Disaster/Emergency Vehicle Kit (DEVKit) / Bug Out Bag (BOB)

[BobC357]

I enjoyed the thoughfulness that went into your kit. I too, have built some kits that I have put in my truck and my wife's SUV. She doesn't really know what's in it, but she'll be glad she has it if she's stuck somewhere . We live in the NV desert, and there is a lot of distance between places, as well as less traveled roads. You don't know you need the stuff till you don't have it.

In the desert, keep a medium sized can, 4 foot square sheet of plastic and a folding shovel. You can make enough water every day to survive on with that. Dig a hole, chop some cactus with the shovel; put the can in the bottom; cover with the plastic and put a small stone in the middle above the can. The sun heats the cactus, water condenses on the plastic and rolls to the point and drips into the can.

 

[dcxplant]

Nice list, thanks!

Flashlights:
Costco has an LED light that features High, Low, Strobe, and S.O.S. with an output of 500 lumens!

The focus is a push-pull lens instead of a twist lens which is easier one-handed.

$24 bucks for a two-pack of flashlights, batteries included. It runs on C batts, plentiful and cheap.

Feit Electric.

 

[kamloops67]

maybe add a bottle of rum and some mix? sure its a survival situation but who said you cant have fun? if you are snowed in or what have you... what else are you going to do? kidding, but in the situation youd probably welcome the diversion.
i carry an extra sweater, coat and gloves, there is a bic in the glove box... after that i plan to rely on my good looks and adaptability.

 

[Horsehaulin]

Switch Fix A Flat for Slime. As a tow truck driver, I see too many tires with that **** in them and not a single time in 13 years have I seen it work. Slime will continuously coat the tires and help prevent another major loss of air.

Just a thought.

 

[monet61]

In the desert, keep a medium sized can, 4 foot square sheet of plastic and a folding shovel. You can make enough water every day to survive on with that. Dig a hole, chop some cactus with the shovel; put the can in the bottom; cover with the plastic and put a small stone in the middle above the can. The sun heats the cactus, water condenses on the plastic and rolls to the point and drips into the can.

Yes, I learned that in the Navy. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[walnutred]

After reading the posts so far and planning the next addition to my GMH bag I've decided on the following addition to the rucksack.

In ziplock bags two rolls of toilet paper and some feminine hygiene products.

A small assortment of tea bags, cup-o-soup, pot holder and some folded aluminum foil. This all fits inside an old 1-quart aluminum coffee pot I've had for decades.

I've also decided I might as well add my old Army issue mess kit and eating utensils. It does not take up much space and I can pack the inside with a few small items.

 

[mtgianni]

Why light sticks? You have dual setting flashlights, no maps to read. shelf life and you cannot turn them off. I see the military's use but see no use for civilians other than "cool".
I do not trust a bic either but with some skills, the flint and steel end works long after the fuel is gone.

 

[dmar]

Howdy!
I wanted to give my older boys something useful for this past XMAS. I decided to make up an emergency/disaster car kit.

I have compiled a list for what I call a Disaster/Emergency Vehicle Kit / Bug Out Bag.

The lists reflect my attempt to plan for an event of unknown severity and duration, an event which may never happen. However, assumptions must be made and a budget established.

This DEVKit, or BOB is based on the premise that I spend most of my time near my home and work. Most of my driving during the week is within 50 miles of home (usually 20) and on weekends within 100 miles at most. Therefore, it is most likely that an unexpected and serious emergency or disaster will occur during this time. Most likely it will be an urban/suburban environment with countryside possibilities too. It works well for expected disasters too, altho’ I would add items depending on the scenario.

The most likely natural disaster where I live is a major earthquake that causes massive devastation and a breakdown of civil order. Then again, it could be a massive traffic jam where I’m stuck for hours due to weather, fog or an accident. Or a weekend vehicle breakdown while sightseeing on an isolated back road. The point is preparation goes well with hope and a prayer.

