Caenus' BOB

[Caenus]

I finally received and decided on a packing list for my BOB. If you read my previous thread, there is info on the bag itself. The loadout below is both my camping and BO load. I apologize for the quality of some of the pictures, I took them with my phone.

First is both my fiancee's and my bag. Her's is a 5100 and mine is 7100. Keep in mind the bags are only loaded to about 60% capacity. A 3 person dome tent is the green bag on the outside. I am working on picking up a lightweight 2 man tent, but until then I'll have to deal with this one. In the lower compartment of both bags are lightweight fleece sleeping bags.


This is what is loaded in my main compartment:

Starting on the right and snaking back and forth:

ATN Gen 1 nightvision and IR light with 3 extra batteries
Kobalt hatchet
Midland 18 mile radio
Candle
Lightweight carabiner (gold/orange color so I can find it if I drop it) for attaching items to the outside of the bag
Firestick
Magellan explorist 210 sitting on top of a roll of duct tape
Gerber multitool
Ball cap LED light with two extra sets of batteries in an altoids tin so it doesn’t accidentally turn on.
Roll of bright yellow fabric tape for making trails, etc
Gerber folding saw
Two paring knives for cleaning game
6” “Survival” knife for things I don’t want to mess up my good knife doing…or making a spear.
Sharpie
Rand McNally pocket Road Atlas
Fishing kit in the sucrets tin
Camel Snus x2
Two rolls of Velcro straps
A “MAC” makeup compact (no makeup of course) with a bundle of matches and built in mirror for admiring myself and signaling.
Burris Binos and shoulder harness for them
Magnifying glass that retracts into a protective case
Bag of mixed batteries
Roll of cheap string that will be replaced by 550 when I get mine (I put all 100ft of mine in GF’s BOB)
Camelbak bladder
Lightweight Fleece
Packable Rain Poncho
2 pair of underarmor briefs
4 pair of socks
2 T shirts
1 set of ACU pattern BDU’s
Camo bandana
Gaiterneck
6’ of tshirt material issued on the way to Iraq (not sure what it is called…well I know what we called them, but probably not appropriate here).
ACU pattern boonie hat
Nomex gloves (I have leather gloves that will replace these, but I just moved and cannot find them).


Very basic hygiene kit:

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hand sanitizer
Sewing Kit
Travel Chess set (YEAH!)
Hair bungie thingies (I have longer hair)
Sharpie
Fingernail clippers
4 more AA’s

Fishing kit:
About 100ft of fishing line wrapped around my old Dicks Rewards card
Small bobber
4 hooks of varying sizes
A few sinkers



Small FAK. The main FAK is carried by my GF in her BOB since she is the nurse.

Main FAK in her bag:


Food. I also have 14 16.9 oz bottles of water stowed throughout the bag:


...and finally defense. This is my basic camping stuff which is what I would carry in a non ZPAW bugout or discrete bug-out.
Sig Pro replaces the XD40 and Walther P22.



This is the "ZPAW" loadout.
Addition of the DPMS LR308. Eotech has been replaced with a Burris FFII.


So that is what I have so far. Actually, I forgot to include my machete. Basic machete you get at any sporting goods store. My gear is not high speed, but it seems to work for camping. Of course, about the end of September I would add my Goretex jacket and pants. I’m also working on getting a water filter because in the summer in AZ the water I can carry will not last long at all. I need to add a spare set of keys too, and a few garbage bags.

My EDC which would go with me in a bugout as well:
Lighter(s)
60 Lumen LED flashlight (AAA)
Kershaw chive pocket knife
Cutco hunting knife
Platypus bladder (empty)
Makeshift BOAT using my KelTec P3AT padded zip up case
Eyedropper of Clorox with instructions on using for drinking water
Smaller fishing kit
Alcohol wipes for firestarting
Small button cell LED
Space Pen
Small BIC lighter
Backup bank card/ID/$200 in various bills
Tiny Remington multi-tool
Small waterproof bag with “comfort” OTC’s (Dayquil, ibuprofen, etc)

[Merovech]

I would ditch the digital thermometer for one more reliable/durible.

I think you should have more Ammo, more fish hooks and maybe a lure or two (I went for some cheap $2.00 lures for when bait isnt available).

I definitely agree with getting a smaller tent, the differences between a 3 man and a 2 man are vast... I would go for a 2 man even if I had 2 children and my wife, we could huddle together till a more perm structure was built.

You didnt pace out your FAK much, but you need to make sure you have quite a bit of Ammodium in there.

Remember, Food, Water, Warmth, Shelter, Rescue... everything else is dessert. Have a signal mirror in there? I might have missed it.

