BOB for people with kids + family

[Poboyspecial]

This is for everyone with a family. What would you think you would need for your BOB (bug out bag) to include the wife and kids? Here are my thoughts....
1. Quick and easy cheap food like: canned ravioli, ramen noodles, breakfast bars, peanut butter, crackers, tuna, (water purification tablets)
2. 22LR of your choice, CCI Mini Mag ammo (300 rounds) I like the Henry Survival rifle
3. Simple but effective first aid kit
4. duffle bag of clothes (3 changes) 1 towel for each person
5. essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, toothpaste, deoderant, soap, etc.
6. Tent large enough for the family with blankets or sleeping bags
7. Kit with important documents: license, passport, money, cards, etc.
8. Bible to teach the family how to live

[ninja-elbow]

That's all pretty standard stuff.

Can you give us more details such as your plan and such? Why would the above things be different for a person not with a family?

[whisk.e.rebellion]

I would like to point out that the eighth item on your list is completely optional and will probably draw a considerable amount of flack from readers, which is why we try not to bring up things like that.

[eugene]

I have a layered approach.
1. Everyone in the family hast their own Camelbak backpack, even if they are not a large one.
2. Important documents folder, zippered binder in the gun safe. If we were to bug out for a day or two due to power outage so something we expect to come home for it stays there, anything that we may not expect to come home it goes.
3. Each family member has a pre-packed toiletry kit, toiletries, medicines, basic first aid supplies in each.
4. Each gun that I would expect to take has a case and an ammo box.
5. Duffel with extra clothes.
6. Backpacks with swim gear.
7. Duffel with fishing kits
8. Crate with portable grill and supplies
9. pre-packed food by the pantry ready to go
10. multiple bibles, one for each family member
.
.
.
working up to the truck camper for shelter

Funny you mention the AR7, I just got one a couple months ago and added to my gear.

[duodecima]

I found that the tent for the family was too much to put in packs with the other stuff. Also, that the food (I picked similar things to you) was hella heavy and bulky. I ended up with less food than I would ideally like in the actual packs (tho still a survivable # of calories for 3 days) and an extra duffel to grab if (hopefully!) we're doing a vehicular bug out. Ditto tent, the full sleeping bags and the hygiene bucket and the camp cooking setup. (Kind of the "layered approach" eugene described).

I also have a couple different ways to make fire in each bag, and a couple different ways to heat up water. I chose to pack a water filter in addition to purification tabs. A small water bottle plus a water "bladder" per person. 1 "entrenchment tool." Pocket knives, small multitools (in the adult bags). I should add a couple larger knives. Deck of cards and a small dice game. I keep meaning to laminate a couple family photos to add to my kids bags.

The big thing I found about packing bags for a family including small to mid-sized children is that you have to add quite a bit of "their" stuff to the adult packs, because they just can't carry as much but what they need weighs almost as much, which makes the adult packs heavier.

As for item #8, families bring stuff that's important to them to maintain calmness, morale, normalcy for the children. (Also, bored children in stressful times ). That's going to differ from family to family - I just took #8 to fill that important niche in the OP's BOB.

[eugene]

I pack in the bobs only food that doesn't need cooked. Then food that does need cooked as well as any cooking and preparing items is in one of the shared modules.
Kids like Clif bars, the clif crunch and mojo. Nuts, raisins and other dried fruits, trail mix, beef jerky, slim jims, etc, those clif fruit ropes. Some of those items like the fruit ropes are not cheap so they are bought and kept with the bug out gear and given as special treats if and when we are on hikes.

[Visionz]

I would steer clear of the canned goods. They are HEAVY...
Honestly if you must bring food, grab some condiment packets each time you get fast food.
Honey packets, grape jelly (the kids will love), ketsup, mayo.. No its not the most appetizing, but they are high in calories, have an excellent shelf life, and are basically free.

[Poboyspecial]

Ok, the bible is optional, of course, but I believe it to be important. If you don't agree, thats OK, thats why Baskin Robbins makes 31 flavors.

I have 3 kids, 2 teenagers and 1 elementary age. I have divided up everything in duffle bags so that each one can grab one and go. The tent we have is actally light and is very portable, compact, and easy to assemble. They also make the ones that fold out into the truck bed, so that the truck bed is a tent (very cool). There are foods that are easily carried, light weight and good like: ramen noodles, poptarts, oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat, trail mix, etc... peanut butter is heavy, but goes a long way with kids. Each kid knows which bag to grab, and it is all stored in the coat closet near the front door ready to grab and go.

Things not listed include: magnifying glass (fires) and a pack of lighters, newspaper in a plastic bag (fires), a small pic nic utensil set and a military cooking set (pots) We also have included rolls of TP for the outside buisness. Yes, it all fits.

