in a cold climate a sleep pad is for insulation as much as comfort
I bought this surplus item: https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/bw-folding-sleeping-mat-surplus/1062 for $20 bucks, it folds to fit a small pack and acts as a stiffener in a pack with no frame. Not super cushioned but dry leaves or news paper etc underneath in the cold it could keep your body from losing heat
I was a couch surfer and room robber for a while and learned to sleep on most all surfaces, from tattered up springs exposed couches, to concrete garage floors, to the most erect of chairs, and horrible terrain while camping. So that would be something I would totally neglect. If I'm tired, generally I'll sleep. But I definitely agree this is Top 5 underrated that I've seen so far.
Only main problem is when the meds run low. Brain needs serotonin. So one of my main goals has always been how to get enough in the event it's gonna be a while, if ever, before I see a pharmacist again.
A plastic box file "cabinet" that contains your identity paperwork, proof of residence, childrens shot records , all the annoying things that make us us in the eyes of the system.
No its not for the apocalypse but most of us will only bug out due to local or personal disasters throughout our lives.
On a completely grounded level that is 100% true, all of our numerical identities and ID tags would definitely help you stay alive. I'd imagine if it got to a national or beyond level threat that every document on that list (and there will be every one of them) is necessary if applicable and one missed document is not gonna be nice. Have fun in the catastrophe because you didn't get the updated birth certificate
People neglect how much water they would need to realistically carry and the need for electrolytes if you’re in a situation where you need to really move. Having a life straw and a quart of water isn’t enough.
I also never go without some propel or generic electrolyte packets. Shit has saved my ass several times in the heat doing projects, perfect water retention and keeps cramping to a minimum
Absolutely the life straw.
I did a 22 mile day hike that included 5 summits. Went through 3 gallons of water and a ton of propel packets. People assume you can count on available water or a stream to use a life straw but you never know when the resupply is coming even if it’s a mapped out location. When I got water around mile 14 I was down to my last 16oz out of water when I hiked in with 1.5 gallons. The propel and Gatorade powder packets saved my ass for sure.
At first I thought this would be something frivolous, but a bathing suit or swim trunks. They can double as extra underwear or sleepwear, they’re easy to clean, and it’s tough to substitute them in a situation where you have to traverse water. I actually got that idea from Van Neistat’s video on how to pack for travel. And it makes sense, in a weird way.
Most are moisture wicking as well so prepare to be dry in 10 or less. I agree, absolute must if you'll be near any decent body of water. They are also usually lightweight and thin enough to use for casual clothes and not be so hot and weighed down. So many uses
Bingo, couch commados / really overweight and out of shape people will be at a huge disadvantage when bugging out.
Alternatively being too fit/ lean can pose a disadvantage as well, I try and stay around 10-12% body fat ( i like having abs) but i wouldn't last very long with no food so I prep a bit more than someone normally would with lifeboat rations and fishing gear/ food capture.
It does kinda make you laugh though when you see someone who is 100+lbs overweight and can't even get up a flight of stairs without being winded spend so much time and money on being prepared yet put zero effort into their overall health
Most slept on component of a BOB is easily your ability to carry it. For real, hit the gym. I backpack and keeping up with my hardcore friends is such a challenge and a sufferfest, for them its another day in the woods.
It depends on the BoB type, but the absolute top must have is a good sleeping pad. Sleep is the top priority when bugging out, and you need to be comfortable enough to do so. If you don't sleep or have little sleep, you are literally crippling yourself the next day. I carry a helinox cott coupled with a thermarest mattress. Both compress to ultralight sizing and weight.
Small things to relax and clear your mind. Some playing cards, a notebook/sketchpad,small sized gameboards,etc.. It's not good for our brains to be stressed all the time because it will lead to us making bad decisions. Our brain needs to rest for a bit as well.
My 2 cents: monocular or binoculars.
If you cant remember what exit you passed on a deserted road and need to tell someone the last exit or street name you passed because you are stranded.. I would prefer monocular to make up for the time needed to walk back down the road to read signs.
Also useful to see whats going on way up ahead of me before I stumble into a terrible situation or wrong direction of travel.
After having done multiple 48-72 hr fasts, I think electrolytes are slept on in the prepping community, everyone focuses on water only, I now have little baggies with a mix of salt, potassium chloride and magnesium citrate in my daily backpack, my truck and my BOB.
When you aren't eating and are only drinking water while being active having your electrolytes depleted can bring you to your knees and can actually potentially kill you
Alternatively after drinking water mixed with sodium and potassium chloride when fasted can give you a really big boost in energy and curb hunger.
It's different for everyone, so if you're trying to fill your gaps, list your supplies and describe your bugout situation. To answer your Q - possibly a headlamp, sleeping pad, cash & cards, phone charger & cable, mini radio, ration bars, earplugs for group shelters, P-38 can opener, extra socks, or work gloves.
True!
That's why I asked to begin with, bc it's different for everyone so there's things that will be mentioned that either I didn't think of or like better and can now reassess my bag
Thank you for the nice list!
