Help! My DH and I almost have our bug out bags done (well rucksacks) but I feel like the closer we get the harder it is to think straight and I am certain we have left out something or somethings. Can anyone post the items in their bug out bags so I can get some ideas?

I just know I am forgetting something. Thank you!

-- Preparing (preparing@home.com), October 11, 1999

Answers

You need to CALM DOWN....or you won't make it to see 2000.

-- Breathe Deep (Sleep@peace.com), October 11, 1999.

Get some form of mini-tool like a Leatherman or Gerber. Personally I prefer the Gerber Multi-Pliers becasue they're larger than the Leatherman multi-tools (fits my size 9 hand better) and can take more force. (I can strip a 3/4" bolt down to smooth metal with mine if it refuses to come off.) Don't skimp on the tool due to price; a good one will set you back $40-50.

One place to check is the KnifeCenter's list of tools at h ttp://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/leatherman/multi1.html. They have several makes and models to choose from and if you don't like their prices, find a local supplier that carries what you want.

IMHO these multi-tool gizmos are THE handiest thing we sapiens have come up with. I never leave my house without one of mine hooked to my belt. I've fixed broken-down vehicles and opened envelopes both with mine, and done most everything between.

That HTML-slinging, LED lighting system making freak called--

-- OddOne (mocklamer_1999@yahoo.com), October 11, 1999.

Breathe Deep: Um, thanks for the advice, bud, but we've been preparing since late 1997. 12 months of food and water storage and 300 rolls of toilet paper, ad infinitum, ad nauseam.

I wrote the "HELP" to get poster's attention. The bug out bags are about all we have left to finish and I'd like to get them done this week.

But hey, thanks for the helpful list of what you have in *your* bug out bag. Ahem.

Now, does anyone have any helpful advice?

-- Preparing (preparing@home.com), October 11, 1999.

Thanks Odd One! That *was* something we had on our list that somehow never got purchased. Thanks again.

-- Preparing (preparing@home.com), October 11, 1999.

http://www.netside.com/~lcoble/dir9/hugelist.txt This list may help:-)

-- && (&&@&&.&), October 11, 1999.

This is a good list to start with.

Bug Out Packs - Packing For Emergency

There are a variety of situations where having a properly equipped "bug out pack" can mean the difference between life and death. A bug out pack can be loosely defined as your all-in-one escape kit for a disaster situation, wilderness survival, or any number of scenarios. Bug out packs are used for "gettin' outa Dodge" with the minimum gear necessary to enable you to survive. This article will not try to explain or justify any particular situation, but to simply provide you with some basic information and planning for properly outfitting your pack for emergency.

Proper pack selection and fit are as important as what the pack contains. There are a variety of packs available on the market, many of them good, with some packs outstanding.

The popular "Alice" military style pack is widely used as a bug out bag, but has limitations including size, capacity and fit. If this bag works for you then use it, if not, we recommend you shop around and explore your options.

Another popular bag for bug out is the military CP-90 internal frame backpack. This is a very large bag and offers all the capacity that you'd ever need and even offers a small detachable patrol pack that can be removed from the larger bag. The biggest drawback to this pack is it's fit. It's a one size fits all proposition with adustment to the wearer limited to moving the shoulder harness up or down. Having owned one of these bags, I didn't find the fit very comfortable with a fully loaded pack of about 50 lbs.

My personal bug out bag is always too heavy, we highly suggest you lighten your load to what you know you can carry. If you have small children, then you'll have to pack for them too, which will increase the quantity, size and weight of the gear you may carry.

Bag selection can be narrowed down to internal frame and external frame backpacks. Internal frames offer greater mobility and comfort for manuevering, placing the load closer to your back. External frame backpacks offer better ventilation and greater weight capacity, but because of their weight distribution characteristics, they can cause you to sway when clamboring over rocks or logs. We suggest you try both types of bags at a backpacking store, they can put bags of sand for weight in the bags and you can walk around and try them out.

This article isn't intended to prescribe which bag you should buy, but when you do, buy a pack big enough for the gear you intend to carry in your bug out kit. Bug out kits are as individual as their owners, but the following comprehensive list will give you some idea of the type of gear your kit can include. The rule of thumb when considering what your planning on carrying is efficiency, weight, durability and cost.

