Bug out bag ideas, or get home bag

[thebeamanater107]

If you're sick and tired of beating the survival situation dead horse, then you can skip this thread. I just figured I'd let you guys know.

I live near Atlanta Georgia. You guys may recall January 2014 when 2" of snow shut Atlanta down. I'm not calling the people of Atlanta wimps (even though I think they are... I drive a semi truck for a Wisconsin based company. I've seen winter all over the forty eight states.)

The base of my theory came from my idea of building a survival gun. Its a marlin model 60 base, with the ati dragunov stock and a shotgun sleeve on the end, creating a hole in the stock between the sleeves where I can put a bunch of stuff because I've always been fond of those $20 China made survival knives. My girlfriend and I began discussing real survival situations and preparedness.

We both agree that zombies and apocalypse is a fun brain teaser, and if that stuff really happens then we'll more than likely be part of the hundreds of millions that are now dead. Real survival situations involve being broke down or out of gas in the middle of nowhere, or stuck on I-285 in Atlanta during snowpocolypse. So a survival bag in the trunk is where I'm focused.

What's in a survival bag? I've got blanket, jacket, long underwear, first aid kit, fire starters and 2 or more bic lighters, a survival book, the vegan guide to surviving in the woods in case there's no hunting available, food and water. Also a signaling device that I haven't worked out yet. I know people stranded in Australia deserts burn their spare tire, so I'll add a valve stem remover to make that possible, and possibly a flare gun from the boating section at the sporting goods store. The car is your shelter in this situation, and this kit is in the car.

My main concern is water. The quick thought was plastic bottles, but when Georgia temperatures break 100 degrees I really don't think the water in your trunk is any good. Does the plastic break down and poison the water?

the original point and click interface, by Smith & Wesson

 

[mc5aw]

The concept of the bug-out bag is very subjective. In the wild? Home without power? For a modest three day set-up where you find yourself on the go: handgun & ammo, multi-tool/knife, paracord, fire starter, flashlight, light sticks, $, tarp, ponchos, nuts/granola, portable solar radio, first aid kit (Ibuprofen, Imodium, alcohol, bandaids/gauze), duct tape, antiseptic Wipeeze. All of these items can fit in a standard ammo container, with room to spare. When you get into more survival oriented mode, the list gets longer. A good supply of bottled water is a necessity ... gallon jugs or five gallon containers are the best bet.

 

[thebeamanater107]

This bug out bag is in the trunk of a car. Its a stay alive and be found or rescued in 3-4 days or less bag.

the original point and click interface, by Smith & Wesson

 

[mc5aw]

In the trunk, I would include everything mentioned except the handgun & ammo. That should remain on your person obviously. I would also have a shovel and some wool blankets, and some water purification tabs or filters.

Since you mentioned both heat and cold extremes, I'd also note that items should not be universal, but rather updated seasonally or according to weather trends.

 

[thebeamanater107]

That's probably the best answer, though not the magic solution I'm looking for. I mentioned Atlanta Georgia, so cold extreme is about zero degrees. For that I'm going with blankets and warm clothing. For hot weather it's shade and water.

But the issue of water, I'll end up buying another 2 gallons and dumping out the old 2 gallons every springtime and checking dates on the food

the original point and click interface, by Smith & Wesson

 

[NE450No2]

Random thoughts on the water.
I recommend store bought individual bottles of water.
Like Ozarka and others that are around 16.9oz.

Here is why. At my Texas deer lease, there has been a case of water, that has been stored outside for several years. It has been in 100+ heat to below freezing cold, at least a cold as 14 degrees many many times over the years. NOT ONE water bottle has burst, or sprung a leak.

I probably would not want to drink it now, after so many years, at least 6 or 7, but if you replaced it at least every 2 years, or so, in your bug out bag, you should be good to go.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Perhaps a little more frequent change of your water is in order. Just an opinion, worth what you paid for it.
Water purification tablets could be added to the water if you have any doubt.

 

[Alpo]

I'm against store-bought bottles of water. The bottles are flimsy. Soda bottles are designed to take the pressure of carbonation, and are much heavier plastic.
I drink seltzer, which is an acquired taste, but on the plus side, I don't have to wash the sugar residue out of the bottles when I fill 'em with filtered water for storage.

Whatever you do, don't buy that stuff that comes in milk-jugs. That plastic is designed to break down within a year or two, and it allows the water to evaporate through the plastic.

If you are worried about temperature extremes, and you have the room, keep your water bottles in a styrofoam cooler. Helps to prevent it from freezing in sub-zero temps, and getting too hot when it's in the 90s.

If you are going to depend upon a butane lighter for fire you need to keep it in your pocket. At temps of 50 or lower the butane will not offgas. The lighter will not light. In your pocket, you body heat has it at 90 degrees, no matter how cold it is outside. In your pack, frontseat console or trunk - ain't gonna happen.

