BUG OUT BAGS

[chocolate pickles]

I don't have one and really don't see the point of making one other than as some kind of hobby. All the events i see people preparing for in Doomsday Preppers have next to nil chances of happening, and ive yet to be convinced there is any threat big enough that would require me to trek to a a hidden safehouse in the middle of nowhere or get out of london.

 

[Beffudled Sheep_v1legacy]

Assault rifles require more practice and are less useful for hunting,

And are not remotely easy to come by for civilians in the US.

I didn't say they were, I'm not American, so I'm not that familiar with the regulations there. And I was mostly referring to stuff like the AR-15, which is pretty much a semi-automatic M-16. While it's not fully automatic, it's still pretty much an assault rifle, and correct me if I'm wrong here, but it's also legal in many states.

Not really much fish around here sadly. A crap ton of pollution, draining and over recreational fishing made what few fish remain damn good at getting away. Everyone that fishes around here either comes back with nothing or they go on an hour - hour and a half drive to get to some decent fishing waters. I have a pole so I have it ready anyway just in case fish decide to start biting again.
In fact now that I think about it there aren't many sources of non-polluted freshwater around here. Its mostly polluted salt water I think.
I think I'd have better luck surviving in a zombie apocalypse in the middle of a heavily populated city then I would surviving after some sort of super disaster here.

That doesn't sound like a pleasant place to survive, so I'd say get a map also, and know how to get to somewhere with as clean as possible fresh water, preferrably a river (no need for it to be 100% clean though, that's what the purification tablets are for). Could also be an idea to have a set up for making salt water drinkable (lots of info on google, it's pretty easy). Having access to decently clean water should always be the #1 priority, as water is heavy, so it's limited how much you can carry.

Yeah I might just do that. Nearest source of fresh, moving water is the Nuclear power plant. Probably some places near by since the deer have to drink something to survive and they ain't making the trek to the power plant.

 

[Thaluikhain]

While it's not fully automatic, it's still pretty much an assault rifle

The capability of full automatic fire is one of the defining features of an assault rifle, so no, not really. Otherwise you could claim that any semi-automatic rifle was pretty much an assault rifle.

 

[triggrhappy94]

Seeing how I'm not a prepper, nor do I live in an area prone to civil unrest or nuclear fallout, I have pencils, pens, a notebook, extra paper, a hacky sack, normally some food and the power cable for my laptop in my bag.
In addition, I keep a first aid kit and a mag light in the glove box of my car and a Frisbee and some running shoes in the back.
At my house, I keep a wooden katana in my room.

I'd say I'm ready for any disaster that could hit my area, which mostly consists of being bored on a sunny day. At worst, it's an earthquake, but no one cares about those around here. They happen, you get some where safe, then you go about your day--alternatively, you sleep through them, which is what happened for me for the last couple earthquakes.
I think it's weird people think prepping so much is necessary. Sure, having food, water, a radio, a knife, and stuff like that is important. But unless you live in the middle of a slum, you won't need a gun to defend yourself against roaming bands of looters.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

You Americans are fucking paranoid nut-bags. Seriously. What even.

I live in an area prone to earthquakes and wildfires, and most of the US is prone to various kinds of natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, tornado, fires, etc.

Nothing really paranoid about having some stuff prepared in the event that you need to abandon your house for a while.

I live in an area prone to earthquakes and wildfires, and most of the US is prone to various kinds of natural disasters,

I live in an area prone to earthquakes and wildfires,

wildfires

Dude, I live in Australia. That's like one of the defining features of our country.

But seriously, I'll pay the others. It's just that something about the term bug out bag makes me think of crazy middle-aged white men with assault rifles.

I think most people have assault rifles to stand against the more dangerous lunatics with firearms, or at least have some kind of self-defense should society stumble for a little while. A rifle I can understand for hunting and signalling, but an assault rifle is just that - for assaulting.

Except very few people in the US actually have "assault rifles." Assault rifles are rifles that have selectable modes of fire, and which can be fired in full auto or in bursts. These kinds of rifles are nearly impossible to get permission to own, and usually cost somewhere in the realm of $20,000 to own (because they're so rare, and because it's such a pain in the ass to go through the ATF to get permission to have one). What many people in the media call "assault rifles" are just semi automatic sport rifles that have a military aesthetic to them, nothing more.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

Speaking of which, I've seen people say what guns they have, but not seen any actual survival guns mentioned. No .22 rifle (the AR-7 comes to mind, best known as being "that gun from From Russia With Love"), or combination .22 and shotgun.

I've got a ruger 10/22, though I'm looking to get the new collapsible ruger 10/22 "take-down" since it's lighter and takes up less space.

 

[Thanatos5150]

Except very few people in the US actually have "assault rifles." Assault rifles are rifles that have selectable modes of fire, and which can be fired in full auto or in bursts. These kinds of rifles are nearly impossible to get permission to own, and usually cost somewhere in the realm of $20,000 to own (because they're so rare, and because it's such a pain in the ass to go through the ATF to get permission to have one). What many people in the media call "assault rifles" are just semi automatic sport rifles that have a military aesthetic to them, nothing more.

