Bug Out Gear You Need for Catastrophe

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What Is a Bug Out Bag?

Bug out gear is more than just the bug out bag, but the bag is easily portable and is a vital element to your survival. Most people don't have a bug out bag, which is technically a military originated term for a kit that allows you to survive for at least 72 hours on your own.

My dad was in the air force in Korea and Viet Nam and they always had a "bail out bag" on hand in case they were shot down or had to land in enemy territory.

Today, you might not have to bail out of a plane in enemy territory - because the catastrophe has the potential to be right in our own backyard. Whether it comes from a terror attack, a cruel weather scenario, a run on our energy sources, or a medical outbreak - a bug out bag is essential for every household.

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Bug Out Bag List

  • 1 Gallon of water per person, per day
  • Non-perishable food (MREs are good for this)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Matches, lighters
  • Evacuation plans and maps
  • Camping gear (shelter, cookware if needed)
  • Clothing
  • Necessary medicine (and first aid kit)
  • Firearms, ammunition and knives
  • Cash
  • Identification and other records
  • Repair kit (for sewing or patching things - duct tape, etc)

Top 5 Best Bug Out Bags

(I have a special list of SOC Bug Out Bags below, so this list will be other brands)
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Top 5 Bug Out Kits

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Bug Out Survival Is More Than Just Packing a Bag

Many people it's enough to just pack a bag and have it in a spot they can easily access. But surviving a catastrophe is more than that.

It's knowing whether you should leave your current spot or stay in one place. And if you need to go - where to? And how?

What route should you take to get there/ You need a few alternative routes in case there are problems with one.

You need to know who you can trust to survive with you.

5 Must Haves for Bug Out Clothing

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Top 5 Bug Out Shelter Options

If you have a durable shelter and it's a good idea to stay put, do so. But if you have to pick up and leave, try these options.
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What Should Your Bug Out Location Plan Look Like?

If staying in your home isn't a good option, then you need a bug out location (or two) to consider. These need to be prepared before a disaster - preferably stocked with food rations and other survival gear.

If you can't stock it ahead of time, then you should be prepared to pack up what you need and move out quickly to the second location.

Make sure you're traveling at a good time - some areas will need to be traveled during nighttime while others, it'll be best to move to in daylight.

The best advise for survivalists is to steer clear of the cities during a catastrophe. You'll want to be out in the countryside. Not out in the wilderness in the middle of nowhere, but far enough away that you're not in danger from rioting or other disturbances.

Have a good network of support. Try to gather a few close friends or family members to have a plan with who live nearby. It'll be better to have safety in numbers.

Top 5 Bug Out Book Options

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Top 5 SOC Bug Out Bag Choices

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Don't Forget Your Bug Out Vehicles

Obviously a large camper would be ideal, because it's a home on wheels.

But you might need to travel on terrain that isn't welcoming to a traditional vehicle. So here are some other options to help get you where you need to be.

You'll want to either buy a camper for the bed of your truck, an ATV vehicle, a motorcycle or bike, or a boat.

Top 5 Bug Out Vehicles You Can Have at Your Disposal

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Survivalist Debate:

Should You Share Your Supplies With Others?

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No! If they were dumb enough not to prepare, it's not my fault. I'm saving my supplies for ME!

sherridan says:

I would love to think I would share, but when scared and protecting your loved one's, you don't always do what you should! It would be hard not to just save supplies for my own kids.I feel guilty just thinking about it!

timo5150 says:

well I am split on this just depends on the situation. If I have enough I always lend a hand but my family comes first

Yes! If I encounter someone in need, I'll share my supplies with someone else.

GmaSoup says:

I think that is going to be one of the hardest decisions we will have to make, whether to save another life. I want to say I won't share to preserve my own family but I don't know if I could turn down a child or anyone actually that was suffering.

 

What Got You Into Prepping for Survival?

  • GmaSoup Mar 4, 2012 @ 2:26 pm | delete
    I live in Oklahoma's tornado alley where it pays to be prepared. Also with the plummeting economy and hyperinflation on the horizon I think its a good idea to stock up and start your own garden. Also learn some skills that our great grandparents knew.
  • klash5 Feb 19, 2012 @ 10:21 pm | delete
    Great Hub, Thanks for the info!
  • GrammaLinda Feb 13, 2012 @ 10:56 pm | delete
    Solid information. Thanks!
  • cffutah Feb 13, 2012 @ 10:52 am | delete
    Enjoyed reading this, important indeed, I've got a72 hour kit in my vehicle trunk just in case.
  • LornsA178 Feb 10, 2012 @ 11:26 am | delete
    I never thought about this survival and preparing for calamity until I read this lens. Something to think about. Thanks for the info.

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