Knowledge Weighs Nothing

The Ultimate Bug Out Bag List 2017

Bug out bag checklist

When disaster strikes there are two things that are immediately essential: getting out of the area, and getting out of there quickly. Also known as a BOB, The Bug out Bag is designed to help you do just that, and usually comes in the form of a heavy duty rucksack that contains everything you need in the immediate aftermath of disaster. So all you’ll need to do is grab and go!

What Should Go In A Bug Out Bag?

Bug Out Bag Contents

Typical Bug Out Bags are designed and put together with a focus upon evacuation, rather than long term survival out in the wilderness and, of course, having the right Bug Out Bag Contents is pretty essential if you’re to have all of the resources that you may otherwise be relying upon for your very survival following some form of disaster.

As there is a focus upon evacuation, many Bug out Bag guides and blog posts (and their associated Bug Out Bag Lists) tend to focus upon the equipment needed to survive over a 72 hour period.

However, quantifying any length of time when preparing for an unforeseen event is a dangerous game, after all, if it was possible to foresee a disaster, you’d be highly likely relocate to another location entirely for as long as necessary. So, with this in mind, we’ve put together an ultimate Bug Out Bag List that goes that little bit beyond most other guides, and that specifically plans for an undefined period of time out in the wilderness, factoring in the equipment you might need for self-sufficiency (particularly in terms of hunting renewable food sources).

The Bug out Bag and the end goal for the survivalist

With all of the above said, and with items within this list that consider a longer than 72 hour period, here’s one thing to bear in mind…

If the worst does happen and you find yourself in the wilderness for whatever reason, living free from developed civilization is achievable with the right preparation. However, being off the grid for an extended period of time and setting up within wild terrain is challenging and often too harsh or dangerous for many people to consider. Instead, following a disaster seeking safe shelter within civilization is usually the primary aim, and this is the goal that any Bug Out Bag List aims to facilitate.

Why no Bug Out Bag List is ever complete

Whilst we’ve endeavoured to put together a comprehensive list of all the things that would be essential within a Bug Out Bag, it’s prudent to point out that no Bug Out Bag List could really ever be complete. Each and every person is different and may require different items within their bag; to this end, this list is very much open ended and open to interpretation, serving as a starting point upon which to build, customize, chop and change.

Why Should I Have A Bug Out Bag?

A Bug Out Bag is essential in the event that you need to evacuate quickly. It ensures that, should the worst happen, you can focus on the situation in hand rather than compiling a list of items you need to take with you. And it doesn’t just serve as an essential item to have in the face of a particularly severe disaster, it can also include all the resources required when facing circumstances that are less than world ending.

And in a world of uncertainty, preparation is everything.

Bugging Out – Opting over and above Hunkering Down

This Bug out Bag List will stand you in good stead when you have nothing but your wits, knowledge and a well packed Bug out Bag upon which to rely. That said however, and whilst a seasoned survivalist will know the importance of always having a, ready to go Bug Out Bag to hand, it’s no substitute for hunkering down when appropriate. After all, Bug Out Bags are designed specifically with temporary survival in mind, whereas hunkering down can see you taking to your basement where protection is increased, with the benefits of knowing exactly where you are and with all of your home resources but a floor away.

Bug Out Bag List

The Bug Out Bag Itself!

5.11 Rush 72 Bug Out Bag5.11 3 Day Rush Backpack

No bug out bag list would be complete without the actual bag itself! The very first item to choose is the right Bug Out Bag and, whilst there are many competing opinions on what may be best, it really comes down to two points:

  1. You should choose a bag that’s most suitable to you and your specialist items.
  2. You should choose your bag only after you’ve put together all of your items.

Of course, it should go without saying that any Bug Out Bag should be robust, made from hardwearing material, and constructed with plenty of pockets and compartments for splitting up your items.

Water – Something to drink and something essential for survival

Water is essential for your very survival, without it you may perish within just 3 days (this compares to our ability to go without food for up to 3 weeks). What’s more, as we become more and more dehydrated, we become more lethargic, meaning that even seeking water after two days may be an impossible task (not to mention maintaining your alertness and survival instincts).

