Step 4: Bug Out Bags (BOBs)
Bug Out Bags (BOBs)- the one thing you grab when you only have minutes to leave your house.
There is so much info out there on what to put in your BOBs. Everything from the most minimalist urban set-up, to survival in the apocalypse.
We’re going to go the common sense route here, and build bags that carry the items we would most like need/use for 80% of the scenarios most likely in our area and life. While there’s no problems with prepping for the more unlikely scenarios if you have the time, money, etc., for most people, most of the time, we want to focus on our real lives, and scenarios that would be most likely to happen. For example, the most likely scenarios for where I live:
there’s an evacuation order and you want to get ahead of the chaos/traffic, while others are panic packing
Fire alarm goes off in the middle of the night and you get your family out before your house goes up in flames (especially if you live with your house attached to others)
A home intruder or domestic violence situation means you need to leave asap
There’s an active shooter in your area and you need to get away fast
There’s an emergency alert for a tornado in your area
A mentally ill family member is trying to break down your front door and you need to grab the kids and run out the back way (iykyk)
Some of these scenarios you won’t have any experience with and could never see them happening to you, and that’s ok. This can also change over time. While you may look at a list like this and think, oh that doesn’t apply, in the future, you may be faced with a scenario you may not have been expecting. Pick the most likely things that you think can happen, and plan for them first. Then fill in the gaps if/when you can. Also keep in mind, that just because you don’t think it can happen to you, doesn’t mean it won’t. Adapt as situations change.
Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
The Bug Out Bag List
The contents here are for EACH person that can carry their own bag. The adult bags will have to carry enough gear for the kids as well (if you have ‘em), and possibly a pet. Get as much bulky light stuff into kids bags as possible (spare set of clothes, diapers, etc.), but realize that you might be carrying it as well. As kids get older, you can start to transition their own supplies into their own bags. You can go modular here and keep things organized in packing cubes or bags. Don’t forget your pets. Have a way to get them out and into a travel container you can carry in a hurry.
Our current Bug Out Bag list:
IFAK (Individual first aid kit - enough for your party, unless they can all carry their own)
32 oz water
collapsable canteen/water vessel
food that’s ready to eat
lighters/matches
bearspray/mace
headlamp + extra batteries
multitool/knife
tarp
emergency blanket
all-weather pen
docs - physical & usb drive
cash
paper/concentrated soap
tp + waste bags
nail clippers
appropriate extra clothes:
socks
base layer
underware
shell - top and bottom
buff/shemagh/bandana
gloves/mitts
hat/beanie
sunglasses
hand sanitizer
toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
deodorant
one/two-way radio
usb charging cable and wall plug
pads/tampons
ziplocks
dry bag
sunscreen
lip balm
face masks
tissue packs
handwarmers
medication
eating utensils
diapers and wipes
diaper garbage bags
Pet supplies
food/water bowls
food and treats
blanket
leash
carrier
important paperwork
medications
water
This should be able to sustain us/you for a few days while you make your way to a safe place. You never know the situation you might be going through as you make your way to your desired safe spot, so be prepared to be on the move longer than you expect.
Just a reminder: I’m no expert and nothing in any post/blog/section of this website should be taken as advice. I just want to be prepared so I can worry less, and enjoy life more and I want to share it with you!
This site contains affiliate links - of stuff I really love and use! It won’t cost you extra to click these links, some may even get you a sweet discount, and it helps me keep this page up and running.
Thanks! :)