I would get a nalgene and just store stuff in it even if you are not gonna use it for water and are opting for a blader system instead, one for each member of the family... or you could go the platypus things instead, I double up on my water options sometimes tripple up... have more than one way to supply with fresh water, I use a filter, some tabs and a way to boil, as well as 2 or 3 ways to carry water. In my current BoB I am putting together I have a 2L Bladder, a 1L Nalgene, a 2L Platy (empty) and a 1L Platy (empty)... so full, I can carry 6L of water, and I have 3 ways to purify more.

I also have 4 ways to make fire... (Frensel Lens, Matches, Lighters, and a spark stick thing) I would suggest the same.

Maybe a small tarp? (Everyone should have a small tarp even if they have a tent)

Extra sewing needles.

Hatchet and a Machete? will you really use both in a BoB situation? Does having both justify the additional weight? Only you can answer the question, Im just asking.

Whats with the two steak knives?

4 Differnt types of tape in your FAK that are almost gone?

Might go for some sort of crank/solar radio.

Lots more 550cord!

Someone Diabetic? Is that was the bloodsugar kit is for? Have insulin?

How about a small wool blanket wrapped around the tent? Or when you downgrade the tent to a smaller, use the bigger bag and add a wool blanket?

Overall looks very good, you double up on a few things I might pass on all together, but only you can decide how much and of what you really want/need.

[Caenus]

You didnt pace out your FAK much, but you need to make sure you have quite a bit of Ammodium in there.

forgot the immodium, thanks.

Have a signal mirror in there?

yup, used makeup compact with matches.

I would get a nalgene...

Nalgene is in the food picture.

I also have 4 ways to make fire...

multiple bic lighters, firestick, magnifying glass and matches stashed in various places.

Hatchet and a Machete? will you really use both in a BoB situation?

terrain here varies from desert, high desert and coniferous forest. I've used both while camping.

Whats with the two steak knives?

Those are paring knives that actually fit in the case with the folding saw. That is my game cleaning kit both my Fiancee and I can go to town on a deer and have it butchered in less than an hour. Those knives keep a very sharp edge and don't take up much weight.

4 Differnt types of tape in your FAK that are almost gone?

Yeah, they get used. I didn't swap them out with full rolls before taking the pic. I'll have to do that.

Might go for some sort of crank/solar radio.

I have one, but something keeps me from adding it to the bag.

Lots more 550cord!

Oh yeah, another 100ft on the way. I put my 100ft in my GF's bag.

Someone Diabetic? Is that was the bloodsugar kit is for? Have insulin?

No, GF's a nurse and she likes to have her diagnostic equipment. I left the FAK to her, so she obviously needs to add some new rolls of tape and such.

Thanks Merovech!

[Merovech]

np at all, just make sure you reply to mine once I post it... its nice to get a 3rd party view because we all forget stuff we know we should have. I picked up a bottle of 200 Generic Imodium for under $5 at SAMS a few weeks ago... due to the nature of scaving food and varying degrees of water cleanliness Imodium is a necessity imo.

I must be blind that I missed the nalgene in there

On the radio thing, I picked up an Eton FR160 that is really small and has the solar/crank capability and has very good reviews... so Ill be loading out with that.

On the food before someone else throws it in, grab some hard candy you guys like... Werther's Originals or Jolly Ranchers... that sort of thing, they are nice for a sugar rush and a little pickmeup while on a long trek.

I prob missed this too, but maybe a lightmyfire spork?

[Caenus]

I have the Eton FR-300, but it is large. I'll have to look at the smaller models. I have the light my fire spork. It's in a side compartment I forgot to empty which is where my 550 usually goes, but since I transferred the 550 to the GF's bag, I didn't thing about it.

Candy is a good idea. I'll have to see what we can find. Neither of us usually eat much of it.

[BigDaddyTX]

Nitpicking, but if you're going to put hooks in the kit, why not go ahead and put a few more in there? It seems like there is quite a bit of space that is being underutilized in the fishing kit you might get some use out of for a jig or two, some tubes or something artificial to your liking/area. Maybe swap out the large plastic bobber for a few of the smaller styrofoam ones like in the link below.. (couldn't find a better picture, not 100% what I was looking for, but 99%)
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/images/tip_photos/Fishing_Kit_Exploded_View.jpg

If you really plan on using the P22 for defense, you might upgrade to a second finger rest mag too; they're decidedly more comfortable IMO and not having to readjust yourself to the gun every time you swap mags might be advantageous.

[Caenus]

I realized how much more space there was so I did add a bunch of more hooks. I also added a bobber like you suggested, and some small fake worms and a fly.

The P22 is actually for hunting small game. I have the SSS rounds which are fairly quiet, but will not cycle the action reliably so I have to manually cycle it between shots, fine for hunting. The stingers work fine and cycle the walther reliably. It is more of an opportunity "gathering" sidearm. I can shoot 1" groups at 10 yards which should work for rabbits, squirrels, etc. It's not really a defensive firearm. I added another 100 rnds for it. More problematic are the .40 and .308 because the ammo is so heavy. I'm looking to sell the .308 to purchase a 5.56.