So, as a starting point, a water (filled) container is essential. Beyond this, you’ll also need a method of boiling water (to cook and sanitise) and items for water purification (such as treatment tablets and compact water filters) for treating questionable water after your original water runs dry.

Shelter – To provide protection from the elements

MSR E-Wing ShelterMSR E-Wing Shelter Tent

Of course, for the experienced and educated survivalist the following items may appear disproportionate, however shelter is not only essential to protect yourself physically from the elements, but moreover becomes ever more important for the rest periods that allow for mental and physical well-being (which are both equally as essential when facing unknown circumstances in the wild).

Fire – To keep you warm

Fire serves as a heat source which can warm, cook and attract attention if necessary, with the items listed here making for essential items for lighting a fire.

Most importantly, however, you should ensure that you have more than one method of ignition, with at least two and advisably even three if you have room.

Food – Something to eat

Typically, Bug Out Bag guides tend to recommend dry food stuffs, with particular favourites being relatively non-perishable, dried foods. However we’d also say that foods with water content are also important (as you never known just how scarce water sources will be).

To this end, you’re ideally aiming for foods that are lightweight and high in calories and nutrition, as well as a good base of food stuffs which come with water content, packing enough to last 3-4 days. Also include the more traditional items, such as rice, oat meal, beef jerky, tinned sardines, nuts, chocolate, and high calorie sports bars, in addition to Freeze-dried foods and MREs (meals ready-to-eat).

Sleeping – Something to sleep in and on

For the seasoned survivalist who prepares for the very worst of eventualities, super comfortable bedding consisting of a mattress, matt, foil blanket and sleeping bag may seem over the top and the very lap of luxury. However, rest very much equates to being on form to deal with any unknown and potentially dangerous challenges.

Cooking – For eating and boiling water

GSI HaluliteGSI Halulite Microdualist Cookset

Unbreakable cups, mini pots, and containers are each as essential as the last, and methods of cooking your food, whether caught or pre-packed, may also serve as a vital way of raising your body’s temperature by what can be a lifesaving degree or two.

Light – So you can see

Another case in point, where more than one source is essential in case the primary, or even the backup, fails, is lighting. So opt for a mix of natural light sources (such as a candle) along with electric items (such as LED lights or lamps) and finally also be sure to include all weather performing light (such as Light glow sticks) which can cover any and every eventuality.

Tools – To get things done

Gerber LMF II - Excellent bug out bag knifeGerber 22-01629 LMF II Black Infantry Knife with 4.8-Inch Blade

Tools: Essential within the wilderness and often the difference between life and death when charged with overcoming unknown situations. They can help you cook, hunt, prepare shelter and get you out of tight fixes. As such, there’s a plethora of must include tools for the ultimate Bug Out Bag.

However, tools are a hotly debated topic within the world of Bug Out Bags, where everyone has an opinion and no two experts seem to favour the same brand, let alone the same itinerary for the ultimate tool list.

The following list includes our favourites (based upon our own experience, as well as plenty of research from expert reviews). As a bare minimum, you’ll want a decent knife and a multi-tool. Experts argue over which you should pack. We say take both!

First Aid – To patch you up

The ability to act as your own first aider is vital when you don’t know when you’ll have access to official medical care again. Specially designed to cater for expeditions, this compact yet extensive first aid pack features 205 pieces:

15 – Antiseptic Towelettes

5 – Antibiotic Ointments Packets

5 – Sting Relief Wipes

40 – Bandages 1×3

50 – Small Bandages

24 – Spot Bandages

5 – Fingertip Bandages

5 – Knuckle Bandages

1 – 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 Yards Adhesive Tape

10 – Gauze Pads 2″x2″

30 – Butterfly Bandages

1 – Tweezer

4 – Finger Splints

5 – 1″ safety pins

1 – Razor Blade

2 – 1 pair gloves latex free (nitrile)

1 – Instant Cold Pack

1 – Semi-hard case

  • Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit

Communication – To get the news

Eton Microlink Radio - a great choice for your bug out bag!Etón FR160B Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger

Ensuring that you can stay in the loop, even when you may be decidedly away from civilization and all its creature comforts, is vital for knowing what’s happening and where potential help may be sought (as well as being aware of impending danger). Once more, this is another item where a backup comes in handy, and you should also consider a self-powered form of communication to avoid a situation where battery power runs out.

