Peppers View - The Bug Out Bag

When the SHTF, the response plan for many will be to leave the area. For some that may be the only option for a variety of reasons. For example you may live in an apartment building that would be difficult if not impossible to defend. Or it may be that the impending disaster is natural and may be catastrophic in proportion requiring you to "Bug Out". Whatever your reasons, the decision to bug out should be made using predetermined triggers and the bug out plan should be established well in advance. Like now.

Before some of you go off the deep end on the criticism train and start calling me an extremist, the Federal Government recognizes the need for disaster preparedness and has published a booklet entitled "Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness". Yes, even the government recognizes that they can't take care of you in circumstances such as these. You are responsible for your own well being. A novel concept to many. But I digress. Any plan must include one ready to go bag per person containing supplies necessary to provide food, water, sanitary needs, etc. In Prepper circles it is commonly referred to as the "Bug Out Bag". (FEMA calls it the Basic Disaster Supplies Kit)

A bug out bag can contain almost anything you want but most preppers and FEMA recommend some basics.

72 hours worth of non-perishable food
3 days supply of water based on a gal. per day (or the ability to purify a sufficient amount)
portable radio with extra batteries
Flashlight and batteries
Moist towelette/toilet paper
Waterproof matches
extra clothing whistle (? whatever FEMA)
eating utensils such as a camping mess set - including a can opener
Identification
Cash and credit cards
Personal health needs, glasses, contacts, cleaning solution
Special needs such as infant formula/cereal/food
First aid kit including tylenol or ibuprofen and an anti-histamine
Bug spray

In cold climates you may need sleeping bags, blankets, gloves, etc.

Keep in mind that non-perishable can include canned goods but they can be heavy. MRE's are available at your local military surplus store and can be purchased on-line. Many stores locally have dried foods by "Mountain House" that are re-constituted by adding boiling water. They are very, very good. AND they are very light to carry. Do your homework.

That is the extent of the "Kit" as described by the government. Go figure.

My kit carries a few more goodies.
a hatchet
a tent
k-bar survival knife (official knife of the USMC)
a folding shovel
100 feet of 550 parachute cord (use to lash branches when making a shelter or a snare for small animals - again, do your homework)
large canister of pepper spray - a fogger
Multi tool
Water purification tablets
Fire starter packs - flares also work well
Hand and feet warmers
350 rounds of ammo for my personal defense weapon (yes I will be carrying my weapon because none of this would do any good if you can't defend it and your family)

We would like to know what you would add to your bug out bag that isn't included in the list above.

It should suffice to say that any comprehensive bug out plan will include a bug out destination. That destination needs to include food and shelter that will be available to you and yours when you get there (hotel, restaurant, family, friends, whatever).