here's a way for the newbies among us to get an idea of what goes in a bug out bag, as well as a chance for us all to critique each other's kits or get some new ideas.

here's mine:




from the top left:

fishing vest (aka poor man's LBE)

fanny pack (also a concealed carry holster)

main BOB

primary combat rifle (K-31 7.5x55)

RIA 1911 .45 acp pistol (primary carry weapon)




on me all the time:

pocket pack (sealed pack containing P-38, 20ft of nylon string, tinder quik tab, pack of matches, 5 silver dimes, 1-1/10th oz gold round, $20 bill)

lighter

leatherman kick multi tool

gerber pocket knife

pocket money

ear plugs (i go shooting a LOT)

pistol




fanny pack, clockwise from top left:

3 film canisters (one with 50 yards of nylon string wrapped around it) containing tinder quik tabs, strike anywhere matches and aspirin

collapsable diamond sharpener

sewing needle and thread

0000 steel wool (fire tinder)

fingernail clippers

10 yards of duct tape

several packs of ear plugs (i go shooting a lot )

moneyclip/knife with $50 in small bills

2-7 round mags for the 1911

coffee pack (instant coffee, creamer, sugar, etc)

several bullion packs (from raman noodle packs)

bead chain

50 ft paracord

1 GB thumbdrive (survival info)

magnesium fire starter

lensatic compass

radiation dosimeter

sewing awl

pill box with antacid and naproxin tabs

syringe needle (great for removing splinters)

roll of tums

2 packs of cigarette papers

combat (fishing ) vest. top to bottom on left:

energy drink mix

10 rounds of 7.5 ammo for my rifle

pack of cigarette papers

ear plugs ( :) )

film canister of matches with 30 ft of steel wire around it

several .30 carbine rounds (for wife's rifle, i carry 30 rds in the vest)

LED flashlight

field dressing (in the red CPR pack)

8x21 binoc's

2-8 round mags for my pistol

on right:

10 rds 7.5

40 rds 7.62x39

lighter

20 rds 7.5




hung on the outside of the BOB:

canteen with cover, cup and stove

local map

plastic decon box filled with wood shavings (tinder)

decon box filled with tobacco and sealed




in one outside pocket. clockwise from top left:

allen wrench set

mountain eagle .22 target pistol with two mags and 50 rds of ammo (for survival hunting)

3 hand warmers

5 rds .308

5 rds .30-06

6 rds 7.5x55

6 rds .223

holster for pistol and ammo

pocket chainsaw kit

disposable razor and blades

100 rds .22 minimag

stick deodorant

more ear plugs...

deck of playing cards

handful of 1-1/4 inch drywall screws

cigarette lighter

8-.45 acp rds




the other outside pocket. clockwise from top left:

2-3600 cal lifeboat rations

6 tea bags

3 coffee packs

3 instant oatmeal packs

hand lotion

bar of soap

lip balm

matches

alcohol wipes

cold/flu drink mix

hand cleaner towels

nylon mesh ditty bag

hand crank radio/flashlight/ cell phone charger

feminine napkin (improvised trauma dressing)

3 spiced cinnimon apple cider drink mixes

main compartment from top left:

mylar bivy sack (emergency sleeping bag)

mylar tarp

vinyl shower liner (tarp)

emergency poncho

2 pr nylon sock liners (i'm allergic to wool)

3 pr wool socks

6 raman noodle packs

change of pants/shirt

4 sawdust/wax fire starters

box of strike anywhere kitchen matches

container of sugar

container of instant coffee

box of jello

roll of TP

bushman spear/knife

2 packs of shoe strings (utility cord)

3 oatmeal packs

water filter bag

mess kit

road flares




water filter bag contains:

emergency fishing and snare kit

traumatic wound dressing

tinder paper

katadyn mini water filter




mess kit contains:

micro-fiber towel

utensils

tea bags

tommy stove with hexamine fuel

salt

lighter

soy sauce pack

6 bullion packs

well, that's it...what do you all think?

Not bad at all. Here's a few thoughts, in not order of importance or occurrence:

7.5x55? I've never heard of that caliber, which tells me it can't be that common. Goes against the conventional wisdom of having a rifle in a "common caliber" (.223, .308, x39, .30-06) - because ammo supply is going to stop in a PAW. If you have enough ammo stored, of course, it's not a problem. I think it's refrreshing to see something different.

