Also they folding saw seems redundant If you have a decent sized knife or machete/parang or hatchet but that's just my input
Stuck please help
Hey guys in the process of building my B.O.B but I'm at a stalemate. I don't know what else I need. Currently I have firestarters, flint and steel, survival knife, regular knives (2), bright L.E.D. flashlights batteries (32 count AA AAA), Tylenol cordage, fuel syphon, tarp, folding saw, lighter, knife sharpener, work gloves, emergency blanket, 4 bottles of water, and a SS cup for boiling water. That's about it. I know I need a first aid kit but I want to build my own (any suggestions), and I also know I need food like cliff bars and jerky but any other suggestions? O yea I don't have a bag yet as well. I am waiting to get my supplies together to determine the size any good suggestions on a good quality bag?
Let me add sunscreen and bug spray
Let me add sunscreen and bug spray
21 - 40 of 56 Posts
for the very reason of a SHTF situation and being able to bug out effectively I have started working out and getting into shape again lol and am also getting my wife onboard with the excersizeOnce you do get your bag fill it and prep it dont let it sit in the closet for the rest of its life. Put it on and go jog a couple of miles at a slow pace or start out walking depending on your fitness level, but do this atleast once a week. Prep your body not just your gear.Too make a list of what is in the bag along with expiration dates if you have any to keep your bag up to date.
We have a treadmill, which is immensely useful... I think running around the block with my kit on might look a little odd. So I run five miles with it on the treadmill every couple days.Once you do get your bag fill it and prep it dont let it sit in the closet for the rest of its life. Put it on and go jog a couple of miles at a slow pace or start out walking depending on your fitness level, but do this at least once a week. Prep your body not just your gear.Too make a list of what is in the bag along with expiration dates if you have any to keep your bag up to date.
The price is definitely good. It might be a little bulky comparatively, but you can't go wrong picking it up and trying it out.Black & Decker Mini Round Point Shovel with D Handle - Lawn & Garden - Outdoor Tools & Supplies - Hand Gardening Tools
I know its not a "survival" or "camping" shovel per se but I was thinking this little guy with a fiberglass handle could be useful.... what do you think since you have use with shovels for this particular use
I'm not planing on taking my machete with a saw back in my B.O.B as I am a hatchet though.Also they folding saw seems redundant If you have a decent sized knife or machete/ parang but that's just my input
Hatchet works good to ;p still gotta find a good one that's not stupid expensive I'd like to become proficient at using it as a substitute for a knife if ever needed.I'm not planing on taking my machete with a saw back in my B.O.B as I am a hatchet though.
The thing I have heard bad about the military type molle (which I assume you would lean towards) is that it is hard to get to your contents via the old type backpack straps and loop, it is not super comfortable for longer hikes and its not even water resistant that being said its super durable and the med would be more than enough for bob for a perfect weather rucksack kinda bag its the best of the best. I would go with a marmot, black diamond, some kind if mountain or hiking bag.Haven't purchased a bag yet because I want to get the contents then make a better assessment as to what size I need but I'm leaning more towards a MOLLE backpack vs. a hiker style bag
If I'm following you here, pick up an Estwing. They make excellent hatchets and they're around $45 if I recall.Hatchet works good to ;p still gotta find a good one that's not stupid expensive I'd like to become proficient at using it as a substitute for a knife if ever needed.
You can use your knife to split wood though, Really the only thing a hatchet does is give you a second tool to spread out the workload.
Well batoning or however the hell you spell it is the way I always split wood but more long term chopping small trees sapling Axe is 100x easier and I'm pretty proficient with throwing them that's shy I saw hard to find a not crazy expensive throwing/chopping Axe had some that chop but aren't well balanced for throwing. I'll check out your suggestion though.If I'm following you here, pick up an Estwing. They make excellent hatchets and they're around $45 if I recall.
You can use your knife to split wood though, Really the only thing a hatchet does is give you a second tool to spread out the workload.
