general Does anyone have a Bug-Out Bag?

[Dreambiscuit 9,575]

For those who are unfamiliar with bug-out bags, they are survival kits for basic emergencies, major catastrophes, zombie apocalypse and the like. Everyone who has a bug-out bag packs them according to their sense of priorities for any situation. You never know what emergency might arise so you have to be ready for anything. So the question here is: Do you have a bug-out bag? And if so, what do you have in it?

[TheRockASaurus Rex 50,532]

6 minutes ago, Dreambiscuit said:

For those who are unfamiliar with bug-out bags, they are survival kits for basic emergencies, major catastrophes, zombie apocalypse and the like. Everyone who has a bug-out bag packs them according to their sense of priorities for any situation. You never know what emergency might arise so you have to be ready for anything. So the question here is: Do you have a bug-out bag? And if so, what do you have in it?

I need to get one, Dreamy. 

They can come in handy for anything.

[Dreambiscuit 9,575]

8 minutes ago, TheRockARooster said:

I need to get one, Dreamy. 

They can come in handy for anything.

Don't forget the plushies and the potato chips...for emergencies. 

[Sophie 1,379]

To be honest, I don't have on and it's the first time I hear about something like that 

Maybe I should check it out! 

[Usual Crypty 4,678]

@Dreambiscuit, that's not fair at all! You started this topic and didn't tell what you have in your bug-out bag. 

Well. Crypty is well known travelling pony so I have something better than bug-out bag.

Drawing of bug-out bag! Heee heee jokin. I have a system. I have multiple little bags with assembled kits such as med-kit, campfire kit, electrician kit... barbeque kit to cook outside. Also I have several bags and backpacks of different sizes and colors stored in one place.

Usually I use this system to assemble bag for some trip quickly, because med-kit and hygiene kit are always useful but I can't take a knife to a flight in a business trip as well as a laptop maintenance kit is useless if I go to a camping party.

But I can assemble a bug-out bag in case of an emergency situation for minutes.

4 hours ago, Dreambiscuit said:

and the potato chips...for emergencies

Potato chips are great to start campfire lol. I have never tried to do it by myself of course. 

Edited September 1 by Captain Salty Scribbles

[Fluttershutter 2,388]

Hm, that's a good idea. 

[SharpWit 2,608]

Yes and no.

I've been a part time prepper since I read Hatchet in the 4th grade.

At its best, I had a to-go wooden fruit box that I originally used for holding toys. It contained a roll of toilet paper in a zip lock, various sizes of plastic bags, several Lighters, a box of a thousand matches, lamp oil, a change of clothes, a crank charging AM/FM radio, a hundred feet of Paracord plus a spool of twine, roll of duct tape, varying zip ties a few bungee cords, glow sticks, a few flashlights, pocket knife, a wool army blanket, spade, small fire extinguisher, pocket emergency kit, one urban and one wild survival book, a scars and tracks book, US road atlas, my state's atlas, maps of local hiking trails, notebook and writing utensils, a life straw and a 24 hour MRE, a mirror, orange survival bandana, gas mask, firework mortar and smoke bombs because I was too young to buy a flare gun, and I think that's pretty much it?

All in all weighed about 30 pounds which weighed about as much as the backpack I took to school so it didn't feel so heavy for the time.

My mountain bike at the time had a rear bike rack I could secure it to, and my plan was to grab the camel bag, pup tent, machete and axe from the garage.

I'm glad you brought up this topic @Dreambiscuit. Despite regularly making lists, I've realized there are items I should have had then, and others I dont have now. I have better access to things as an adult that I've failed to take advantage of. I'm not nearly as well put together as I was a decade ago.

Back then I really only considered myself. These days I have a lovely girlfriend and 2 cats that don't get along. I've kept an extra month's worth of cat food on hand pretty consistently, plenty of bottled water on hand because our pipes are gross. I had a week's worth of MREs but just found out I had another 2 boxes at my parents that I had forgotten about.

We also housesit enough that I have to regularly grab a bunch of the same necessities and don't bother unpacking half of it.

I've been meaning to put together a camping tote to keep in the truck, half survival, half opportunity to run away for the weekend if we ever wanted to. And I plan to get an ikea shelf to keep by the front door with color coded fabric storage for various events.