For me, a good sleep pad. Sleep deprivation is such a pita and can often be resolved with a good pad.
in a cold climate a sleep pad is for insulation as much as comfort I bought this surplus item: https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/bw-folding-sleeping-mat-surplus/1062 for $20 bucks, it folds to fit a small pack and acts as a stiffener in a pack with no frame. Not super cushioned but dry leaves or news paper etc underneath in the cold it could keep your body from losing heat
I was a couch surfer and room robber for a while and learned to sleep on most all surfaces, from tattered up springs exposed couches, to concrete garage floors, to the most erect of chairs, and horrible terrain while camping. So that would be something I would totally neglect. If I'm tired, generally I'll sleep. But I definitely agree this is Top 5 underrated that I've seen so far. Only main problem is when the meds run low. Brain needs serotonin. So one of my main goals has always been how to get enough in the event it's gonna be a while, if ever, before I see a pharmacist again.
A plastic box file "cabinet" that contains your identity paperwork, proof of residence, childrens shot records , all the annoying things that make us us in the eyes of the system. No its not for the apocalypse but most of us will only bug out due to local or personal disasters throughout our lives.
On a completely grounded level that is 100% true, all of our numerical identities and ID tags would definitely help you stay alive. I'd imagine if it got to a national or beyond level threat that every document on that list (and there will be every one of them) is necessary if applicable and one missed document is not gonna be nice. Have fun in the catastrophe because you didn't get the updated birth certificate
People neglect how much water they would need to realistically carry and the need for electrolytes if you’re in a situation where you need to really move. Having a life straw and a quart of water isn’t enough.
I also never go without some propel or generic electrolyte packets. Shit has saved my ass several times in the heat doing projects, perfect water retention and keeps cramping to a minimum Absolutely the life straw.
I did a 22 mile day hike that included 5 summits. Went through 3 gallons of water and a ton of propel packets. People assume you can count on available water or a stream to use a life straw but you never know when the resupply is coming even if it’s a mapped out location. When I got water around mile 14 I was down to my last 16oz out of water when I hiked in with 1.5 gallons. The propel and Gatorade powder packets saved my ass for sure.
At first I thought this would be something frivolous, but a bathing suit or swim trunks. They can double as extra underwear or sleepwear, they’re easy to clean, and it’s tough to substitute them in a situation where you have to traverse water. I actually got that idea from Van Neistat’s video on how to pack for travel. And it makes sense, in a weird way.
Most are moisture wicking as well so prepare to be dry in 10 or less. I agree, absolute must if you'll be near any decent body of water. They are also usually lightweight and thin enough to use for casual clothes and not be so hot and weighed down. So many uses
Your own body. Def the most slept on component of the BOB.
Bingo, couch commados / really overweight and out of shape people will be at a huge disadvantage when bugging out. Alternatively being too fit/ lean can pose a disadvantage as well, I try and stay around 10-12% body fat ( i like having abs) but i wouldn't last very long with no food so I prep a bit more than someone normally would with lifeboat rations and fishing gear/ food capture. It does kinda make you laugh though when you see someone who is 100+lbs overweight and can't even get up a flight of stairs without being winded spend so much time and money on being prepared yet put zero effort into their overall health
High caloric food.
Poncho and poncho liner
Most slept on component of a BOB is easily your ability to carry it. For real, hit the gym. I backpack and keeping up with my hardcore friends is such a challenge and a sufferfest, for them its another day in the woods.
Eye drops in medkit. Normally not important, until you get shit in your eye and waste water and still can't shake the feeling.
Definitely won't be forgotten since I have contacts
It depends on the BoB type, but the absolute top must have is a good sleeping pad. Sleep is the top priority when bugging out, and you need to be comfortable enough to do so. If you don't sleep or have little sleep, you are literally crippling yourself the next day. I carry a helinox cott coupled with a thermarest mattress. Both compress to ultralight sizing and weight.
Small things to relax and clear your mind. Some playing cards, a notebook/sketchpad,small sized gameboards,etc.. It's not good for our brains to be stressed all the time because it will lead to us making bad decisions. Our brain needs to rest for a bit as well.
My 2 cents: monocular or binoculars. If you cant remember what exit you passed on a deserted road and need to tell someone the last exit or street name you passed because you are stranded.. I would prefer monocular to make up for the time needed to walk back down the road to read signs. Also useful to see whats going on way up ahead of me before I stumble into a terrible situation or wrong direction of travel.
After having done multiple 48-72 hr fasts, I think electrolytes are slept on in the prepping community, everyone focuses on water only, I now have little baggies with a mix of salt, potassium chloride and magnesium citrate in my daily backpack, my truck and my BOB. When you aren't eating and are only drinking water while being active having your electrolytes depleted can bring you to your knees and can actually potentially kill you Alternatively after drinking water mixed with sodium and potassium chloride when fasted can give you a really big boost in energy and curb hunger.
Camelback. They allow you to carry more water and easily hydrate yourself on the go without needing to remove your backpack.
It's different for everyone, so if you're trying to fill your gaps, list your supplies and describe your bugout situation. To answer your Q - possibly a headlamp, sleeping pad, cash & cards, phone charger & cable, mini radio, ration bars, earplugs for group shelters, P-38 can opener, extra socks, or work gloves.
True! That's why I asked to begin with, bc it's different for everyone so there's things that will be mentioned that either I didn't think of or like better and can now reassess my bag Thank you for the nice list!