First Aid. I'd like to see some more. It's good to have some stored at your BOL/Cache, etc. but if you're on the road and need more than one dressing....

Water. It's good that you have a filter and a canteen - everyone should. (I still need to get mine) It wouldn't hurt to put some water in there - maybe the USCG rations. This is what I want to snag if I can find some locally - again, what if you're stuck on the road, and there's no source nearby, and you're thirsty? Just a thought.

Otherwise, it's excellent. Much better than mine currently is, that's for sure!

i appreciate the comments and suggestions...we can all learn something from each other. in answer to your questions:

the 7.5x55 is the cartridge used in the swiss K31 rifle. i chose it because it's absolutely the most accurate of all the combat rifles available. also the straight pull bolt is faster than any other bolt system. out here in the desert ranges are long. it is my opinion that it's better to have a rifle that can hold sub 2" groups at 300 yards as i may well have to shoot at 2-3 times that range here. the other reason is that i currently can't afford a semi-auto in an acceptable caliber, though the K31 may one day be replaced with an M1 garand or M1A. also, i reload and cast my own bullets. while my cast bullets aren't as accurate as the match grade i usually shoot, they are still within 1 MOA, which is good enough.

for first aid my philosophy is to keep it simple. while there is only one trauma dressing there are a couple menstrual pads that can be used in the same way. for most other injuries my wife has an extensive kit in her BOB, and if i'm away from her i'll just have to make do. i do intend to expand my kit when i can, but for now i simply can't afford to.

my BOB is in excess of 40lbs right now and i've already reduced it as much as i feel comfortable with. adding water quickly increases the weight and for too little gain. each gallon is 8lbs and only supplies you with enough for a day (less if you're exerting yourself). even though this is a desert there are rivers and streams all over. my bug out plan includes staying close enough to them to replenish my supply as needed. that filter i chose is good for 2000 gallons of water, enough to last me for years. the one thing i do intend to add however is a collapsible water container as soon as i can.

come on folks...join in, i don't bite.

Heh, I want to join in - I just don't have a digital camera, and can't justity borrowing one just for that. Once my kit's a little better, then I will.

As far as the 7.5x55 - hey, I'm not knocking it. If it works for you, then go for it. Around here the only way you've got more than 200 clear yards is at an airport or on the highway. Most woods shooting is at ranges of 70 yds, or less, and even in a town, you're not going to have much more than 200yd. That's why long-range accuracy isn't as much of a concern. Obviously, you need to go with your area and what works for you. Like I said, though, just keep in mind what would happen if SHTF - I imagine ammo is already a PITA to get.

And as far as first aid - again, whatever works for you. I would just hate to see you (or someone else) need it, and not have it.

no, i understand. i wasn't upset i was just explaining my reasoning.

to be honest, except for .22 i haven't bought ammo in years. i reload everything and cast for everything. that's why i can afford to shoot as much as i do.

dad's still helping me put mine together. but, this helps so i can put it together myself. i don't have anything going on today so i think i may go put as much together as i can now.

Okay , mines being re-organized over the weekend. This is what I just spread out on the table. The bag itself is a 3day assault style with a lot of external pockets. I'll photograph it when the weekend is up.

Bear in mind I EDC a light , a real handgun , and knife ( Benchmade Snody Resistor ) , with assorted other useful things ...




Never mind the plywood on the table ..

Woodland pattern parka shell.
Gloves , Wide brim hat , bug spray, sun screen, poncho.

Beginning of tool group - my smallest useful visegrips.

Walther P22 & 100 Minimag 22lr's

heavy grade large palstic bags , 2. 8x10 poly tarp , 100' paracord.

2 nalgenes , one w/ metal cup bottom.

Crank am/fm/sw radio

mini binocs , compass

Water filter.

2 Survival sardene can kits ( people keep giving them to me ).

Altoid tin w/ vasoline cotton balls , magnesium block & flint, 2nd flint thing.

Couple few Bic lighters

neck chain w/ mini SAK, P38 , whistle, minmag solitaire, dog tags.

Innova LED light.

soap, contact lens thing, toothpaste,5 candles.

1st aid box w/ scissors & tweezers , Oxycodone , & various OTC stuff.
Also contains space blanket , heat units , lighters , space blanket-esque bag.

heavy ass Cold Steel tanto , & Xmas pres very sharp hatchet.

Small pile of the container/bags some of this stuff rides in.