Water containers. One quart containers are best, they'll fit inside most pockets of your pack. In hot weather, consider packing two - four quarts of water. This may seem like a lot, but you'll expire that much water through your sweat. The drab green canteens found in surplus stores are cheap and watertight and will fit in your pack pockets.

A collapsible jug is a handy way to gather larger quantities of water. These come in a variety of size, with one gallon and five gallon being the most common. If your going to be anywhere for any length of time, consider packing a collapsible jug, they don't weigh hardly anything when empty.

Water Filter. Not essential, but you may be very glad you packed one along. There are a variety of very good water filters out there, buy one with the features you want. Get a spare filter or cartridge for your water filter now so you won't need it later.

Water Purification Tablets. These are essential, especially if you don't have a water filter. Treat or filter ALL water. Put a bottle of these tablets in your pocket and another in your pack.

First aid kit. Your personal first aid kit should include small waterproof bandages, antiobiotic ointments, burn gel, chap stick, insect repellant, dressings, waterproof tape, moleskin, tweezers, fingernail clippers (usually forgotten), immodium, acetaminophen or aspirin, ibprofen, any prescription medications, bee sting kit if you're allergic, and a first aid guide. This list should be considered the absolute minimum, with a much more extensive medical kit recommended for extended survival situations.

Food. Non-perishable foods are best, such as dried fruits, nuts, hard candy, MRE's, bullion cubes, instant cocoa. MRE's are quite popular and offer the advantage of being entirely contained in a water proof pouch. You can buy full meals MRE's or individual entrees and mix and match your own meals together.

Dehydrated or dried foods high in carbohydrates can be found cheaply and you can make up your own meals. Most of these can be selected from your food storage (see the companion article, Pantry Needs) or right off the supermarket shelf. These foods offer the advantage of light weight, but require reconstitution and preparation time.

Other foods, although expensive, are freeze dried meals, such as those offered by Alpine Aire, or Mountain House. They offer excellent quality and weight but their cost is a consideration. These also require reconstitution with water but offer an excellent taste quality.

Forget packing things like canned meats, or canned goods of any sort, your carrying mostly water and the weight is a significant drawback. Handy foods that can be eaten without preparation (nuts, dried fruits, power bars, MRE's, etc.) are first choice for a bug out pack. You may not have the time or the energy to cook. The selection of foods is a pretty individual choice, but the things to remembers are weight, preparation, bulk and shelf life.

Stove. This is not an essential item, depending upon the foods you chose to pack. However, a hot meal is always nice. MRE's come with chemical heater and don't require cooking, but freeze dried or dehyrdrated foods should be cooked for proper taste and texture. A fire could be used, but a fire is not always an option. Stoves offer you the choice of a hot drink or meal wherever you are at.

Backpack stoves come in a variety of configurations; white gas, propane, butane, etc. I don't like having to throw away propane bottles, prefering instead the hotter burning gas stoves. Some (recommended) can burn almost any fuel; white gas, regular gas, diesal or kerosene. Whichever you buy, learn to use your stove it properly, how to assemble, clean and repair it should it become necessary.

There are also emergency stoves that use solid fuel or canned fuel such as Sterno. These burn quite hot, but don't offer any adjustments for flames. They have an advantage of being light, cheap and easily replaced.

Map and compass. A good topographical map(s) of the area you plan to be in is very important. Know how to use your compass! If you don't, take the time NOW to learn how, you won't have the time later.

Pocket knife. A multipurpose pocket knife is best, such as a Swiss Army. There are a number of other brands on the market, but Swiss Army still makes an excellent and modestly priced multipurpose knife. These knives come in a galour of configurations, what your looking for is double knife blades, can opener, bottle opener, screw driver blades (straight and Phillips) and an awl (leather punch). You can also get scissors, pliers, magnifying glass, etc., or all of the above in a single knife. Plan on putting this knife in your pocket, not on your belt or in your pack, it'll be there when you need it most.

