Being Prepared - Putting Together a Bug Out Bag

    What began as the predicted flurries with no accumulation was now three inches deep and piling up quick. For those of you in the more snow-prone regions of the country, I realize “inches” of snow means nothing more than a minor inconvenience about which you grumble but nothing more. However, in middle Tennessee, a dusting of the white stuff closes schools early much to the delight of students everywhere and parents slip and slide in a rush to get their kids home before midnight. Roads become clogged with vehicles operated by white knuckled, wide-eyed crazies that can’t drive on dry pavement much less when it’s covered with ice and snow. It would also be a great time to own stock in the local dairy and bread company since that seems the preferred menu during a snow storm.
    It was during one of these “snow storms” that I had the privilege to participate in a three-hour demolition derby while trying to get home. While driving and wishing the moron behind me wasn’t so fond of tailgating, I began thinking about how it would be a good idea to have what I needed to just stay in a hotel close to the office. I decided to put together a small bag that I could take with me when I headed in the next morning. After doing this a couple of times when snow was predicted, I thought it would be a good idea to just have a bag that could be left in my truck in case of bad weather or worse.
    I was talking about it with Rick, a friend of mine. He had spent some time in the military and suggested I put together what was called a Bug Out Bag. We went out to his truck and he showed me the one he kept on the backseat. Rick had everything he would need to easily survive anywhere for three days. I noticed there was one compartment he didn’t show me so I asked what was in it. Rick explained he had a handgun carry permit (HCP) and kept extra ammo and loaded magazines for his pistol in that pouch. He asked if I had my HCP. I told him I did.
    Later that week, Rick asked if I had begun putting together my Bug Out Bag. I told him Iʼd started gathering the things I would need if stuck away from home for 2 or 3 days. I also mentioned Iʼd begun thinking more strategically about what should be in my B.O.B. What if something happened where I needed to survive away from home due to bad weather, a disaster, or worse. After seeing what happened in New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina, I felt it best to at least be able to “Bug Out” and not worry if I had all that would be needed to survive even in the woods. Rick agreed and told me I was heading in the right direction.
    When I started this process, I decided my best approach would be to gather everything then get the right backpack to carry it all in. I also couldnʼt afford to buy everything all at once so I took everything I already had and placed it in a box in my closet. Everything else would be purchased a little at a time using a list I kept in my wallet.
    My biggest concern as well as yours is clean water. It’s necessary for drinking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. It must be disease-free or drinking it will cause a whole host of unneeded and avoidable problems. Some soap and water to clean dishes after eating will avoid even more problems. As for personal hygiene, simply washing your face could raise your spirits. Shaving can help change your appearance if needed. For all these reasons and more, clean water MUST be your first priority. To that end, I bought a canteen and came up with two ways to get usable water. I also bought a mess kit and some water purification tablets. A pan in the mess kit can be used to boil water to sterilize it. The tablets can be used to purify it. If on the run, clean water can be gotten at an empty houseʼs hose, a drinking fountain in a park, or numerous other places.
    Food is the next need. Through my hobby of Eighteenth Century Trekking, I already know how to live off the land and am confident I can easily do so for as long as necessary. I know how to set snares, fish, and hunt so food isn’t a huge concern as long as I have some staples to eat if on the run. I began putting together a list and researching what was available. I knew it would have to be easily transported, easy to fix, and keep for an extended time. I decided to stop by a couple of sports stores on the way home to get a better idea of what I could get. I chose a few freeze-dried meals and some energy bars as well as some MREs (Meals-Ready to Eat).
    As for clothing, it should be compact and easily packed. Socks are necessary to help keep what may be my only mode of transportation, my feet, dry and in good shape. I decided to carry at least 6 to 8 pairs. T-shirts, at least 3, will be changed at night. This will get me out of a sweaty shirt and into a dry one, keeping me from getting chilled as the temperature drops. Next is underwear. Three pair should be enough. A pair of my old jeans will be kept in the bag, clean and ready to change into if necessary. For warmth, I’ll use one of my old jackets. This will be worn while sleeping or along with the outerwear I’m wearing during cold months. A baseball cap and a knit cap for hot and cold weather are both a necessity. Last, I got a pair of good hiking boots and an extra pair of laces for them.