So many flavours of this. There's a picture on the Internet floating around of a "sport rifle" and an "assault weapon" side-by-side.
They are, in fact, the exact same gun with the exact same functionality save the "assault weapon" has a collapsible stock. Only the assault weapon is suspect/illegal, and only for the aesthetic differences.

My Bug-out bag?
I... I don't actually have one, because I'm poor and I live in New England. Our big natural disasters are blizzards, and you don't want to be outside in those, you want to just lock your doors and windows and hope not too much heat escapes.
And I'd have to make one for the fiancée, too. She'd probably object to me adding/buying firearms, too. Guns are expensive.

That being said, I'm noticing a curious lack of crowbars in everyone's kits? I was under the impression those were essential items when in/near an urban area.

 

[Eggsnham]

A few MREs, one aluminum canteen (stored empty), one multitool (an old Leatherman), one combat knife (classic ka-bar), five 13-round mags for my Glock 21 loaded with hollow-points, my Glock 21, one flashlight, one lighter (zippo), one bottle of lighter fluid, one small package of firesteel, a hygiene kit (equipped to the same standard as I had in the army) 3 changes of underwear, socks and undershirts.

**edit** forgot: one hatchet, one small bottle of mineral oil, a few rags.

As for my thoughts... better to have and not need than need and not have? Something like that.
I suppose it could use a first-aid kit outside of what's in my hygiene kit and the polishing rags... what's there is good enough for disinfecting and pressure-dressing, though not much else.

Sounds like you're thoroughly prepared for any impending apocalyptic shit-storm.

Though, I was always under the impression that a Zippo wouldn't be very helpful in a survival situation since the fluid tends to evaporate within a couple of days.

OT: Don't have any real survival kit aside from a pocketknife and an emergency medical kit.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

A few MREs, one aluminum canteen (stored empty), one multitool (an old Leatherman), one combat knife (classic ka-bar), five 13-round mags for my Glock 21 loaded with hollow-points, my Glock 21, one flashlight, one lighter (zippo), one bottle of lighter fluid, one small package of firesteel, a hygiene kit (equipped to the same standard as I had in the army) 3 changes of underwear, socks and undershirts.

**edit** forgot: one hatchet, one small bottle of mineral oil, a few rags.

As for my thoughts... better to have and not need than need and not have? Something like that.
I suppose it could use a first-aid kit outside of what's in my hygiene kit and the polishing rags... what's there is good enough for disinfecting and pressure-dressing, though not much else.

Sounds like you're thoroughly prepared for any impending apocalyptic shit-storm.

Though, I was always under the impression that a Zippo wouldn't be very helpful in a survival situation since the fluid tends to evaporate within a couple of days.

OT: Don't have any real survival kit aside from a pocketknife and an emergency medical kit.

The fluid in the zippo lighter tends to evaporate in about a week, but it doesn't evaporate from the bottle of lighter fluid, so you can just fill the zippo with small amounts at a time and it'll last a decent while.

 

[Quaxar]

Well I guess technically I do kind of. But it's just a big rucksack full of medical supplies, so in an actual emergency I could save some lives but would probably starve on the long run.
Not that I really expect to need it living in one of the savest cities worldwide, I mainly have it because I prefer to know I could exert my qualifications when needed and an ambulance-style backpack is the most mobile and organized storage. And also because I spend quite some time of the year in our house in the mountains where we're more than half an hour of driving away from the next non-heli ambulance and hospital.

So yes, I could use it as a BOB but I'd be really limited to the medic role and depending on other people.

 

[Goofguy]

Nah, I don't have one but it is a good idea. Fortunately, I keep my hatchets close by in case of dire need. Apart of that, I'll just wing it because that's what I do best.

 

[Johnny Impact]

I do not have a bag that I can grab and go out the door with in five seconds. In five minutes, however, I can have the following in a hiking pack:

spare clothes
one-man tent
$600 cash
duck tape
matches
Leatherman
2 flashlights
dozen batteries
3 days food - canned soup and such
water bottles
soap
toothbrush
pill bottle - nothing hard, just vitamins, antacid, ibuprofen
peroxide
bandages
wide-brim hat
crowbar
foil emergency blankets

Assuming greater or lesser degrees of "civilization is over" items may be added or removed. I don't own guns or big fuck-off knives.

 

[Shock and Awe]

I have most of the needed components for one except one important bit...the bag. So as of now I'm using a small tactical bag as a "fighting load" of sorts. Not enough for me to go in the woods and survive, but enough for me to get about in a chaotic situation and do what I have to do. Basically, its a a med kit, four magazines, knife, iodine tablets, compass, and a couple other stuff.

Spoiler: Dumped out for your viewing pleasure

Currently missing: Firestarter, canteen, bag(herp derp), and a one man tent.

Very nice kit.

One thing I might recommend: A paper map of your local area, they are like 3 bucks at a gas station and are extremely useful.

Also is that a Saiga 12 or an AK?

