So I was thinking, if you were away from home (say, an hour's drive away or something) and the SHTF, you'd probably want to go home to get your supplies. In my thought-process, maybe you get there and discover that it's probably not safe to stay more than a few minutes. I realize a BOB would be ideal in this situation, but I'm trying to come up with a prioritized list of things to grab. So start at the top and keep gathering until it's no longer safe to stay. Here's a brief start; how would you guys modify it? Guns - must defend self first Ammo - need ammo for guns Food - Must eat Water - Must drink GPS - Must be able to locate self Pets - Can't be a dick and leave the animals. Plus dogs serve as early warning Pet food - Animals must eat. First aid - Duh Batteries - For flash light and GPS Long pants - In case hiking is necessary Boots - Better in the rough Socks - Feet wear out Underwear - Yes Toilet paper - Duh Flashlight - Because I can't afford NVGs Toiletries - Duh Meds - Also duh Moleskin - Because feet wear out
water, food, clothing (including footwear, raingear, etc), meds, then weapon (including ammo), other tools, etc. Obviously this is pretty general, and given that this is WMD, probably heretical. But it doesn't matter whether you have your AR/AK/Mini-14/K98/Rem700/whatever or your handgun of choice, or shotgun, if you die of dehydration. Or starvation (because I doubt that all that many WMDers actually have hunted with the firearms they own. Not saying none, just not all that many. Or exposure. Etc.... And to all the "I have a gun, I can take everything else I need/want!" types, just remember: 50% of American households have at least 1 gun, and it only takes 1 bullet of any size to kill you, no matter how good you are. oh, I'd toss in a few local maps (maybe a topo map) and compass somewhere in there. GPS needs batteries, compass only needs the planet Earth to work. Preferably, I'd get one of those tritium lensatic GI-type compasses, but that's probably unnecessary. As long as you can do basic orienteering, you're probably fine, unless you choose to go wandering the deep woods aimlessly, in which case, well, good luck to ya
I always have water, some food, plus warm clothes/change of clothes in my car. If you have your gun on you at all times, great. But in the BOB, there are plenty of more 'practical' things than a gun and a ton of ammo.
You guys have made some good points. A compass would be good to have too, certainly. Must get two. BTW - I was not suggesting a BOB full of ammo. How much stuff to grab would depend on the situation. Flood waters rising but roads to and from residence still navigable for at least a few hours? Grab everyfuckingthing. Red Dawn-esque commies parachuting from the sky whilst neighbors turn mysteriously to zombies? Water, food, AR+ammo, pistol+ammo, boots, and go. Etc. Any other additions?
Would probably throw some sort of waterproof socks, gloves. Since you most likely wont have time to dry out your shoes if your on the run, and wet for a really long time is a bad thing
Yep. Clothing and gear for varying and inclement weather is a good thing to have. Also maybe something like a lightweight tarp--can be used for a whole shitload of things, from shelter to clothing to water gathering.
I would say dogs are a luxury and should only be considered when every other thing is already covered.
What about some sort of trade good? Like smokes, or maybe tobacco seeds or silk or linen or some shit? What does OT think about that? obviously not a vault's worth of shit, but a little something to trade with if youve been out so long you're running low on other supplies?
Don't forget to duct tape your feet up where they might blister before you put your boots on. Ask me how I know.
Dogs give you warnings to predators, dogs can help you hunt, dogs can track for you, dogs protect you while you sleep (are you not going to sleep?) I would ditch my GF and kids over my dog if I was running outta food.