 

[arjay]

I keep a case of bottled water in my truck year round.Its replaced 2-3 times a year,stays fresh and freezing doesn't break the plastic.

 

[Rule3]

Large Nalgene bottles and a bottle of bleach for disinfecting other water. All depends on what doomsday scenario occurred and how the water is contaminated.

 

[NE450No2]

Perhaps a little more frequent change of your water is in order. Just an opinion, worth what you paid for it.
Water purification tablets could be added to the water if you have any doubt.

Bugkiller

Do Not misunderstand, I would not drink that water, I just keep it around as a test for its container.

My thoughts are if the packaging will take 6 years+ of 100+ to way below freezing, for 6+ years, then it is good to go for a year or so in a bug out bag, before replacement...

Actually, I have found these new generation super thin, super "crinkly" sounding water bottles to be very tough.

Frankly I have been impressed with them, much to my suprise.

I have actually handled a few of them roughly, hatefully, and savagely, [well at least semi savagely], and I have not yet broken one.

Also, if you have a lot of "individual" water bottles, you can use them for trading/barter purposes.

Much better than one gallon and above water carriers for a bug out bag.

Just IMHO, of course.

 

[USAF385]

I have posted my bag contents a few times already so I will not go into detail again because the list is lengthy. It's based on the aircrew survival bag and I am very comfortable with the contents.

However, one thing I have found that people often forget is extra glasses if you wear contacts or glasses.

 

[NE450No2]

I have posted my bag contents a few times already so I will not go into detail again because the list is lengthy. It's based on the aircrew survival bag and I am very comfortable with the contents.

However, one thing I have found that people often forget is extra glasses if you wear contacts or glasses.

EXCELLENT ADVICE. I do not need glasses to see, but I need "reading glasses to "read up close.

I always carry at least 2 pair on a daily local basis. When I travel I, carry a half dozen or so extras...

Same with medicine. I do not have to take any pills on a daily basis.

But when I travel, I carry a complete set of meds, for every contengency.

 

[Harkrader]

For many years I worked in the metro Milwaukee WI area and lived some 30+ miles away. I never thought about what I called a "Walk-out" bag until the freeway was shut down for some chemical spill disaster one afternoon and I had to drive MANY extra miles to get home. I recall government comments about how a big disaster might "require" shutting down the freeways.
It occurred to me, then, that I might have to walk out to get home one day, so I made my bag accordingly.
I was an active backpacker so picking a large comfortable pack was easy enough. I put seasonal clothing in it, to always include rain gear. Also a pair of my best mountain-hiking boots, with silk and wool socks.
This started in pre-cell phone days, so I had a hand-held radio I hoped I could call home with. Maybe, maybe not, but I had it.
I had powerful flashlights (for the day) and extra batteries. Also backpacking food, two liters of water and a water filter, and $100 in singles.
Over time I changed to lighter, better clothing, smaller and more powerful lights, and at least $300 in cash.
I had a Colt Series 70 Government Model at first, changing to a Sig 228 when I became proficient with one, then a 226 with tritium sights.
I found it difficult to pick a rifle because I felt it had to be carried out of sight but still quickly accessible. I kept a Marlin .30-30 in the trunk with a shoulder carrying case, but was never comfortable with the idea of carrying it due to the obvious nature of it. I just couldn't think of anything better.
When I saw the Springfield SOCOM I snagged one right away and made that my Walk-out rifle because I could carry it under a coat or in a hook-and-eye slit in the side of my backpack. It's still my favorite trunk and Walk-out rifle.
Since retirement, I still keep the bag in the trunk. I don't put the rifle in it if I am going to park the car in Milwaukee because I don't want some dirtbag to break in and get it. Since WI finally passed CCW I just carry a couple good handguns.

 

[thebeamanater107]

I'm against store-bought bottles of water. The bottles are flimsy. Soda bottles are designed to take the pressure of carbonation, and are much heavier plastic.
I drink seltzer, which is an acquired taste, but on the plus side, I don't have to wash the sugar residue out of the bottles when I fill 'em with filtered water for storage.

Whatever you do, don't buy that stuff that comes in milk-jugs. That plastic is designed to break down within a year or two, and it allows the water to evaporate through the plastic.

If you are worried about temperature extremes, and you have the room, keep your water bottles in a styrofoam cooler. Helps to prevent it from freezing in sub-zero temps, and getting too hot when it's in the 90s.

If you are going to depend upon a butane lighter for fire you need to keep it in your pocket. At temps of 50 or lower the butane will not offgas. The lighter will not light. In your pocket, you body heat has it at 90 degrees, no matter how cold it is outside. In your pack, frontseat console or trunk - ain't gonna happen.

