19 BUG OUT RESOURCES & AT-HOME EXERCISES
BUILDING A BUG OUT BAG requires three main areas of preparation: Bug Out Gear, information/knowledge and hands-on practice. I have divided this chapter into the twelve Bug Out supply categories (plus pets). Under each category I have listed the following three headings:
- Gear Resources: Under this heading, I have listed many of the Bug Out Gear items mentioned in this book along with where you can purchase them.
- Further Study: Under this listing, I include a variety of resources for more in-depth study of that particular category. These resources can be books, websites, organizations, schools, etc.
- At-Home Exercises: Practice makes perfect. It’s important that you know how to use the gear and tools in your BOB. This heading lists important At-Home Exercises to familiarize yourself and your family with key Bug Out tools and skills.
WATER & HYDRATION
Gear Resources
Nalgene Water Bottles (Resin & Stainless)
Nalgene Canteen that fits inside Metal Military Canteen Cup (Resin)
Collapsible Platypus Water Bottles
Metal Water Bottles
Water Purification Tablets
Water Filter Systems
Further Study
At-Home Exercises
- Practice pre-filtering drinking water using a variety of items in your BOB including a bandana, a feminine napkin, and an N95 dust mask.
- If you’ve chosen to pack a filter purification system, be sure to understand exactly how it works. Practice filtering water using the system with special attention to keeping dirty containers separate from clean containers.
- Practice bringing water to a boil in one of your metal containers. Use your modern heating system (solid fuel tablet or canister) and also a fire. Make mental notes of how much fuel is required and how long it takes.
FOOD & FOOD PREPARATION
Gear Resources
Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)
Camping Dehydrated Meals
Lightweight Backpack Cook Set
Metal Mug/Cup
Spork
P-38 Can Opener
Esbit Stove and Fuel Tablets
WetFire Solid Fuel Tablet Stove and WetFire Tablets
Canister Stoves
Further Study
At-Home Exercises
- Prepare a meal using only items in your BOB. Do this both with your BOB modern heating stove and with a fire. Clean up afterwards using only items from your BOB. Take note of any ways to improve efficiency. Have a Bug Out “meal night” once a month. This not only helps with practice and repetition but also keeps fresh meal items in your BOB.
- Practice building a tripod by which to hang a pot over a fire for warming food or boiling water. Do you need to brush up on your tripod lashing skills?
CLOTHING
Gear Resources
Clothing (Shirts, Pants, Fleeces, Underwear, Wool Socks, Gloves, Hats)
Further Study
At-Home Exercises
- If you live in an area with cold seasons, put together a cold weather layering system. Use this system when doing outdoor work to familiarize yourself with your needs and requirements.
- Build a fire and use it to dry out wet clothes and boots. Take special note of how long this takes and how much fuel it requires to get the job done. This is a very real Bug Out task.
SHELTER & BEDDING
Gear Resources
Military-Style Poncho
- uscav.com: Search poncho
- local Army/Navy surplus stores
Lightweight Tarp
Backpacking Tent
Sleeping Bag
- many outdoor camping retailers and websites (buy this in person)
Ground Pad
Emergency Blanket
Wool Blanket
Further Study
At-Home Exercises
- Practice setting up your primary shelter until it becomes second nature. Use your shelter system for overnight camping at least two nights each season. This is the only way to identify flaws in your set-up and to improve processes.
- In addition to your primary shelter system, become proficient setting up an emergency shelter using a poncho, tarp, trash bag, or emergency blanket.
- Learn how to tie the following knots by memory: Taut-Line Hitch, Double Half Hitch, and Siberian Hitch. I use these knots with every shelter I build. Find an instructional video on how to tie these knots at willowhavenoutdoor.com.
- Test your sleeping bag and pad in all seasons. Have you chosen the right degree rating to survive a Bug Out in any season?
