I need some advice. I’m a newbie with bug out bags. Most of you don’t really know me too well but I was born in the Midwest but grew up out near an airbase out in CA while it was still a red state (ancient times). My son has special needs and our finances were drained for most of his life on Rx and healthcare costs to the point where purchasing guns wasn’t much of an option. Ironically, the Obama’s ACA made it extremely worse despite us being told it was going to be cheaper. Shock…Gasp!
We moved back to my birth town (after finding out my son was deathly allergic to desert weed pollen) and I was finally able to purchase some firearms and a proper safe to keep my son from exploring too much (though I’ve still tried to educate him on safety with a 1911 airsoft gun). I’ve learned much in the way of home protection defense and EDC best practices but I am still struggling on finding good recommendations for a bug-out bag optimized for the non-desert areas of the North American continent. This is where my question lies:
I have:
-warm clothes and emergency blankets
-emergency radio
-solar panel charger for phones
-spare gas
-applicable Rx
-water purification tablets
-water containers
-various size batteries
-power inverter
-dried food (that my food-allergy prone son can still eat)
I agree with gold but 1st, its heavy and hard ti carry as currency. Also at today’s prices, hard for most folks to afford. If you dont already have it……
I know there are many lists online but many are from companies selling the products on the list. I figured I’d ask the experienced folks here. I appreciate the feedback already!
Sadly, you are the only one spreading the dollar in another country. You are easy to find. That is why gold always has value. A lot of people will do many things for it and keep their mouth shut that they have it when you spend it.
You may think so but coming from you GC, not to worried.
You are right though, gold and even silver is where its at…..if you can afford it. If you dont already have it, buying high is sketchy. Although i dont see prices dropping
Besides, where did i say gold was bad? You making ■■■■ up again???
Question, are the “water containers” you mentioned capable of withstanding a heat source for boiling water?
If not, I would recommend a small pot or similar container that you can use to boil water. Preferably one with some sort of lid that can be locked.
I also do not see cordage of any kind on your list.
I’d recommend 1-3 of the bright orange trash bags, the ones often used for lawn refuge. They’re multipurpose (makeshift poncho, wet weather roof or gear protection, signal flag, waterproof blanket, etc). Plus, when folded they consume very little space.
Whether or not you smoke and/or drink, you would be wise to have a supply of each to trade for other provisions. And let’s not forget about rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and (clean, new) baby diapers for infections as well as dressing large wounds.
Just a suggestion. Nearly everything will likely be scarce and valuable.
That is just awesome!!! You are so correct. Things break down so fast. Growing up on the farm, I am used to storing food and making sure I have heat and water.
I regret the lists are endless, and if ever there where too many videos on a topic, this is the epitome of “rabbit holes”, but fun.
Practicality; helpful during a power outage or post inclement storm damage.
Depending on the need, if it’s short term, short trip, or longer term duration - as size and weight of the bag will limit what one can carry.
Might depend on how is one traveling; An on foot bag (medium), bike bag, or bag a car can manage in size and weight (large). Lots of prioritizing as to what to leave in, what to leave out. Hence a vehicle bag might offer secondary need items?
cash in small bills
write down contacts & important stuff you think your phone will always have in case your phone fails
write down & keep in front bag pocket the list of what’s in it
pepper spray gel
knife
pencil/pen/paper
communications – cel phone, sat phone, GMRS or ham radio
emergency alert Satellite GPS Communicator/Beacon
personal hygiene items (head to toe)
mini hand shovel (please)
nail clippers
cotton swabs/q-tips
Midwest you say?; My ‘Kryptonite’ are mosquitos and sunburn.
Car gas you say?; Because of its danger and odor, I’ve thought about obtaining a canister which I can attach on the outside of the vehicle. Learned that the hard way as I lack in common sense.
In my humble opinion, all the items you’ve listed can’t fit in a Bug Out bag. At least none that you can carry.
Maybe a 4x4 3/4 ton should be on your list?
What are the scenarios that you can think of requiring a Bug Out response?
Tornados? Floods? Fire? Riots? Nuclear War? Those are the kinds of issues to address.
I’d recommend establishing close ties with relatives/in-laws or friends in a distant town where you can have a place to Bug Out to, and reliable means and routes to get there.