[ZedR1]

Nice bags, pretty good setup, although I'm not an expert or anything

Some thoughts:
"Bag of mixed batteries" - You might want to be careful with this one. I'm pretty sure that the batteries could discharge if their terminals touch inside the bag. Not a safety issue, I don't think, but you don't want to dig for batteries only to find out that they've lost their juice.

I'm not totally clear on what is in whose bag once you get past the FAKs. Your girlfriend is carrying the FAKs, are you carrying all of the food? The thing I would worry about is what would happen if you were separated? Or what if you lost one of the bags? As you stated, she's the nurse, but in the interest of redundancy you might still want to carry your own FAK, and she might want to carry some food.

"I also have 14 16.9 oz bottles of water stowed throughout the bag"
I understand that water is very important, especially in a desert environment, but in the interest of packing efficiency I'd use bladders. I see you have a camelbak, which is good, but I'd look into getting another one or two. If you get 2-3 liter bags, one for each of you, that eliminates 12 of your water bottles, which I'm pretty sure take up more space.
You might also want to look into getting one of these if you plan on setting up camp somewhere: http://cascadedesigns.com/MSR/Water-Tre ... gs/product

Gunny did a review here: http://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/view ... 14&t=15355

I found it earlier tonight while perusing his BOB how-tos.

I agree with Merovech about using a Nalgene to store things.. They're a nice, crush-resistant container.

I don't know how you're planning on implementing your fishing kit, but here's another interesting idea I found tonight: viewtopic.php?t=12054&highlight=nalgene+fishing

You may have seen these before, as you've been here much longer than I have.. Either way, I hope these ideas help.

Edit: I forgot.. The same idea about redundancy goes for the 550 cord. Why don't you split it between your pack and hers? At least you'll both have some until you get the new length. What are the chances that you'll need 100', in tact?

[Merovech]

I don't know how you're planning on implementing your fishing kit, but here's another interesting idea I found tonight: viewtopic.php?t=12054&highlight=nalgene+fishing

Coke bottles actually work better I think, due to their concave hourglass shape.

Like so: http://www.shelterpub.com/_baja/fishing.html

One like this would be perfect,



but no need to pack one, you could prob carve a stick or piece of wood or scav something similar.

[Caenus]

I really like the nalgene set up. I think I'll go for that. Looks like it can carry quite a bit more as well...oh the looks I'll get when I try it out in the community pool! My previous plan was to use my walking stick, but I've seen 8 oz Nalgene-ish bottles that have the hourglass shape around here. I'll have to pick one up for that purpose.

As far as bladders go, I have three. I have a platypus in my EDC bag, and then I put one in the woman's bag and kept mine. This is her first foray into backpacking (but not camping) so previously all the bladders were mine. I would like to get a couple more, but that will have to be a future acquisition.


As for redundancy:
I put all the 550 in her bag because I have 100 ft that should be hitting the mailbox today. Then we are going to go through some 550 "projects" such as wrapping the handle of her walking stick, etc. so she'll have some around on some of her gear.

The food is more or less cross leveled between the bags. I still get to keep the rice and cooking kit because her bag is already creeping up on 45 lbs., but the spices and soup mixes were split up. Also the "Total Nutrition" mixes...which are another reason I kept some of the water bottles, are being phased out for a mix of these:

This is a hunting/camping/BOB so keep in mind that not all of my stuff is survival related, or those 390-ish calorie bars would be replaced with the survival 1200-3600 calorie bars. We are also experimenting with some dehydrating so we'll throw some of that in the bag before we go.

[Caenus]

Added a few more things to the bobs. I went to Bass Pro Shops today with the GF after going to several different places including Target, REI, and the Sports Authority to find a couple hydration bladders. Walked in and lo and behold they had Redhead hydration packs including a 2L bladder for $14.99. The cheapest bladder alone I could find was $19.99 at REI. So I bought two of them and turns out the packs fit nicely on the back of our bags. They are easy to pull off the packs so if we need to get quick fast (ie hunting game animals or any other reason to drop our bags) we can keep the 2L bladder and there is even a decent size pocket for an emergency blanket a few energy bars, FAK whatever. I also picked up an Alpine Design 2 man backpacking tent which is half the size of my old tent when packed, and half the weight.

Here they are:

And packed....

[Woods Walker]

Looks good. Maybe I will checkout those at Bass Pro shop. Nice BOB too.

[Whiskey]

Just want to say Im a fan of your "tactical tobacco" in your BOB. For me Snus is one of the greatest tobacco inventions ever. Lets me get my fix when I cant light up the real thing.

[Caenus]

Just want to say Im a fan of your "tactical tobacco" in your BOB. For me Snus is one of the greatest tobacco inventions ever. Lets me get my fix when I cant light up the real thing.

