BOB question

[IN New Guy]

Hi folks! I have until now spent almost all my time in the gun sections, but in reviewing my BOBs, I'd like some advice. I'm beginning to question the need for a bug out bag.

I live in a smaller sized city. If a disaster such as a major fire, or a train overturned spreading chlorine or something in the area, the wife and I would simply go to a relative's home on the other side of town and bunk in until the "all clear" was given.

If there was a societal breakdown like riots, etc, (no zombies, please) we are well suited to hunker down with preps: food, guns, ammo, water, clothes, firewood, etc.

I'm having a hard time seeing a situation where at our ages (almost 70), I'd put on a rucksack and take off somewhere. Therefore, I'm considering doing away with the wife's and my BOB and its traditional contents: IFAKs, compass, knife, paracord, mini flashlight, space blanket, poncho, etc. Maybe pack a BOB with things like a backup computer hard-drive, wills, DD 214s, cash, meds, toilet articles, and similar items - but not traditional survival items one would need in "The Book of Eli" or Mad Max.

Opinions, anyone??

 

[cburnworth]

Do you currently have any seasonal kits in your car.
Don't just think of it as a bob. Think of it is I am stuck on the interstate for several hours with nowhere to go & no way to get food or water. Just make it more of a seasonal go bag.

 

[KittySlayer]

...the wife and I would simply go to a relative's home on the other side of town and bunk in until the "all clear" was given.

• IFAKs ~ does your relative have first aid supplies? Do they have enough to share?
• Compass ~ small, I'd keep it.
• Knife ~ every adult male (and female) should always have a knife.
• Paracord ~ so many uses, especially when a guest elsewhere. Clothesline to dry your laundry?
• Mini flashlight ~ really helpful navigating to the bathroom in an unfamiliar house.
• Space blanket ~ small, I'd keep it. Multi use.
• Poncho ~ so many uses. Rain, privacy screen, floor cover, etc. Not just for the woods.

Maybe pack a BOB with things like a backup computer hard-drive, wills, DD 214s, cash,

Something actually helpful from the government. Use this list to get your financial and personal documents gathered together.

https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/emergency-financial-first-aid-kit

 

[bobzilla]

For us it’s more of a “what’s it take to get home?” Bag. Water, snacks, minimal first aid supplies, backup meds, edc and spare mags (because work carry forbidden)

 

[Steve]

Think of the recent I-95 snow incident in VA a few weeks ago. What would you need to have for food, water, shelter, and warmth to sit on the interstate for 24 hours? What would you need to have on hand for immediate access if you were stranded off the road due to weather or an accident for an extended period of time? Fire, shelter, 1st aid, a way to boil water, extra meds or a pair of glasses, change of clothes, toiletries, deck of cards, means of signaling for help? And, of course, a handgun with extra mags or speedloaders for self defense. Think of it as a "staying safe and getting thru a bad situation" bag rather than a BOB bag. And if you are not going to carry it on your back, don't worry about using a backpack style bag. Instead, get one that has a few compartments to organize things easily. Put it together and throw it in the trunk of the car and you are good to go. Just remember to rotate any items that might expire a couple of times a year.

 

[Keith_Indy]

What if that evac to other side of town becomes, all route are blocked have to evac somewhere else?

Even going 'cross town, do your relatives have supplies for you, your med's and any special needs? Change of clothes for the conditions.

That's what having a BOB (or similar) ready to go in any contingency. What you plan for is individual to you and yours.

 

[LockStocksAndBarrel]

I have Get Home Bags in our cars. Posting a list below. I also keep a comprehensive FAK and a complete Burn Bag in my van.

Water
Coffee Filters
Filter Straw
Funnel
Boil Bottle

Food
Energy Bars
Soup Packets
Hot Chocolate

Clothing
Rain Gear
Bandana
Gloves

Shelter
Poncho
Space Blanket

Communications
2 Way Radio
Scanner
GPS

First Aid
Trauma Bandages
Alcohol Wipes
Potassium Iodide
Antiseptic
Butterfly Closure
Band Aids
Kaopectate
Tape/Bandage
Latex Gloves
Aspirin/Tylenol
Hand Sanitizer
Gloves
Flashlight
Sponge
Wipes
Antacid
Anti-Inflammatory
Tourniquet

Hygiene
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Lip Balm
Tablet Towel
Toilet Paper
Bug Spray
Talc Powder
Soap

Money
Small Bills
Quarter Rolls

Firearms
Mags
Ammo
Mace

Fire
Wet Fire Packets
Lighter
Waterproof Matches
Steel Wool
9 Volt Battery
Mag Block/Striker
Magnifying Glass

Tools
Folder Knife
Swiss Army Knife
Multi Tool
Zip Ties
Carabiners
Door Stops

Miscellaneous
Paracord
Compass
Batteries AA
Batteries AAA
Headlight
Duct Tape
Flashlight
City Map
Binoculars
Glow Sticks
Foil
80/200-Watt Inverter

 

[SnoopLoggyDog]

Have a Get Home bag in my truck. Nice to know I can stay warm without having to run the engine. Carry enough water & food for 48 hours.

 

[snapping turtle]

I have a get home bag. Basic items. Just what I need to get home. Ifak light batteries warm clothes hat.

I think the listed items above are good but I personally like to go lighter that what that would weigh. I would remove a bunch of stuff and add two pair of wool socks two small plastic bags (to keep feet dry) and a large contractor trash bag.

 

[Gingerbeardman]

I have Get Home Bags in our cars. Posting a list below. I also keep a comprehensive FAK and a complete Burn Bag in my van

Door Stops

This is an excellent list, but can you explain why door stops are included?

 

[Keith_Indy]

This is an excellent list, but can you explain why door stops are included?

Extra layer of security when staying somewhere unknown.

 

[Gingerbeardman]

Extra layer of security when staying somewhere unknown.

Aha. I had a brain block on using them to hold doors open, not closed!

 

[LockStocksAndBarrel]

Keith nailed it. You can also use a door stop to keep a door open that closes and locks automatically in case you need to get back in.

 

[BigRed]

Hi folks! I have until now spent almost all my time in the gun sections, but in reviewing my BOBs, I'd like some advice. I'm beginning to question the need for a bug out bag.

I live in a smaller sized city. If a disaster such as a major fire, or a train overturned spreading chlorine or something in the area, the wife and I would simply go to a relative's home on the other side of town and bunk in until the "all clear" was given.

If there was a societal breakdown like riots, etc, (no zombies, please) we are well suited to hunker down with preps: food, guns, ammo, water, clothes, firewood, etc.

I'm having a hard time seeing a situation where at our ages (almost 70), I'd put on a rucksack and take off somewhere. Therefore, I'm considering doing away with the wife's and my BOB and its traditional contents: IFAKs, compass, knife, paracord, mini flashlight, space blanket, poncho, etc. Maybe pack a BOB with things like a backup computer hard-drive, wills, DD 214s, cash, meds, toilet articles, and similar items - but not traditional survival items one would need in "The Book of Eli" or Mad Max.

Opinions, anyone??

I suggest holding onto the grenades