The Dani Monster family Bug Out Bags w/pix!!!

[dani monster]

As promised I was able to take photos of our new Bug Out Bags, or as my daughter knows them "Emergency Go Bags". I began my own http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=24887 and tried to add to it or improve the best I could over the last few months. It seems that the tent I bought is kind of heavy so I'll be scaling back the weight over time to make it manageable. My daughter is seven and has been known to carry heavy objects but for longevity's sake I tried to keep her bag under 10 pounds. I should mention that these are 5-day emergency packs rather than a 3-day bug out bags. Los Angeles is changing the amount of days so I'm carrying a bit more food than some other folks.

Our bags side by side.



My main bag is a Fox Outdoor Rio Grande backpack. It has a large main compartment, two side zippered pouches, a couple straps and extra goodies (padded hip belt, fully adjustable shoulder straps.) I need the straps to distribute the weight. I'm hoping to cut out some of it over time. I'm not sure what the square inch capacity is but I have not met it yet.



The Contents of the main bag include:

(1) sleeping bag - I think this is a basic one. It weighs 2.5 or 3 lbs.
(1) Ultra lyte Foam pad to accompany sleeping bag
(1) 3 lbs tent. 3 person or 2 person + gear
(1) Foldable Water Carrier (5 gal.) to re-supply if needed
(1) pair cargo pants
(1) black hooded sweater
(2) t-shirts
(1) pair of cargo shorts
(2) underwear
(3) hiking socks
(1) beanie
(4-5) Fish hooks/100 ft of fishing wire
(2) 22–hour Emergency Candles in a tin can (reusable)
(6) bottles of water - 5 shown here & one in FAK photo
(3) Hand Warmers
(5) toe warmers
(1) pair of gloves
(1) travel size tissue packs
(1) travel Wet–Naps re-sealable pack (baby wipes)
(1) squished down roll of TP
(2) hand towels
(4) small boxes of all weather matches
(4) lighters
(3) small packs of matches
(5) 12-hr Light Sticks
(1) roll of Gorilla Tape - need a new one
(1) carabiner sunblock
(1) carabiner compass/ruler/clock/magnifying glass
(1) carabiner chapstick
(1) carabiner flashlight
(1) orange emergency whistle
(1) KaBar knife
(1) sharpening stone
(1) waterproof notepad with pen
(1) emergency poncho
(1) multitool
(5) cheap candles
(not shown) (1) 50 ft. Nylon Cord, (1) bag filled with dryer lint

The next photo shows the water carrier and the 6 bottles of water a 2nd time but they are not doubled. I wanted to show my 2 extra water bottles (not nalgene brand) along with my hygiene bag, butt pack used as our food bag, and mess kit.



The hygiene bag is inside the main compartment of the Rio Grande bag, and sits at the top for easy access.



Contents include:
(8-10) maxi pads
(10-12) tampons
(1) travel sewing kit taped to the inside of the tin shown to reduce noise
(1) bottle of hydrogen peroxide solution in a Nalgene bottle
(1) bottle of water purification tablets
(6) ziplock baggies
(1) Berry flavored dental floss
(2) dentek floss and teeth cleaners
(1) travel toothbrush and toothpaste
(1) small brush - yes it is necessary. My hair is waist-length
(1) new birth control pack
(1) 3 ponytails
(1) gold bond foot powder sample
(1) hot cocoa sample from 4Imprint
(1) cheapy folding knife
(1) regular memo pad with pen
(1) travel soap and sample of shampoo and conditioner
(6) q-tips
(4) hair pins stuck onto 15-20 ft of twine
(6) AA batteries

To conserve space I put 4 packs of single-serve spam in the mess kit along with my utensils.



Here is the butt pack filled to the brim with stuff.


Here is the contents taken out. Remember this is a five-day supply.


Contents of food bag:

(1) Large package of trail mix
(2) small bags of almonds
(1) granola or nut bars - Get a couple more peanut bars this week
salt/pepper flavoring packets (see up close photo)
(1) lg pkg beef jerky
(1) tin of hard candies
(1) chicken flavored bouillon cube
(6-8) MRE food packages - want to replace with Mountain House
(3) squares of tin foil
(3) snack bags of 5-min rice
(4) single serving Spam packs (already shown)
(1) jar of peanut butter
(2) packages of instant oatmeal, apple cinnamon flavor

As you can see, I really hit a home run on my seasoning.


and Finally, here's me on a Sunday morning trying out the Bug Out Bag with all this new stuff. Shit. It's about 5 pounds too heavy.