Mylar space blankets are impervious to mouse farts. That's why we put food in the Mylar bags for storage. Unless the fart is lit with a match, then all bets are off.Hmm.... I don't see any rain protection,. Or any sun protection(sunscreen). Don't really count on the space blanket. A mouse fart will go right through it. Also, it's a little light on defense weapons. A hatchet or machete would be nice. Get yourseelf a half dozen Ramen noodle packets, too. If you get stuck traveling for more than a day or so, it's nice to have variety. You should add some kind of shelter if you can see spending days traveling. A simple tube tent would do, depending on the season.
It's hard to say much more without knowing your personal size and weight carrying ability.
Now all seriousness aside, how many days do you figure your BOB is designed for? Most people go for 3 days. All those batteries are nice and handy but do you really need that many?
Folding saw is great, but again I think it is over kill for a BOB. Have you looked at a wire or cable saw? Very light weight, works fine and can be packed very easily.
While you can always cook over an open fire, I don't like the idea of a big bright fire attracting attention. I went with an Esbit stove. Folds up to about the size of 2 decks of cards, side by side. The fuel is non-toxic, so it can be burned in a closed area as long as their good ventilation.
Don't forget TP, but rather than TP I went with baby wipes. Can also use them to wash up a bit.
I went with Mountain House dehydrated camping food to keep the weight down, but then you need more water or you'll need to be able to find it in route to your BOL. And of course a way to purify suspect water, like the Life Straw suggested. I also have a couple of Datrex bars for eating while walking. They taste like $hit, if you like that stuff, but they'll provide the calories. Again, you need water.
I second the idea of a firearm, and the shovel.
That's what your ss cup is, essentially. The object is to cut duplicate items to save weight. I agree with Arklatex in that you have to keep hydrated. A Lifestraw or the mini version is a must-have. If you can qualify for a concealed carry license, then do it. If the shtf situation is really bad you should carry a gun, license or not, but staying legal is best, if possible. Also a must is some kind of medical supply kit. What goes in it is a question with too many answers to give you any good idea. It depends on how much you can spend on it, what situations you're likely to encounter on the way, and your skill level, if any. If you're going to be traveling aloneI thought about these or M.R.Es however, should I get a small portable pot to add to my SS cup?
, then I strongly suggest you sign up for an emergency first aid course at a county extension office, a nearby college, or the local Red Cross. You may consider one change of outer clothes and a couple changes of underwear, plus rain or winter coats. There's a bunch more things on the ideal gear list, but I'm getting tired of typing. More later...
Farts aside, I find that plain mylar is flimsy. I prefer something that goes between me and the ground without ripping. This is something I can predict based on experience. He's 250 and I'm normally around 280. Heavy enough to stress single-layer mylar.Mylar space blankets are impervious to mouse farts. That's why we put food in the Mylar bags for storage. Unless the fart is lit with a match, then all bets are off.
Now all seriousness aside, how many days do you figure your BOB is designed for? Most people go for 3 days. All those batteries are nice and handy but do you really need that many?7
Folding saw is great, but again I think it is over kill for a BOB. Have you looked at a wire or cable saw? Very light weight, works fine and can be packed very easily.
While you can always cook over an open fire, I don't like the idea of a big bright fire attracting attention. I went with an Esbit stove. Folds up to about the size of 2 decks of cards, side by side. The fuel is non-toxic, so it can be burned in a closed area as long as their good ventilation.
Don't forget TP, but rather than TP I went with baby wipes. Can also use them to wash up a bit.
I went with Mountain House dehydrated camping food to keep the weight down, but then you need more water or you'll need to be able to find it in route to your BOL. And of course a way to purify suspect water, like the Life Straw suggested. I also have a couple of Datrex bars for eating while walking. They taste like $hit, if you like that stuff, but they'll provide the calories. Again, you need water.
I second the idea of a firearm, and the shovel.
Here's a few items that so far I have not seen anyone mention -- at least I don't think I saw them.
