I'm curious does anyone here have a bugout bag? If so why? And what does yours hold?
Geek
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I'm curious does anyone here have a bugout bag? If so why? And what does yours hold?
Geek
Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk
My kit is pretty simple. Sleeping bag, fire starter, camp stove, water jugs, chainsaw, hunting rifle, and some misc. pots. It is set up in totes in the basement. Around here we are occasionally evacuated to higher ground because of tsunami issues. There is no record or evidence of one ever having been here, but I like to play it safe. Basically a day or night of truck camping.
Can't I just take my house with me?
Chrisl
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGeek
Let's see yours first.:D
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst - proverb
The proverb can be found back in Roger L’Estrange‘s Seneca’s Morals (1702)
"I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best." Benjamin Disraeli
“Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.” Maya Angelou
"What makes you think anything will happen?" My Mother
"That's stupid! I'll just go to the store to get what I need!" My Brother (it'll be too late, Richard)
I'll survive, but I'm not a Survivalist. I'm prepared, but I'm not a Prepper. I'm just a fat over-aged boy scout.
Yes, I have a bug-out bag. And NO, I'll not say what's in it.
Yes
We are basically "Bugged Out" where we live, I mean most people would want to bug out to to my back yard :p
BUT
Yes we have Emergency bags in each vehicle
Heavy waterproof clothes, candles, knife, MRE
Yes we have Packs always ready anyway
About 7 days worth of supplies, just need water to be added for the hike to wherever.. Typical camping supplies are packed
Yes we have a Storage Bin that goes on the UTV that has emergency supplies that if added to the Hiking Packs extends us to 14 days
To be clear though it isn't so much Bug Out Bags aka Prepper stuff as we live in the Boonies where the power does go out and the snow falls and the rains come and the creeks rise.. So we are always ready for issues :)
A very good friend, guy I worked with for nearly 20 years, is a survivalist. He has freeze dried food, tons of ammo, carries not one, but two semi auto pistols + spare magazines. He has body armor ! So anyway, I always thought he was nuts. Anarchy here ? Now ? Impossible ....... only now I'm not so sure.
I have weapons, ammo, if the omelet hits the fan. I have some provisions, a lot of water, and a small one burner butane stove for our seasonal storms, in case the power goes out. I don't have a bug out bag.
It is like where are you going to go ? I'd rather hold up here with my AR and 1k rounds. Eat tuna & soup until the national guard gets things under control. OTOH, I always think of what Robert Kennedy told his kids during the Cuban missile crisis. The kids asked if a nuclear war was possible.
RFK said it was. Why, they asked aren't we going into a fallout shelter ? Because, he told them, if there is a nuclear war, you wouldn't want to live in what is left when it is over. :hmmm:
I have a get home bag.....
Basically a day bag with an extra pair of clothes etc. Basically what every every Minnesotan should carry in their vehicle especially in winter.
I do not have a get out of dodge bag but have looked at quite a few suggested lists. Most to me are humorous. One person that about had me rolling on the floor had three knifes in their pack and then a Pencil sharpener!
This is 10 days ago within a mile of where I live @ 7 ft. above sea level , so the answer is: YES! This was just torrential rain...no tidal flooding in the area described.
The Outer Banks Voice - Matthew’s flooding in Nags Head unexpected, unprecedented
I worked on the iron range in northern MN. I've heard of people stuck in snowstorms who ran out of gas and ended up losing fingers, toes, limbs because they didn't have a sleeping bag, or enough clothing to avoid freezing. Probably some have died.Quote:
Originally Posted by 32t
I guess there are all kinds of "crash" bags.
When I was working I had a winter survival bag in the vehicle in case I ever got stuck somewhere in a storm.
Since I was subject to go on details at very quick notice I had a bag with all my LEO gear by the door. In addition to clothes, weapons and ammo and ballistic gear and binos and a few assorted other things.
We aren't equipped to bug out somewhere else, but we do have supplies for an extended period of time. Emergency kit in the cars that should be enough to get us through anything (short term) and get us home. Wife has a kit she keeps at work I made up for her that would allow her to make it home if a disaster struck while she was at work (or stay the night if she had to.) We do have a piece of land we are developing that might give Glemn a run for his money, but that's still a few years off. :)
Home kit currently has a 55 gal drum of water, an ever growing first aid kit, freeze dried/canned/dry stored provisions. Misc lights, generator, hand and power tools and a few cans full of stabilized gas.
I know this is a bit off topic, but what is everyone preparing for? In my case I am looking to prepare for an extended outage of public services for a month or so. Something along the lines of a natural disaster (mudslides, earthquakes, tsunami..... all things we worry about in Washington). I am NOT preparing for a SHTF scenario. Where I live in Washington state would most likely be taken out by a Nuclear warhead if WW3 went down due to the proximity of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (One of 3 certified nuclear repair facilities for Navy subs/carriers), Subase Bangor (home port for west coast ballistic missle subs and a large "dark area" where missles go to be refurbished), Naval Base Everett is just north of Seattle ..... the list goes on. Having a background in the nuclear field I honestly hope the nuke would kill me and my family as I wouldn't wish that hell on anyone.