I don't worry about anything specifically, it's just a hobby with practicalities 

[Starlight Serenade 2,928]

I came up with the idea to have emergency kits at home because we experience earthquakes and other challenges here in SoCal, but I discovered that people have been using the supplies from the kits when they ran out of their regular stock. I think I'm going to create my own secret kit.

[Sparklefan1234 169,351]

7 hours ago, Dreambiscuit said:

Don't forget the plushies and the potato chips...for emergencies. 

I know my Besties, Rarity and Pipp Petals would need to be nearby to keep me company. 
 

Oh, and my Bestie, EVE, too just in case of a Zombie attack. 
 

[ComanderZhabikKlavik 2,768]

One of my hobbies is bushcraft (previously it was survival), so I can tell you a little about these kits. I used to look at such kits on the Internet. I wanted to buy one for myself, but I realized that almost all of these kits are crap. You can't survive with such kits. Some things in these kits are not needed, and other things that are needed are of poor quality. For example, a survival kit has hooks and other accessories for catching fish. Different types of fish live in different areas. To catch a certain type of fish, you need a certain hook. Such a hook may not be in the kit. A specific kit is needed for each area and situation. If you want a kit for yourself, you need to assemble it yourself from the necessary and high-quality things. It is better not to trust ready-made kits from the Internet. I have not yet assembled my own kit, but I will someday. Another very important thing is that you must be able to use everything that is in your kit!

[ZiggWheelsManning 9,760]

17 hours ago, Dreambiscuit said:

For those who are unfamiliar with bug-out bags, they are survival kits for basic emergencies, major catastrophes, zombie apocalypse and the like. Everyone who has a bug-out bag packs them according to their sense of priorities for any situation. You never know what emergency might arise so you have to be ready for anything. So the question here is: Do you have a bug-out bag? And if so, what do you have in it?

I'll buy one Dreamy, but it may cost me 7 to 8 million dollars  

[Dreambiscuit 9,575]

21 hours ago, Captain Salty Scribbles said:

@Dreambiscuit, that's not fair at all! You started this topic and didn't tell what you have in your bug-out bag.

@Captain Salty Scribbles 

Okay, here’s my own list:

Rain ponchos,

Gas masks,

60 days rations (expiration date 25 years),

Emergency space blankets,

Weather radio (solar, crank and battery chargeable),

Flashlights (solar, crank and battery powered),

Tiny survival guide (pocket sized survival book),

Binoculars (regular and night vision),

Portable power units (x2),

Pistol, ammo and holsters,

Hunting knife,

Fire starter kit,

Water straw (portable water purifier),

Collapsible 5-gallon water container,

Solar water heater,

First aid kit,

Compass,

Portable solar panels,

Gas masks,

Waterproof boots,

Handcuff lock picks,

ASP (tactical baton).

All packed in a water resistant backpack/duffel.

But in view of some of the posts here I can see I’m missing a lot of very essential items. I didn’t put much emphasis on clothing items because I figured that would be a separate bag, but it should all be considered because it all plays into an emergency situation. I really like your idea of putting certain items in different colored bags to categorize them. This is wise and efficient. I do need to build up my med kit with more items, especially anti-coagulant and some stitching materials. And I have heard about potato chips used for fire because of the oils, but I forgot about it until you mentioned it. I was just gonna eat em. Lol.

@SharpWit Wow, you have given me so many ideas to add to my kit!! I overlooked the need for survival books for urban AND wilderness. Toilet paper and Ziploc bags are essential, and even some consider them superfluous, they’re among the most important items. Some items like paracord, matches (or a flint fire starter) and small tools can be included in the hilts of many survival knives, and can save some weight. And an axe is absolutely necessary. I haven’t been camping in years but an axe was so important to have. And maps are a great idea! All in all, lots of good advice and suggestions!

@Starlight Serenade Good idea to keep a secret kit. It’s so easy to plunder the emergency supplies out of convenience. And here in Cali you don’t want to be caught without the necessities!

@Sparklefan1234 The only problem with EVE is that as soon as she gets a bead on a zombie, she spots another blasted sapling nearby and has to shut down. So inconvenient. 

