Survive: The 5 Best, Expert Tips for Bug-Out-Bags

So, what’s a BOB, then? A bug-out-bag is a favored subject amongst “survivalists“, and is simply a kit containing the equipment you think you’ll need if you have to “bug out” or get away f something catastrophic happens to make it impossible for you to stay in your home. Simple, right? Riiiight… if you take a quick peek around the internetz, you’ll see lengthy discussions on the contents of a BOB on the various survivalist sites. They go on and on. And on. And then some more.

I’ve taken a look, talked to some people, and here’s the digest of BOB-related advice, making sue you only get the best of the best. Even though survivalism and security don’t always go hand in hand or stay the best of friends, a BOB is a good thing for anyone to have. First tip; you can even make several, for different sorts of events. So… here we go:

5 Top Tips for Bug-Out-Bags

1) Your bug-out-bag (BOB) is your own.That even goes for members of your family. If you’ve ever played the harmonica, you

know how this works – loaning your harmonica out will get you in trouble. Sharing your bob will also net you nothing but heartache and pain.
If your family has more members than just you, everyone should have their own bag. This is vital. Some gear and equipment might overlap, but that’s okay; one is none, and two is one.
That’s what the experts are telling us, anyway.

2) When planning your BOB, think of the worst thing that might happen, and narrow down the very least you need to get by away from your home if that happens. Remember that most governments, including the US one, say you have to get by on your own for 72 hours before you can expect any kind of assistance in a disaster situation. That should be your minimum target time.

3) Store bought is good, but never tastes the same as home made. There are a lot of excellent kits ready made by good people out there, but only you know you and your needs. Maybe you have an old shovel that would be perfect. Maybe you need medication. My tip? Get a good, ready made kit and modify it to suit your special needs. That makes sure you get the best of both worlds. Whoever put the kit together is sure to have thought of something you didn’t, and then you add the stuff they had no way of knowing.

4) Don’t overdo it. The idea is that you should be able to carry this thing, not drag it along behind you. Hell, you should be able to

run with this thing on your back. Maybe not for long, but for a little bit, at least. Keep the weight down as much as you can, while you still remember that one is none, and two is one.

5) Necessity first, comfort last. Take only what you need. Most people have an urge to be comfortable (no surprise there) and to put that at the top of the list. The best tip out there? Make sure the backpack is comfortable, and put useful inside it. If you’re able to, strap a wool blanket or two to the outside of the bag, after you’ve put all the necessities inside it. It’s more important to stay alive than to be comfortable, after all.

Bonus tip: Update. Just like your computer, your BOB will need updates. Meal packs may pass their use-by date, things might actually break while they’re stored away (a good reason to check all your tools now and then) and you may find things that suit your pack better than what you have in there already. Don’t be afraid to make changes – but remember the 5 tips I’ve gone through.