What am I missing from my B.O.B.? (Bug Out Bag)

Sting Ease (for bug bites) or hydrocortisone creme, benadryl for allergic reaction, maybe athlethes food medication; itchy feet is bad, a good book. Maybe hand/toe warmers for cold weather.

I donno, man. Maybe I'm just being all Canadian and such, but my BOB amounts to a 4x4 and a good pair of boltcutters.

Hi Gazrok.

• I highly suggest a tube of Superglue. It is great to use on cuts and small wounds. Keeps dirt and moisture out, and a great alternative to sutures.

• Miswak / Siwak. A small twig or root from the Salvadora persica tree used for cleaning your teeth.This is proven healthier and more efficient than conventional toothbrushes. No need for toothpaste or water to rinse your mouth. Unless you have other purposes for your toothpaste, you can drop it. I've used miswak for a long time, it's great! It is a extremely popular amongst Muslims and Arabs, so you should find it at their stores. Also, it lasts a long time.

A little late in my reply, but I have a suggestion.
I personally avoid all the camo clothing in my bug out plan.
My bug out clothing consists of jeans, a rugby-type shirt, and a blue windbreaker.
My footwear is Timberland boots.

Being in Wisconsin, I may have a full set of thermal on underneath, but for bug-out purposes, I want to look just like a non-threatening yuppie/ college alum, not Rambo or God forbid, militia.

reply to post by Oaktree


Very interesting point you make there... Make yourself unassuming to an assailant and suddenly you have the upper hand.
Jeans I agree with but the football jersey and windbreaker should be replaced with something that looks the same, but is very rugged to withstand the survival life.

Another survival idea that should be looked at is taken from an old move; Robin Hood.
They used hideaways that were basically a tarp covered with leaf litter and twigs... Setup in similar territory and pegged open for quick entry and concealment.
I personally haven't tested the effectiveness of this in the real world, but the principle is sound.
Would also be excellent for covering your camp while you search for supplies.

reply to post by Sovaka


For bug-out purposes, my personal situation requires that I be concerned with actually getting to my BOL.
Road blocks, check points, and the Sheriff eyeballing me as I and my family cruise through his little town may all be realities.

I may have some operational type gear in my pack, but priority number one is getting me and family to location to rendezvous with group.

Location has been stockpiled for almost any situation.

I realize that every individual's situation is different, and in order to be prepared, one must understand the realities of his own individual set of circumstances

reply to post by Gazrok

My biggest problem I have camping at night, is Mosquito's.
I have a lot of stuff in my bob. I thought what good is all this
stuff. If I get bitten by a mosquito with West Nile virus.
I bought a military mosquito net that hangs over my sleeping
bag. The net is a nylon case maybe 4"rd by 8" long and very light.
Most all my camping gear is military.

i think the main thing for a BOB or GOOD bag is definately packing light. when you have to high tail it, you have to go and go now. having too much weight is definately a burden. you should look into items that are combo items, like dynamo (handcrank) radios that have a flashlight on them, things like that. also, i'm sure if you go through your list you'll find you have things you don't actually need, but just would be more comfortable with.
as for the deodarant and soap...i'd go just for antiperspirant, if you really feel you need it, and make sure the soap is nonfragrant. you may have someone tracking you if TSTF.
steel toes aren't neccesary(sp?) (i could never spell that word). they do add too much weight unless you're use to wearing them, i.e. work in construction, oilfield, etc. and, even if you are use to the weight, and can walk 15 miles with out a break, imagine how much farther you'd be able to walk loosing that extra couple of pounds... por that weight could be replaced with food, or other things.

Never ever sleep in wet clothes, try it once, you will never do it again, believe me. don't let your sleeping bag get wet, it will take days to dry, and without it, sleep is something you will daydream about. dry warm comfortable sleep is a must.

Yep, that's why the change of clothes.

Being in Wisconsin, I may have a full set of thermal on underneath, but for bug-out purposes, I want to look just like a non-threatening yuppie/ college alum, not Rambo or God forbid, militia.

My reason isn't to look like Rambo, but to genuinely be able to hide. Chances are, my first instinct in a SHTF scenario, when encountering others, is a desire to NOT be seen. Much easier to hide in cammo than blue jeans. White or black shirts and blue jeans always stick out like a sore thumb (I know this well from playing paintball and shooting these guys easily)....

you want to look just like thew people that are hunting you. you need many patches and badges that Velcro on, so you can easily slip through or easily take them out.

also you need a hand held scanner and a hand held HAM radio to catch their cross talk