Do you have a B.O.B.?

Are you ready?

Are you ready for when sh*t hits the fan (SHTF)?

I would like to think that myself and my family is ready for when SHTF, if it may. However I know that is just not the case. We are always prepping for when that day comes and let’s be honest you can never be fully ready but you can be prepared so you aren’t vulnerable!

Being prepared is key to success in situations that you are not ready for.

Some things to know firsthand is I am not some crazy prepper lady, I don’t know it all but I will tell you that in the past couple years my eyes have been opened to the fact we never know when the next Civil War is going to break out or when a situation arises where we may need to grab our BOB and go. I truly believe it is just a matter of time before SHTF. Therefore we in the Sutherlin household have begun to prepare to be ready and have a plan. We are actively prepping in our daily lives to always be better prepared.

Each of us in our family has a Bug Out Bag (BOB) that is equipped for a minimum of 72 hours. We also have BOB’s prepared for our dogs. Having and preparing BOB’s for family pets is often something that people forget.

Given the circumstances that we are currently facing as a nation and worldwide there is no better time than now to start getting prepared. It is never too late to start!

A bug out bag is equipped with essential supplies that are needed if the situation arises in which the decision has been made for you to abandon your home due to an emergency, natural disaster, looting, chemical warfare or other disaster by mankind.

This bag is a core bag filled with items that will help get you through an emergency situation if it were to arise. One thing that’s important to know is that a situation can arise at any given time. If you are not prepared in some way you become vulnerable. There is no time like the present to begin your preparations in creating your BOB.

When it comes to getting your BOB put together it’s important to have a backpack that fits you comfortably. You also want to make sure it is strongly built and offers pockets and molle loops so you can attach pouches. Don’t forget to choose a pack that blends in well with the natural environment.

When packing your BOB you want to pack and place items strategically in your pack. Items you don’t plan on using often should be placed in the bottom of your BOB along with the heavier items.

The BOB was originally intended to only last 72 hours. However, you don’t have to stick to the 72 hour minimum. If you want to put supplies in your BOB to make it last longer, go for it. Don’t worry what others say you HAVE to do, you have to do what is going to work for you and what is ultimately best for you.

Keep in mind your skill level, personal and family needs as well as your regional needs. You’re already going to be in a VERY stressful situation, it’s best to make sure not to make it more stressful. Make your BOB your own with what you know you will be comfortable with.

The most important thing regarding your BOB is making sure you know how to use EVERYTHING.

Lastly, make sure the items in your BOB have been used and tested before you have to rely on them.

It is important to go through your BOB every 3-4 months to make sure nothing has expired and update items if/when needed.

Did you know that it is said that 48% of American’s lack emergency supplies that would be needed in the event of a disaster situation, that’s nearly half the population. Maybe that’s why during this time we are seeing such shortages with toilet paper, ammo and many other items during this Covid19 pandemic.

As mentioned before disaster will come knocking when we least expect it and if you aren’t prepared and have what is needed you may be left high and dry in a panic and that’s when being vulnerable comes into play.

When packing your BOB you want to pack and place items strategically in your pack. Items you plan on using more often should be placed in easy access places. Items that you won’t be using as often should be placed in the bottom of your BOB along with the heavier items.

IMPORTANT: This checklist is just an idea of items to pack in your BOB. The BOB was originally intended to only last 72 hours. However, you don’t have to stick to the 72 hour minimum. If you want to put supplies in your BOB to make it last longer, go for it! Don’t worry what others say you HAVE to do, you have to do what is going to work for you and what is ultimately best for you. Keep in mind your skill level, personal and family needs and well as your regional needs. You’re already going to be in a VERY stressful situation, its best to make sure not to make it more stressful. Make your BOB your own with what you know you will be comfortable with. The most important thing regarding your BOB is making sure you know how to use EVERYTHING. Lastly, make sure the items in your BOB have been used and tested several times before you have to rely on it.

· Shelter: Important for staying warm and dry. A tube, tarp, survival tent, emergency shelter or tarp and stakes will work. A sleeping bag or a couple emergency blankets will work well.

· Hygiene: This can be as simple as you want it to be. I would recommend toilet paper as it can be used for multiple things if needed. And ladies don’t forget items for your personal needs.

· First Aid: You don’t need to carry a trauma kit however its not a bad idea. Make sure you have the skills needed for a trauma kit if you do carry one. A small simple first aid kit with cleanser, gauze, alcohol wipes and bandages will work. Also make sure you have some sort of pain medication and allergy medication.

· Mole Skin: Great for blistered feet.

· Water: You can carry water in your water bladder or bottles. Carrying enough water for 3 days is not realistic so having a filter of some sort is necessary.

· Water Purification: Having a straw, tablets or a pump is necessary for the water you will need along the way.

· Cook Kit: Have something you can cook in/boil water in and a burner and fuel.

· Silverware: Helpful for eating food!

