Advice on a "camping" BOB

There is plenty info here, and all round the net, for a standard urban bug out bag. what the average person should have.

But what additional items should one need for an outdoor survival bag? If I planned and intended on camping in the woods for up to a month.

Say there would be 2 adults and a 4yo in this situation.

Most bob lists refer to what 1 person would be able to carry. But what if you have 2 able adults who intend on staying together. would/could the bags be very different?
and again, intention of short term wilderness survival.

pencil sharpener

reply to post by ObjectZero


^^ You must be a Redditor

I'd also pack some personal hygene items. I'm a guy so I don't need anything special, but they do make washable "pads" for women. Maybe a mensutral cup. You guys can laugh now, but I wouldn't want to be stuck in the woods with my girl durring "that time" and her not have anything at all to deal with it.

First if your buging out it will not be a pleasant joint into the woods for a camp fire singalong, treat as such. just what you need to much stuff will slow you down are taken from you.

reply to post by Bisman


I carry this.

A good sleeping bag.
Good cutting tools,a knife,a small hatchet and a small hand saw
A water filter.
A water container.
A pot and a pan to cook in.
A tarp or a tent.
Calories (food)
Clothing including rain gear.
Fire making items....bring more than one thing,a couple bic lighters,a magnesium stick and a farrow rod.
Soap.
First aid kit.
A deck of cards.



Between 2 people you have to delegate the items and weigh them out so the packs are fairly even.
If one person is smaller than the heavier one has to take a little more.

If you have any questions than feel free to reply here or u2u me.
Also,check your messages,I just sent you one.
I might have missed something because i am doing this on the fly without thinking so i might have missed an item.

reply to post by MystikMushroom


Thank you...i think thats what I might have missed.
I don't camp with girls too often.

reply to post by Bisman


When camping with female friends I like to include a bottle of tequila in my BOB just in case they might want to party.

reply to post by DrumsRfun


All essential items there. I would the following as well:

First aid kit
Trapping snares
Wild edible plant guide
.22 cal rifle and 500 rounds for hunting and self-defense
Flashlight and batteries
Pocket knife sharpener
Soap
Bug head nets for everyone (indispensable!)
spare socks

Your choice of clothing and footwear is essential and varies depending on season. Get the best you can afford (goretex is great) and make sure any new boots are broken in before you need them.

reply to post by Asktheanimals


( I think I was editing the first aid kit into my post when you were making yours...great minds think alike)

Speaking of gortex,I forgot to add the bivy sack.
I am not sure how rugged the OP wants to get so I didn't include hunting stuff,I guess i should have.

If the OP is not going to be hunting than I suggest the lightest items you can find,dehydrated food that you add water to.
Cans are a drag to haul around.

My thing that I do is this.
Buy or dehydrate some veggies,you can buy them already dehydrated.
Add the veggies,some bouillon mix and a handful of rice,put it in a ziplock bag and roll it up nice and small.....than just add water when you are hungry.

Take a look at the Backpacker Magazine Gear Lists. I subscribe to the magazine and find the information relevant and realistic.

a lot of whats needed will depend on where you live, the best thing to do is to start out by camping out for the weekend and knowing what you need as if you live near the junction of 5 rivers you wont be short of water but finding some solid dry ground maybe a problem etc

but like most things everything is variable and so having a few plans ready will be the main thing so think of what could happen and how you could handle the problem

Another good idea is to check out the mailing lists of the long distance trails, such as the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the like. These folks are on the trail in all conditions for several months and usually 3+ seasons of the year, and know what is essential, and how to make those essentials as light as possible. I believe those lists run under the titles PCT-L and CDT-L with great archives with much information in them. Since they do their planning over the winter months, now is the time to start investigating and asking questions of them, if you care to check out the information. Nearly any long distance backpacker could help you with what you are seeking.

An empty 5 gallon paint can to carry things in...and it can be emptied and used as a toilet (seats for such a thing is inexpensive and available.

If there is a 4yo involved, don't underestimate the ability to QUIETLY occupy them. Kids get restless easy and sometimes in an emergency they need the ability to distract their minds. Something comforting as well might be a good idea, a fleece blanket is soft and lightweight.

reply to post by DrumsRfun


I agree with your list however I suggest also a compact fishing rod, a 22/410 rifle. Most of these can be broken down and it will be useful for fresh meat. With 2 adults you can also afford to pack some luxury's such as sugar, coffee, tobacco. In your first aid kit I would include all the basic plus antibiotics.

Living in survival mode for even those of us who have trained and lived under these conditions is difficult, your biggest obstacle will be keeping your wits about you, do not panick and pick your spot quite carefully to ride out the storm which means deeper and farther from any roads or trails, high ground in a swampy area would be desireable, you won't have many visitors.