A small oil pen. Puts out one drop at a time.
Sail needles and thread. Use for heavy sewing like canvas, tents, or even your skin if need be.
Solar charger for USB devices and several USB cables with the two types of connectors
Very small pair of vice grips. Mine are 4"
I carry 4 ft of insulated solid wire - about the diameter of a coat hanger. Form it carefully to fit around your Pocket Organizer.
Eyeglass screwdrivers and mini-screws
Small spray vial of 99% Isopropyl alchohol
I keep 4' (two 24" wraps) of Gorilla tape (1" width) wrapped around a credit-card size plastic card.
A small padlock & key
Heat shrink tubing -- Selection of various sizes
Glover Pocket Ref book
Small magnifying glass and/or a credit-card size Fresnel lens
A signal mirror. Go with the real glass (instead of plastic which easily scratches) and 3"x5" size.
Long and short plastic tie wraps. At least a couple of each.
Chapstick
Fold up scissors -- Fiskars makes a really small compact pair.
A 6" rule -- plastic or steel
Finger nail clippers
Tritium lensatic compass
A large Tyvec postal bag -- folded up of course. Dozens of uses.
Good quality monocular. I prefer 8x42
Small (5") pry bar
A small trauma kit specifically designed to handle severe bleeding wounds
Not sure, but I don't remember seeing a multi-tool mentioned (Leatherman, Gerber, etc.)
One other thing worth mentioning ... for super glue, get a brand that you know will cap off and seal without drying out. I happen to like the Gorilla brand.
A small oil pen. Puts out one drop at a time.
Sail needles and thread. Use for heavy sewing like canvas, tents, or even your skin if need be.
Solar charger for USB devices and several USB cables with the two types of connectors
Very small pair of vice grips. Mine are 4"
I carry 4 ft of insulated solid wire - about the diameter of a coat hanger. Form it carefully to fit around your Pocket Organizer.
Eyeglass screwdrivers and mini-screws
Small spray vial of 99% Isopropyl alchohol
I keep 4' (two 24" wraps) of Gorilla tape (1" width) wrapped around a credit-card size plastic card.
A small padlock & key
Heat shrink tubing -- Selection of various sizes
Glover Pocket Ref book
Small magnifying glass and/or a credit-card size Fresnel lens
A signal mirror. Go with the real glass (instead of plastic which easily scratches) and 3"x5" size.
Long and short plastic tie wraps. At least a couple of each.
Chapstick
Fold up scissors -- Fiskars makes a really small compact pair.
A 6" rule -- plastic or steel
Finger nail clippers
Tritium lensatic compass
A large Tyvec postal bag -- folded up of course. Dozens of uses.
Good quality monocular. I prefer 8x42
Small (5") pry bar
A small trauma kit specifically designed to handle severe bleeding wounds
Not sure, but I don't remember seeing a multi-tool mentioned (Leatherman, Gerber, etc.)
One other thing worth mentioning ... for super glue, get a brand that you know will cap off and seal without drying out. I happen to like the Gorilla brand.
Forty some years ago a friend and I would get bored in the off-hunting season. We'd throw together a couple packs as light as we thought we could get away with, and hit the trail for two-three days...or more. .22 pistols, a box of fifty shells each, down sleeping bag, shower curtain ground cloths, matches, salt and pepper, a pound of butter, a jar of peanut butter, German or Swedish mess kits (they are the greatest for camping), matches, our clothes, and that's about it. We used pack frames with surplus Army medic bags. Depending on the season we'd wander the lower foothills of the Sierra or the higher elevations and river canyons. Shot lots of small game and ate it all. One of my favorite meal memories is of a mallard my friend shot. Incredible, 85 yards or more over water head shot with a S&W K22. We had to wait for an hour for it to drift to shore. Started raining, so we put on our shower curtains and sat there feeding a small fire and basting that duck with butter and salt and pepper on a flat hot rock. Fingersful of peanut butter on the side. I don't recall ever carrying or feeling we needed a flashlight, machete, or much of the cool stuff (not to say I don't have my fair share of it). Back then I affected a Case single blade folder, but have long since realized the virtue and utility of a Swiss Army knife. And a Kabar. And Glock makes a pretty good entrenching tool I've used for gold prospecting. Another nifty gadget is this thing called Fozzils. A flat pack about the size of a magazine (newsstand type). It's four sheets of plastic with snaps that fold up Origami-style into a cup, bowl, dish and spoon. Can't cook with them but they are great lightweight dishes if you use them (I'll eat out of the mess kit). Make a pretty good cutting surface when flat, too. Hypo-allergenic and easy to clean, I don't know if they are still available. I don't know your situation, but if I could I would take out on a two day, overnight trek or two or three and test out your stuff and skills, what you need and what you won't. I daresay you'll be lightening your load.