FIRE
Gear Resources
Weather Proof Matches
Ferrocerium Rods/Fire Steel
WetFire Fire Starting Tinder
Further Study
- youtube.com: Search survival fire starters, wetfire, how to build a fire
At-Home Exercises
- Use your ignition devices (lighter, matches, fire steel) to ignite your cooking stoves. Understand what it takes to light each one.
- Practice lighting your store bought tinder (PET Balls and WetFire) using all of your ignition devices.
- Practice collecting and igniting natural found fire tinder, such as dry grasses, cattail down, and birch bark. Mix your Carmex lip balm with natural found tinder to see how it can be used as a flame extender.
- Practice building a fire large enough to cook a meal and boil water. Do this in all seasons and after it rains. Practice building a fire platform to protect your fire from the wet ground or snow.
FIRST AID
Gear Resources
Adventure Sports First Aid Kit
Emergency Blanket
Potassium Iodide Anti-Radiation Pills
- cdc.gov
- Wilderness Medicine magazine: wms.org
- Wilderness Medicine Institute: nols.edu/wmi
- ki4u.com (great information about nuclear threats and radioactive iodine)
- nukepills.com (great information about nuclear threats and radioactive iodine)
Books
- Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine by Paul S. Auerbach
- Where There Is No Doctor by David Werner, Jane Maxwell, and Carol Thuman
- Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to Emergency Medical Procedures and First Aid by Paul S. Auerbach
- Outdoor Medical Emergency Handbook by Dr. Spike Briggs and Dr. Campbell Mackenzie
At-Home Exercises
- Take a local first aid course to learn basic first aid skills and treatment methods. Many community centers offer these classes. If yours does not, look for local class listings on americanheart.org and redcross.org.
- The Centers for Disease Control has a wealth of first aid and disaster related information on their website. Your taxes paid for it, so you might as well take advantage of the “free” information at cdc.gov.
HYGIENE
Gear Resources
Light Load Towels
Personal Hygiene Items
- local markets and pharmacy stores
Further Study
The Centers for Disease Control also has some great information about disaster related hygiene issues. You can view it here: www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters
At-Home Exercises
TOOLS
Gear Resources
Survival Knife
Multi-Tool
Machete
Collapsible Snow Shovel (For Heavy Winter Snow)
Further Study
- youtube.com: Search knife batoning, feather sticks, leatherman survival, survival knife
At-Home Exercises
- Practice “batoning” with your survival knife. Batoning is when you strike the back side of your knife with a heavy stick or rock to drive the blade into or through larger wood. This is a great method for splitting firewood or chopping down larger saplings.
- Carve a set of tent stakes and use them when setting your shelter. Make a note of how big/long they should be to work properly.
- Get in the habit of carrying a pocket knife and use it often.
LIGHTING
Mini Keychain Maglight
Photon Keychain LED Lights
9-Hour Candles
Further Study
At-Home Exercises
- Practice setting up your primary and emergency shelter at night using the light from your headlamp.
- Build a fire from scratch at night using just the light from your headlamp.
- Prepare one of your Bug Out meals at night using the light from your headlamp.
COMMUNICATIONS
Gear Resources
Hand-Crank Multi-Function Emergency Radio and Cell Phone Charger
Heavy-Duty Document Map Case
- many outdoor camping retailers and websites: water sports section
- campmor.com: Search map case
Two-Way Radios
- Many outdoor camping retailers and websites
Compass
- many outdoor camping retailers and websites
Rite in the Rain All Weather Notebook
Further Study
At-Home Exercises
- Mark three different routes on a map to your Bug Out Location (BOL). Travel each of these routes at least once. It’s a good idea to know these routes intimately with special notations made for gas stations, water sources, parking areas, camping areas, and detour options.
- Most people don’t understand how to use a compass. Practice using your compass in coordination with your paper map to reach a destination. A simple Boy Scout manual will tell you everything you need to know about using a compass (called orienteering).
- Use your emergency radio to gather information. Know which stations work in your area. During bad weather, try to gather storm or weather information to make predictions. This radio is just a paperweight if you don’t understand how to use it to receive valuable information.
