - carry four different types of fire starters when you are out on the trail
A Paracord Survival Bracelet - good to wear on your wrist everyday - many uses in a survival situation
If you have long hair you tie back, have a extra hair tie in your pocket (in case the one in your hair is lost or broken)
If you carry a Pistol, a Drop Holster might be your best option
I carry an extra magazine full of ammo in my back pocket

Where are you going? If things happen and it gets "ugly" in the City, just get out. "Head for the Hills", or as the Bible says, Read Matthew 24 & 25, you will find that the BIBLE tells Christians to BE READY, not get ready. Luke 21:21 <NIV> Quote of Christ: "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city."

-- The Far Out Living Team
Sat, 05 Apr 2014 11:53:57 -0400