I have looked at some of the forums, but they dont seem to cater to families, just individuals (it seems) so I took liberty to address this and start this forum, thats all. Just wanted to spread some great advise for family guys.

[Poboyspecial]

I would steer clear of the canned goods. They are HEAVY...
Honestly if you must bring food, grab some condiment packets each time you get fast food.
Honey packets, grape jelly (the kids will love), ketsup, mayo.. No its not the most appetizing, but they are high in calories, have an excellent shelf life, and are basically free.

Excellent idea

[PackLemming]

BoB for kids!

Id suggest at least one toy they wont squabble and fight over. Speaking from experience as I do

[Poboyspecial]

Of course, some of this all depends on the part of the country you live in, and the season. For Tennessee, we have to change out the clothes when the season changes from hot to cold, etc... I change batteries every time the we have daylight savings time (time change) so I know the batteries are fresh in the radio and flashlight. WE now have the ones that wind up and dont need batteries. Just a thought.

[Poboyspecial]

BoB for kids!

Id suggest at least one toy they wont squabble and fight over. Speaking from experience as I do

Heard that....

[shrimpwd]

I have looked at some of the forums, but they dont seem to cater to families, just individuals (it seems) so I took liberty to address this and start this forum, thats all. Just wanted to spread some great advise for family guys.

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=100
Try that? I haven't checked it lately, but I was around and reading it for a few months when it was added. Had some good family prep discussions.

[PackLemming]

You realise, you will need a significant mess kit for your family. Most probably the best solution being a two hob gas system with huge clutter frying & sauce pans.

Also last but not least, you'll want a full length shovel, forget the trowel use and other whimsical wishful thoughts when it comes to sanitation.

[duodecima]

You realise, you will need a significant mess kit for your family. Most probably the best solution being a two hob gas system with huge clutter frying & sauce pans.

Also last but not least, you'll want a full length shovel, forget the trowel use and other whimsical wishful thoughts when it comes to sanitation.

If I were going to cook like I do at home or when camping, yes. Something like that will go in the car. But I've got cup/bowl/silverware for everybody in the backpacks, so if we have the carry the bags we can still have hot ramen, soup, hot cocoa, and oatmeal. Plus the open-and-eat foods. But the clutter of fry/sauce pans... not so much. Also, I'd rather have a shovel, there's one that lives in the car, but I'm not hiking around with one if, heaven forfend, we have to make a serious go at biking or walking 250 miles to the BOL.

[eugene]

Thats why any food that requires cooking and stove and cooking gear is all contained in a separate bag. If we are able to travel by vehicle then that bag is in the vehicle. If it gets bad enough that we have to walk then I leave it with the vehicle or we take turns carrying it.

[Poboyspecial]

Just out of curiosity, would anyone consider a long bow or recurve bow as part of their BOB gear?
Is it just not easily carried, or is it something considered more than a firearm?
Comments.... welcomed

[RatDrall]

1. Quick and easy cheap food like: canned ravioli, ramen noodles, breakfast bars, peanut butter, crackers, tuna, (water purification tablets)

This, but screw cans, way too heavy and takes up too much space. MREs shine because they don't take up too much space, and the plastic containers are lighter and more packable than cans. They also come hydrated, meaning that you don't have to dip into your drinking water to cook them.

2. 22LR of your choice, CCI Mini Mag ammo (300 rounds) I like the Henry Survival rifle

If you're going to bring a gun, why not pack a Glock, so you could better defend your family if you have to? I've been in a number of traffic jams, snowstorms, medical emergencies, road rage incident, etc. and never felt the need to start poaching critters to feed myself. I have, however, been glad to have a fighting pistol nearby

Edited to Add:

Not meaning to pop anybody's fun balloons, but I would think that you are way more likely to have to defend yourself from others, than you are to live off the land wandering the countryside so long that you'd need to resort to feeding your kids the squirrels and bunnies you shot along the way.

3. Simple but effective first aid kit
4. duffle bag of clothes (3 changes) 1 towel for each person
5. essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, toothpaste, deoderant, soap, etc.
6. Tent large enough for the family with blankets or sleeping bags
7. Kit with important documents: license, passport, money, cards, etc.
8. Bible to teach the family how to live

That all makes sense. I would recommend small and light, I mean SMALL, backpacks for you and your wife and any child big enough to wear one, with critical and basic gear that you couldn't do without for a short period of time (first aid, shelter (poncho), fire making stuff, wool hat, gloves, sweater, etc.) and have everything else in the duffel bags.

Don't forget the toilet paper, wet wipes, etc. Also, a small shovel, a tarp, cord, and an axe can work wonders when you need to spend an unscheduled night or two in the woods. It sucks to be confined to the tent by mosquitos, weather, and whatnot, the ability to clear a spot and set up the tarp outside the tent is invaluble. The tarp, shovel and stuff is in the duffel bags of course, because you wouldn't die without it.

[Poboyspecial]

I just want to thank everyone for their great imput and advise. I am taking it all in, and deciding what all to include in my BOB. This is great info.

Thanks everyone!

[ninja-elbow]

When it comes to first aid, and the reason why I stay out of the first aid section of the forums other than to learn , is to carry a kit you can use. I am certified via Red Cross as a basic first aid ... -er(?) I can help stop bleeding, immobilize a mechanical injury, determine most common ailments (stroke, heart attack, choking, etc.), do CPR (and AED), and treat for shock... all the while waiting for better trained personel to show up and administer real aid. I'm more of a triage guy than a first aid guy.

My BOB FAK reflects the above plus can handle little boos boos like a cut finger and dust in my eye.

Don't forget tools. More than the typical machete/knife lust most of us have. A good hammer or crow bar? Maybe some real screw drivers and some big pliers or something like that? Not all in each bag but each bag has one tool assigned to it. Keep it simple and general.

I agree with the whole pistol thing. I carry one daily ... so it is my defacto "survival gun". It's what I got so it is what I will use. Give me time and location I will bring more but the Glock 19 is 100%.

Disasters can get messy. This = dusty. Goggles/dust mask/head lamp.

[eugene]

Just out of curiosity, would anyone consider a long bow or recurve bow as part of their BOB gear?
Is it just not easily carried, or is it something considered more than a firearm?
Comments.... welcomed

I suppose if you have the space to carry one, I would think that would be the limiting factor and the skilz to use it.

[MaconCJ7]

A long bow or recurve is lighter than a compound bow. If you're bugging out and trying to stay alive in the woods, it's safe to say you won't be alone. A rifle shot will attract others to your kill and/or camp.

Personally, everyone has a bag. Mine would be the heaviest with the bulk of the gear, but everyone will be carrying something. Same theory as with the vest pack abomination. Spread the gear so if any one pack is lost, you don't all die. I'm getting the family into hammocks for sleeping. They're lightweight and get you off the ground. Everyone can carry their own.

Don't try to be superdad and carry everything. It will wear you out and you won't last as long. Spread it out as much as you can, with respect to each members ability.

[Kutter_0311]

A long bow or recurve is lighter than a compound bow. If you're bugging out and trying to stay alive in the woods, it's safe to say you won't be alone. A rifle shot will attract others to your kill and/or camp.

I agree. Bow-type weapons have a huge benefit, especially to those hunting to feed dependants that are not old enough to defend themselves. One's lifeboat need not draw hangers-on, lest ye all drown. Keep a low profile.

2. 22LR of your choice, CCI Mini Mag ammo (300 rounds) I like the Henry Survival rifle

If you're going to bring a gun, why not pack a Glock, so you could better defend your family if you have to? I've been in a number of traffic jams, snowstorms, medical emergencies, road rage incident, etc. and never felt the need to start poaching critters to feed myself. I have, however, been glad to have a fighting pistol nearby

I can't stress this enough for those with families.

Do you want your kids to see Mommy or Daddy shoot someone? Of course not.

Is it better than your kids seeing Mommy and Daddy get shot?

Is it better than your kids being left to the tender mercies of the predator that just shot Mommy and Daddy?

You don't need to be wading through the PAW before you find yourself in a situation that calls for a fighting gun. You could have a class at the wrong time/place, you could be in an internet cafe, you could be seeing an epic movie or taking your GF to Applebee's. Or you could be that prepared family that stops to help someone with 'car trouble.' I'm not going to say the world is 'full of' BG's and nutjobs, but there are more of them than there are epic natural disasters in the US, and the Weather Channel doesn't show them developing on a map-overlay. They don't call ahead to make sure you're comming, they just hang out by the watering hole like the other predators, 'cause everybody needs a drink...

You can't keep your kids away from the watering hole, especially in a disaster, but you can be prepared to give the hyenas what-for when they come for them. I suggest studying the Cape Buffalo, and adopting it's notoriously unfriendly attitude toward unwary predators.

[ninja-elbow]

Just out of curiosity, would anyone consider a long bow or recurve bow as part of their BOB gear?
Is it just not easily carried, or is it something considered more than a firearm?
Comments.... welcomed

I suppose if you have the space to carry one, I would think that would be the limiting factor and the skilz to use it.

If you know how to use and maintain one, and it fits into your general plan, then yeah - pack a bow and all it's back-up gear. I don't plan on hunting for calories in a disaster so I won't be (nor a game-getting firearm either).