@ComanderZhabikKlavik Very good points. I never use the pre-assembled kits they sell online. Most of it is filler so they can give you a lot of junk for a higher price. Building your own kit from scratch is the only way to go. I can’t believe I overlooked fishing kits! I never knew about different hooks for different fish; that’s entirely new to me. And you do pose a very good point in that one must know how to use everything in one’s kit. Practice and preparation is as important as being well-supplied.

5 hours ago, ZiggWheelsManning said:

I'll buy one Dreamy, but it may cost me 7 to 8 million dollars  

@ZiggWheelsManning It’ll only cost you that much if you want to include your own fallout bunker with the rest of your gear. A duffel bag is more cost-effective (but also far less cool!)

 

[TheRockASaurus Rex 50,532]

4 minutes ago, Dreambiscuit said:

@Captain Salty Scribbles 

Okay, here’s my own list:

Rain ponchos,

Gas masks,

60 days rations (expiration date 25 years),

Emergency space blankets,

Weather radio (solar, crank and battery chargeable),

Flashlights (solar, crank and battery powered),

Tiny survival guide (pocket sized survival book),

Binoculars (regular and night vision),

Portable power units (x2),

Pistol, ammo and holsters,

Hunting knife,

Fire starter kit,

Water straw (portable water purifier),

Collapsible 5-gallon water container,

Solar water heater,

First aid kit,

Compass,

Portable solar panels,

Gas masks,

Waterproof boots,

Handcuff lock picks,

ASP (tactical baton).

All packed in a water resistant backpack/duffel.

But in view of some of the posts here I can see I’m missing a lot of very essential items. I didn’t put much emphasis on clothing items because I figured that would be a separate bag, but it should all be considered because it all plays into an emergency situation. I really like your idea of putting certain items in different colored bags to categorize them. This is wise and efficient. I do need to build up my med kit with more items, especially anti-coagulant and some stitching materials. And I have heard about potato chips used for fire because of the oils, but I forgot about it until you mentioned it. I was just gonna eat em. Lol.

@SharpWit Wow, you have given me so many ideas to add to my kit!! I overlooked the need for survival books for urban AND wilderness. Toilet paper and Ziploc bags are essential, and even some consider them superfluous, they’re among the most important items. Some items like paracord, matches (or a flint fire starter) and small tools can be included in the hilts of many survival knives, and can save some weight. And an axe is absolutely necessary. I haven’t been camping in years but an axe was so important to have. And maps are a great idea! All in all, lots of good advice and suggestions!

@Starlight Serenade Good idea to keep a secret kit. It’s so easy to plunder the emergency supplies out of convenience. And here in Cali you don’t want to be caught without the necessities!

@Sparklefan1234 The only problem with EVE is that as soon as she gets a bead on a zombie, she spots another blasted sapling nearby and has to shut down. So inconvenient. 

@ComanderZhabikKlavik Very good points. I never use the pre-assembled kits they sell online. Most of it is filler so they can give you a lot of junk for a higher price. Building your own kit from scratch is the only way to go. I can’t believe I overlooked fishing kits! I never knew about different hooks for different fish; that’s entirely new to me. And you do pose a very good point in that one must know how to use everything in one’s kit. Practice and preparation is as important as being well-supplied.

@ZiggWheelsManning It’ll only cost you that much if you want to include your own fallout bunker with the rest of your gear. A duffel bag is more cost-effective (but also far less cool!)

 

You're always so well organized, Dreamy. 

[Dreambiscuit 9,575]

Moments ago, TheRockARooster said:

You're always so well organized, Dreamy. 

I forgot the chips, dammit. 

[TheRockASaurus Rex 50,532]

Moments ago, Dreambiscuit said:

I forgot the chips, dammit. 

I'll take care of the food as always. 

[Dreambiscuit 9,575]

Moments ago, TheRockARooster said:

I'll take care of the food as always. 

This I will gladly accept! 

[TheRockASaurus Rex 50,532]

1 minute ago, Dreambiscuit said:

This I will gladly accept! 

How does a rare steak with my mushrooms and onion medley sound with some Blue's Hog Raspberry Chipotle Barbecue Sauce sound? 