PROTECTION & SELF-DEFENSE
Gear Resources
Pepper Spray
- coldsteel.com: Search pepper spray
- many other outdoor camping retailers and websites
Further Study
- local self-defense classes
At-Home Exercises
- Take a local self-defense class. Become familiar with very specific demobilizing strikes to key body parts.
- Before my first canister of pepper spray expired, I used it as a practice exercise because I had never fired a can of pepper spray. I wanted to understand exactly how it fired, how sensitive the trigger was, and what I could expect for accuracy and distance. I suggest you do the same if your canister comes to an expiration date.
- If you’ve decided to carry a gun, then you should know that weapon intimately. You need to know how to troubleshoot any issues, such as clearing a jam. This knowledge will come naturally with repeated practice at a range. You should be able to disassemble and reassemble your gun blind-folded. You should also routinely target practice with your gun. Clean your gun after every use to keep it in peak operating condition.
MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES
Gear Resources
Fishing Kit
- This is assembled yourself from à la carte items purchased at a local fishing shop.
550 Parachute Cord
Small Sewing Kit
- local fabric store or big-box store
The following items can be purchased at pretty much any hardware store or discount department store:
- N95 Dust Masks
- contractor-grade 55-gallon garbage bags
- resealable plastic bags
- 36 length of latex tubing
- duct tape
- bandanas
Further Study
At-Home Exercises
- Build a makeshift rain catch in your backyard using a garbage bag.
- Using your 550 paracord, learn the following knots: Boline, Square Knot, Tripod Lashing, and Clove Hitch.
- Cut off 6 of 550 paracord and unravel the inner stands so that you understand how it’s made.
- Make a quick poncho out of a 55-gallon garbage bag. Perfect the best location and size of your head and arm holes.
BUG OUT PET GEAR
Gear Resources
Dog Packs/Gear
Granite Gear Slurpin Bowl and Other Crushable Pet Bowls
Goat Packing Supplies
Further Study
At-Home Exercises
- If you plan on your pet carrying its own Bug Out Gear, it needs training just like you do. Start with just having your pet wear the pack or harness without any weight or gear. Over the course of a few weeks and several walks, gradually add a little weight one walk at a time.
THE QUICKIE $303.80 BUG OUT BAG
For me, building a Bug Out Bag is a very fun process. I enjoy the process of sourcing and gathering all of the different kit items that go into my BOB. I am a stickler about quality, too, so most of my tools and kit items are the best of the best. I understand, though, that some people have no interest in the building process at all but still understand the importance of having a Bug Out Bag. Many people just aren’t “gear junkies” and are simply looking for a quick, easy, and affordable solution to assembling a sufficient BOB to have on hand.
If this is you, I’ve taken the liberty of putting together a nearly complete BOB contents list that can be sourced from one trip to your local big-box store for $303.80 (at the time of this writing). And, if you already have a few key items, like a backpack, sleeping bag, or survival knife, the cost goes way down. Please note—many of the items in this list are what I would consider to be “sufficient.” Big-box stores such as Wal-Mart are not a specialty outdoor retailer that carry premier camping, backpacking, and survival brands, but I have watched their camping section evolve over the years to include a very descent selection of suitable gear. If you are looking for a one-stop Bug Out shopping trip, then this is the closest you are going to get. Because of the wide degree of variables, this shopping list does not include clothing, baby/infant, or pet items. I will also note a few items that are not included in the categories below.
Shopping Receipt for Majority of Bug Out Supplies
Big-Box Store Bug Out Bag Shopping List
Bug Out Backpack: Outdoor Products 3,440 cubic inch internal frame backpack: $59.00. Features:
- hydration reservoir compatible
- six easy-access outside pockets
- padded shoulder straps and hip belt
- bottom D-rings for strapping on sleeping pad
3,440 Cubic Inch Backpack
Water and Hydration
- Outdoor Products Aluminum Water Bottle: $5.00
- .75-liter store-brand plastic water bottle: $1.50
- Outdoor Products 2.0 Liter Hydration Bladder: $9.88
- Coleman Water Purification Tablets: $5.88
NOTE: Does not include water.