I swear I didn't mean to be wearing that shirt. LAWLZ.

*edit* newly added items as of 7/23/08:

3 more packets of quick oats (from cupboard)
2 cliff bars (from local market)
1 very lightweight and durable flashlight with AA batteries (Big 5 - $5.99)
1 desert camo boonie hat (from closet)
1 bandana

Now... onto the munchkin's pack. It was meant to be a pack that would compliment mine and she'd still feel like a big girl without a lot of weight. The pack looks like this:





The contents of this Youth Bug Out Bag ('Emergency Go' Bag) are as follows:

(1) backpack

Nourishment:

(3) Bottles of water
(1) utensil set
(3) energy bars - we plan on sharing snacks
(2) peanut bars (high cal count)
(6) small boxes of dried fruit (raisins)
(4) Drink mixes – fizzy grape flavor, and rasberry
(1) cold brew tea
(1) package of raw sugar
(1) pkg beef jerky
(2) fruit snacks - morale
(1) bag of big wheat thins - to use with peanut butter in my bag
(1) collapsible cup
utensils - fork and spoon, we omitted the knife. She won't need it.
She is carrying a majority of her snacks. I will be sharing some of my food with her.

Heat/Shelter:

(she's opted to sleep in my sleeping bag rather than carry her own)
(1) Emergency Blanket
(1) Emergency Poncho
(1) Pair of gloves

Light/Communication:

(1) Whistle on a string
(1) Flashlight with new AA batteries in it
(2) 12-hr Light Sticks

Clothing and protective gear (varies depending on season):

(2) pair pants
(1) sweater
(2) t-shirts
(3) underwear
(3) pairs socks

Miscellaneous Supplies:

(1) travel size tissue pack
(3) dust masks
(2) small activity pamphlets - collect at the local Burger King FREE
Notepad
2 pencils
1 new pack of crayons
4 old crayons taped to back of writing pad (not shown)
deck of Playing Cards
small stuffed animal
1 small baggie of tinder
1 short bungie cord


In the small compartment in the front there is a removeable clip. It seemed a waste not to use it so we separated her hygiene stuff and put them in a small bag and labeled it:



It contains:

A hair brush with 2 hair ties, a travel toothbrush & toothpaste,
wetnaps, a reusable face cloth, and some toilet paper folded neatly.

Here she is modeling the bag with all it's contents



My kid is a total goob.



FAK IN NEXT POST DOWN.

[dani monster]

Here's my First Aid Kit to accompany the BOB.

Full of contents:




I wondered where my fizzy drink mixes had gone. AHA! I found them. I added a bottle of water, left the c-ration in there, and all the booboo kit stuff is in the next photo (inside the blue pouch.)





TADA!! (too lazy to list all the contents of the FAK.)

Ask questions.

*edited to add*

I forgot to show my kid's booboo kit!

[phil_in_cs]

Very good job.

[TheBearBoy]

It looks very good, and it does not stick out in the crowd.

+1 for blending in

[mr_dave]

First off:

I swear I didn't mean to be wearing that shirt. LAWLZ.

VS.

My kid is a total goob.

Apple, meet tree. I believe you two know each other.


And more seriously you get major points for the effort that's obviously gone into these bags. Especially for getting your daughter in the mindset at an early age. No slight against my mom, she's taught me a great many things that'll come in handy in the ZPAW, but I think we're looking at a Mom-of-the-Year nomination here.

I can't really offer much up in terms of criticism/suggestions, I'm still working on my bag. So instead I'm going to ask myself WWDMD next time I'm working on it, and refer back to this.

[Murph]

Have you tried the packets of SPAM? I picked one up at my local store this past weekend, but haven't gotten around to trying it yet.

Nice choice on the stock FAK, I think I have the same one. And good choice on the extras added on!

I hope that butt pack is on there nice and tight, it'd suck if it fell off and you lost the entire food supply.

[muscleman_coffeemesto]

I really have to get off my butt and put together a BOB.
Here's the thread hijack... Dani, check the meeting room section. There's a shotgun course that I'll be going to at Burro Canyon. Should be fun if you're interested.