In addition to your radio, you’ll also need a method of communicating from afar and attracting the attention of others, for which a signalling mirror is essential.

Clothing – You’re most basic form of shelter

As the most basic form of shelter, your clothing serves as your first protection from the elements, with your footwear literally being the difference between travelling with a firm footing, and potentially slipping, tripping or being unable to scour certain terrains.

Clothing is, however, incredibly personalised and a Bug Out Bag itinerary for clothing items will differ drastically from person to person, taking into account varying body types, tolerances levels, fitness levels and preferences. As a generic starting consideration however, you must take into account your climate, location and surrounding terrains, being sure to evaluate your clothing contents every six months as the seasons change.

  • Spare pair of socks/underwear.
  • Waterproof jacket, trousers and gloves.
  • Also make sure you are wearing good quality appropriate boots and clothing to begin with if possible.

Hunting/Fishing – Sourcing renewable food

As mentioned at the start of this guide, whilst the focus of the average Bug Out Bag is upon survival in the immediate 72 hour window of a disaster aftermath, it’s prudent to pack for as many situations as possible.

With this in mind, including the following items within your Bug out Bag can help you to seek your own food from the wilderness (in addition to making considered choices for your weaponry, which can allow you to hunt successfully on land).

Navigation – Know where you are going

In addition to basic survival knowledge, without the aid of tools (such as naturally being able to figure north from south, telling the time and seeking out water sources) you should also pack for navigating the terrains that you find yourself in, safely and successfully. However, this really needn’t be any more extensive than a couple of well-chosen maps and a compass.

Binoculars – See them before they see you

Seeking out food, water or shelter sources, and the ability to see potential dangers, are all made easy from afar and from a safe area with the right Binoculars. Here are some suggested brands, with each providing for 8x magnification within compact and robust casing, but with the former taking up the traditional duel view and with the latter being a mono view.

Firearms – To keep you safe and to potentially hunt with

Everyone has an opinion on what is best and if, indeed a firearm is necessary. We’ll let you make your own mind up. If you do decide to pack a firearm, it is vital that you learn how to actually use your firearm of choice. Get some professional tuition, and of course, only pack include a firearm in you Bug Out Bag if is legal and you meet all the restrictions and regulations in your state.

Books – So that you know what you are doing

SAS survival guideSAS Survival Guide 2E (Collins Gem): Perfect size for a bug out bag!

A good survivalist knows that, no matter how much they know, no matter how many blogs, guides and books that they read, they can never know enough.

With this in mind, here are two books that provide a high level overview of surviving upon nothing but your own wits and a well packed Bug out Bag.

You will not regret taking one of these books with you. They provide invaluable information and advice, even for the seasoned survivalist…

The Other (but no less important stuff) – Doesn’t fit into any of the categories above

Goal Zero Guide 10 Adventure KitGoal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit

To finish off our Bug out Bag List, here are the items that make for equipment that doesn’t quite fit under any of the other titles (although they’re in many cases no less important… so certainly don’t overlook them!)

  • Sewing kit, duct tape, head net, 50 feet of 550 paracord, whistle, sunglasses
  • Small bottle of hand sanitizer
  • Some zip-ties
  • Maxi Pads – they can be used for wound dressing and the inner material can be used for tinder
  • Repel 100 Insect Repellent
  • Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit

10 Uses For Your Survival Knife

Survival knife

We’ve been told that a survival knife is our best friend whether we bug in our out, that we can use it in a wide variety of situations. But what are they, exactly? I’m not talking about cutting various things, I think we should be aware of other, unconventional ways of using it.

We should also be aware of some of the ways not to use it. For example, one my mistakes was that I used it to open a bottle that I couldn’t with my bare hands. I ruined the tip a little bit and learned my lessons. Still, in a survival situation, we might be forced to use our knife in ways we normally wouldn’t. Let’s see what some of them are.

