I have more than just these things in my Go Bag or Bug Out Bag but for starters this is a really good list. Of course you have to adapt your bag to your own particular set of circumstances. In the event you don't have any sort of emergency bag started isn't now a great time to make one?
Just looking at all the recent natural disasters... seeing all ages of people wading through water and getting put into boats to head to shelters after the recent trifecta of hurricanes... it's easy to imagine that someday it might be you and your family waiting to be rescued. And what if help is delayed? As the head of your household it's up to you to prepare for the unlikely events and even the everyday emergencies. There are people in Puerto Rico right now desperate for water to drink. Wouldn't so many people be better off just to have the skills to purify water or even a Lifestraw, purification tablets or water filter so they could drink out of almost any non salty water source?
You have car insurance and life insurance. If you're lucky enough you have health insurance. You need some insurance that if you find yourself in a difficult situation you have the basic items and skills needed for survival.
Great article and AWESOME graphic @silversmyth, that I am coming on almost too late. If I might, a few add ons to support your great list.
A Camel Bak is a great way to hold a good amount of water AND....they make different size backpacks. Get the right one and you've got your BOB and 100 ounces of water. Mentioning a metal container is great, as clean water is so important. The military has the old school "canteen cups" that are metal and a 1 quart military canteen fits snugly in them. One or tow of those combos attached outside your bag gives you additional water and a cup or two.
Well described, waterproofing AND mentioning fast drying clothing. I've found that vacuum bags are great. They are heavy duty, ziplock, and if you get the ones that hook up to your vacuum you can suck down the clothes super small. It'll only stay that way until you open them, but gives you more space for your initial bag. A roll top waterproof bag that lines your entire BOB, where everything goes into, is helpful too.
Spot on. Thank you, thank you, thank you for mentioning a lighter. SO OFTEN I see people talking about a fire starting kit and never mention a lighter. They have every spark making tool under the sun....but no lighter. They even make half size lighters that are available at many camping stores. I put several in my fire kit, survival kit, and just in pockets on the bag.
Food, spot on and tough as it can take up a lot of space. Plan wisely, think about weight and avoid cans....remember folks, you may have to carry it for awhile.
Adding paracord is a stellar idea, soooo many uses. Ponchos are often used as shelters, and can double as rain gear. Something I like to add to this carry....bungie cords. I roll the shelter and wrap bungies around it. When it's time to set up, the shelter goes up pretty quick.
Flashlights....never underestimate just the simple psychological boost of having a flashlight. REDUNDANCY....have not just 1 or 2, but several. I like to stow some of those little key chain ones and up in different places, just in case.
Choice of knives is personal, but you have the perfect combo.
Plastic bags are often overlooked...until your stuff is wet. Make some of them big trashbags as well. Many emergency uses for them (waterproofing, wet weather gear, carry water, etc.). These are good for lining the BOB as well, but don't take as much abuse.
Smart idea. This may direct you in a way that will save your life.
Most folks will have the phone in their pocket, having extra cables and charging batteries is great. I have a small flip out solar charger that hooks up with USB. Limited, but works for this. Having a few great apps on it is a super idea. Even if the communications grid is down, some of these apps can be very useful.
Like you said, it's insurance and I wouldn't call it a good list.....I'd call it a GREAT list. Super work.
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I like to add a bottle of alcohol hand sanitizer, it's good for more then just dirty hands. You can start a blaze with it, disinfect wounds etc. just my 2 cents🐓
Excellent point. I'm not familiar with alcohol. What kind would you add. It's can't be sticky.
Good things to have in the car too!
That's where I keep mine! I'm working on a bucket version now too! Thank you!!
One thing that seems annoying but I see know is essential while being a refuge.
Your paperwork in a ziplock bag. Birthcertificate, diplomas and passport. Carry this on you, in case you might have to flee and you have to leave everything.
Greetings from an Irma Caribbean refugee
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