[dani monster]

After a long walk SPAM is awesome. Fried up with rice and some soy sauce is good.

http://www.spamsingles.com/content/#p3a

Just ask the SPAM SINGLES website.

Thanks everybody for the feedback. I hope more parents will post their family bags to bolster real life disaster preparedness. Any critism on the BOBs or possible changes are welcome too. My current wishlist includes 2 handheld mirrors, a pair of Motorola 22-mile radios in case we get separated, and a crank radio (preferrably one promoted by the red cross.)

FYI - It's good to talk about proper use of the items in an emergency bag with your kids. I made my kiddo practice two different kind of whistles. One long whistle to get my attention (not an emergency) and two short whistles over and over (an emergency.) Sometimes the monkey wants attention and will walk up to me, stand there and say "toooooooot" and grin until I pay attention to her. Its actually pretty darn funny.

... SHOTGUN COURSE??? LEMME CHECK MY CALENDAR.

*edit*

To answer the butt pack secure question - Yes, it is. I wiggled back and forth to see if I could loosen it once it was secured on there but it didn't give. The buckle that runs through the side loops is also attached to the sleeping bag. I'd feel it if it fell.

[BEar667]

Have you tried the packets of SPAM? I picked one up at my local store this past weekend, but haven't gotten around to trying it yet.

I get them all the time, and love them.

On topic

Very nice job with both of the bags!

[Y.T.]

This looks great. I love that you've put things to entertain your daughter in her pack, as well as so clearly labeled everything. I also love that you've reviewed how to use some of the items, such as the whistle signals.


I see you are also a fan of the carabiner accessories. I'm not happy until I can stick it on a carabiner.

You know I'm still new at this, so take the following comments accordingly:

(1) carabiner flashlight
it looks like this is your only flashlight? You may want to add a larger light and/or a headlamp. I find I usually need 2-3: one for personal use (potties, finding things in bags), one for walking at night (something larger with a stronger light, longer ranger and wider scope), one for lighting the camp when setting up. I think it's great that you've made sure your daughter has one too.

(8-10) maxi pads
(10-12) tampons
You may want to look into getting a menstrual cup and/or reusable cloth pads. They'll probably take up less room and give you a near endless supply of feminine hygiene products (as long as you have some minimal water for washing) in the event of a longer term bugout. You might also want to double-bag your fem stuff in ziplocks to keep them dry.

(1) travel sewing kit taped to the inside of the tin shown to reduce noise
nice touch. I hadn't thought about the noise issue.

(1) new birth control pack
very smart. especially since disrupting your BC cycle can cause breakthrough bleeding, which no one needs during a PAW.

(1) hot cocoa sample from 4Imprint
I need to add some to my bag as well. IMO there are few things that hot cocoa can't fix.

(1) regular memo pad with pen
you might also want to put that in a ziplock to keep the paper dry. and maybe add a sharpie as well. Sharpies will label bags and bottles better than a pen.

(1) travel soap and sample of shampoo and conditioner
if you need to reduce weight or bulk, you can probably get by with just an all-purpose soap like Doc Bronners or Camp Suds for skin, hair, clothes and dishes. Which reminds me... I didn't see any soap or sponge to clean your messkit after cooking/eating.
Oh, and I too, must use conditioner. I hate that my EOW bag has to include something as civilized as conditioner.

(1) jar of peanut butter
I want to add this to mine as well.

Things I didn't see:

- sunglasses and/or goggles
(I know I say this often, but you don't know what the weather/environment conditions will be and even in an urban setting these can be critical due to poor air quality, smoke, debris, dust, etc. Goggles are just as important as a dust mask IMO. When the WTC towers collapsed on 9/11 many people fleeing from the debris were immediately treated for eye problems due to exposure to dust and chemicals in the air. You may also want to check that an adult dust mask will fit your daughter.)
- brimmed hat
- bandana
- bras of some kind
(I presume they're there and just not listed, but along the lines of "hey, sometimes we forget the obvious" I thought I'd mention it)
- maps (these might be in your car)
- small battery powered radio (for news, weather, traffic reports)
- Emergen-C or powdered drink mixes for yourself o help replace electrolytes and to help cover bad tasting water (I saw your daughter has some and didn't know if you were sharing)

You might also want to consider getting a pee funnel of some kind for you and your daughter (they even make flat waxed paper disposable ones), or learn how to pee standing up while dressed. Among many other benefits, being able to stand while peeing means you can whiz without having to take your pack off.


