What should go into a good BOB?

[mikehemi]

I am pretty new to this site and I am just getting out of school and I am working. With that I am kind of on a fixed budget. I am wondering, what are some cost effective things that should be in my BOB, until I can begin to afford better equipment?

I do have a couple of basics like water purifying tabs and a crank radio/flashlight, also I have some waterproof matches.

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

[mikehemi]

I am only able to buy things a very little at a time so more essential things would be best to know for right now.

[TacSKS]

Probably some good heavy-duty trash bags. They are cheap and lightweight. You can use one for a poncho or small tarp shelter. Or put one inside the other, and stuff with leaves/grass/newspaper for a makeshift sleeping bag.

[nakadnu]

A good fixed blade knife, paracord, ziploc baggies, firesteel, fishing kit (hooks, sinkers, line), water purification tablets, multitool, canteen with canteen cup, warm clothes and footwear and a good pair of gloves. The list could go on forever, but we all need to start somewhere.

[slowz1k]

BOB contents are going to greatly depend on where you are located, where you plan to go when you bug, and how long you think you may be on the road. Things to consider are shelter, water, food, first aid, and security.
A small cheap pvc tarp (brown) some 550 paracord, some trash bags and a good knife, can go a long way in creating a shelter from the elements. Granola bars, crackers, spam singles, jerky, and tuna pouches are light, cheap, pack small, require no cooking and have a good shelf life. If you plan to be on the road for an extended period, you might want to consider options for cooking and boiling water. I have an esbit stove that retails for under $10.00, and you can usually find sterno cans and cheap stainless steel cups at most dollar stores. This also opens up the menu for ramen noodles, and powdered soups, etc.... The dollar stores can also provide you with cheap OTC meds and firstaid supplies as well. You'll need water. You can can pickup Nalgene bottles just about anywhere, or just grab a few 1 liter dasani's at the local stopNrob and toss 'em in your bag.

Security can be whatever you deem necessary. I recommend Some form of firearm, but not everyone has access to one. A machete, or even a baseball bat is better than harsh language anyday

One last thought.... Socks! Some people pack extra clothes and underwear. Some don't want the added weight. No matter how you feel about this subject... add a few pairs of socks in a watertight ziplock bag. You have to take care of your hooves, especially if they are your primary mode of tranportation.

Just my opinion... and I'm usually wrong.

[nakadnu]

Socks and footpowder are a very good idea. Also a basic first aid kit.

[rsanders]

I am pretty new to this site and I am just getting out of school and I am working. With that I am kind of on a fixed budget. I am wondering, what are some cost effective things that should be in my BOB, until I can begin to afford better equipment?

I do have a couple of basics like water purifying tabs and a crank radio/flashlight, also I have some waterproof matches.

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

I think these days most are on a tight budget , but I'd take a look around the house at the things you use the most on a daily basis and have duplicates of those items,stuff 1 in the BOB and continue to us the other. You may also want to consider the items that you absolutely have to have to survive i.e. meds ,eye glasses/contacts etc. Just a starting point. JMO

[nakadnu]

Start doing some camping and see what kind of stuff would make life easier or at least bearable. One thing I do when I am pressed for time is camp in the yard. When I need something I go in the house and get it and at the end of my "camping trip" I see what things I have used and work from there.

[Brother Bill]

I started off with a good kitchen knife I stole from the wife. Heavy duty trash bag from home. Got an old Jansport pack from Goodwill for $2.
Dollar Store buys as follows. Stainless dog bowl for cooking/eating, fork, 6in pliers, Plastic cup and bowl, 2 water bottles, clothes line rope, clear plastic painters tarp, 3 pack of lighters, kids fishing kit, pack of tea lights,coffee filters, string, rubber bands, generic first aid supplies, 3 days worth of packaged food.
Clothing from home. Sling shot from Wally World.
The whole kit cost me with food and sling shot around $50. I put it all together over 2 paydays. I still have some of that stuff in a smaller kit I keep in the truck.
Hope this helps you out.

[MasterMynd]

I have been working on mine for a while and I carry it everywhere I go, and what I have found is that you end up with a little of everything in there. Weight management becomes more of an issue than anything else LOL!
First of all you need to take care of you. This means water (bottle and a means to purify), food (I keep a bag each of trail mix and jerky), protection (a pistol and extra mags, a fixed blade knife, etc.), warmth and shelter (in my case that means extra shirt, boxers, 2 to 3 pair of socks, and a full rain suit, lighters, Vaseline soaked cotton balls and a fire-steel in case my lighters don't work). I plan to get an ultralight packable tarp eventually, but so far the rain suit has been plenty. Other than that I keep a Leatherman tool kit, 2 LED flashlights and extra batteries, a couple books, a waterproof journal pad and pencil, a very well stocked first aid kit, a 30' length of thin climbing rope, and a couple lengths of paracord, bandannas, A couple dollar ponchos and a couple big trash bags, and then some seasonal items. For summertime that means sunblock and bug spray. In wintertime that means extra gloves, face-mask, warm hat, etc.
Point is you can make it as elaborate as you want, but that ends up happening anyway. The most important things you need to keep with you always, you probably already own anyway, such as extra clothes, water bottle, a gun and knife, etc. Then go from there and get a good first aid kit and supplement it well. Check out this guys vids on a level 2 first aid kit as they are very informative and well done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACerbzgpsak . First aid supplies are arguably the most important thing you can put in a BOB. Lastly, I highly recommend splurging a little on a quality pack with lots of compartments. I went for a Molle sling pack since when I run out of room I can attach more stuff to the webbing on the outside, and have already done so LOL! They make these attachment bags called "dump pouches" that fold up and Velcro down to almost nothing, but open up huge when you need extra carry room quick. I love mine!
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com has a great selection of packs and Molle accessories for awesome prices, and I will vouch for their sling bag being tough as nails. I take mine everywhere I go and I'm not easy on it, and its proven to be as hardcore as you could with for. It even has fast access concealment pockets on both sides to hide pistols and other stuff. Too cool! And its tame looking enough that I can take it to work without looking like I'm on a "mission" LOL!

[mikehemi]

I want to thank everyone for helping me out. I know that this is an essential part to any survival plan and you have given me a lot of good information to start out.

Again thanks.

[Oscar Wilde]

I am pretty new to this site and I am just getting out of school and I am working. With that I am kind of on a fixed budget. I am wondering, what are some cost effective things that should be in my BOB, until I can begin to afford better equipment?

I do have a couple of basics like water purifying tabs and a crank radio/flashlight, also I have some waterproof matches.

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Here is a pretty exstensive list that might help give you some ideas http://xcolony.com/x/showthread.php?...k-worth-a-read) .... lots of primo gear. I understand your operating on a budget .... welcome to the club .... categorically, this might help you to prioritize your purchases. As you obtain your equipment put it to use to see where the limitations / shortcomings of the device / your skill level exist.

O.W.