Wild Bound

A Bug-Out-Bag (BOB) goes by many names:

• 72-hour kit
• survival kit
• go bag
• etc

The idea is to have 3 days worth of food and gear stowed in a backpack so you can grab it and go for a hike. I’m not talking about grabbing the BOB and heading out for a 3 day hike, and this kit isn’t intended to be a “camping in comfort” kit. The Bug-Out-Bag is designed for survival if you have to spend an unexpected night (or 3) outdoors.

Other applications for a survival kit might be disaster preparedness (hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.), emergency car kit, or a quick prep overnight camping trip (with a few extras added).

I have been researching Bug Out Bags and survival kits in preparation of assembling my own, and have come up with some basic guidelines for deciding what to include.

• Your primary concerns are Food, Warmth, and First Aid.
• Every person will have different requirements for a survival kit.
• Every season and location has different gear requirements–pack for the worst.
• The BOB should not be so heavy that it gets left in the car.
• Make sure that perishable gear (i.e. food, batteries, medicines) is rotated out every 6 months or so

A winter BOB in northern climates might take up a hiking backpack once you include a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, extra clothes, and maybe even a tent. In the summer, a photographer’s vest (also known as a hunting or fishing vest) with lots of pockets, a fanny pack, or a small backpack may be sufficient for carrying your survival gear.

Now it’s time to make my list and check it twice.

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