So, you've got a bag filled with stuff and you're good to-go, right? Not really. Much thought and consideration is needed when supplying yourself with essentials in a bag. 

 

Here's a break-down of the reasoning and logic that ought to be in place when filling up your prep bag.

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TYPES OF PREP BAGS

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There are various types of Prep Bags and each one serves a specific function with advantages and drawbacks.

 

BOB (bugout bag)

EDC (everyday carry bag)

AUTO (car, RV, camper, motorcycle emergency bag)

OFFICE (workplace emergency bag)

CACHE (buried stashes of supplies)

HOME (supply base)

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FACTORS WHEN PREPPING YOUR BAG

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Primary Use / Function

How is this bag meant to help me?

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Climate / Weather / Season

How will atmospheric conditions impact me?

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Distance to your SafePlace

How many miles must I travel to be "home"?

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Terrain / Landscape

Have ground conditions changed?

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Physical Fitness

Am I able to carry my load?

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LIST OF SUPPLIES

BASED ON 7 AREAS OF SURVIVAL

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1. NUTRITION

MRE food

Freeze-Dried Foods Packs

Multi-vitamins

Spoon

Mini-Cooker / Firebox

Fishing Gear

Hacksaw

Tinder

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2. HYDRATION

Water Bladder

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Aqua Tabs

Water Purifier

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3. MEDICATION

Mini-Med Kits

Antibiotic Ointment

Caffeine Tabs

Amoxycillin

Imodium

Bandages

Tourniquet

Tylenol

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4. PROTECTION

Firearm & Ammunition

Knife/Machete/Handsaw

Flare Gun & Ammunition

Mini-Tent / Waterproof Tarp

Poncho

Wool Blanket

Mosquito Net

Inflatable Sleeping Bag / Mini-Bivvy

Work Gloves

Bug Spray

Socks

Survival Blanket

Cordage / Paracord

Multi-Tools

Bolt Cutter

Duct Tape

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5. COMMUNICATION

Signal Mirror

Flashlight / Headlamp

Satellite Radio

Walkie-Talkie

Mini-Shortwave AM/FM Radio

Cell Phone

Foldable Solar Panels

Hand Flares

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6. SANITATION

Wet Towelettes / Wet Wipes

Pocket Shower

Tissues

Mini-Shovel

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7. LOCATION

Maps

Compass

Monocular / Binocular

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CONTINGENCIES

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It is best to compartmentalize your bag's gear into 7 mini-bags. For example, your BOB should have 7 mini-bags inside; each one containing supplies related to one area of survival. Each bag represents one of the 7 areas of survival. Color code your mini-bags into 7 separate compartments. This is one of the best strategies to find which item you need in the fastest time.

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The average BOB should carry about 10,000 calories. If you're carrying freeze-dried food, you'll need hot water to hydrate the food. In more desperate times, your MRE food will be more reliable; especially if water has become scarce.

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Lastly, your physical fitness must be conditioned to carry 40-50 pounds of gear over a 10-25 mile hike on terrain that could be challenging if inclement weather arrives and if detours must be made.

 

Plan your main route and alternate routes in advance. Practice carrying your load. Improvising on what your prepped bag contains may have to be an option to consider.

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Only use medication and supplements with which you are already familiar!

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