#1. For digging

Maybe you’re trying to quickly bury something and you don’t have a shovel or the time to make a primitive digging device. Maybe you’re digging for plant roots to make salad. You can use your survival knife to do it, although it’s best if you had two of them. If you’re in love with your main knife, you should definitely use your back-up knife to perform some of these tasks. The Morakniv Companion is cheap and has a great build, maybe you can use that?

#2. For splitting wood

Again, not very orthodox but you might be forced to do it if you don’t have an axe with you.  Here’s a video demonstrating how to do this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkgWZmYJRkM

#3. You can use the pommel as a hammer

It would be nice if you had a real hammer but, in an emergency situation, it will do.

#4. As a stake for your tarp

Though you should be able to carve your own stakes to keep a tent or a tarp in place, you can save time and use your (back-up survival knife).

#5. To carve primitive tools and weapons

Since you won’t be able to carry everything in your bug out bag, why not use your knife to make the tools and weapons you need on the spot? Some of the things you could make using wood and rocks include:

  • primitive spears
  • tomahawks
  • a hunting bow
  • a bow for the bow drill method
  • clubs
  • throwing sticks
  • and even blowguns

#6. As a fork

This is something you have to be careful with but it will make you feel like a badass.

#7. For self-defense

Ok, so most people would rather take self-defense lessons, but knowing how to use a knife will only increase your odds. Of course, if you don’t know how to use one, they might actually decrease your odds because your opponent can grab it and use it on you.

#8. As a fire starter

As long as you have a ferro rod and some tinder, you’re ready to light a fire by striking the former to the steel component of the knife.

#9. For first aid purposes

Though I am not a doctor, I can tell you there are plenty of ways it ca help, and none of them are related to removing any bullets from your body. Some of the things you can do include:

  • cutting clothes to gain access to a wound
  • cutting clothes into strips to be used as bandage
  • to remove splinters
  • and even to pop a blister (though it should be done using a sterilized needle, so this last use is not really recommended unless you’re in a situation where you don’t have much choice)

#10. To Open Your Mail

It might be the only way to communicate if the Internet is gone… yes, this last one is trivial but I added it to remind you that your laptop or smartphone won’t be your best friend post-collapse. Your knife will.

What’s next?

Well, you may be interested in getting a bushcraft knife. Not a bad idea, particularly since you may need a secondary one for some of the uses above. There’re a lot of things to consider: the material, the length of the blade, the handle and even the shape of the blade.

Dan Sullivan

www.SurvivalSullivan.com

(Image from: Mike Petrucci)

K.W.N: EcoZoom Zoom Versa Review (Plus An Exclusive K.W.N Discount Code)

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A month or so back I was contacted by EcoZoom to see if I would be interested in doing a post about the EcoZoom Zoom Versa stove. I have had my eye on these EcoZoom stoves fro quite some while, so I gladly agreed. I have not been paid to do this, but EcoZoom have provided a stove at no cost for me to try out. This will in no way bias my opinions.

Firstly here is the product description from the EcoZoom website:

EcoZoom’s Versa Stove can burn wood, charcoal, or dried biomass and is our most versatile cook stove. The Versa is a great option for those wanting cook fuel options while still providing the same EcoZoom durability. The Versa is our most popular emergency preparedness model in the United States and is also great for camping.

The Zoom Versa features an abrasion resistant and durable ceramic combustion chamber with a 10 cm in diameter vertical section that forces the gases to mix with the flame, decreasing harmful emissions and adds a refractory metal liner to the inside of the combustion chamber that protects the ceramic insulation, increases the life of your stove, and improves combustion efficiency.

This stove features our new hinged combustion chamber doors enabling for an effortless conversion from wood to charcoal fuels. Both the main combustion chamber door and the damper door (bottom door) have reinforced metal frames and have hinges that serve to securely close the doors and regulate airflow. The Zoom Versa also has a durable, reformulated 6-pronged cast iron stovetop that improves heat transfer for all pots including round bottom pots and woks.

Here is the EcoZoom Zoom Versa Instruction Video

Ok, so now you know how EcoZoom describe the Zoom Versa, let’s see how it works!