And for longer trips such as several hundred miles I can add some water and food to the DEVKit and just GO.

So, those are some of the scenarios upon which I based the DEVKit / BOB.

Lastly, altho’ this is a non-recurring expense that most likely will never be used, I feel it is necessary and critical to have some kind of preparation kit in whatever vehicle I’m in. Of course, you can make one BOB and if you have multiple cars, just transfer to whichever you are driving that day. However, if you have multiple drivers and multiple vehicles, it is best to make a BOB for each vehicle.

Some personal criteria used in coming up with this DEVKit.
1. The DEVKit is based on a Bug Out Bag premise, where much or all of the contents of the Bag may have to travel with you if you need to abandon your vehicle.
2. I always have a daypack with me – I use it like a briefcase or a woman uses a purse. It can hold about 3L in volume. As such, my BOB is a bag bec I’m not going to wear 2 backpacks. I will have my backpack and the bag with shoulder strap slung over me when needed to keep my hands free. If you don’t have a backpack, then I suggest you use a backpack for your BOB.
3. I have a handgun and ammo in my BOB bec I’m preparing for an unknown emergency or disaster. There are pros and cons about keeping a handgun in your vehicle, obeying all state and local laws, of course. I am not comfortable doing it, however I have made that decision for now. It reflects my attempt to plan for an event of unknown severity and duration. I don’t know where I will be if and when it happens - I may be 5 miles or 50 miles from home, in the city or the country. (I live near San Jose, Calif, by the way). I may have to abandon my vehicle to make my way back home. I may be alone or with someone under my care. I may be in a chaotic and dangerous situation for any length of time and I plan on surviving. My kids DO NOT have a handgun in their BOB. I’m not going to get into it further but I consider the ability to defend a top priority. DO NOT HI-JACK THIS THREAD TO GUN CONTROL, PLEASE.

Disaster/Emergency Vehicle Kit (DEVKit) / Bug Out Bag (BOB)

In the car but not in the BOB:
1 flashlight, LED, 2 position (low, blinding), extra batteries (CR123 my choice)
1 set jumper cables
3 highway flares, 1 foldable Emergency Triangle
1 can 20 oz Fix a Flat Sealant,
tire gauge,
“star” lug wrench
1 gal red plastic gas can
1 tarp, reinforced grommets, 10’ x 18’
Smart Water 6 pack, 20 oz bottles – I like these bec they are strong plastic bottles each holding 20 oz each. If you bug out, you can carry them with you and reuse them time and time again.
Clothing:
1 pair hiking or running shoes / socks (used is fine) – if you are like me and drive around town in sandals, you better have a pair of shoes handy in an emergency/disaster
1 pair long pants, 1 long shirt, 1 warm/weatherproof jacket – prepare for an emergency and put some extra clothes in your closet to good use.

The BOB:
1 Eagle Creek “No Matter What” Duffle, size small – excellent bag that can be used for airplane carry on. It comes inside its own stuff sack. Look it up online. Whatever you choose, have a shoulder strap or a way to sling it over your chest so that your hands are free. I used the stuff sack (and the empty water bottle) to put items into in order to tighten up the organization of the bag..

1 flashlight, LED, 3 position (low, blinding, strobe), extra batteries (CR123 my choice), in outside zippered pocket

Hand gun, holster and ammo (see item 3 above)
1 Pepper Spray, Fox Labs Mk3 flip top cap, medium cone spray, 2oz, (non-lethal force)

Prescription meds – can you get by and be OK without them? For how long?