Amen Matt!
A SHTF scenario would more likely come from a "extended outage of public services for a month or so" than it would from a nuclear problem. The human element is the biggest threat.Quote:
Originally Posted by MattCB
In hurricane Andrew the SHTF scenario started in less than 3 days. Police from different jurisdictions banned to together to protect the properties in remote areas. Our department spent 12 hours shifts, groups of 40 men, four to a car in residential areas as far as 40 miles from our own city. Looters shot at us , we shot back, we hit a few. The National Guard had patrols at night, platoon size,, some of the best equipment I had seen, especially their night vision. But they had no ammunition on their person,,,,, their command orders were not to engage, just a visual presence. I know this as because they ran across us at about 2am the first night out. We supplied them with 5.56, 12 ga & 9mm from the trunks of our squad cars. Each of our cars had a large stash of ammo & weapons of our own personal choice.
Three to five days without facilities & food,,, the unprepared become a problem.
I think you are spot on Hirlau. I see a lot of folks bringing up the worst case scenario so that is what I went with. I actually think a far more likely scenario than nuclear would be an extended EMP blast(s) that took out electronics. As far as what we would actually have to deal with, as you stated, humanity is my biggest worry as far as things that would be likely to happen. I fully expect the same thing would happen here after a few days of no supplies. I wish I had a good answer on how I would handle it, but besides loading everything up in the truck and pitching tents on out little piece of land in the boonies (if we could get there) I would probably just end up trying to keep out heads down and not overly advertise that I had supplies for my family. Unfortunately, at some point you would also have to make a call on who you help out and how much of the items you have for your family you are willing to share.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
Anyone remember the Twilight Zone episode where the family went to the fallout shelter? I don't remember whether the issue was aliens (from space) invading or an expected nuclear attack, but the neighborhood went bonkers trying to break in to the fall out shelter. Civilisation is just a thin veneer when you come right down to it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
I don't have all the answers, I've learned most of what I know by OJT , being tossed into the deep end, so to speak. I do know that there is strength in numbers. Meaning, get to know your neighbors,, learn what they are doing or not doing to prepare. Know their skills,, he may not be able to fire a rifle or grow food, but he may be one h*ll of a mechanic & know electricity. Try to have a simple plan for uniting when the problem comes.Quote:
Originally Posted by MattCB
If you set yourself(family) apart, then you will be one of the first to be challenged.
[QUOTE=Hirlau;1677784
If you set yourself(family) apart, then you will be one of the first to be challenged.[/QUOTE]
Great advice! Strength is in unity.
I find this a little funny. Cant tell you how many times in the Army they told us to guard some thing gave us a weapon and no ammo. I guess they figured the psychological fear instilled by a bunch of grunts walking around with M-16's was enough. Didnt make me feel any better though lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
We are but Nine meals away from Anarchy....
Always been one of my favs
Always been a fan of "The Rule of Three" also
We have had this discussion on the forum in the past and it normally devolves along political lines :(
Just imagine flipping off the power for an extended period of time and you see how fast things get critical
I have said this a few times,
There is a fiction book that really lays out what happens when the lights go off, regardless of the reason if you haven't read it enjoy a good read with some good insight.. He has more in the series but I have not read them
https://www.amazon.com/Second-After-.../dp/0765356864
A different situation, but 2 storms back in '04, when I first moved into this 55 & over condo community, left us without power for 10 days, and another for 12 days. The community rose to the occasion and helped each other.Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
Of course this wasn't a situation where 'mere anarchy ruled' (Yeats) and the local gov was providing bottled water, food, for those who were ill prepared. Forget about cold water shaving, learning to take cold showers is an experience I'll never forget, but I don't remember it fondly .. :)
To be honest. I was really just being nosey.
Amazon has been giving me free books to read and a number are about making bug out bags and survival tins.
I do not have a ready bag. But when I go hill walking I do carry what Ill need if I'm stuck out. As getting caught on a hill in Scotland unprepared can and will kill you.
Geek
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Really ? I would have figured that for Chicago, NYC, or Washington DC, but Scotland ? :rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGeek
Your "get out" or "get home" bag should be constructed based upon your own situation. You can get some good ideas from online and some of the items will be common in all bags.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGeek
But,,,
What I carry in December, here in South Florida, is going to be a bit different that what I would carry in Idaho or Scotland in December.