The first thing I noticed about the Zoom Versa when it was delivered is just how heavy it is… It weighs 12KG, so it is definitely not for camping or bugging-out on foot, but that’s kind of obvious given the size of the stove anyway. The next thing I noticed (when I removed the stove from the packaging) is just how well made it is, it really does feel like a premium product. The outer shell is enameled metal with a nice heavy duty cast iron cooking surface. The two doors open and close well and the handles are very useful for moving it around, given its weight.

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So how well does it actually work I hear you ask?  Simply put – if you want extreme heat with minimal fuel you’ve got it! See the photo above, that is effectively a handful of twigs. I should note that the stove had been fired up for around 10 minutes first and that is an important point to make as due to the thick insulated chamber walls it takes a while to warm up, and for the stove to reach maximum efficiency. If you note in the photo above the air inlet door is open quite wide, which is why it is burning like a rocket.  If you close this up the flame drops down and it burns less intensely due to the reduction in oxygen. You can adjust the cooking heat by opening and closing this door, it really does make a huge difference.

I tried the stove with wood and charcoal, I found that wood creates the best quick intense heat and is probably best for cooking meals that cook in 30 minutes or less. I found the charcoal didn’t give off the same amount of heat, but it burnt for ages, with three handfuls of coals burning for 2 hours plus, which would make charcoal a great option for slower/longer cooking dishes. When cooking with wood I would say the stove gives off around 80% less smoke than a campfire. It probably uses around 70% less wood due to its efficiency and the intense heat it generates.

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The EcoZoom Zoom Versa also comes with a pot skirt (see the video above), which I didn’t really get on all that well with, and for some reason I forgot to photograph it! I have spoken to EcoZoom about this and my feeling is the issues I experienced were due to using a relatively small 3 liter pan (see photo above). I had an issue tightening the skirt to the pot and it slid off when lifting the pan from the stove, which could be dangerous. If you watch the video about you will notice they use a much larger cooking pot. I can see how this cooking skirt would work much better with larger pots and woks etc. In my experience it doesn’t work too well with smaller pots.

Conclusion

The EcoZoom Zoom Versa currently costs $129 in the US, and £116 in the UK/EU, but the really cool thing is – both come with FREE shipping,which given the 12KG weight is a huge plus. Another cool thing is that for every EcoStove model sold, EcoStove also donate the same model of stove for free to projects in developing countries. For that price you are getting a premium well made product.  I can’t see anyone purchasing one of these stoves being disappointed or think that it isn’t worth the money. They are built to last and you can see/feel where your money has been spent.

Due to its rocket stove design and the insulation it is an incredibly efficient stove for cooking on, you really do get much, much more heat from much less fuel. Once going it is also all but smokeless. The fact that you can regulate the cooking temperature by adjusting the air intake door is a huge plus over other outdoor cooking stoves.  It allows you to quickly boil water but then adjust heat for longer slower cooking with a large pan or a Dutch oven.

The bottom-line – the only negative I have is about the adjustable pot skirt and smaller pans.  It can be dangerous, but it isn’t really an issue as you simply don’t need to use it for smaller pans anyway, such is the efficiency of the stove. I can see how/why the pot skirt will work better with larger pans, but I would still advise caution when using it as it does get extremely hot. I simply didn’t use it and I still though the stove was awesome.

I think the EcoStove Zoom Versa is a great option for vehicle camping/touring, festivals, emergency preparedness and for general outdoor cooking as an addition to the barbecue. One of these next to the barbecue with a wok/skillet on it will take your outdoor eating experience to the next level.

Whilst it is quite heavy, it is still compact and portable, so it can be stored out of the way at home or in a vehicle. This also makes the Zoom Versa a particularly excellent choice for emergency preparedness for people living in towns and cities where they don’t have the space for open fires or access to limitless fuel.

All in all the EcoZoom Zoom Versa exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommended it to everyone reading this, and to friends and family. The fact that EcoZoom also donate a stove to third world projects for every stove sold also makes this a nice feel good product to purchase as well. Not only are you helping yourself, you are also helping a family in the third world.