1 goggle, 3M chemical splash/impact
1 face mask, 3M 8511 N95 Particulate Respirator, in plastic protector shell
1 utility knife w/ sheath (non-serrated blade, SS) – Buck or Mora – something like that – good and not expensive

Food:
Assumption is you can easily survive for 6 days alone or 3 days if 2 ppl. Yes you will lose some weight - if you’re lucky ... I tried the spaghetti and it’s pretty good even cold. These foods have years of shelf life.
10 New Millennium Energy Bars, assorted flavors
6 spaghetti with meat sauce by Ameriqual Foods - military packages 8 oz each

1 Thermal Blanket, all purpose, 14 oz, 50” x 79”
1 poncho, military, waterproof with snap grommets. Can use as a ground cloth, pup tent, sleeping bag (lay flat, put thermal blanket on top, fold in half and snap together, tie off bottom end for a waterproof/windproof “mummy bag”). The grommets let you snap similar ponchos together to make a nice tent.
1 strap, ¾” x 2 ft, wrapped around poncho
4 shop rags (new)
1 hat
4 lightsticks, 6 inch, 30 minutes, green (yellow 2nd choice), CYALUME Technology
4 lightsticks, 6 inch, 12 hours, green (yellow 2nd choice), CYALUME Technology
I got the sticks online – the 30 min sticks from Extreme Glow. These are commercial grade and they also sell military issue. I got the 12 hour sticks from QuakeKare bec they had green, which is the best light. Extreme Glow is best website.

Inside the stuff sack:
1 Leatherman Multitool, Wingman
1 pair leather work gloves, deerskin
1 Aquamira water treatment kit, Chlorine Dioxide drops, 1 oz each
2 Kleenix packages, purse size
1 Cottonelle Wipes package, qty 84
4 pairs Nitrile gloves
Paracord, 50 ft
1 tube advanced healing hand lotion, 3 oz
1 electrical tape
1 duct tape
1 33 gal plastic trash bag (good for waterproofing)
1 pants belt, lightweight heavy duty nylon, adjustable slider
1 caribiner, Metolius, climbing quality
2 bungee cords, 2 sizes

1 Nalgene water bottle, 1 liter, wide mouth – metal is good too bec you can heat water in it. I like Nalgene and it’s see-through.
Inside the empty bottle:
1 bandanna
1 Spork (spoon and fork)
1 bottle Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Soap, 2 oz, peppermint – you can use this for everything – teeth, body, dishes. It’s concentrated too.
1 whistle
1 toothbrush, travel
1 toothpaste, travel
1 dental floss
8 eyedrops, Alcon Tears Natural Free, individual tubes
1 lighter, Bic
1 UCO Stormproof matches, qty 25, in container (save these matches - are excellent for storms!!)
1 box waterproof matches, small, 25

First Aid Kit
1 bag – big enough to hold the light sticks would be good, so they don’t get crushed in the BOB
1 roll gauze, 2”
1 triangular bandage, muslin, 2 safety pins, 37”x37”x52”
1 Ace elastic bandage, 3M, with clasps, latex free
One prescription plastic container, screw top lid, with the following:
6 Benydryl tablets, 4 anti-diarrheal tablets, 2 smelling salt capsules, 3 safety pins

Ibuprofen, 200 mg, 1 bottle of 24
Waterproof tape, heavy duty, ½” x 5 yds, Johnson&Johnson
1 scissors, medical
Betadine antiseptic – 10% Povidone-Iodine, 2 oz squeeze bottle (make it yourself)
Tweezers, precision type, for ticks/splinters
4 alcohol prep pads, TRIAD
4 antiseptic Povidone-Iodine prep pads, PDI
1 syringe, 10 ml, irrigation
1 first aid cream, tube 0.5 oz
1 Aquaphor, lip ointment, tube 10g

Non-adhesive gauze pads:
Eyepads, 1 5/8 x 2 5/8 in, 2
5” x 9” surgical dressing, 1
4” x 4”, 2
3” x 4”, 2
3” x 3”, 4
2” x 2”, 4

Adhesive bandages:
3” x 4”, 2
1.5” x 4”, 2
1” x 3”, 4
3/4” x 3”, 5
Butterfly, 3
Knuckle, 2
Finger, 2
Round small, 4

Wound Closure Strips, ¼ in by 4 in, 10
Hemostat Gauze, Blood Barrier, 1” x 1”, 2


AND A KITCHEN SINK

I'd like a little more detail please... I know you're kind of new around here, but it would be helpful if you put a little more thought and effort into your posts. Thanks!

