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Post by missasip on Nov 1, 2015 19:57:05 GMT -7
Y'all know I love my BOBs in all types, but been thinking lately after watching some of the survival shows on Discovery and other channels have got me to thinking quite a bit.
Naked and Afraid, Dual Survival are the two I watch the most. It seems to me that the Naked and Afraid show that if you have some food and water good chance one might be able to make it for a fair period of time. 3 weeks in their case. And yes I know they have a minimal crew with them and they can get out if medical issues come up. But some of the episodes really come out pretty tough.
So I guess what my thinking is, not so many bells and whistles as more food and water/water filtering tools. My thinking is worry more about EDC and have the extras already on me. Use the BOB more for food and water issues. There are a lot of redundant things in my packs that I already have on me.
Anyway just studying it a bit more.
Thoughts?
Jimmy
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Post by geron on Nov 2, 2015 5:02:13 GMT -7
Agreed. When starting out learning about BOB building I bought a bunch of stuff (being a gadget lover) that was "highly recommended" by the "experts" . Now I have a box full of "stuff" I really don't need and won't use. Still fun to play with but I wouldn't want to haul it around for any distance.
Water/Shelter Food Fire
Survival 3's: 3 min w/o air 3 hr. w/o Shelter (hypothermia) 3 days w/o water 3 weeks w/o food
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Post by graf on Nov 2, 2015 5:11:02 GMT -7
Over the years I have been concentrating on learning and practicing my primative skills and carrying less, key is practice. During colder months I carry more. Recently I downsized my bag I keep in my vehicle like stated above I make sure i have a complete EDC at all times.
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Post by cajunlady87 on Nov 2, 2015 6:42:27 GMT -7
Jimmy what you say makes much sense. I'll agree with your idea of focusing more on water filtration and food in a bug out bag. I would at least add more ammo even as heavy as it may be if you don't have a bandolier strap or hunting vest. Those little EDC's can be packed to the gills if done right to carry other main necessities and kits.
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Post by Redneckidokie on Nov 3, 2015 5:34:37 GMT -7
The whole bag thing has changed radically over the last 4 or 5 years for me at least. As we discussed before in earlier posts, the bug out idea is no longer a plan for me, unless natural disasters intervene. However the car n truck, if I am away from home will pretty much sustain life on Mars. Just gettin too dam old to enjoy, ''living in a van, down by the river!''
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Post by cajunlady87 on Nov 3, 2015 11:42:17 GMT -7
Agreed. When starting out learning about BOB building I bought a bunch of stuff (being a gadget lover) that was "highly recommended" by the "experts" . Now I have a box full of "stuff" I really don't need and won't use. Still fun to play with but I wouldn't want to haul it around for any distance. Why not list the items and sell them here, we're always looking for whatever. With the money you can buy you one "BIGGER" new gadget.
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Post by cajunlady87 on Nov 3, 2015 11:45:42 GMT -7
Jimmy I just thought of something else to pack, one lightweight roll of TP. Oops! Don't forget the bacon jerky. Yum, Yum!
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Post by USCGME2 on Nov 3, 2015 13:08:51 GMT -7
I like the idea that's been put up here before, styling the BOB to get to the cashes to get to the BOL. That seems most logical.
As far as the BOB as a stand alone piece of gear, I believe "tools" are the way to go. That is to say; knife(s), hatchet, saw, wire, cordage, rod/reel, hooks, line, fire makers, metal pot/cup, can opener, etc., can take you a long way after the food runs out. So they go in first. I guess I am thinking in terms these days of having the capacity on hand to exploit my environments rather than carry everything ready made. For the urban environments, that may change some, like a pry bar may come in handy. Some winter items like a coat, gloves and hat are at the top of that list too for this time of year.
Like Red, my truck can support me for a week or more before I get too bad off.
Since not all SHTF scenarios are going to be a zombie apocalypse, a credit card and some cash may not be a bad thing either. Especially in the early going...