· Food: This can be ready to eat food or food that needs cooked. Small snacks are also nice to have. Pack what you will eat and what works for you. Have at least 3 days’ worth of food.

· Fire Starting Kit: This can be as simple as you want. Lighters and fire starters are a good quick option.

· Zip Ties: Useful for tying things together or shelter building and repairing things.

· Glow Sticks: These are great for light and they are light weight. Usually lasting 8-12 hours.

· Flashlight/Headlamp: Having a flashlight and headlamp will be helpful for having light during the night and when needed.

· Fishing Kit: Can be used to fish so you can catch food or even used for trapping if needed as a trip line.

· Sewing Kit: Great for repairing gear and clothing. If needed to use for medical reasons it can be but please know what you are doing.

· Multi-Tool: Very useful in many different situations with the variety of tools they provide. Be sure to find one with the tools you think you need and want.

· Knife: A fixed blade knife if good to have so you can baton wood if needed. As carry a small pocket knife as it’s useful for many things.

· Knife Sharpener: Helpful to keep your knives sharp since you won’t be carrying more than a couple.

· Bore Snake: For keeping your firearm clean in the field.

· Paracord: Have at least 100 feet but more is better!

· Glasses: Eye protection from the elements of the weather and for safety.

· Extra Batteries: Having enough batteries for your flashlights and anything else that may need them will be helpful.

· Small Shovel: Useful for digging, shelter, fire pit and much more.

· Binos: Small binos can be helpful to see what’s on the horizon or what’s around you and help you find food supply or enemies.

· Ear Plugs: Protection when shooting or loud noises that may be close. Wouldn’t recommend to wear them often as you want to be able to stay alert and hear what’s around you.

· Compass and Map: Having an up to date map of your area will be helpful and a compass that works. Being able to use a compass is a must.

· Tape: Great for repairing things, building things or to make things.

· Garbage Bag: This can be used as a shelter, for garbage, coverage for your BOB, a liner for your BOB and much more.

· Plastic Bags: Ziploc style bags can help with organization, used for trash or to even cook in.

· Aluminum Foil: Many uses, can be used to store food, to cook, reflect the sun and used for signal.

· Foldable Saw: Great for cutting wood, making shelter, traps and much more.

· 3 in 1 Oil: Can be used for cleaning and lubricating tools and weapons. Can also be used as a fire starter.

· Bug Spray: This may be useful depending on how bad mosquitos and other bugs can be.

· Sunscreen: Getting a sunburn can cause more harm then you realize. Protect your skin!

· Rain Gear: Great for rainy regions, will help keep you warm and dry. Having nice durable gear that will withstand the weather conditions and multiple uses is best.

· Flannel Shirt: This is nice to keep you warm and add layers to what you’re wearing.

· Scarf: Lightweight layer that can be added to keep you warm or protect you from the weather elements.

· Shemagh: Lots of great uses! It can be dunked in water to wrap around your head or neck. You can use it to keep the sun off you. It can be used as a blanket and much more.

· Poncho: Not only can this be used to keep you dry it can also be used as a shelter.

· Hats: Having a hat or some sort, a beanie, and waterproof hat will help keep you warm and dry and keep the sun off of you.

· Facemask: Great for keeping you warm and protecting you from the weather and elements.

· Belt: Not only can this help keep you pants up but it also be used to tie/hold things together. It can also be used at a tourniquet.

· Ear Warmer: Protection from the elements that still offers you to be able to hear and helps keep you warm.

· Gloves: Having gloves can be a lifesaver! They not only keep your hands warm and dry they also protect them. Having a good pair, such as leather, is worth it.

· Underwear

· Socks: Having extras will be a lifesaver if they get wet, worn or if another pair is needed.

· Insect Net: Lightweight and protects you from mosquitos and other bugs when needed and when you’re sleeping.

· Clothing: Have enough clothes for at least 3 days. Think about the region you live and the climate there. Having winter or warm clothes may be necessary.

· Foot Wear: Having a comfortable pair of shoes to walk in will help you maintain healthy feet while your bugging out. Having hiking boots or a waterproof boot can be helpful depending on your region. Keeping your feet healthy and in good condition is very important.

· Personal Protection: Having a firearm is a must along with any necessary items to go with it.

· Ammo: Needed for your firearm!

· Playing Cards: Can be helpful to pass the time and keep you busy. A good morale item.

· Journal and Pen: Can be used to write the day’s events and what is going on. Good for morale as well to write your thoughts down.

Extras:

· Solar Panel: This is a great option to recharge rechargeable batteries or devices.

· N95 Masks: In case of illness or blood these are nice to have. It is important to know these should be fit tested and do not work appropriately if not fitted.

*Child Supplies: If your child cannot carry their own supplies, you need to keep in mind you will have to carry their items.

*Pet Supplies: If your pet cannot carry it’s own supplies, you will need to carry them.

Written by ReelCamo Girl ProStaff member Stacey Sutherlin.