Sharpening Stone or Steel. This is a very important item that will keep your knife or multi-purpose tool sharp and functioning properly. A dull knife is dangerous and difficult to work with. A diamond dust impregnated steel, either round or flat works well for honing the edges of your knife blades. We don't recommend ceramic sharpening sticks for your bug out pack, these are better left at home in a environment where your not likely to break them. A sharpening stone is used to both hone the edge and sharpen a very dull knife. For a bug out situation, the sharpening steel is probably adequate.

Sunscreen. Get a tube of sunscreen with an adequate SPF (sun protection factor). Recommend SPF 30 or higher. You don't need a sunburn added to your survival situation.

Chap stick. This should be part of your medical kit but is often overlooked. The military issue kind found in surplus stores works great and is usually much cheaper then name brands. Buy two, one for your first aid kit and one for your pocket.

Sunglasses. Make sure they're rated for blocking UV rays, some aren't. Plain old cheap dark glasses may be nothing more then tinted plastic, check the tags when you buy to make sure they block harmful ultraviolet rays. Get one of those string things to keep them around your neck when you take them off.

Insect repellent. DEET is a highly effective insect repellent and comes in different concentrations. Watch out, DEET can melt some plastics. Get it on your hands and touch your sunglasses and you've just left a permanent fingerprint!

Waterproof matches. You can buy these or make your own. Dip wooden matches in clear nail polish to waterproof the heads, but be aware that water can wick up the wooden match stem to still destroy your waterproofing job. Store waterproof matches in a waterproof match case. Soak cotton balls in petroleum jelly (Vasaline) and store in a waterproof match case for a great fire starter.

Also a backup firestarter, such as flint and steel, magnesium, etc. is an excellent idea. A lighter is handy and will also start a fire a match won't with damp wood.

Firestarter. Chemical firestarter, either solid or gel, can get a fire going in the most hopeless conditions. If you carry a tube of gel firestarter, store it in a ziplock plastic bag.

Starting fires in a bug out situation is NOT recommended, remember, your trying to bug out, i.e., hide, get outta' Dodge, vamoose, make tracks, disappear. A telltale smoke column or glow at night by fire is a sure way to advertise your presence. So why do we recommend matches and firestarters? There are times and situations where a fire is absolutely necessary, and further, fires can be made that cannot be seen, such as in a shelter of trees or brush using very dry wood (no smoke), or in windy conditions where the smoke dissipates rapidly. Hypothermia can cause rapid death, a fire may make the difference for you or someone else.

Metal Cup. Use it for cooking, eating, and drinking. Plastic works, but melts near heat. Plastic is quieter should you drop it while trying to hide, but step on it and it might crack. Just don't drop it. The metal Sierra cup works well with a wire type handle that stays cool.

If your planning on cooking, consider a small pot or frying pan. A pot is better, as it'll do double duty as a frying pan in a pinch. A lid for you pot will heat up your food faster and keep things hot longer. Aluminum is light, but stainless steel is usually recommended for durability and cleanup.

Utensils. A fork and spoon are probably all you'll really need. Metal or plastic works well, with metal being more durable.

Toilet paper. Remove the cardboard tube from a half used roll and seal in a plastic bag. If you've got a vacuum sealer, this item is a candidate.

Personal Hygiene. Soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. These items may not seem essential, but they really are. For the woman, sanitary napkins should be included, which also make great bandages for large cuts or wounds.

Bible. Pack a small bible in your kit.

Flashlight. The Mini-mag type are great, they come with spare bulbs and the better ones come with replacable plastic lense covers in different colors. The red lense cover offers some security while trying to find something or read a map without giving away your position over great distances. You don't need a big flashlight, the small AA size work just fine.

The military, L shaped clip on flashlights offer all of the above while also allowing hands free operation by clipping on to your shoulder harness. These use D sized batteries. Always carry spare batteries.

Boots. Boots are critical and should be on the top of your list. Buy a good pair, don't get cheap with these. Your feet are extremely important and a good pair of boots will take care of your feet properly. Be sure they are well broken in. Tie them on your pack so that they are always there, should you have to grab your pack in a hurry.

