Let’s Build A BOB, pt 6

Supply Categories to include in your BOB:

1. Water and Hydration (see pt 1)
2. Food and Food Preparation (see pt 2)
3. Clothing (see pt 3)
4. Shelter and Bedding (see pt 4)
5. Fire/Heat Source (see pt 5)
6. First Aid
7. Hygiene
8. Tools
9. Lighting
10. Communications
11. Protection and Self-Defense
12. Miscellaneous Supplies

First Aid

First aid is a tough topic because there are so many misleading products out there with “done for you” bags or kits that truly are not well-suited for a survival situation, therefore they are not recommended for a bug out bag. While a premade “first aid kit” could be a great additional bag to keep in your vehicle or in your home, we refer to them as “boo-boo kits” because they are typically a bag full of bandages, a few topicals, and a couple oral medication. That’s great to have handy on a day-to-day basis, but if sh*t really hit the fan, you could encounter the need for much more than a bandage. We hope to never need more, but it’s better to have the tools in case you do, and know how to use them.

We recommend having a first aid kit and a trauma kit if you are going the route of pre-made product. Then you can add additional items such as any personal medication and antibiotics. Antibiotics are often over-looked but if you sustain an injury, there is a good chance infections can occur and there may not be a pharmacy available. Make sure they are contained in a waterproof container and desiccant bags to keep them fresh. Just as you would check on your food and water annually, you should also check on your medication that is kept in your BOB. As mentioned before, building a BOB is never “done,” you should have a tight relationship with your BOB and spend time together periodically.

First Aid Kit

Trauma Kit

Hygiene

Sometimes hygiene is disregarded because people don’t feel it is essential. However, if you go without for an extended period of time, you could be at risk for bacterial infections which will lead to a rapid deterioration in your health. This doesn’t mean you need to bring an extravagant array of soaps and skin product, just a few useful items can go a long way and keep you at your best. Basic hygiene routines will also help keep your sense of normalcy which will keep you clear-minded.

We keep our hygiene items pretty simple:
Wet napkins
Hand sanitizer
All-purpose camp soap
Hygiene/signal mirror
Small pack towel
Travel toilet paper
Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste