Bugout Bag 101

Intro: Bugout Bag 101

Let's start building that bag!

STEP 1: Purchase a Suitable Pack.

I got this one at wallyworld for $40.00. It's the big one.

STEP 2: While You're at It...

Grab a waist pack and some small packs as well. Turn around and look at the camping stuff. Get some 8hr candles, water purification tabs., mosquitoe vail, solar blanket, matches and water proof case, 2l water bladder, extra bite valves, 1" qd clasps, 20l dry bag. Mosie on over to the craft isle and get some paracord clasps (need 4, sold in sets of 4), paracord, upholstery needles and embroidery thread.

STEP 3: Hit the Pharmacy Isles for This Stuff.

I got the first aid kit from my local grocery store cheaper than wally world. Don't forget stuff like aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol. All 3.

STEP 4: Now for the Packs.

Attach clasps to top of waist pack as well as bottom of back pack using some paracord and sew the knots with the embroidery thread doubled.

STEP 5: Take a Trip to Your Local Harbor Freight for Some Essentials.

pepper spray, hatchet, gloves, scissors, machete, magnesium starter, miners light.

STEP 6: Surplus Store Time.

Grab yourself some light sticks - 6 (yellow is easier to read by and produces best light), parachord (100' mil-spec), fleece balaclava and a camping stove (not pictured here).

STEP 7: Tarp and Spikes

I got tent spikes, 9 from Wal-Mart and a blue tarp 7x9 from H.F. for cheap.

STEP 8: Let's Organize All This Stuff Into Ziploc Bags. Medical, Fire, Fishing/hunting. Etc...

STEP 9: Keep Up With the Dates.

Keep up with the dates on your meds and other dated items. You must always keep your bag up to date.

STEP 10: Pack That Bag!

Pack that bag with thermal socks(3-4 pair), long johns, briefs, personal hygiene supplies, pants, shirts, 1 pair extra shoes and double check everything. Good luck and always keep your bugout bag with you.

Comments

[Myrthmaker]

You should add communications to stay in contact with each other and the outside world. I keep an Eton Scorpion II, 2 way radios for me and the rest of my family, cellphone, plus the means to keep them charged.
On a side note to answer previous comments: self defense is very important. Look at the reports of looting and other crimes that take place in natural disasters. People want what you have.

[steveofthenw]

Finally! A Bug Out Bag that DOESN'T include a big-assed handgun. These freaks on the Youtube & such always build their bag around an item that only does one thing: people-killin'. Should be called a "Start Something Bag". Can't use it for hunting; can't get close enough to game to hit it accurately. Don't really want to shoot a bear with it; it'll just piss it off.

If you must include a firearm in your BOB, all you really need is a Henry AR7; it breaks down into its (floating) shoulder stock & you can carry lots of 22 Stingers to hunt small game with, if that's your bag.

[Dr.Webb]

surprise you knew what a Henry survival gun is. The handgun is for one purpose self-defense. Many animals are aggressive such as wolves, dogs, deer, wait any animal that find you in their territory. Self-defense doesn't mean killing.

[BeardcraftS]

Why is everyone flipping out over the knife? It's a harbor freight bug out bag people, they don't sell Cuda or Benchmade knives there. A knife is better than no knife.

[tiunkabouter]

you do realize that you don't have a full tang knife?

I use a glock FM-78 wich is about the same size/price only a way better quality.

I've had a "survival" knife that wasn't full tang and it broke in half after a week, while the glock knife takes brutal abuse for 2 years now and is still sort of sharp.

and with a molle bag you might want to look into dominators and grimlocks, I'm in love with them, I can now tie almost anything to my bag.

[Cressers]

I'd suggest an olive green or earth tone colour for your tarp. In addition if you are reliant on spectacles or reading glasses have a spare pair in their case in your bag, along with a lens cloth and lens cleaning wipes.

[SparkySolar]

Thank you for your Instructable

Nice job.

Rima

[mcb0501]

I am going to make this bag when I get the supplies to make it. It looks awesome . Good job!

[graypeddler]

One item left out of all bug out bags is two step epoxy. For the broken handles of knives and lots of other stuff + some crazy glue also. Just a tip.

[th3_v1k1ng]

nice pack...
only thing to add is to go with your pain meds.... and thats anti diarrhoea meds and antacid tablets.. tums, rennie... some other uses for those 2 as well.

Check out something called SUGRU.. thats something new that I stick in all my packs, and I carry several on motorbike.. "just in case"..

[Locomiguel]

Complements on an excellent Job. First and foremost you have stated something that most do not: Keep up with the dates. Expiration dates are important and should be logged on the contents list in the bag and some where for followup. In today's world it can be an old fashioned calendar, An electronic calendar on a computer, tablet or cell phone, and should be placed on a tag on the outside of the bag. Second you have provided a bag that is within every ones price range. As you patently understand, there are differences between a Survival Kit, a Bug Out Bag, and a Bushcraft Bag, even though the terms are frequently used interchangeably. As you state in step ten, the bug out bag should be kept available at all times. That means packed and inventory complete and only used for a specific purpose. Cheap is good. The only thing I would add would be some kind of carborundum sharpening stone not unlike the one that was used by the Boy Scouts back in the dark ages when I was a member or a round Lawn Mower hand sharpener like the lansky puck. Something with two grits preferred, but even a small file will do. Even if a knife breaks off the handle you can retouch it in such a manner that it could be attached to a different handle. I would agree with tanzer26 that if one is going out and buying them, the kind of shears that we used to call "penny cutters" (because they would cut a penny in half) but are now called EMT Shears would be good, although for 99 cents with light duty in mind, why not. Really a great Job.

[drkangel319]

Very nicely done, I appreciate that you not only mentioned where to get things for cheaper, but didn't say that this was the only way to go. Yes, there are items that most would agree should be of better quality, but in a pinch, every item you have has multiple uses. I do agree that even if evasion is your goal with this, an item or two that would get someone's attention in an emergency is a good idea.

[dirtrydr88]

you can also purchase Kevlar panels custom shaped to your bag (for pistol protection) at www.bulletproofme.com

[_Who]

Ad some navigational items like maps compass etc

[_Who]

I wouldn't recomend that survival knife thing they are terrible I suggest you invest in a good knife

[kbc2]

tactical* store anf got a medium med bag, mainly for my frequent injuries but hooks on the my bugout bag. Good one ! get the feeble minded people aware.

[kbc2]

dig it! inexpensive way to start. cheap knife vs expensive knife.... what ever , it gets the job done. like you said... you put together your pack as to be prepared for where you are and/or where you might be heading. i had spent the extra money a while back at a tacktical store

[Mattakers]

A multi tool with a pair of pliers would be a good addition. Maybe a lifestraw also.

[Prepping2Endure]

inexpencive multi-tool can he had from te local Home Depot.. along with some other items you may be looking for

[SlavicFMJ]

I was just thinking about making a bug out bag, so thanks for the tips!