BTW, if you find you have to travel through a crowd or at night together, the glowsticks are great to strap onto the back of your bag or around your neck. It allows you to easily find and follow each other. Another fun trick to do with them is to put a glowstick in the rubberband of your ponytail -- it's easy to see up high like that from the front or back and acts as an easy "home base" signal should you get separated (like at a bathroom line). You can use battery powered blinkies for the same effect.

[dani monster]

(1) carabiner flashlight
it looks like this is your only flashlight? You may want to add a larger light and/or a headlamp. I find I usually need 2-3: one for personal use (potties, finding things in bags), one for walking at night (something larger with a stronger light, longer ranger and wider scope), one for lighting the camp when setting up. I think it's great that you've made sure your daughter has one too.

I do need more flashlights. I have two on my purse right now though.

(8-10) maxi pads
(10-12) tampons
You may want to look into getting a menstrual cup and/or reusable cloth pads. *snip* You might also want to double-bag your fem stuff in ziplocks to keep them dry.

That sounds cool but I'd have to wait a bit before making more purchases.

(1) regular memo pad with pen
you might also want to put that in a ziplock to keep the paper dry. and maybe add a sharpie as well. Sharpies will label bags and bottles better than a pen.

I knew I forgot something!! Thanks.

(1) travel soap and sample of shampoo and conditioner
if you need to reduce weight or bulk, you can probably get by with just an all-purpose soap like Doc Bronners or Camp Suds for skin, hair, clothes and dishes. Which reminds me... I didn't see any soap or sponge to clean your messkit after cooking/eating.

That camp soap stuff leaves me dry and me and the munchkin both have sensitive skin. I'd rather do a baby wipe bath. I do that during camping trips and it works for a couple days without feeling too gross. The liquid soap is more for washing hands and can double for washing pots. The disposable/reusable face cloths (from my marykay days) will work for cleaning the body, and the hand towel is for washing the pots. They happen to be in the same bag right now. The less clutter the more space I have.

We like to leave a little sand in the pot for "desert flavor."

Things I didn't see:

- sunglasses and/or goggles in my EDC
- brimmed hat - Good idea. Always wearing one or have one hanging on my bed post
- bandana in my EDC
- bras of some kind always have one on or hanging on my bed post with the bandanas and hats.
- maps I live in the suburbs of Los Angeles. I haven't needed a map - ever - to get around. I know the city like the back of my hand... OMG What's THAT?!
- small battery powered radio (for news, weather, traffic reports) It's listed in the 'wish list' but I do carry an MP3 player that has FM radio in my EDC bag
- Emergen-C or powdered drink mixes for yourself o help replace electrolytes and to help cover bad tasting water (I saw your daughter has some and didn't know if you were sharing) See FAK photos. Totally has emergenC knockoffs in there. AKA purple fizzie drink mix.

You might also want to consider getting a pee funnel of some kind for you and your daughter (they even make flat waxed paper disposable ones), or learn how to pee standing up while dressed. Among many other benefits, being able to stand while peeing means you can whiz without having to take your pack off.

Now, that's an idea. Peeing standing up. It'd be just like having a penis but without the fun part.

BTW, if you find you have to travel through a crowd or at night together, the glowsticks are great to strap onto the back of your bag or around your neck. It allows you to easily find and follow each other. Another fun trick to do with them is to put a glowstick in the rubberband of your ponytail -- it's easy to see up high like that from the front or back and acts as an easy "home base" signal should you get separated (like at a bathroom line). You can use battery powered blinkies for the same effect.

We have glow sticks for light but this is not a rave, lady. =D We have a family whistle for kiddo that means GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE OR YOU'LL REGRET IT.

[bltjr1951]

I have to ask, is the mess kit British or french? And where did you get it?
I kick myself for not getting the 10 E German kits on SMG.

[dani monster]

U.S. Army Military mess kit from surplus store. Less than $5. There are currently about 4 or 5 different models running around at my local surplus store. I've got an extra... if you pay for postage I can mail it to ya but it'd be cheaper to go to the one nearest you.

[Y.T.]