I laughed at your butane lighter comments. I smoke cigars, and the lighter stays outside. In the winter I agree the lighter will not light, and neither will the bic lighter. I understand your point. But when dad and I walk outside I immediately put the lighter in my pocket as we're rummaging around getting beer fixing drinks and cutting cigars then the lighter works fine. Sure when it's cold the butane has less pressure and won't hold a flame but it takes 5 minutes to fix that problem.

the original point and click interface, by Smith & Wesson

 

[thebeamanater107]

For many years I worked in the metro Milwaukee WI area and lived some 30+ miles away. I never thought about what I called a "Walk-out" bag until the freeway was shut down for some chemical spill disaster one afternoon and I had to drive MANY extra miles to get home. I recall government comments about how a big disaster might "require" shutting down the freeways.
It occurred to me, then, that I might have to walk out to get home one day, so I made my bag accordingly.
I was an active backpacker so picking a large comfortable pack was easy enough. I put seasonal clothing in it, to always include rain gear. Also a pair of my best mountain-hiking boots, with silk and wool socks.
This started in pre-cell phone days, so I had a hand-held radio I hoped I could call home with. Maybe, maybe not, but I had it.
I had powerful flashlights (for the day) and extra batteries. Also backpacking food, two liters of water and a water filter, and $100 in singles.
Over time I changed to lighter, better clothing, smaller and more powerful lights, and at least $300 in cash.
I had a Colt Series 70 Government Model at first, changing to a Sig 228 when I became proficient with one, then a 226 with tritium sights.
I found it difficult to pick a rifle because I felt it had to be carried out of sight but still quickly accessible. I kept a Marlin .30-30 in the trunk with a shoulder carrying case, but was never comfortable with the idea of carrying it due to the obvious nature of it. I just couldn't think of anything better.
When I saw the Springfield SOCOM I snagged one right away and made that my Walk-out rifle because I could carry it under a coat or in a hook-and-eye slit in the side of my backpack. It's still my favorite trunk and Walk-out rifle.
Since retirement, I still keep the bag in the trunk. I don't put the rifle in it if I am going to park the car in Milwaukee because I don't want some dirtbag to break in and get it. Since WI finally passed CCW I just carry a couple good handguns.

One thing I respect about ar15 style guns is with two pins they split in half and can be carried in a backpack. Pistol caliber carbine make good trunk guns in my opinion but if there's time to raid the trunk then there's time to bring out a rifle or to escape, so my trunk gun theories are mixed.

the original point and click interface, by Smith & Wesson

 

[rburg]

Always fun to imagine this stuff. But if you're going to be practical, you need to have the bag with useful stuff, not just in case of zombies. The first thing you should consider is food. I know, I'm old and don't want to eat earthworms or bugs. If you were in the army recently, you ate MREs a few times (its more likely you tried one or two, then chose to eat the M&Ms and stay hungry.) But of the 24 meals in a case, there were one or two you found palatable. So include an MRE or two in the trunk. I know the summer sun will tend to make them deteriorate. So put new ones in the trunk in the autumn. They'll be good until maybe May or June. The best is the chicken breast. Its actually good enough you can eat if you're out for the day. The hamburger patty is just a Mickey D's cheapo hamburger. If you find two of the "snack bread" packets, you can make a passable burger. Probably no worse than fresh from the restaurant chain.

Yes, water. If its hot, take it out of the trunk and let it cool a little.

If there's an REI or similar, take the time and wander thru one. Its expensive, but you can build a small food stockpile you can raid even when you're just out for the day. Some of the stuff is remarkably good. You can eat it and not even be a wienee backpacker type. Forget health food, get the good stuff. And beef jerky! You'd be amazed at how often when you're out and about it seems tasty.

Yes, a shovel. Get the modern ones that fold up. Someone said bug killer. How about just bug repellant.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I carry most of that stuff all the time here in a NM. You never know when you'll break down, get snowed in, etc.
If you really don't trust the plastic bottled water, get some GI canned emergency water. Or get some of this civilian water.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Savage made the Model 24 O/U combo gun in a 20" camper version. The butt is drilled for shot shells and about 10 22's. Mine has been my constant companion for 24 years. With it are 2-100 round boxes of CCI ammo and 2 plastic 20 round ammo boxes made for 600 Nitro ammo. Each box contains 5 slugs, 5 #4 buck shot, 5 #4 bird shot and 5 #8 dove loads. In the case is a cleaning kit, a sling and a detachable scope.
I keep a extra days prescriptions and a $10 roll of quarters in the vehicles. I keep a paper map the state and a 12 county map with more detail in the cars also. The emergency /get home bag is very individual in practice, but almost universal in concept. We bought a car from my wife's grandmother about 25 years ago. in the trunk was a box of "stuff" grandma thought was necessary to carry in the car. 2 items of interest were, 1) plug in the lighter RED FLASHING LIGHT ala police car (not sure why) and 2) a pre 1958 road map. No confusing freeways to distract you! Of course grandma kept a straight razor tucked in her stockings and she had a couple garter belt holsters. I miss that old gal! Ivan