The Bug Out Bag

Before I really get into zombies, I have to cover the basics. First I want to start with the BOB, or the Bug Out Bag. If you don't already know what this is, it's a bag packed with emergency supplies. Even though I'm writing this tongue and cheek, this one's very practical. For example, Hurricane season here in Florida just wrapped up. We've been very lucky the past few years to not have an absolutely devastating storm come through. In prior seasons my home has fared pretty well, but if it were the case I had to leave in a hurry it would be great to be prepared right?

This is where this comes in. A BOB, is your pack of emergency supplies for when you need to "Bug Out" quick. This is for an escape, evacuation. Don't think you're gonna live off of this more more than a couple days. I don't have one made up at the moment, but I'm going to pull out some supplies and gear to show you what I'd personally bring.

Firstly, your bag can be anything; whether it's a backpack, a rucksack, duffel bag or whatever. As long as it holds the supplies you need and is easily transportable then you're good to go. This here is my Fox Tactical 3 day assault pack in ACUPAT. An assault pack is a small bag designed to hold your essential supplies for short term trips. One of the things I like about this is the MOLLE system (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment, pronounced Molly). You can slap any number of attachments on there for extra carrying space like this canteen pouch on the side. This one also has a place for a hydration pouch which is an absolute must. I took this one on a 3 day FTX and got by just fine.

The number one thing on this list is water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Let me emphasize this for you. Hydration is the most important thing in your life. Hydrate. HY-FRICKIN-DRATE. Drink Water. I have a Camelbak here that I'd bring with me. I'd either strip it and place the bladder inside my pack, or wear it as is. Also as mentioned before I have the canteen pouch hanging off the side. Bring as much water as you can without being too excessive. (Not that you can be but for carrying purposes). You'll find a way to make it without your iPhone or a shower. I'd carry 1-2 gallons personally. Don't buy into the 8 cups a day deal. Your body likes water, and the second you start to become dehydrated, it panics.

Next I'd recommend a first aid kit. If something were to go wrong with you or a friend you'd be an idiot not to have one. What if you fell off of your bike and skinned your knee? Then you'd be bleeding, zombies would be on you like white on rice. A standard first aid kit is fine, but additional items I would bring would be any medicine you personally need such as allergy meds and additional things like tylenol, aspirin etc. You can grab these off of the internet at a number of places. Heck they even make kits already packaged to work with a MOLLE system! Type in "tactical first aid kit" in Google and you'll see what I mean.

The next thing you want is some food. Non-perishable items are better. MRE's (meals ready to eat) work great. A few at most would work, remember this is evac not long term. I hate MRE's though. I find them disgusting. A lot of people, like Tonion in the previous entry geek out about MRE's. Now and then they're not bad. When you eat them for an extended period of time, they're disgusting. My first MRE experience was, "Hey! This is pretty good." The last MRE I ate was, "Oh God, this is disgusting I never want to eat again." MRE's back you up too just a word of warning.

Hygene! Bring an extra change of clothes, and whatever products you need. For males deodorant, baby wipes and dental. Ladies, see the previous and y'all know what y'all need.

So the last thing I'm going to mention are the few miscellaneous things. Batteries, flashlights, tools, knives, etc. Whatever you think you need. Remember this is a light pack, you're not going to be living out of it. Paracord is one thing I'd bring. Good for securing things, plus you don't know when you need something like this! 550 Paracord is rated for a 550lb breaking point. Dig it. Lastly, one thing I own which I love is this waterproof bag. Put your items that cannot get wet inside of it, then stick it in your BOB. You'll thank me later.

There are plenty of articles online and plenty of people dedicated to things like this, so I'm certain someone has covered this subject much better than I have. I just hit the basics. Let me know what you think in the comments. Pretty soon, I'm going to start showing some cool things like conducting recons and we'll shoot some guns for you. :)