Host Aaron and Jonathan discuss the question of, “what is a bug out bag” and “what goes in a bug out bag”.
BOBs (Bug Out Bags) are a favorite topic of preppers both new and old. But what is a Bug Out Bag really, pitfalls should be avoided, and what really goes in a BOB?
Seasoned veterans of preparedness will find the this episode a good refresher. If you’re new to prep, it’s a great place to start…
Topics:
- What a BOB is?
- What goes in a BOB?
- What should be avoided when building a BOB.
- Tailoring a bag to your needs.
- BOB Checklist
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
- Security
- Energy
- Preflight Checklist
- The differences between gear and skill
Hey guys, I enjoyed this episode. I have a few suggestions for the next time you tackle this subject…
You were trying to mention Datrex ration bars. You should also mention Mainstay (Survivor Industries) brand. Those two are an apples-to-apples comparison (as oppose to ration bars and Mountain House (freeze-dried) food). Datrex and Mainstay are also different enough in flavour that carrying both for variety is a good idea.
USCG / SOLAS approved ration bars are an excellent choice for BOBs, as they’re light weight, withstand temperature extremes (making them excellent for vehicle kits), are non-thirst provoking, and have a long shelf life (at least 5 years).
MH, and other freeze-dried products, *are* light AND you have to carry (or obtain) the water to make them food, negating somewhat the weight advantage. Something you didn’t adequately cover. There can be a place (weight and space permitting) in the BOB for both ration and freeze-dried food products, though the true nature of the BOB tips in favour of ration bars.
Ration bars are “on the move” food. If you’re making your way to safety (or a vehicle), you should do so as expeditiously as possible. You don’t want to burn daylight (literally) or spend more time on the road (or in unsafe areas) than absolutely necessary. Not having to stop to rehydrate freeze-dried meals shortens travel time and if you have to hike several day, you may not have the ability or inclination to boil water or cook.
Along those same lines, a mess kit for a 72-hour kit seems a bit overkill-y in weight and space. A knife is already in your BOB (and probably also in your EDC); add a spoon (long-handled if you’re carrying MH pouches), fork, and and a GSI folding handle, stainless (or, if you want to splash out, the titanium Snow Peak) bottle cup. The cup fits on the bottom of your Nalgene for compact storage and can also be used as a pot to boil water or heat food or be used as a bowl. A canteen cup mess kit, perhaps with a folding, Esbit stove, might make sense for some.
Best regards.