I performed a search and was a little surprised to find that this hasn’t been discussed, or at least not formally referenced in a thread title.
I’m assembling a Bug Out Box/Bag that I should have done a long time ago. I used to live in tornado country, now living in potential hurricane country, not to mention the nuclear power plant down the street or any other disaster you can dream up. So I’m getting my ducks in a row NOW! I’m looking to make this a 72+ hr. kit that is completely self-contained. I don’t want to be sharing much, if anything, with my general camping gear…..at least this is what I’ve seen recommended.
I have a decent handle on constructing survival kits but wanted some feedback from those who may know better about a few items:
Backpack
The kit will be stored inside a dry bag, inside a plastic storage tote. This is to keep everything dry, clean and rodent-free as well as make it easy to grab and slide in the car. However, what if I need to go on foot? I was considering a military backpack like this:
I already have this pack and it has served me well since 1996. I want something large enough so that everything in the tote, plus clothing items, can go on my back but the pack itself can be stowed in the kit. A frame pack can’t do that and I’m not looking to buy a $200 pack. The one I have and is pictured about is about $30. Are there any arguments for or against this style pack?
Radio
Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about the Eton FR400 Emergency Crank Radio?
Firearm
I own several long guns but no handguns. I have taken quite an interest in the Thompson/Center G2 Contender pistol in stainless steel with the 45ACP/.410 barrel. It has a small following as a survival gun and is known for its accuracy. To me, this would be a nice little firearm for hunting and some defensive uses. If given enough time, I would grab my 12 gauge but as far as something that would live in the kit, would a stainless G2 Contender with composite grips be a decent choice?
Fishing
In a true survival situation, you would employ a passive means of fishing (trot lines, net, traps, etc.) but does anyone have a travel rod/reel in a kit like this? I figure it can offer a means of gathering food as well as offering some enjoyment to regain some sanity. I’ve read that you want to have something in your kit to offer enjoyment to reduce the stress and anxiety of the situation. I enjoy fishing and a 4 piece travel rod shouldn’t take much space. Or is this unnecessary gear?
One knife
I read on another site that if you are only going to have one cutting tool, a majority agreed that a kukri would be the way to go. Is that the general sentiment here?
Thanks for any advise anyone offers!
I’m assembling a Bug Out Box/Bag that I should have done a long time ago. I used to live in tornado country, now living in potential hurricane country, not to mention the nuclear power plant down the street or any other disaster you can dream up. So I’m getting my ducks in a row NOW! I’m looking to make this a 72+ hr. kit that is completely self-contained. I don’t want to be sharing much, if anything, with my general camping gear…..at least this is what I’ve seen recommended.
I have a decent handle on constructing survival kits but wanted some feedback from those who may know better about a few items:
Backpack
The kit will be stored inside a dry bag, inside a plastic storage tote. This is to keep everything dry, clean and rodent-free as well as make it easy to grab and slide in the car. However, what if I need to go on foot? I was considering a military backpack like this:
I already have this pack and it has served me well since 1996. I want something large enough so that everything in the tote, plus clothing items, can go on my back but the pack itself can be stowed in the kit. A frame pack can’t do that and I’m not looking to buy a $200 pack. The one I have and is pictured about is about $30. Are there any arguments for or against this style pack?
Radio
Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about the Eton FR400 Emergency Crank Radio?
Firearm
I own several long guns but no handguns. I have taken quite an interest in the Thompson/Center G2 Contender pistol in stainless steel with the 45ACP/.410 barrel. It has a small following as a survival gun and is known for its accuracy. To me, this would be a nice little firearm for hunting and some defensive uses. If given enough time, I would grab my 12 gauge but as far as something that would live in the kit, would a stainless G2 Contender with composite grips be a decent choice?
Fishing
In a true survival situation, you would employ a passive means of fishing (trot lines, net, traps, etc.) but does anyone have a travel rod/reel in a kit like this? I figure it can offer a means of gathering food as well as offering some enjoyment to regain some sanity. I’ve read that you want to have something in your kit to offer enjoyment to reduce the stress and anxiety of the situation. I enjoy fishing and a 4 piece travel rod shouldn’t take much space. Or is this unnecessary gear?
One knife
I read on another site that if you are only going to have one cutting tool, a majority agreed that a kukri would be the way to go. Is that the general sentiment here?
Thanks for any advise anyone offers!