Water Bottles and Purification Tablets
Food and Food Preparation
- 2 Coleman Dehydrated Camping Meals: $4.88 each
- 3 CLIF Bar energy bars: $.98 each
- Coleman Max Micro Stove: $25.88
- Coleman Butane/Propane Fuel Canister for stove: $4.88
- Outdoor Products 4 Piece Spork Set: $3.88
- Great Value Coffee in metal can (to use as cooking pot): $2.98
NOTE: Does not include metal cup/mug, pot scrubber, and P-38 can opener
Clothing
- Rocky Wool Hiking Socks: $7.97
- Coleman adult poncho: $6.44
- Wells Lamont Cowhide Leather Work Gloves: $2.50
NOTE: Does not include boots, clothing, underwear, hats, and cold weather gear.
Basic Clothing Items
Shelter and Bedding
- Ozark Trail 8'×10' Tarp: $6.88
- Coleman 40 Degree Sleeping Bag: $22.88
- Ozark Trail Camping Pad: $6.44
NOTE: Does not include tent or paracord.
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad
Fire
- Generic lighter: $.97
- Coleman Magnesium Bar & Fire Striker: $7.44 (Magnesium is a form of fire tinder)
- Coleman Waterproof Matches: $1.88
- Coleman Match Case: $1.00
First Aid
- Ozark Trail Emergency Blanket: $2.88
- Coleman 15 percent DEET Insect Repellent: $2.88
- Coppertone SPF 30 Sunscreen: $.97
- Coleman Day Tripper First Aid Kit: $7.88
NOTE: Does not include any extra additions to the first aid kit.
Hygiene
- Coleman Camp Soap: $3.88
- Coleman Camp Towel: $3.88
- Generic compact mirror with brush: $.97
- Purell Hand Sanitizer: $1.52
- Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes: $.97
- Kleenex 3-pack: $.97
- Wisp 4-pack disposable toothbrushes: $1.50
NOTE: Does not include feminine items.
Lighting
- Energizer LED Headlamp: $4.88
- Rayovac Keychain LED: $2.00
NOTE: Does not include candle or glow stick.
Tools
- Remington Full Tang Fixed Blade 5⅜ Knife With Sheath: $24.97
- Ozark Trail Multi-Tool: $9.88 (I highly recommend an upgrade)
Communications
- Ozark Trail Compass/Whistle/Thermometer/Magnifier Combo Unit: $3.88
NOTE: Does not include emergency radio, local maps or two-way radios.
Protection and Self-Defense
- Remington Full Tang Fixed Blade 5⅜ Knife With Sheath: $24.97
NOTE: Does not include pepper spray, gun, or ammunition.
Miscellaneous Supplies
- 48 Secure Line Nylon Braided Rope: $2.57
- Stanley N95 Disposable Respirator: $4.97
- Great Value freezer bags—quart and gallon: $1.76 each
- Two-pack 100-percent cotton bandana: $2.00
- Duck Brand duct tape: $2.97
NOTE: Does not include garbage bags, sunglasses, sewing kit, latex tubing, fishing kit, or binoculars.
SURVIVAL BLOGS: A WEALTH OF INFORMATION
It seems a new survival blog pops up online every day. Almost all of them are unique in their own way. Some are educational and some are just entertaining, but the common thread is that the authors are all enthusiastic about survival on some level. Many of these bloggers specialize in specific survival-related topics and perspectives ranging from seed collecting to prepping tips for apartment dwellers. Every writing angle is a little different based on the author’s personal experiences and place in life—there is something for everyone. Following is a list of some survival-related blogs that you might find interesting. Some of them I read on a regular basis and some not at all. Tell them Creek sent you!
To find supply checklists for each of the twelve supply categories in this book visit: http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/build-the-perfect-bug-out-bag-e-book-checklists/