Zip ties Stainless steel leader and a Trot line
2 pairs of surgical gloves, lots of uses, including for first aid.
It sounds like you are all over the map as far as organization. Do a quick bing search on what is needed for a BOB and multiple articles should pop up. Think of the needs as modules and tackle them one at a time. Water, Food, Shelter, General Gear/Tools, FAK, Clothing/Personal, Security.Hey guys in the process of building my B.O.B but I'm at a stalemate. I don't know what else I need. Currently I have firestarters, flint and steel, survival knife, regular knives (2), bright L.E.D. flashlights batteries (32 count AA AAA), Tylenol cordage, fuel syphon, tarp, folding saw, lighter, knife sharpener, work gloves, emergency blanket, 4 bottles of water, and a SS cup for boiling water. That's about it. I know I need a first aid kit but I want to build my own (any suggestions), and I also know I need food like cliff bars and jerky but any other suggestions? O yea I don't have a bag yet as well. I am waiting to get my supplies together to determine the size any good suggestions on a good quality bag?
Let me add sunscreen and bug spray
On another forum I was on there was a discussion about this very topic. There was opposing opinions on what should be in a BOB/GHB, whether having or carrying a tent and sleeping bag or hatchet and saw or the ability to clean up water or dehydrated vs packaged food were items that should be in the bag. Concerns about putting in too much to efficiently carry. Ultimately I am of the opinion that everyone's situation is different, that I would rather have the extra gear with me that I could decide at the time of event whether to leave the extra stuff behind or hump it out.
What happens when you miss?Well batoning or however the hell you spell it is the way I always split wood but more long term chopping small trees sapling Axe is 100x easier and I'm pretty proficient with throwing them that's shy I saw hard to find a not crazy expensive throwing/chopping Axe had some that chop but aren't well balanced for throwing. I'll check out your suggestion though.
I don't know if that's sarcasm but well say I don'tWhat happens when you miss?
I agree with most of it some seem redundant and some kinda over prepping (don't kill me for saying that) I mean if you have the rights skill set you become less reliant on most of those things but also had some good points like the insulated wire which I assume are jumper cables. But scissor nail clippers... Knife has handled all those with ease and wtf would you need a ruler for in a BOB ?? I have others means of references if absolutely necessary
. Other wise good list gotta add some cables to my bag maybe got them in the truck but who know what happens when SHTF
Oooo and I just thought of it a face mask / or buff / bandanas would be good.
. Other wise good list gotta add some cables to my bag maybe got them in the truck but who know what happens when SHTFOooo and I just thought of it a face mask / or buff / bandanas would be good.
Well then I'll suggest you have watched and believe in too many ninja or lumber jack shows. Let's think about this, just for a second. You have a weapon in hand that could potentially do plenty of things from cutting wood to hammering nails to defending against multiple attackers if necessary, but you're going to throw it at a target and hope it hits it or is not deflected or whatever, and now what do you have? Nothing in hand. Every action has consequences, choose wisely. Sort of like bringing a knife to a gun fight.I don't know if that's sarcasm but well say I don't
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