    A shelter is my next requirement. If I can’t make it home, a hotel room is my first choice. Second is my truck cab. If on foot, my shelter will be a 9 x 12 tarp along with four tent stakes and at least 25 feet of quarter inch rope. The rope and stakes will be rolled into the tarp, wrapped in straps, then strapped to the bottom of my bag. The great thing about using a tarp is that it can be fashioned into several different configurations, using trees as poles. If a rock overhang is found, it can be used as a ground sheet, additional cover, and to cover my pack. I also carry an emergency thermal blanket large enough for two people.
    For first aid, I’ll carry a small plastic kit I already have with all the essentials for mild to moderate emergencies. This will be a good place to keep any necessary medications that may need to be taken regularly.
    With water, food, clothing, shelter, and first aid taken care of, fire starting is the next thing to consider. I decided that having at least three ways to start one would be a good idea. To that end, I bought a couple of disposable lighters and some waterproof matches. I also added some flint and an extra metal striker I carry while trekking. The flint and steel would be my last option. After over twenty years of trekking eighteenth century style, Iʼve learned another consideration is “tender” to help in getting a fire started. This can be dead grass, an old bird nest, or tree bark. If itʼs raining, find a downed tree, thrash a long stick under it to scare off any snakes, then pull some of the bark off the bottom side. Even if the outside of the bark is wet chances are the inside of it is not. This makes great fire-starting tender.
    A more modern way to have “tender” is to place a stack of cotton pads in a Ziplok bag then squirt some lighter fluid over them. Make sure the fluid gets on each one but you donʼt have to soak them down. Before closing the Ziplok and tossing it in your bag, take one of the pads out in the yard and try it. Youʼll find that it catches easy and burns slow, allowing you to add small twigs then larger wood to get a blaze going.
    Thereʼs some additional basic gear that would be good to add to your bag. The first is a poncho in case of rain. Then thereʼs soap for cleaning your mess kit or yourself. A roll of toilet paper in a Ziplok bag wouldnʼt be a bad idea. A couple of small flash lights along with extra batteries are a necessity. A roll of duct tape is always good to have. I also have a web utility belt with a buck knife and a multi-tool both in sheaths as well as some small binoculars in a case. At the Army surplus store, I found a small shovel/pick combo tool that breaks down easily for storage in its own pouch then my B.O.B.
    The last items to consider including in your bag are weapons. This is a personal preference each person will have to consider. Some won’t hesitate to say no to weapons immediately. Others, like myself, who carry legally, will go armed for personal protection. Please be aware that if you choose to carry a firearm, itʼs imperative that you check into the local laws, get the necessary permits, and follow the laws of your state.
    My weapon of choice is a Springfield XD 9mm pistol with a four inch barrel. It holds 16 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber and is easy to conceal. Iʼve shot approximately 5,000 rounds through this pistol and have yet to have a jam. Itʼs a great gun. I also carry two additional loaded magazines in a holder on my left side as well as 100 rounds in my bag.
    I keep a small double-edge knife in my bag as well. The sheath has a clip that can be carried on my belt. This knife can be used for cooking or around a camp but its main use is for protection.
Flash Forward
    Once I had everything together, I went back to the Army surplus store and found the pack I needed. It carries everything and wears the way I wanted it to. When choosing a backpack, make sure fits comfortably as you may be carrying it on the run and living out of it for days.
    In my opinion, the key to putting together a Bug Out Bag is to make sure youʼll have everything youʼll need if you canʼt make it home. Also think strategically. What if society went to hell on a rocket ship? Will you have what you need? Will you be ready? Prepare ahead of time. Get prepared now.