Yup. They gave them away free with Camel lights a while back...just in time for hunting season in TX.

[jdbl14]

I haven't seen those Kemyer Packs before. A quick Google search showed me it must be a pretty small-time operation, maybe just another generic pack company? Are they pretty good? How much do they cost? Where did you get them? If you could, would you please post up a review? I only ask because they look like a fairly nice pack.

[Caenus]

The Kemyer bags are generic from what I can gather, but constructed well. I bought the 5100 for $46 and the 7100 for $54 on ebay. They are slightly heavier than the top of the line bags due to their canvas construction as opposed to the poly ripstop of the higher end bags. They are built like tanks though. For my last backpacking trip, I put quite a bit of weight in it. It was probably close to 75 lbs and it carried well.

Two issues:

The waist straps do not cinch down quite as far as I'd like. I have a seamstress in the family, so I'm going to have her move the anchor points for the strap back a little. I only need to tighten it up about a 1/2" so it really was not a significant.

There is a hole that is used to feed the hydration drinking tube out of the bag that used a metal ring. The metal ring was too small to allow the camelback bite valve cover to fit through. I went ahead and cut the metal loop out and sewed the edges of the hole. No other problems.

A smaller inconvenience is the lack of exterior attachment points. I will probably have the same seamstress remove the bungie cord and sew on some molle type loops.

The 7100 is simply massive. Maybe too massive. I bought these bags, as previously mentioned to double as a hunting bag and BOB. I wanted the extra volume to carry game back in to the truck. It easily has the capacity. I can fit the average whitetail, quartered and stuffed into a heavy garbage bag inside. The bottom compartment is separated from the main compartment by a zippered flap. I decided to unzip part of it and the tent slips inside the bag.

I've also since waterproofed both bags with a spray.

If you are using this bag for short backpacking trips or as a base bag for camping, or a BOB, it fits the bill. If you plan on doing a lot of serious, week long backpacking trips, go for a lighter, higher quality bag. This bag will serve me well for several years, and meets it's intended purpose. It will easily hold all the camping gear and food I need for a week. The only other thing I throw in the truck when I go camping are some folding camp chairs (and sometimes the gazebo if we are staying next to the truck).

[jdbl14]

hey, thanks! they seem like great packs for the price.

[Gatorfarmer]

I'm not a big fan on Gen 1 Night Vision gear, or ATN products, but if you're happy with it... Still, I'd use it with caution.

I don't see a BUIS system for the rifle. Or a cleaning kit.

Some of the batteries pictures look to be non Alkaline. If at all possible, you want Lithium if your EoTech is taking AAs (I get my models mixed up, too lazy to look it up right now. I'm an Aimpoint fan, shrug.)

Water purification gear? This should be redundant. Some for year person, Katady tabs and a purifier/filter of some sort.

Foot powder is always good to have - Gold Bond.

A small Sony batter operated AM/FM radio would be a nice addition.

A military fishing kit or Best Glide one will have more gear and not take up much more space.

A small pull through Lansky sharpener would be useful.

And as always, make sure to get the right matches if you need to start a fire to save your life. REI Stormproof or BCB NATO Lifeboat matches are what you want. Swiss Hurricane matches will also work in a pinch. The kings of the match world. They're cheap, don't take up much space, and are what you want when you're cold, wet and it's windy.

A real signal mirror and not an improvised one would work better. Long story short, you want the little hole in the center to aim it.

A lot of your food requires water. Those Met RX bars, which I like to snack on, make a person thirsty and the directions say to consume with 8 ounces of water. Some MREs or Coast Guard type rations would be much more "ready to eat" and not require water/cooking. Cold MRE slop beats pouring a packet of potato powder down your throat dry.

I don't see any Celox or similar, do you have a tourniquet? Stapler? Suture kit? If you've got a nurse handy, might as well have good trauma supplies for a GSW or similar trauma.

[Caenus]

I do have a pull through sharpener.

I do have some quickclot. Thought it was in the pics.

I have a katadyn which has been added as well.

I've been using duracells in my eotech for ahead and a half now. Still haven't changed them out. Something like 10,000 hours they say. I don't have BUIS for the LR308 because I am looking to sell it to go to a 5.56. Just haven't found a buyer yet. Cleaning kit is in the stock.

The mirrors and matches are a "what can I do with these" type thing so..eh, I'll upgrade those at some point.

I've taken the ATN out. In the desert I haven't found much use for them, despite carrying them for a while. I got it for $50 from a friend who needed the cash.

I am going to do a different fishing kit altogether at some point. I can easily fit a breakdown pole in the mamoth bag. I may do the nalgene or "can" fishing type kit instead.

As far as sutures go, I will eventually add those, I just keep forgetting to add them.

I should really update this thread, the BOB has changed quite a bit after our last backpacking trip.