Definitely - when I biked through England, we were in and around Pangbourne I believe, when for a hike up the side of a mountain, beautiful rivers and streams, came out onto flat plains, covered in Moors. Very deceptive, looks flat, but filled with dips and crevices.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
We were there around 430pm, suddenly it started getting dark, we realized we had no idea where we were, we were lost on a featureless black landscape, and it started getting very cold and a huge fog descended on the entire area. Thankfully we had parked our biked at, "The Hiker's Bar", where we'd met a few locals over a pint of Theakson's Old Peculiar, and when we hadn't shown up by 7pm, they were about to send out a party to look for us.
We were both in shorts and t-shirts, but being very much used to the cold, and in good shape, we gave up trying to find our way back and just started jogging down the side of the mountain, we hit cow fields, then finally hit a road. Another 7km jog and we walked back into the bar....
There was much amusement, and then some stern warning, lots and lots of people had died on the Moors we were told...we had nothing with us, we were stupid, and as a result, almost won ourselves a Darwin Award.
O.K. Phrank ,, who were you guys running from ?? :rofl2:
Our stupidity, fear, and werewolves....Quote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
Also the thought of being exhumed from some Moor 5000 years in the future and being revived by Aliens....other than that, all good.
Hill walking in Scotland can be *really* deceptive. Loads of walkers start out at the base in shorts, t-shirt, and runners, and then they die on the hill. The problem is exactly like Phrank described. What starts out as a beautiful warm sunny day at the base turns into a deadly combination of wet and cold (many are lost to hypothermia) along with terrible visibility (many others get turned around and step off a cliff in the fog).Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
My solution? Go to Ben Nevis, look up the hill, turn left to the Ben Nevis Inn, grab a table, a pint, and some lunch, and enjoy the view. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJP6Pi07AUwQuote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
,,,,,,,,,:rofl2:
In the eighties, before it was vogue, and long before there was reality TV shows about it, I lived off grid. For entertainment I used to go for long hikes and try to see how little gear I could bring to survive the week in the woods. It was great fun. Many many great long solo hikes, with very limited gear and great memories. It does get very very quiet out there.
Hehehe I knew we were friends for a reason :)Quote:
Originally Posted by RezDog
I used to love heading into the Colorado high country in April to camp, the challenge was getting caught in a Spring snowstorm...
Sometimes I look back in awe at the crazy stuff I did and I am surprised I am still around
In Scotland there is an amecdotal phrase... 4 seasons in a day.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
It is in reality however far from anecdotal. You can start off at the base of a hill on a gorgeous day amd before you reach the summit snow has closed in.
Geek
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On Haida Gwaii we have a saying, if you don't like the weather wait 20 minutes, it will change. Spring and fall here the weather patterns are very volatile. We do not always get snow on sea level but as soon as you start up into the alpine country it all changes. Elevation makes all the difference when it comes to temperatures and weather patterns.
I have a get home bag for work but since I ride my bicycle to work I am not getting stuck in a traffic jam.
I also have some go to gear should I be forced out due to some emergency.
Otherwise I will stay put and wait it out.
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I actually have a get home bag in the vehicle, that has an inventory sheet inside. I went to show you a copy of it,, then realized that I have not updated it in over a year. I have switched several things out. A bit embarrassing, but I will inventory it this weekend & post the sheet.
I also keep a main bag in the house , that is inventoried also; it needs updating also.
A 1 hour,, 24 hour & a permanent EVAC plan is on file.
Also , shelter in place plan is on file.
Have always had a bag, never knew when I'd be stuck somewhere for a few days with nothing but that bag, but in our vehicles we have a get home bag, there are very simple, protein bars, water, first aid, fire, knife, multi tool, blankets or sleeping bag, depending n time of year, extra clothes, flashlights, and emergency radio. And of course, weapon and ammo. And my favorite, 100' of paracord. At the house the more serious bug up bags are always ready, and lots of cases of water in our pantry along with enough food in cans and dry containers to last a month. And f the natural gas doesn't get wiped out our whole house generator will keep the food cold, and we do know what that's like, cause a few years back we were without power for 12 days, life at casa Tc went on as normal with the AC running just fine. Plus a few neighbors freezers in the garage. I,m not a prep per or survivalist, but being prepared is just smart insurance.
But if you really get down to it, all you need is a knife and a cool head,, most people don't die from lack food and water they die from lack of knowledge. Tc
How big is your file cabinet!:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
I have a friend a few miles away that I have thought about asking to put a little file of stuff at his house and offering to keep his.
For example if a train would derail in my neighborhood, or my house burnt down I would be welcome there or vice versa. If it got to the point that neither place was accessible I wouldn't spend to much time worrying about it.
It's easy to get caught up in preparing,, then you end up on "Prepper T.V.".
Keep it simple, keep it updated, keep it ready.
Keep an eye out for items that get developed , that make things easier.
I think this pretty much covers it. Especially the cool head part. If you get all wrapped up and emotional, chances are you might not make it. Knowledge is a very powerful thing in the right hands...Quote:
Originally Posted by tcrideshd