OT:

Dont want to dump mine out but here is my list
3 MREs
4 canteens of water
First Aid kit
2 flares
SAIGA 12 assault shotgun (Self defence and hunting) (With 3rd drum)
2 extra drum magazines for SAIGA 12 (40 military buckshot rounds total)
Army land survival guide
Oregon state map
Several waterproof zip bags
Tin containing waterproof matches
Compass
Wind up pocket watch
Maglight
Shake charge waterproof flashlight
Springfield XDm 40 S&W
3 extra mags with hollowpoints

Edit: And for those of you that dont "get it" or are being openly insulting, my kit cost me about 100 dollars (excluding my firearms and the ammo for them).

I see no reason to be an idiot and artificially limit my chances of survival. Do I think I will ever need it? I highly doubt it, but I would prefer to be prepared in the case of a natural disaster.

Its an AK, never been much of a shotgun guy. The rifle gives me more shots and more range. I have nothing against the SAIGA, but its just not my thing.

 

[Thaluikhain]

Its an AK, never been much of a shotgun guy. The rifle gives me more shots and more range. I have nothing against the SAIGA, but its just not my thing.

Oh, does anyone make a semi-auto that takes .45 or .410 bore? I've googled but not been able to find anything. I suppose the closest is that Taurus revolver rifle.

 

[uzo]

Gotta take things that cannot be improvised easily/reliably from other equipment, or alternatively things that can be readily adapted to function as other objects. This is often items you don't expect to see on people's BOBs, but things that are in everyone's houses and you'd crack the shits at home if you didn't have `em.


Cling wrap
Cling wrap can double as string, waterproofing, or even a second skin in the case of injuries and burns. Convenient way to waterproof small items too - documents, matches, etc.

Steel wool
Scrubbing pots & pans is IMPORTANT. Ain't much good having a bazillion rounds of ammunition if you've got the shits and shakes from food poisoning because you thought armaments were more important than lunch. Steel wool also has the advantage of being a convenient firestarter (in a pinch) when combined with household batteries.

Reliable hatchet/tomahawk/pick & rope
The tool's many uses are obvious, but the rope is the important thing here. And a big point: learn how to use rope BEFORE the end of the world.

Smokes & Booze & Coffee & Chocolate
Even if you don't smoke, drink, or eat these things; other people do. In their millions. Presuming you're not in one of those homicidal maniac infested wastelands, people may well be more inclined to barter food, water, or medicine with you in return for a few simple luxuries - a few cigarettes to a smoker in a stressful situation are more valuable than diamonds. A strip of Hershey's might just save your life. Even if you're not bartering, you'll probably make a new friend. And shit, if it's TEOTWAWKI, you might as well take up smoking/drinking `cause you ain't gonna be enjoying your retirement in 30 years.

EDIT: I'd like to see a new definition for survivalists. Many people considered "survivalists" I think are mislabelled - they should be named "fatalists". We all know them - the guys who fill up their backpack with enough weaponry for a small army but forget to take a compass or poncho.
You need to concentrate on staying more alive, not making other people more dead.

 

[Shock and Awe]

Its an AK, never been much of a shotgun guy. The rifle gives me more shots and more range. I have nothing against the SAIGA, but its just not my thing.

Oh, does anyone make a semi-auto that takes .45 or .410 bore? I've googled but not been able to find anything. I suppose the closest is that Taurus revolver rifle.

In an AK platform? I have never seen one. I know their are quite a few 12 Gauges, and .22s out there. Not to mention the odd 5.56, but I have never seen nor heard of an AK in 45 or .410. Maybe 9mm, but thats a guess.

 

[Thaluikhain]

In an AK platform? I have never seen one. I know their are quite a few 12 Gauges, and .22s out there. Not to mention the odd 5.56, but I have never seen nor heard of an AK in 45 or .410. Maybe 9mm, but thats a guess.

Well, not necessarily an AK. You can get Saigas in .410, but not that can take .45. You have .45 weapons which can also take .410, but not in semi-automatic (that I've seen).

 

[legend of duty]

I don't have one and really don't see the point of making one other than as some kind of hobby. All the events i see people preparing for in Doomsday Preppers have next to nil chances of happening, and ive yet to be convinced there is any threat big enough that would require me to trek to a a hidden safehouse in the middle of nowhere or get out of london.

To be fair, pretty much everybody on that show is crazy as shit. Being prepared does not mean you have to revolve your life around it.

 

[Buzz Killington_v1legacy]

I live in a city of eight million people and don't have a car. By the time things got bad enough to need a bag, I figure I'll be fully justified in putting on the football pads and going full Mad Max on my neighbors.

 

[xDarc]

I don't believe in bugging out. The best thing you could possibly do in a emergency situation, to borrow a euphemism for "prisoner" from Gov. Patrick; "Shelter in place."

Seriously, stay where you are until it catches on fire. Right now I'm working on getting food and water stored. But I refuse to make a bug out plan, the threat of trying to leave a city or metro area in a panic is as bad or worse than many of the scenarios you'd want to bug out for.

Spoiler