 

[Alpo]

Alpo, Lapell, Knoght, et all - good input

Alpo - it would be very useful info for us if you told us the exp date and then snapped one of your sticks and report on if it works or not, and who the manufacturer is.

I snapped a 30 min yellow one and 12 hours later there was still a decent amount of light - easily enough to illum your feet in pitch dark. 3 days later there was still a faint glow - if you were trapped in a basement or cave with zero light - this would keep you form going insane - just enough glow .

I'll check out the food stuff too - once you make these kits you have to be willing to cycle the stuff that expires - all this stuff lasts well beyond the expiration date but how it's stored does make a big difference, of course, esp for food.

I would recommend on first aid kit you make your own no matter what the size - any pre-made one is never quite right. Also, unless you take it apart and really go thru it, you don't know or remember what's in there exactly. If you make your own up you never forget.

Well, I'll be jiggered.

I just went and dug one out of the stash. A Red 12-hour from Cyalume. Expiration date on it is 2/03. That makes it ten years out of date.

I popped it and shook it. It's glowing red. It is not putting out mass quantities of light. Nowhere near what they do in movies. But I suppose the red is not that bright. And if I gave my eyes a few minutes to adjust it might be enough. It would certainly work to mark a turn, or have a light glowing on a vehicle all night long, to draw searchers' attention.

I held it two inches away from a piece of paper, and could read it easily.

Well. Maybe the expiration date is like the expiration date on bottled water - it don't go bad, they just want you to buy new ones.


Edit: 2/1, 3:45 PM CST. It's still glowing. Not quite as bright as it was last night at 11 PM when I popped it, but it is definitely still alive.

 

[Alpo]

Why light sticks? You have dual setting flashlights, no maps to read. shelf life and you cannot turn them off. I see the military's use but see no use for civilians other than "cool".
I do not trust a bic either but with some skills, the flint and steel end works long after the fuel is gone.

I think I just came up with a reason for lightsticks. Not for seeing. For signalling. Let's say you're broke down in the middle of nowhere, and you're huddled up in your emergency blanket, trying not to freeze to death that night. And while you are sleeping (or trying to) the rescue plane flies over. That bright green lightstick attached to your radio antenna will give 'em something to see. Yes, a fire would also work, but you have to stay awake to feed the fire, and to make sure it does not get away. That chemlight just sits there, glowing.

 

[sw1834]

Great Idea, but backwards.

You made this for your sons? I was under the impression the younger generation knew what was in store for them. They should be taking care of you.
I made a similar bag, but it was for my parents to survive being stranded in a blizzard or other emergency 24-48 hour situation away from home. We all imagine that our parents can survive and take care of us, but at some point we need to switch roles and help them.
I'm one of those in the middle. I want to protect my college age son from the evil people in the world. While at the same time helping my parents stay safe from what used to be routine travel hazards.

 

[trakskip]

peanut butter & machete

 

[chazc]

a few thoughts

Go through your kit every now and then. You"ll likely find stuff you no longer want or is replaced by something better. Also when shopping look for stuff to add to your kit. Lastly remember your life changes. Do you now need eyeglasses? How about meds? The way I deal with prescription drugs is to keep them all in one place in The house. I keep a small sack nearby. (I use a Crown Royal bag). It we should have to leave, all the drugs get thrown in the bag and off we go. Come to think of it a bottle of Crown is a good addition to the BOB.

 

[breakingbad]

Why light sticks?

Signalling
marking your path if a friend needs to find you or catch up with you
going potty in the night
when a flashlight is overkill or might attract too much unwanted attention

... and my favorite which is maybe you want a small light on - sleeping in your car or whatever - and you don't want to burn your flashlight out and can't have a fire or candle. The lightstick will bring some comfort - esp if you have someone with you who is scared in the dark. And, I was amazed at the 30 min one - on all night.