Clothing. Raingear, spare socks, a change of underwear, and hat with visor recommended. Spare clothing, such as BDU's are recommended. You might have to grab your bug out pack in your street clothes, changing into field clothes may be necessary. Nightime is probably colder then you realize, especially if your tired, hungry or possibly injured. Depending on the terrain and climate, you might want to consider packing fishnet type long johns. Vacuum seal these in plastic bags to further reduce their bulk.

There are a variety of lightweight, highly compressable jackets you can buy and most are waterproof and windproof. Coated nylon works great, with Gortex, a breathable type of fabric being better, but much more costly.

Your raingear can include raincoat, rain paints, or a poncho. If you use a poncho, get one large enough to cover you and your pack while hiking. The poncho can double as a make-do tent or ground cloth.

Plan on wearing your clothes in layers. Big, bulky clothing is not recommended. Layer your clothes so that you can adjust your needs according to the level of exertion and the weather. Stay away from cotton, cotton absorbs moisture and does not wick away sweat from your skin, causing blisters on your feet or a constant feeling of dampness. Synthetic fibers are better, especially those with wicking or hyrdophobic properties (read the labels). They will keep you dryer, more comfortable and warmer, even if you get wet.

Shelter. Bivouc bags are light, small, one person shelters and can be set up almost anywhere. Many of these bags offer some headroom with mosquito netting (recommended) and can keep you dry in a hurricane. Gortex is very nice, but not essential.

Tents are nice and afford much more room, but require more space and a bit more time to set up. If you buy a tent, buy a good quality tent. The dome style tents don't need to be staked down and can be picked up and moved. The old fashioned "pup" style tents aren't recommended.

Neither a bivouc bag or tent are required. A piece of heavy plastic, or a waterproof poncho will work as a shelter in a pinch. Neither offer bug protection, but that can be solved by carrying a section of mosquito netting with you. Your choices depend upon your budget and how much weight you intend to carry. The plastic or poncho is lightest, but offer the least protection. The bivouc bag is very light, but a good one isn't cheap. The tent affords more room, but has the disadvantage of weight. The choice is yours.

Should you buy a tent, a tent without a rainfly is not recommended. A rainfly is a seperate cover that covers the entire tent. Tents without rainflys have their tent walls already waterproofed, but it's like sleeping in a plastic bag, condensation and breath moisture will run down the inside of the tent getting everything wet and damp inside, including you and your gear. Don't use one of these if you can help it. Always use your rainfly against a sudden storm.

Sleeping bag. This is actually an option for a bug out bag. If you were going backpacking, it wouldn't be an option, but bug out bags are designed for fast efficient travel and you may not need a sleeping bag. Decide how long and how far you've got to go and whether you intend to carry the extra weight and bulk of a sleeping bag.

There are a large number of high quality bags out there, if you do carry a bag, buy a lightweight synthetic filled bag. Down bags are great and very warm, but even a little moisture can make a down bag feel like a lumpy potatoe sack. A wet down bag offers no insulation qualities, while a wet quality synthetic bag still offers good insulation. Some are so good you can literally wring them out and crawl back in!

Buy a bag rated for the temperature rating of where you intend to be. A lightweight summer bag is not going to keep you warm in the Rockies, except perhaps on the warmest nights. It gets cold at night in the mountains! Manufactures use different temperature ratings, some rate their bags with tents and some without. Keep this in mind when adding or subtracting the actual rating of your bag.

Bandana. This is the ultimate handwipe, brow wipe, hot pad, arm brace, bug swisher, do-all rag. Buy two and tie one on your head, arm or around your neck. Put the other in your pack for a spare. Don't stick it your pocket, you'll lose it and leave traces of where you've been.

Repair kit. Include a multipurpose tool, such as a Leatherman or Gerber. I've found the quality of the Gerber to better then the Leatherman, but there are many other good ones on the market. Put this item on your belt in it's sheath. Include a pair of small sharp scissors, needle(s) and thread for various repairs.

Other Repair Kit Items. Here are some other repair kit items that can prove to be very useful. Spare batteries for your flashlight (AA or D size). Spare buckle that fits those buckles on your pack.

