We spend a lot of time discussing bug-out bags, and for good reason. The bug-out bag is an essential lifeline during any emergency or disaster situation, and it contains all the supplies you need for immediate survival. Shelter construction, water purification, hunting for food, applying first aid, navigating to safety — all of these tasks are facilitated by the contents of a bug-out bag.
It's easy to get caught up in thinking about which items to include inside a bug-out bag, since there are so many choices and variables to consider (weight, size, shape, quantity, value, etc.). However, an equally-relevant question is less obvious — how should these items be packed and organized? If the contents of your B.O.B. are imbalanced, they can throw off your posture and cause muscle fatigue. Disorganization is even worse, as you'll be left aimlessly rummaging through your supplies when seconds count.
Due to the importance of this topic, RECOIL OFFGRID editor Patrick Vuong met with survival expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training. In the latest RECOILtv SHTF/OFFGRID video below, the two discuss how to pack a bug-out bag. Check it out now:
In case you're wondering about any of the gear featured in this video, here's a complete list:
- Backpack – First Tactical Specialist 3-Day Backpack
- Jacket – Cannae Pro Gear Rig Fleece Tactical Pullover
- Shelter – Harbor Freight Tools All Purpose/Weather Resistant Tarp
- Emergency blanket – Mayday Industries Large Mayday Solar Blankets
- Matches – UCO Gear Stormproof Matches
- Fire-starter – Doan Machinery & Equipment Magnesium Firestarter
- Water – Mainstay Products Emergency Drinking Water Packets
- Survival tin – Survive Outdoors Longer Traverse
- Water bottle – Avex 25 oz. FreeFlow AUTOSEAL
- Food – Mainstay Products 3600 Emergency Food Rations
- MRE – Meal Kit Supply 12-Pack 3 Course with Heaters
- Multi-tool – Leatherman Charge AL
- Knife – Camillus Les Stroud Inuit 9-Inch Fixed Blade Knife
- Flashlight – Streamlight 3AA Propolymer Dualie Laser
- First Aid Kit – Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Day Tripper
- Radio – Midland Radio ER310
- Signal Mirror – UST Brands StarFlash Micro
SHTF/OFFGRID is Presented to You By: Cannae Pro Gear