[CourtSwagger]

I think that the sign of a good Bug Out Bag is when you find yourself going into it for items that you need almost daily. I find myself digging around in mine quite often. Obviously, it is IMPERATIVE that you replace anything that you use immediately. Apparently, I am much better at keeping the items stocked in my BOB than I am at keeping them stocked in my home!

 

[Leon]

I need to redo mine.

 

[yzingerr]

I personally do not use my BOB contents, ever.
I make sure that I leave my BOB alone (but review my list of contents often) so I am certain that the items are there when and if I need them.
To each his/her own

 

[yzingerr]

I need to redo mine.

Today IS THE DAY to do it!
Matter of fact, drop the mouse and do it now LEON!

 

[LunaticFringeInc]

More than a couple of times I have found myself lacking for what ever reason and luckily had my BOB with me in the truck and was able to get myself by. I think you make an excellent point though!

 

[MikeyPrepper]

just completed to them for my wife and I

 

[WoadWarrior]

I personally do not use my BOB contents, ever.
I make sure that I leave my BOB alone (but review my list of contents often) so I am certain that the items are there when and if I need them.
To each his/her own

Wow... your first line had me concerned until I read the second... and now I'm only partially concerned. Well... not really... since you and I will be prepping and surviving without any help from each other. But... as a fellow forum member... I do care a bit.

Just to clarify... Using your BOB doesn't mean depleting your BOB. It's the same as rotating out stored food.... you don't eat it and then go shopping for more. You shop for more... swap it out... and then eat it. So... if you are going to use up the batteries, or food, or matches, etc in your BOB, you buy new ones first so you are always ready to go.

I'm always amazed when I go backpacking that most of my friends have to rip their packs apart to find that one item they need because they have no experience with it. So... let me offer you a friendly critique. You packed and maintain a BOB. One thumb up. You review your contents regularly. Two thumbs up. You DON'T use your BOB and get experience with it. One thumb down.

Sure... you may know how to use each item in it and may even have spares that you use in the woods (in which case... I'd give you another thumbs up). But... there is a special experience that comes with knowing exactly where something is and being able to find it and use it... say... on a pitch black night... with a bear or bad guy creeping around. Or... trying to pull out that one barter item without the guy you are trading with seeing what else you have in your BOB.

But as you say... to each his/her own. Just my $.02

 

[yzingerr]

Wow... your first line had me concerned until I read the second... and now I'm only partially concerned. Well... not really... since you and I will be prepping and surviving without any help from each other. But... as a fellow forum member... I do care a bit.

Just to clarify... Using your BOB doesn't mean depleting your BOB. It's the same as rotating out stored food.... you don't eat it and then go shopping for more. You shop for more... swap it out... and then eat it. So... if you are going to use up the batteries, or food, or matches, etc in your BOB, you buy new ones first so you are always ready to go.

I'm always amazed when I go backpacking that most of my friends have to rip their packs apart to find that one item they need because they have no experience with it. So... let me offer you a friendly critique. You packed and maintain a BOB. One thumb up. You review your contents regularly. Two thumbs up. You DON'T use your BOB and get experience with it. One thumb down.

Sure... you may know how to use each item in it and may even have spares that you use in the woods (in which case... I'd give you another thumbs up). But... there is a special experience that comes with knowing exactly where something is and being able to find it and use it... say... on a pitch black night... with a bear or bad guy creeping around. Or... trying to pull out that one barter item without the guy you are trading with seeing what else you have in your BOisB.

But as you say... to each his/her own. Just my $.02

Respectfully i ask, what makes you believe that i don't know my pack inside and out?
I don't use the contents, this is true.
However I regularly open my pack and check the contents (honestly id say about every 3 months).
I do this to make sure batteries are good, make sure nothing has leaked or been compromised, and to re-evaluate the contents. This procedure actually stemmed from an incident where i hadn't inspected the bag for about 6mo. and when i finally did..battery acid had eaten through a few things.

 

[LunaticFringeInc]

Or... trying to pull out that one barter item without the guy you are trading with seeing what else you have in your BOB.

Now there is a good line of advice that I bet not many here thought of...a pretty smart one too I might add.

 

[rookie prepper]

I'm new to prepping and putting together my first BOB. Looking for med. to high end bag, looking at Maxpedition,5.11 Tactical and Balckhawk and suggestions would be appreciated!