Spare flashlight bulb (this is included in many flashlights already, such as the Mag light brand, check the base cap for a spare bulb). Buttons. Candle, a squatty one for light, melting frayed nylon, better then matches when starting a fire, should you need it.

Tube of "barge cement", a multipurpose heavy duty glue strong enough to glue soles on boots. Lighter. Hose clamp, large enough to splint a broken pack frame or tent pole. Clevis pins with wire rings for external packs. Spare compass, very small should you lose your big one and your way at the same time.

Parachute Cord, 30 - 50 feet for lashing duties, or new boot laces. Cord lock, get a replacement that can be used on your pack, your sleeping bag, or your jacket. Duct tape. Get the higher quality reinforced kind. You don't need a huge roll, buy a smaller one.

Glue stick, the type used in a glue gun. You can heat this with a match, candle or lighter and repair holes, cracked water bottles or canteens, or glue your fingers together should you get bored.

Mosquito netting, 5 x 5 inches, for patching torn netting in your tent or bivouc bag. Paper and pencil for emergency messages. Nylon pack cloth patch, 5 x 5 inches, for tent, pack or jacket repair. Leather patch, 5 x 5 inches, for heavy duty patching jobs, wears better then nylon.

Diaper and safety pins. Used for all kinds of things. Single edged razor blades. Try your hand at field surgery.

Rubber bands, get a small assortment of these little wonders and keep all those plastic bags closed. Spare stove parts; gaskets, filter, filter wire, plugs, tiny wrenches and any other spare parts or tools to keep your stove cooking. Strap, 10 feet with buckle, used for lashing and tying things downs, or replaceing a broken one on your pack. Needle and thread. Dental floss works well and is quite strong, but you'll also need a lighter weight nylon thread for other repair tasks. Get large and medium needles with large eyeholes. Velcro strip, sticky backing on both sides for jacket or sleeping bag repair.

Five feet of wire, braided stainless steel type. Use your multitool to cut to length. Zip lock bags in assorted sizes for keeping things organized and dry. Zipper heads and sliders to fit your tent, bivouc bag, sleeping bag, jacket or anything else that zips.

This article is not all-inclusive, but should give you a good start on properly preparing your bug out bag for emergency. We highly recommend you "experience" your bag and kit by going out into field.

-- Bug Out Bag (I_wrote@this.com), October 11, 1999.

A very nice review, THANK YOU!!!!!

However, do not think only in the box. A bug out bag may be the stuff you want to bring to the shelter (if you are so inclined).

A bug out bag is a personal thing. To some it means in the "out back" untill further notice. To others it is all of the mementos of life that you wish to save. I think of the Oakland fire storm and the stories of those who had pictures and such in their bags....

It depends on where you think you will be going. A bug out bag is not a one size fits all proposition. You may need a different pack depending on where you are headed.

Things will get worse before they get better.

-- Helium (Heliumavid@yahoo.com), October 11, 1999.

Potassium Iodide

-- Backspace (delete@no .way~), October 11, 1999.

I would suggest a light bag for movement. Buggin' out means you need to get from point A to point B. Where your point B is dictates what you need in your bag. Recon your route ahead of time.

I would pack a survival manual and first aid manual. Be prepared to locate water along the way, you can purify it then, instead of trying to carry too much. MRE's provide 2500 calories each, you should be able to function with one a day (depends on where your point B is).

A military poncho will provide shelter, a means of gathering water, wet weather gear, stretcher, and all kinds of other stuff.

The excellent article writtn above should give you pertinent information. But I like the military survival manual and live off the land.

-- IKnow (Im@ready.now), October 11, 1999.

In Brians Time Bomb Preparation Archive he has GREAT TBY2K thread links on bugging out...

Bugging out

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 000ryW

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), October 11, 1999.

Most important point of all - make sure you can lift and carry whatever it is you select to pack! After a short carry around the block most will lighten the load drastically!

Got sherpas!

-- (snowleopard6@webtv.net), October 11, 1999.

2 thoughts...

Firts off: If a situation arises in the next 6 months requiring you to "Bug OUt" and and you haven't already "BO'd"... get very religious...