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Post by Cwi555 on Nov 3, 2015 14:06:22 GMT -7
The premise of a bug out bag is just that, bugging out. Survival and related sites have multiple and detailed threads galore ranging from minimalist to the inch bags.
There are pluses and minuses to each and everything between. There is no perfect solution regardless of what is chosen.
However, the purpose of any such bag is survival. Surviving what becomes the question. When staying put becomes a higher risk of dieing than bugging out, that is where the BOB comes in.
It's not going off to war, it's not getting back to nature, it's removing yourself from a situation that threatens your life and or that of your loved ones. Everything that goes in such a bag should therefore be geared to keeping you at 98.6f.
I won't screw around with primitive skills starting a fire, nor getting drinkable water, putting up shelter, or dressing a wound with moss and honey, nor getting calories into me when they are most needed. It will be done in the fastest most energy efficient manner that I can. That constitutes the first layer of a BOB to me. To see the shows like naked and afraid etc it leaves the impression primitive skills should be the first priority. They are far from it in that situation.
That is not to say primitive skills are not necessary. They are in fact very much necessary. However, they should be reserved for when your not in a situation that is immediately dangerous to your life therefore they should be considered second tier defense. When used at the appropriate time, they can extend the long term survival odds by not using supplies that may be needed in an emergency.
No matter what a person does, if they don't apply situational awareness, and critical thinking skills, their odds of survival drop significantly. Those shows teach exactly the opposite.
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Post by missasip on Nov 3, 2015 15:27:18 GMT -7
I love seeing all the different thought processes. That's why I post stuff like this.
I agree that the tv shows don't teach alot, unless you watch the part I'm looking at. The skills they use are fine, but what I seeing is what their bodies are doing during the 21 days or so. How much weight they lose, how much energy they have.....etc. what they eat I don't care much about, but how their energy maintains is interesting to me.
As I think about a bug out bag, it's to help get me away from whatever the danger is, as fast as reasonable one can. Not sure I'm going to have time with all the cool Wizz bang toys. Now granted some would no doubt help me out. But during a 24-96 hour clearing out scenario, putting distance between me and whatever is my plan. Having a firearm with sufficient ammo, a decent knife, a way to make fire and food/water with me gets me down the road faster. Having time to gather from my surroundings may not be an option.
More later.
Jimmy
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Post by USCGME2 on Nov 3, 2015 16:52:18 GMT -7
Good points CWI. I too have no desire to sleep under an oak tree covered by leaves when a real bed, or at least a sleeping bag, would do nicely. My FAK is also more extensive than moss and honey - thank God. I just want the best tools on hand to exploit the environment I am in. That may be as simple as having a credit card, or as technical as a GPS, or as low tech as a can opener.
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Post by cajunlady87 on Nov 5, 2015 0:29:41 GMT -7
Basically what it all boils down to is what you believe is important for you to have in your BOB. From watching t.v. programs or reading survival material we get thoughts of what those important items to us may be to keep in them.
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Post by USCGME2 on Nov 5, 2015 8:56:39 GMT -7
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Post by cajunlady87 on Sept 28, 2016 14:00:49 GMT -7
The election is getting closer, more shootings in numbers, more shootings by cops, good or bad ones, doesn't matter anymore, the mentality of the morons is hey let's start looting and rioting. It doesn't hurt to bump up oldies but goodies to reread or maybe even add some more ideas or suggestions to better ourselves.
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Post by missasip on Sept 28, 2016 15:23:04 GMT -7
The election is getting closer, more shootings in numbers, more shootings by cops, good or bad ones, doesn't matter anymore, the mentality of the morons is hey let's start looting and rioting. It doesn't hurt to bump up oldies but goodies to reread or maybe even add some more ideas or suggestions to better ourselves. It's weird that you bring this up as I have going through my bags and replacing expired items and making sure they are packed and in place. Don't get caught flatfooted.... Jimmy
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