Supply Categories to include in your BOB:
1. Water and Hydration (see pt 1)
2. Food and Food Preparation (see pt 2)
3. Clothing
4. Shelter and Bedding
5. Fire
6. First Aid
7. Hygiene
8. Tools
9. Lighting
10. Communications
11. Protection and Self-Defense
12. Miscellaneous Supplies
Clothing
There’s a lot to consider when packing your BOB clothing and it will vary, depending on your location. Some of you might live in a very cold climate and some in a very hot climate, or you could have both. It’s good to keep in mind that you might need to alternate what clothing you have in your BOB throughout the year depending on the season, for those of you who have extreme seasons. It is always good to have at least one long sleeve shirt and multiple pairs of socks regardless of the weather though. The full coverage protects you from weather exposure and insects.
Although the specific clothes you should pack will differ, it goes for everyone that they will need to be durable and most importantly, comfortable! Rip stop fabric would be the best option. If you don’t know what that is, I highly suggest taking a brief moment to check it out! I also highly recommend NOT having any type of jean material; denim is your worst enemy when wet. Use light weight wool blends wherever possible or polyester nylon blends. You’ll be happy you did, trust me.
One item that I feel gets overlooked a lot is a Shemagh (pronounced shuh-maag). A Shemagh is a large square scarf worn primarily in the desert regions of the world to protect ones face from the sun, wind, and sand. It’s an item widely used by American and British troops serving in the Middle East. The Shemagh is much more than just a head and face wrap. It’s probably the most multifunctional survival item I have ever owned with literally hundreds of uses. It makes an excellent BOB addition. It is so lightweight and can be carried on your persons or in your BOB. I keep multiple in mine; definitely a must have item. You can find these in many different colors also, which is always fun. If you need more convincing, here are just a few things a Shemagh can be used for, while taking hardly any room in your BOB:
1. Face and Head protection from elements
2. Arm sling for first aid if arm is injured
3. Wrapping it around your waist and using as an extra pack
4. Filtering water
5. A bandage if there is nothing else
A light weight, crushable, brimmed hat is a good idea also and can be paired nicely with a Shemagh. It will help protect your head as well as your face from the elements, such as sun, wind, and rain. These hats are often referred to as a “Boonie” hat. Another item I have on me, or in my vehicle at all times, is a large rain poncho. It’s a military style rain poncho and can be used as an emergency survival shelter, and many other uses. One being obviously to keep you from getting wet, but also from the sun or other extreme elements.
In a survival situation, the ability to use your fingers and hands is crucial. Almost every survival function requires good hand coordination and dexterity; using a knife, lighting a fire, tying knots, preparing food, administering first aid, etc. Nothing will cripple your hand like cold-weather. Pack gloves! You can find a good pair of 100% wool gloves at almost any army surplus store. They are pretty cheap and will help tremendously when the time comes that you need them. Cold-weather gloves are anther important item, regardless of your locations weather. You do not want to skimp on these and risk frostbite to your extremities. You never think you need them, until you do. A pair of cold-weather gloves should always be in your BOB during the winter season. I have Viktos gloves and absolutely love them.
Moving down the body, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have proper foot protection. If you are bugging out on foot, your feet are your only means of transportation. If your feet give out and you can’t walk, your bug out is over. You’re stuck wherever you are. Take care of your feet and they will take care of you. Wool socks or a blend of synthetic wool socks are by far your best bet. I have learned the hard way and will always have at least 2 pairs on me at all times. I prefer the brand SmartWool; they are a little more expensive but well worth it! Wool excels in harsh environments because of its durability and resiliency.
As for your boots, if you’re a hiker or have been in the military then you know just how important it is to have a good pair of boots on your feet! You will definitely need to have a pair of durable, waterproof, ankle high, hiking boots. These don’t need to be packed inside your bag but should be kept very close to it as you will be wearing these boots in the event of a bug out. Oh, and please make sure they’re broken in. There’s nothing worse than going on a long hike without first breaking in those new pair of boots. You could potentially be walking for several days with a 30 pound BOB on your back. Your boots should be broken in, tested, proven, and comfortable. There are many different styles and brands that will work just fine. I personally have gone through many different pairs in my life, including some boots that have been very expensive and fell apart on me within the first few months of use. So expensive doesn’t always mean better. I would highly recommend the brand Viktos, they are by far my favorite boots I’ve ever owned and had a very quick break-in period. I have definitely put them to the test and can personally guarantee they are “bad-a** approved!” They have a wide variety with all kinds of footwear. Not to mention they look pretty awesome too! I like the black camo.
Thoughtful preparation and planning is absolutely necessary if you expect to survive the extreme elements. If you live in an area prone to winter blizzards or snow storms, consider packing snow shoes. Heavy snowfall can be nearly impossible to travel in by foot. There are so many examples out there, but one that comes to mind is the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It forced thousands of people to bug out in freezing conditions. Many of these people fled into the mountains with only what they could carry. Like I’ve said earlier, your location has a lot to do with what you’ll be packing and how you’re going to pack your bag. You don’t want to be packing all kinds of cold weather gear if you’re living in a desert in Arizona with a very low chance of ending up in a freezing climate for your bug out destination.
Use common sense when choosing clothing for your immediate environment. If you have distinct seasons where you live, be sure to change out the clothing in your BOB to fit the season. I have a bag that I kept by my front door for years and when I went to check on it and had a look specifically at the clothing I found that I had put on some weight and most of it did not fit anymore so that’s another thing to keep in mind. Same goes for losing weight. It happens! Always know what’s in your BOB and make sure it is relevant and ready on a moments notice. If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.
We also have pre-made, ready-to-go Survival Kits available in our shop (under the Merchandise tab).
And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.
Genesis 3:21
Holy Homestead 