Second: Do not underestimate the "clothes on your back".

The clothes you are wearing in a chaotic "bug out" scenario are THE most important items to have with you. You'll be wearing them alot (durrable), they should be VERY weather resistant (shelter), color is important (stealth)- bright (if the lil adventure doesn't turn out so fun and you WANT to be found), think multiple layers (peel'm off as you get hot/ put'm on when you stop to rest and chill), quick drying clothing is KEY (fleece), stuff the pockets with fire, gloves, hat, gator, knife, flashlight, extra socks.

BTW... the "Bug OUt SUIT" doesn't fit IN the bag, as it comes off it straps TO the bag...

Again think "backcountry skiing", "expedition", "hunting" gear...

Oh... you were joking about the "shelter" weren't ya???

-- Nailbender (hmmmm@80+days.net), October 11, 1999.

I think much depends on your geographical location, your sex, your body build, and what you're picturing as that moment of a bug out and where you'd be heading.

Everyone in California is supposed to have an earthquake pack in the car trunk at all times which would be in addition to the "Y2K" bug out next to the front door and possibly identical.

A person picturing family photos and personal treasures obviously pictures him or herself going to a place where one is cared for. I am not confident that is a wise choice for Y2K. One would be competiting for care if any existed due to the sheer numbers. I think it best to think of the ethnic Albanians in the Macedonian no mans' land. A suggestion I have is to leave the photo's but take the negatives if one is that determined to "save" the pictures.

A bug out bag suggests to me one might not have a car and this could be on foot. It can't be more than what one can briskly walk with carrying. I am under five feet and 38, thus I have a space blanket, not a "real" blanket, light in weight food, water, tobacco, waterproof matches, lighter, instant coffee, a 3 pack of small sterno, steel cup, spoon, knife, fork, travel toothbrush and paste, floss, female sanitary needs, t.p. small package of baby swipes, can opener, water purfication tablets, aspirin, a medication to stop "runs," and so forth. The bag contains no clothing, no amusements, and is about 3 days of cautious and miserable survival. The bag is also quite heavy for me but it was that or I walk with a toothbrush. *Based on my observation of events in that no mans' land I also have a poster board and a marker. It is my Kiss You Arse Sign in which I write a message after reviewing facts that can be obtained, a direct "Help Me" type message in an attempt to get myself singled out.

My "earthquake" trunk kit is vastly superior with a "real" blanket amongst other things.

*Should I have time to load up the car and leave with some degree of dignity, I purchased a sleeping bag made in the design of the American flag, as one more prop in the Kiss Your Arse being singled out scenario. I'll probably be able to take it with me on a foot journey but I am prepared without it.

-- Paula (chowbabe@pacbell.net), October 11, 1999.

If you know where you will bug out to, just stash the stuff near by. Rent a small storage space with 24 hour access in the rural town you may bug out to. Load it up with a 3 month supply of everything you may need. That way you can bail out at anytime without worrying about leaving some stuff behind. If things look ok at home after a couple of months, go and get the stuff out of storage and bring it home. Our back up site is not far away, but I have a small storage space nearby just in case. It is a good idea to store some supplies off site just in case you have to turn over any of you preps or weapons.

-- Bill (y2khippo@yahoo.com), October 11, 1999.

1. Equipment in Backpacks -- Emergency Supplies, Kept in 2 Backpacks

Food (Basic): 3 meals, 2 persons

Canteens, (2) Chlorine Bleach (In First Aid Kits)

Water Filter

Propane stove Propane

Matches

Match Can

Knives (1 leatherman) Can openers (P38) Cooking Kit

Utensil sets

Mess kits Toilet Paper (1 roll)

Soap Hand sanitizer (2 antibacterial) Garbage bags

First Aid Kits Vitamins

Ponchos

Dry socks

Cash --Bills

Flashlights

2. Material Packed For Vehicle, But Not Backpacked, Stored in 2 5- Gallon Buckets, Duffel Bag, and Loose....Can be left if vehicle is abandoned. Buckets can be used for sanitation and water hauling.

Sleeping bags -- 2 Foam pads -- 2

Plastic ground -- 1 Wool Blankets

Lantern

Flashlight

Candles

Shovel

Axe

Extra Food, to flesh out meals

Extra Water (Fill before leaving)-- 7.5 gallons

Changes of clothing

Shoes/boots

Deodorant

Shaving kit

Toothbrushes

Mirror Toothpaste

Hair brush

Toilet Paper

Liquid Soap

Spare batteries

Radio (Add These if Time Permits)

Coleman 2-Burner Propane Stove

20 Pound Propane Tank

Connection Hose

-- ready (to@bug.out), October 11, 1999.

See Holly Deo's site at:

http://www.millennium-ark.net/News_Files/Hollys.html#Anchor-11481

-- de (delewis@XOUTinetone.net), October 11, 1999.

Prepared,

The above lists are terribly inclusive, in fact, I suspect that most people would be unable to carry a couple of them. However, there is one item which I didn't notice on any of them that could be a life saver. A compass. (Along with a little orienteering experience).

I expect to have a 'bug out' bag in my vehicle the evening of Dec. 31, as I am doing a 'command performance' at work, in what I suspect to be a vain attempt to keep the wheels turning. Should the weather be bad, the situation get antsy, or the wheels obviously come off I am prepared to walk out. (About a two or three day walk, depending on the weather.) In the event that the wheels have very obviously come off, I expect that the situation will be a trifle nervous as all of the unaware, pollies, terminally stupid, etc., come to the sudden realization that something might just be wrong. In that case, taking the roads, at least walking right on them, may not be the most intelligent thing one has ever done. The route I would take will allow me to stay off of the roads except for 1 potential choke point, a river. However, it also means that I will be unable to just get on the highway and follow my nose.

Orienteering, or navigation with a compass, is not particularly difficult, although some practice is recommended. This doesn't even need to be formally taught, as you can simply set up a course and see if you can work through it.

One other item I didn't notice was defense, other than pepper spray on some of the lists. This is kind of a personal choice type thing and is somewhat dictated by how bad one thinks the situation might be. I personally intend to have a handgun, to be carried unobtrusively and used only as a last resort. If things aren't as bad as I fear, or I can drive, then it will stay in the gun case, otherwise, I will have it 'just in case'.

-- just another (another@engineer.com), October 11, 1999.

A compact Bible. If you have nothing but you have Jesus....you have everything.

-- Zoe (a@a.a), October 12, 1999.

I'm sure I'm setting myself up for a real whoopin' here, but if I live in a rural area...where would I be "buggin' out" to and why?

beej

-- beej (beej@ppbbs.com), October 12, 1999.

Go HERE:

http://www.easley.net/warlord/files/files.htm

So it ain't hotlinked, cut n paste, and there are LITERALLY 20 lists in articles on BOB's.

Go HERE: BUG OUT BAG REVISITED

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000o7Z

and go HERE: Y2K Nakedness:

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000em8

and this last one will describe a bag that you WILL want ON YOUR BODY (it goes into a largish fanny pack or misc gallon ziplock (with room for other stuff, trust me, my spouse has an ORIGINAL GB model and mine is a PAK Kit Modified model).

These last kits are what you need within arm's reach (or closer) after Nov 1 or the market crashes whichever comes first.

PS MANY of the quasi surplus "Army Navy" shops have a little kit called a "You CAN Survive kit" in a can about the size of a tuna can which will cover MUCH of the SUE requirements. what's a SUE?? Read the last mentioned thread.

Night Train

-- Jes a prepared ol footballer (nighttr@in.lane), October 12, 1999.

Preparing

You didn't mention what enviorment you will be bugging out to. Very important.

Also, where are you bugging out to?

Can you stand the elements? What would it be like to "camp out" in January in your neck of the woods (or anyone elses)? Getting a list and putting it together is the easy part. Living during the crisis is another.

IMHO one should rent an RV and stock it up. Instant abode. This living in the "toolies" during the winter is only for bush folk and slightly insane types. You have to be smart or tough. Better to be both. If you are neither stay where you have a roof over your heads. Nature will be totally impartial about whether you survive or not. Think ahead or stay behind. There is no time for "heading for the hills" unless you are there so forget about that.