The EcoZoom Zoom Versa currently costs $129 in the US (click for US store), and £116 in the UK/EU (click for UK/EU store). You get FREE shipping from both stores!

Both the EcoZoom US and EcoZoom UK/EU stores have agreed to give K.W.N visitors 10% off their orders until the end of January.

To claim your discount, use the discount code: KWNUK20 during checkout.

DIY Survival Or Utility Knife: Costs $1 & Takes 1 Hour To Make!

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Like many people who enjoy the outdoors, I am fascinated by knives! I have several, some of which I never even use, yet I still find myself browsing knives in stores and on Amazon.  I also really like the idea of making some of my own DIY knives, and thanks to the clever tutorial below, this might happen sooner rather than later (cue wife asking why I need another knife, and we once again have the conversation about it not being about *need*).

Many folks are put off DIY knife-making as they unsure about steel types and forges etc, but the tutorial below bypasses those issues by using reciprocating saw blades, also known as Sawzall blades. The quality of this steel is such that it doesn’t require hardening in a forge etc, nor does it need specialized tools to shape and sharpen it. Check out the tutorial below and find out more!

Quick tip: If you want to save even more money, head down to some local factories/workshops to see if you can pick up some worn/damaged saw blades for free!

DIY Survival Or Utility Knife: Costs $1 & Takes 1 Hour To Make! 

(Photo from: M40 Project)

Head for Survival® Triangular Bandana / Cravat with Survival Information

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I have always said a bandana is a must have item to have in your pack when venturing out into the wilderness. It’s also a must have for a bug-out-bag! Check out our previous post: 101 Uses For A Bandana – Survival, Medical, Tactical, Humorous..

This Head for Survival® bandana is an excellent item to consider – it is more expensive than a normal bandana, but it is 100% worth it! The bandana is bright orange (for signalling), 39” x 39” x 52” (triangular), so it can be warn in multiple configurations and it’s made out of a durable and quick drying soft-brush polyester, but the main selling point is the fact the bandana is printed with a whole load of basic survival information and instructions…

Survival Information includes: Navigation, Fire Starting, Shelter, Water Collection/Purification, Signaling, Knots and a section on survival priorities. The information provided presumes you have little gear with you, and so relies most heavily on improvised techniques for the topics covered.

If your survival knowledge/skills are lacking, I would highly recommend purchasing a Head for Survival® bandana, as the wealth of survival information and tips printed on it could literally save your ass! I think it is especially important for preppers with little outdoor experience who may have to survive outdoors one day if the SHTF. Check it out below on Amazon for more details and photos.

Amazon: Head for Survival® Bandana (Click here for the new blue version)

Schrade Survival Tactical Pen With A Firestarter And Whistle!

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What is a tactical pen?

To put it simply, it’s a rugged pen, usually made from aluminium that both writes on paper and serves as a blunt spike weapon which is designed to inflict high impact strikes when used with a downward stabbing action (they are not designed to penetrate the flesh like knife, they just cause devastating impact strikes). They can also be used to break glass for emergency escape from vehicles etc.

Why should you get this Schrade survival tactical pen…

I’ll give you a number of reasons – the Schrade survival tactical pen is a very high quality item, the quality and detail is top rate. The pen feels very solid and capable of inflicting damage in self-defense, but it is not too heavy to write with day-to-day. The thing that makes this tactical pen different to all the others is it includes  a very, very, very loud whistle and a very effective ferro rod and striker (firestarter). The whole thing screws together very nicely, with a clever use of clockwise and anticlockwise threads. Note: the whistle isn’t that loud when still attached to the pen, remove the whistle (also the pen lid) and blow it and it is deafening…

I was dubious about this tactical pen as there is just so much going on, and I thought all the joints would weaken it, but I shouldn’t have been concerned, everything about this tactical pen inspires confidence and I highly recommend you get one.  It is a great option for everyday carry and handbags etc, or also to leave in your vehicle – it’s a self-deference weapon, a survival whistle, a survival firestarter, an emergency glass breaker and it looks great and even writes great. I can’t find anything bad to say about it, at just $25 it’s a bargain, it really is.

Check out and purchase the Schrade survival tactical pen on Amazon