Flashlight is such a key survival tool I want to save it for only when I NEED it -which is also why I have two in case it breaks/gets lost - there may be another person with you also so that is important - and spare batteries.

 

[breakingbad]

Well, I'll be jiggered.

I just went and dug one out of the stash. A Red 12-hour from Cyalume. Expiration date on it is 2/03. That makes it ten years out of date.

I popped it and shook it. It's glowing red. It is not putting out mass quantities of light.
I held it two inches away from a piece of paper, and could read it easily.

Well. Maybe the expiration date is like the expiration date on bottled water - it don't go bad, they just want you to buy new ones.

THANKYOU! I was hoping for this result ... excellent info. The red is not really that bright - it sounds like it might be as good as new - and 10 years after the expiration. Red has uses but for trail, reading, lighting up a room (light as in glowing, not bright), then green followed by yellow are the best.

As you prolly know, Spec Ops use RED to mark a room that has been cleared.

Cyalume is the best -

 

[C.S.63]

I usually start with a portable light, pocket knife, multi tool a good pair of boots and at least a coat or sweatshirt/sweater and a hat, pair of work gloves and always bottled water! Time of year and pending weather
dictates other items.

 

[trakskip]

I have enjoyed reading all of the ideas and suggestions.
So bugout kit is loaded and its time to leave trouble/gangs behind. What are you driving, will 1 tank of gas get you there and more importantly where are you going?

 

[Alpo]

Update: Midnight. 25 hours. Still putting out light.

I think of a truck kit as a Get Home Bag, not as a Bug Out Bag.

If I'm sitting at home, with, let's say, long range and short range fighting rifles, big and small game hunting rifles, hunting shotgun and defense shotgun, and holster and pocket pistols, that's eight guns. Let's further say I have 1500 rounds of ammo. Each. Now that 1500 rounds of 22 don't take up a lot of room, but that 3000 rounds of 12 gauge is fairly bulky. Then I've got food, water, medical supplies, some way to make heat and to make light and to cook my food. I've got bulk storage of fuel, for my vehicles and my heater and/or stove. I've got warm clothes for winter and cooler clothes for summer. I've got spare clothes for when stuff wears out, and I've got the equipment to repair stuff that gets worn.

That makes me a SURVIVOR.

OR, I am going down the road with whatever I can carry on my back. One gun, maybe, with a hundred or so rounds. Food for 2 or 3 days. Minimal first aid kit. Maybe one set of spare clothing.

That makes me a REFUGEE.

Tell you true, I'd rather be a survivor than a refugee.

 

[breakingbad]

So bugout kit is loaded and its time to leave trouble/gangs behind. What are you driving, will 1 tank of gas get you there and more importantly where are you going?

This scenario is about trying to get back home, not leave it.

That I am in my vehicle and run into some serious ****. I stay with my vehicle if I can and wait it out - I would like to drive back home. I don't want to leave my vehicle. But, if I have to abandon my vehicle to get home I will be able to do so.

Bugging out from home is a whole different scenario. Frankly, I don't understand most of the discussion about bugging out from your home. Like you said - where to go? How will it be better? Most of us don't have a "better" place to go to - if we did we would be living there already. Natural disasters I understand - of course if a fire or tsunami is headed towards you, you're leaving and a BOB should be ready. But invariably, your home is where most of your resources, strengths, defenses, advantages are in place. For these doomsday scenarios, of gangs or civil anarchy - most people should be looking at how to survive in their homes - not flee them. You and your neighbors should be thinking about defending your area, if you're worried about something like that.

 

[walnutred]

A while back some friends were talking about what rifle to buy for home defense in a SHTF scenario and were generally talking about AR variants. After listening for a while I jokingly said "For what you're going to spend on an AR I can buy 10 Mosin 91/30s and a case of ammo." That's enough rifles to make sure every house within a 3/4 mile radius of mine has one military caliber rifle and ammo. I'll use my neighbors for perimeter defense.