Hey guys, since the topic seems to be winding down I decided to post the following. Although not something you'd pack in a BOB, it's definitely related to this topic. For those wanting to do more research into the topic, one survival expert wrote (as far as I know) the only book on the topic of putting together a BOB bag.
Creek Stewart's "Build The Perfect Bug Out Bag."
Part of a series of books that includes building the perfect bug out vehicle, and building the perfect set of bug out skills. I have all three. Each is far from perfect. While not a ringing endorsement, the book on the bug out bag has some excellent ideas worth checking out. As for the rest, here are some of the issues I found with the book:
1- While bag types are covered, no specific models are mentioned. Not even the bags the author uses. Yet later on, he makes specific mention of 4 fixed-blade knives he really likes. (One of which would be very difficult to resharpen during a bug out due to its steel.)
2- Along with that, no mention of packing even a basic sharpener.
3- Dislikes packing MREs despite the fact that they're some of the best food options in a BOB due to their long shelf life and no need to use up your water the way you would with dehydrated meals. Never mentions taking MREs apart and repacking, for example, just the entrees to save space.
4- Loves multi-fuel liquid gas stoves. But leaves out some of the disadvantages of relying on one during a bug out. For those who own one, you already know those aggravating disadvantages.
5- Loves free standing tents. Fails to mention that they can be picked up and blown away during a strong wind. Especially if you're bugging out alone.
6- This is a BIG one. Author loves Wet-fire tinder! But completely fails to mention that unlike other types of tinder, Wet-fire expires. And speaking from experience, when it does; you'll have an easier time drowning a duck by throwing it into a lake. Than you will getting this expired commercial tinder to burn. Imagine putting away a bunch of Wet-fire, one day needing it, and it won't light. Just irresponsible that the author fails to mention that fact. Personally, I switched to Tinder Quik tabs since they work well and don't expire.
7- Author repeats the age old nonsense that if you use a knife for self-defense, an attacker could take it away from you and use it against you. (Yeah, cause violent attackers love grabbing the only exposed portion of a knife.... the blade with its sharp cutting edge.)
8- Also, some really bad advice about WHERE to get good S.D. training.
9- One thing you never want to do is call up your local police department and ask what the self-defense laws are in your area. One, sometimes they honestly don't know the specific laws. Especially if you start asking about concealed carry laws regarding handguns, and use of deadly force. Yet, the author recommends doing just that. Honestly, consult with an attorney in your area who specializes in firearms laws, etc. It'll cost you a consulting fee, but it's worth it.
10- Never mentions the importance of packing plenty of extra ammo for your BOB handgun. Genuinely believing that extra ammo can be found or purchased during a major bug out disaster. Yet correctly points out that finding gas during such a disaster is going to be unrealistic.
11- Refers to binoculars or a monocular as a luxury item in a BOB. Either one though will let you check out an area in advance before you go stumbling into an ambush or bumping into a gang who were just setting up camp for the night. A quality monocular in particular takes up very little space in a BOB. Though a compact set of binocs is usually easier and cheaper to find.
12- The section regarding The "Quickie" Bug out bag makes no sense to me. One, there's huge holes in the list of needed items that'll significantly drive the price up from $303.80; which makes sense since even early on the author mentions that a BOB is going to require both time and money to put together. Two, many of the items for the Quickie are downright cheap junk that'll likely break or let you down during a bug out. As in, when you need those items (especially the tools) to work under the worst of conditions. Again, contradicting himself as earlier he points out the need to stock your BOB with quality tools/gear. No you don't need the very top of the line items out there to stock your BOB. But neither should you stock it with the cheapest (junk) items available.
Overall though, the book is worth reading. The author simply has some biases and his knowledge of self-defense related topics is lacking. But he doesn't admit that. I will say that his choice for a Bug Out S.D. handgun was thought-provoking. And makes sense. He prefers a revolver with a snubby barrel chambered in .357 magnum. His reasons for that choice were excellent.
I just didn't want this post to seem as though I agreed with everything in the book. There are issues with it. But it's a very thorough take on what to include in a BOB, and what to leave out. Though he did miss a few key items mentioned in this topic.