[Dreambiscuit 9,575]

4 minutes ago, TheRockARooster said:

How does a rare steak with my mushrooms and onion medley sound with some Blue's Hog Raspberry Chipotle Barbecue Sauce sound? 

I think there's a good chance of survival here! 

[TheRockASaurus Rex 50,532]

Moments ago, Dreambiscuit said:

I think there's a good chance of survival here! 

Glad to help. 

[Usual Crypty 4,678]

2 hours ago, Dreambiscuit said:

@Captain Salty Scribbles 

Okay, here’s my own list:

...

Whoah! Somepony is very serious =3 I'm strongly impressed, ma'am. 

I personally consider gasmasks useless because different gas threats require different types of filters, they are heavy. But in California, in case of wildfire, carbone monoxide filters can save your life of course.

As part-time hobo I tend to rely on simple and multi-purpose things. Usual red bandana can be used as hat or scarf to protect you from the sun, flag to send signals during daylight or with flashlight to send red signals at night, it can be a towel to keep your skin dry and it dries itself pretty quick attached to backpack. It can be used to care wounds, protects your breath from dust, can be used as pouch to hold small things, possibilities are endless! And it looks neat!

Why, do you think, my OC, Crypty Scribbles the travelling pony is always wearing scarf? 

In addition I can say, I have a red zip file with the most important documents, notepad, pen and some amount of cash. After an emergency situation restoration of documents can be complicated. And you never know when cash can save your life. Notepad with glued, eazy separable sheets can be used to write schemes, check lists (yes, secretly I'm Twilight Sparkle), leave notes to friendly survivors. My system started from this red file.

I'm happy, you started this topic. It's so much fun!

UPD: @Dreambiscuit I can't see duct tape in your list. It can be handy to repair clothes, rain ponchos and bags. And a million other applications. ^•^

Edited September 2 by Captain Salty Scribbles

[Dreambiscuit 9,575]

@Captain Salty Scribbles 

I am seriously inspired! Some excellent ideas there and I’m going to add all of your suggestions to my bag. And they’re inexpensive too.

Money isn’t something I often think about packing when imagining survival scenarios, but it may be one of the most important things when you think about it. And the notepad is perfect. It’s a great way to send notes, leave word, plan things, etc. You can even use the paper for fire if it came down to it. @SharpWit also mentioned duct tape and it’s really an important addition. I was thinking that my space blankets have mylar tape included and that would be enough, but that doesn’t cover all the countless other applications for something so basic. So duct tape is definitely going into the kit.

You’re right, this thread is more fun than I had expected. Good info and input!

[Usual Crypty 4,678]

1 hour ago, Dreambiscuit said:

Money isn’t something I often think about packing when imagining survival scenarios

Cash and documents is something I think first about LOL. You know me and Jason Bourne scenario is something real in my case.  

Edited September 3 by Captain Salty Scribbles

[EpicEnergy 23,139]

No way am I gonna put bugs on the outside of my bag, too gross and scary!

Jokes aside, I don't have a bug out bag, when something bad comes I'm just gonna wing it! Better sorry than safe as the saying goes! Wait....

[Arrlong28 663]

I have one of those bags since 2015. Some of it's contents (like the radio-flashlight-phonecharger and the maps) need some upgrade. First, i have a "bandit knife" (don't know how to call that in English). If I lived in the US I would had a knife and a gun, but in Spain is ilegal to walk on the street with something that can be used as a weapon, and it's almost imposible to buy guns... legally. And since I have depresive tendencies is not a great idea to have an ilegal gun at home...

Then I have water, rations, gloves, notepad that can write under rain, maps of my city and region... A survival flashlight... Lights, fire, spoon, knife and fork... Lot of things.

And a list with all the things inside the bag and 2 plans of what to do: natural catastrophe/accident and war. Basically something like "you need to find more water and go to Dad's house, on foot if necessary". 

And that's it. I wish I never have to use it.

 

[Sparklefan1234 169,351]

On 2024-09-02 at 2:06 AM, Dreambiscuit said:

I forgot the chips,

 

How ever will you survive without your Doe-ree-toes? 

I'm sure she'll manage, Rarity. 😉

Don't forget extra batteries or a jar to catch fireflies if you need light! 

Edited September 3 by Sparklefan1234