Good luck

-- Brian (imager@home.com), October 12, 1999.

Take one nice hand gun. Lots of bullets. You can then acquire any damn thing you may need. Good luck

-- bang-bang (bang@dead.com), October 12, 1999.

I don't subscribe to the "armed banditry" methodology, but a small, break-down gun chambered in .22 cal (AR-7, AT-22, or similar) and a couple of boxes of subsonic .22 bullets (very quiet) would be a good idea. You you could use it to scare off dangerous varmits (4 and 2 legged varieties) and to bag small animals if your food runs out. The total package would add only 3-4 lbs to your load.

-- rob minor (rbminor@hotmail.com), October 12, 1999.

good info and lists. I must confess that i haven't been able to get into getting a bug out bag together for my household. I guess the thought of having to leave is hard to deal with. also- not sure under what sort of scenario this could occur- rural farm that we are. Not near any cities, not earthquake or major huricaine area- not near chem plants, etc- nor any 7-11's!! :)

but seriously- I have thought about it but it hasn't seemed a priority- in our situation. anyone think otherwise??

-- farmer (hillsidefarm@drbs.com), October 12, 1999.

A bug-out bag is probably not a necessity in your case, but if you haven't already, look at establishing a hideout-cache separate from your farmhouse. Is your acreage big enough to have an isolated spot out of sight from the house? Do you live near BLM land or national forest? Find a spot that is secluded, not frenquented by anyone, and private. Store a 2-3 week supply of stuff there. If you get chased out of your house for any reason, you can make your way to your cache and live off of it until you can think of something else. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

-- rob minor (rbminor@hotmail.com), October 13, 1999.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I have printed all twenty something pages...lots of stuff I hadn't thought of. Yes, the gun and ammo would be in my bag...other gun in my husband's bag. Also a first aid manual.

We live in a densly populated suburb of Dallas, on the northern end. But all we have to do is travel due north and we are getting out of dodge almost immediately. I hadn't thought of figuring out a route first. Or a destination to bug out to. I was picturing military types and guns in our faces, being forced to go to a shelter, God forbid. We wouldn't do it, (we have guns ourselves) but I wanted to be prepared for that contingency just in case.

I don't think anyone mentioned surgical type masks and latex gloves. This would be more for the shelter scenario. Breeding grounds for disease.

Like I said, chances are we won't be going that route. We could probably not step out of our house for 8-9 months and be fine. But best to be prepared.

Thanks again.

-- Preparing (preparing@home.com), October 16, 1999.

We have a car bug-out plan to go to a slightly more rural location. The list of things we'd plan on taking includes the warmest down sleeping bags we were able to find (no liquid likely in Jan. here), tarps, shovel, crowbar, jack, candles, flashlights, MRE's, Heater Meals, water, and other standard survival items. Including some small-arms for defense (though probably we'd be powerless against someone with the firepower to drive us from our house), car repair supplies and a gasoline container and maps.

I've lived outdoors without shelter for up to two months before (not even a tent). I enjoyed it. But it was in milder climates than here, even though there was occasional snow in some of those areas. It seems to me that this climate requires shelter and a stash of food to survive, and more food if there's less heat.

If we had to leave on foot at the wrong time, unfortunately, I think someone would die, because I have found no way to keep little kids warm enough in the really severe cold so far without shelter (which you don't have on the move). And because the little kids would have to be carried, probably, that would decrease what other stuff could be taken (hence the vehicle plan instead of the on-foot plan). 25-below minimums are average for winter, and a year or two ago it was almost 70 below zero with windchill a time or two--not that unusual. Since I think the kids wouldn't survive an on-foot bug-out plan, I don't plan for that scenario. Except giving them comfort and saying goodbye.

-- S. Kohl (kohl@hcpd.com), October 16, 1999.

From: Y2K, ` la Carte by Dancr (pic), near Monterey, California

Here's a link at the preparation forum (where this topic is more appropriately discussed), for Addendum Bags for Mandatory Pedestrian Evacuation, and that thread links to a more general thread on bugout bags.

-- Dancr (addy.available@my.webpage), October 17, 1999.