Building your BOB - (Bug Out Bag)

Okay folks, are you ready to get serious regarding your safety, should a catastrophe jeopardize your daily existence? Not sure if you saw the news recently about a group called Flash Mobs. Apparently, someone created this group and occasionally posts what could be considered an Executive Order.  After the post, people who are followers of this group carry out the order. Sometimes its just an order for everyone to go to a certain location. Instantly, hundreds, if not a thousand people will show up, hence...flash mob.

A few days ago there was a post for followers to wreak havoc in their main local. Followers began beating on anyone; passer-byes. They attacked a young man on his scooter, hit other people in the face and took their belongings. So, what the hell? Is this Flash Mob group going to dictate or do anything that could mean something, perhaps swarm the local IRS offices and lick their office windows in a freakish manner. lol

So what does this have to do with your BOB? Well, nothing! I just wanted to get your attention and talk about Flash Mob. Actually, that's not true. I bring them up because in your BOB, you should have some sort of protection. Though your BOB is really for survival while on the road, one must keep in mind the different levels of survival.

Many states across the country are going belly up. Cities are laying off their police officers at an alarming rate. This is a bonus for the criminal opportunist. They will begin taking advantage of people who have little recourse because they know people are unprepared and unaware; the regular Joe Citizen has never had to really fend for himself and is rarely has the opportunist frame of mind.

If a catastrophe should happen, the criminal element will come out of its hiding within a few days. Homes and businesses will be looted for food and weapons. By having a BOB ready, you can leave within an hour of any major catastrophe, or at the most, a day or so after. What I'm wearing when I head out, which is depending on good weather; cargo shorts, T-shirt (shrt slv), tennis shoes, Buff wrapped on wrist. (Buff is modern day bandanna), Boonie hat.

What I will be carrying when I head out:

• 1 black camping backpack that can be adjusted to my back and hips for long hauls. It also has a few side pockets for small and quick need items

Inside Pack:

• Clothing: Rolled tightly; Pants long (2), T-shirt Long sleeve (2), Under (3), Socks(4) Women: sports bras (3) (Prefer dark clothing for night travel), Thin weatherproof jacket, mechanic work gloves (1), Military boots (1)
  
• Very small 1-2 man tent
  
• Sleeping bag (tightly rolled)
• Dried food (previously purchased)
• Small bottled water
  
• Water purifier bottle - the kind that purifies water from any source and drink through the filtration system. (Don't use LED system. It may zap germs dead, but they still go into your system)
  
• Small cook set with utensils and tin cup
• Small wire grill I took from my propane stove set (Do not carry propane stove. waste of time)
• Hammer - a good hammer can also act like an axe, and can be used as a weapon
  

Inside Pack Exterior Pockets:

• Rope - nylon 50-100 yards (otherwise known as parachute cord)
• Fire source; lighter, steal wool, (never keep batteries near steal wool)
  
• Batteries - determine size by how they will be used
• Headlamp - wear on your head so you can work with your hands in dark
• Binoculars 
• First aid kit
• Grooming - travel size soap, deodorant, comb, razor (essential to stay clean for health and good frame of mind)
• Fishing string, hooks
• Rain Poncho - tightly folded
• Leatherman - multi-utility tool kept on belt loop or in pack
• Walkie-talkies
• Hand held flashlight - emergency light with 4 modes; flicker, SOS, light, flash
• Maps - know where you're going
• Snack food - beef jerky, gum, energy bars
• Extra knife - small knife for incidentals
• Spool of brown or black thread - strong, for traps   

On the exterior of the pack I have: 

• 10 bungee cords of various lengths 
• Fishing pole (broken down and in its case)
• Hammer (same as previous, but hanging through a loop on pack)

Some may think that preventing for catastrophe is lame, and carrying a weapon is being paranoid. Then perhaps one should read the past blog about my friend who carries and why; BLOG-- AKA Weapons.

Your pack may differ, but these are the essentials in my BOB. Also, I left this out and it's what you'll have to determine. In my pack is plenty of ammunition for my gun which I will carry concealed. I also have a hunting knife that will be within my grasp; attached to my shoulder pad by my chest or at my hip. Remember, expect the worst case scenario so you're not caught off guard.
   Depending on my mode of transportation, bike or hike, I will be able to carry other things. If I bike, I also have the ability to tow a small cargo trailer. If you are a family, this would be a good way to go. Cars run out of gas, and in an emergency, there may not be fuel available. If you are hiking, then you can have packs that divide everything up. One person may carry clothes while another carries food and water (used very sparingly). It is actually better that each individual carries his/her own gear because if you're somehow separated, you still have the ability to survive in a SituationsX.

Do you know where to sleep/hide while out on the road? Come back soon to learn more.

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