Campfire Discussions

What Makes a Perfect “Bug Out” Pack?

by Outdoor Hub on September 13, 2011

What Makes a Perfect "Bug Out" Pack?

Packing for vacation can be hard enough for some folks, but what about the day society falls and your life depends on what you pack? Whether it’s the attack of the zombies, government collapse, natural disaster or even a war, survivalists say you should be prepared to protect and sustain yourself and/or your family. One way to prepare is to build a “bug out” pack. What should be in this pack? Should it be a long-term or short-term solution? How much should it weigh?

What do you have in your bug out pack? Everyone has an opinion on this subject so I suggest we strike up a campfire and share some ideas on what you and your family need to have packed in order to bug out and survive in the event of a catastrophe.

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  • Matt K

    One thing I make sure to keep in my “survival” kit is a durable .22LR rifle. Ruger 10/22s are pretty good choices. A .22LR gun fits as a survivalist gun because ammo is cheap now for stocking up and would be easy to find/scavenge, is effective for hunting small game like squirrels and rabbits and are easily cleaned and maintained. It’s no self defense gun, that’s for sure, but that’s why you pack more than one gun. ;)

  • Agnieszka Spieszny

    What are the most fundamental things a human can’t survive without? Most importantly water, then food. I’d definitely pack a few extra bottles of water and even a water filtration kit for when that runs out. Then some extra rations of non-perishable food like certain energy bars and canned food.

  • Aroostookbasser

    To save time and space your pack must already be assembled……food/dehydrated…water/ treatment tabs and filtration straws………two canteens or a 2 quart camelback bladder minimum. Each person has to have their own pack. Do not load yours as “the” pack. You’ll need a defense gun as well as a hunting gun. I’d go 12 gauge pump all day…..and at least 200 rounds of hunting and defense ammo. Clothing should be limited to whatever you have on and two pairs socks/underwear. Gloves….. hat…..bud dope…..first aid kit….mess kit…..machete/ax. etc……

  • lcplvelzen

    I’ve got a single shot boy’s .22 rifle that takes down to a 17″ by 6″ package.  It is old, but as a
    rolling block action, it’s almost indestructable.  A double barrel 12 ga shotgun also takes down
    to a nearly as small package.  Water and purification tablets of course, and several types of
    fire starters, including disposable Bic lighters, matches, and magnesium strikers are a good
    set of choices.. Ammo for .22′s cannot be limited to one or two types, and the powderless
    Eley primed type are almost as quiet as a silencer equipped rifle, and will kill a rabbit easily.
    Shotgun ammo should be available in buckshot, slug,and birdshot. Knives are necessary, and
    sharpening kits will be hard to find.  Pack two, and know how to use them. 
    Sleeping bags and gloves, tee shirts and several pairs of socks, and a good pair of boots, and
    all the first aid stuff you buy in a ready made package.  Add  pain meds and fabric bandaids.
    A .45 auto with a .22 slide will round out defensive and hunting needs, and a plastic tarp that is thin and strong will make a rainproof shelter and will also catch run-off if it rains.

  • Roger

    I would take water purification system, knives, fire starter, back pack cooking stove and fuel parachute cord, tarp, 22 LR, Ruger Ranch Rifle, knives, socks, rain gear, first aid kit, sleeping bag, extra clothes, hats, gloves, and a good large backpack to hold all your gear. You could carry around 50 lb. and hide the rest.

  • Woodsy

    Rather than repeat everything everyone else points out, I’d add what seems obvious, but no one has it in thier kit.  You need a small, light crossbow.  You can only carry so much ammo, and when it runs out (not if) you still need to hunt/defend.  Crossbow bolts are recoverable from the target, and you can make more in a pinch.  Take extra bowstrings, though you can make more from mammal gut if need be.