We have glow sticks for light but this is not a rave, lady. =D We have a family whistle for kiddo that means GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE OR YOU'LL REGRET IT.

really, I'm just trying to get everyone to turn their EOW planning into a spontaneous rave.

re: maps... something that recently occurred to me was that while we know the local area, we may find we have to evac to another city or state that we're unfamiliar with. a US road atlas may be helpful for the car should you find yourself having to navigate the roads of Nevada or AZ.

again, sounds like you have it covered. great job.



ETA: this thread lists various resources for pee funnels, learning to pee while standing up without a funnel, as well as reusable fem hygiene products. See the list of links at the tend of my first post, as well as links from those who responded.

[bltjr1951]

This is the US mess kit I grew up with, unchanged from WWII:
http://www.vietnamgear.com/kit.aspx?kit=509

This is the french mess kit:
http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shop ... 01750.html

The Brits have something similar. And my local surplus store is 120 miles away and no guarante he's got anything.

[quazi]

You might also want to consider getting a pee funnel of some kind for you and your daughter (they even make flat waxed paper disposable ones), or learn how to pee standing up while dressed. Among many other benefits, being able to stand while peeing means you can whiz without having to take your pack off.

Now, that's an idea. Peeing standing up. It'd be just like having a penis but without the fun part.

While perhaps not the best part, peeing while standing up is still pretty fun.

[bltjr1951]

While perhaps not the best part, peeing while standing up is still pretty fun.

It's only fun when you can write your name in the snow.

[gothamalleyviper]

Also good for door handles and other assorted pranks.

[Hooligan]

You BOB looks very good. It seems like you kept it simple. I think sometimes people go a little over board and add a little too much to theirs and forget that they may have to carry the weight of their bag over long distances. Nice that you mad one for your daughter.

[Y.T.]

Also good for door handles and other assorted pranks.

a penis?? what the hell kind of doors are you opening?

[Hooligan]

Also good for door handles and other assorted pranks.

a penis?? what the hell kind of doors are you opening?

I am pretty sure he mean peeing on door handles lol.

[Molon Labe]

Now, that's an idea. Peeing standing up. It'd be just like having a penis but without the fun part.

Sigged.

[Gatorfarmer]

You seem to have Potable Aqua iodine tablets for water purification. Iodine based water purification isn't generally suggested as a good idea for children. Chlorine Dioxide (or other chlorine based compound) tablets such as MP1 might be a better choice. They'll also work against viruses and crypto, which iodine won't. Plus they won't make your water taste vile. Failing that, even a bottle of bleach might be better.

I'm curious about the cargo shorts as opposed to cargo pants. It's been my experience that having protection for the body (from the sun, debris, etc) is often a good thing. Given that you live in earth quake prone Los Angelese, I'd also think that knee and elbow pads and perhaps even a hard hat might be good ideas.

I can't tell if the multitool is a name brand or if it is a knock off. If it is a knock off, check to see how well the blades are in there and how well they stay "out" as some knockoffs are okay and some are... well... a dangerous POS. On the subject of edged tools, is your sharpening stone a quality one and are you experienced with it? Sharpening a knife on a stone is something that many folks have trouble with. A Lansky or other brand "pull through" sharpener with fixed rods/angles is easy to use to maintain a working edge.

I may have missed it, but do you have a portable radio? Even a dollar store FM is better than nothing.

Your cheapy folder looks like one of the dollar Walmart ones. Be careful with those, the locks are dubious.

I may have missed it as well, but is there a flashlight there somewhere other than the small carabiner one? Something that would kick out a decent amount of light like one of the Dorcy or Brinkman's that does 65 lumens or better can be useful and they are cheap.

I didn't see a stove - though I suppose that you could use the candles - for cooking with the mess kit. Even a tin can hobo stove would work.

If your mess tins are steel and you want to lighten the weight, BCB offers alum. mess tins. Best Glide is the primary U.S. importer of their gear.

[Hooligan]

IMO if you do opt for another flash light i would go with something like a double A mini mag they cost under $10 most places. If you have the budget you could opt for the LED version it is around $20 i think. They are fairly light weight use common batteries. And from my experience they provide enough light for most tasks. That is the flash light on my tool list at work. And it serves me fine for most tasks. Also you could of for a headlamp which are normally pretty affordable and give you hands free lighting. And they also provide enough light for most tasks.