highmeh
12-16-2007, 05:59 PM
Introduction
-What is "Bugging Out?"
Bugging Out is defined as leaving a disaster or evacuation area for safety. Bugging Out can be as simple as a camp in a deserted area while riots, fires, etc die down, and can be as complex as building semi-permanent shelter in "No-Man's Land" to wait out a natural disaster, military coup/invasion, or other potentially harmful situation.
- What is a "Bug Out Bag?"
Wikipedia defines a "Bug-out Bag" as follows:
A Bug-Out Bag is a portable kit containing all of the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours after evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72hr kit, emergency kit and disaster supplies kit. The focus on evacuation, rather than survival, distinguishes the bug-out bag from a survival kit.
- Why the thread?
The purpose of this thread is to discuss realistic bug-out bags, bug-out plans, and bug-out vehicles. While anyone will tell you that bringing a firearm for self-defense and hunting food is important, for the purposes of this thread let's stay away from giant packs stuffed full of loaded 30 round mags and ARFCOM fapfest setups.
- Getting Started
a. "Ten Essentials"
Back in the 1930s, a group called The Mountaineers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountaineering:_The_Freedom_of_the_Hills) out of Seattle, Washington, put together a list of 10 basic and critical survival items to carry whenever backpacking, mountaineering, or climbing. They considered this the bare minimum that each person should carry. When packed properly, these items take up almost no space or weight on a person:
1. Map
2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra food and water
5. Extra clothes
6. Headlamp/flashlight
7. First aid kit
8. Fire starter
9. Matches
10. Knife
Many folks still consider this the absolute minimum for survival. These items should be the first ones in your pack. In addition, The Mountaineers suggested some "Supplemental" items if you have the luxury of time:
- Water treatment device (water filter or chemicals) and water bottles
- Ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel (if necessary)
- Repair kit, including duct tape and a basic sewing materials.
- Insect repellent (or clothing designed for this purpose)
- Signaling devices, such as a whistle, cell phone, two-way radio,
unbreakable signal mirror or flare.
- Plastic tarp and rope for field expedient shelter.
Obviously certain items will vary depending on your location; for instance, one would carry a woodsmans axe or hatchet rather than an Ice Axe if one lived in a warm climate where snow was a non-issue.
b. "Firearms and Weapons"
A savvy reader will notice that firearms and personal protection weapons were not listed above. This is largely a situational and personal choice. When bugging out to an unfamiliar area, it would behoove you to bring a a firearm for protection, signaling, and harvesting of food.
i. Pistol in .380 - .44 Magnum
A pistol is a great tool for personal protection from two-legged threats, as well as emergency close-up work with animals. A pistol is not, in most situations, an ideal hunting platform. It is highly recommended to bring a pistol as a means of defense.
ii. Rifle in .22lr
A .22 rifle, especially breakdown-type, is ideal for bugout situations. Though not suited for personal protection, it can be used effectively for small-game hunting (rabbits, squirrels, ground-birds, etc). Ammunition is light and inexpensive, and more importantly, takes up very little room in a pack. One can add a 550 round brick of .22lr to a backpack without much noticable increase in pack weight. While not exceptionally loud, a .22 rifle can be heard from moderate distances if signaling is required
iii. Rifle in a larger, centerfire caliber
Rifles in larger centerfire calibers should be strongly considered as well. While Red-Dawn "Wolverines!" situations will be rather unlikely, rifles can be used for larger game (Deer, Coyote, Wild Pig, etc). If you plan on bugging out with others, or organizing a large meeting spot, hunting larger game would be another consideration. One rabbit doesn't feed as many starving people as one deer. The downside to a rifle, besides its size and inability to conceal while escaping a conflict/evacuation zone, is that ammunition is typically heavy and somewhat bulky. Plan accordingly, and avoid taking your AK47 and fifty loaded mags.
vi. Shotgun
A shotgun is perhaps the ideal bug-out weapon. #7 Bird shot shells can be used to hunt small game and birds, 00-Buckshot provides a very effective close-range self defense solution, and 1oz rifled slugs can take large game inside 100 yards. Pump or Coach/Over-Under style shotguns take out the jam-factor that semi-automatic firearms face when used for prolonged periods in harsh and dirty environments. A shotgun is also appropriate for signaling.
Whatever you choose to bring, consider a few things:
a. How much ammunition will you NEED, and how common will it be to find more? A rifle in .257 Roberts may be your ideal choice when hunting game, but can ammunition be easily found at local gun shops or hardware stores?
b. What are the plans for your group? There is little sense in bringing 4 centerfire rifles with 4 different calibers; try to standardize the caliber your group will use, and pool your resources
c. A small cleaning kit and bottle of CLP/Hoppes will go a long way in keeping your firearm working in the wild.
d. A small package of balloons or condoms in your pack weigh nothing but can keep grime and water out of your barrel, and can be fired-through without damage to your firearm or alteration of the projectile's path
c. Food and Water: Because Rachel Ray doesn't live in a forest lean-to
i. Food
The human body is an amazing thing. Rooted deep in our survival instinct is the ability to conserve and store fat and burn it later as energy; some have been known to survive for up to 73 days (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunger_strike#Irish_republicans) before succumbing to death from lack of food. Of course, this is not gospel and certainly should be avoided. Doctors generally state that the body can go 4-6 weeks without food, under ideal environmental conditions, adequate hydration, and the will to keep going. During your Bug-Out, ideally you should be in a stable area with food and water within a 3 day window. Remember, you aren't living out of your pack, you're using it to get you to safety.
So what are the ramifications of under-nourishment? Survivaltopics.com (www.survivaltopics.com) lists the following signs and results:
* Irritability
* Low moral
* Lethargy
* Physical Weakness
* Confusion and disorientation
* Poor judgment
* Weakened immune system
* Inability to maintain body temperature which can lead to hypothermia, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
Obviously, not things you want to deal with when trying to survive. So what do you put in the pack? Any hiker, camper, or mountaineer can tell you all about the benefits of GORP - Good Old Raisins and Peanuts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorp). GORP is lightweight, energy-rich, and dirt cheap. It's also a desiccant by nature, meaning it won't go bad on you after being stored in your bug-out bag for months or more. Dried Fruits also provide essential nutrients and energy to keep you going. Even dehydrating strips of beef or other meats for Jerky is a light and energy-rich way to go.
Many, many products exist to help facilitate survival; everything from Emergency Food Tablets (http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4c.tam?M5COPY%2Ectx=20216&M5%2Ectx=3402&siteID=rYFoo99K9Go-OV0SfLtca55Khdr148%2F91Q) to Mountain House Dehydrated Meals (www.mountainhouse.com) exist on the market and will keep you going in rough times. Foraging for food in the wild varies wildly depending on your location the climate, etc. Entire books have been written on the subject and that isn't the purpose of this thread; however, a great set of guidelines exists to safely test a food's edibility:
http://230grain.com/images/rsrh/edibility-test.gif
Another good rule of thumb: If indigenous animals are eating it, it's probably safe for you to eat. There are obvious exceptions to this, but it may at least lead you into the right direction.
ii. Water
How much water do you have allocated? Is it enough? Here is your answer: No. Water should take up the bulk of the weight in your bug-out bag. Studies show that the human body needs a gallon a day, per person, of water to survive in stressful or outdoor situations. Do the math; one gallon of water weighs 8.3lbs, so we're talking about adding nearly 25 pounds to your pack. It's imperative that your bug-out location include ready access to water. Bring water purification tables or a purification device in your bag; water, unlike food, is one thing you do not want to ration.
The Human Body can go 3 days without water. However, dehydration begins quickly when engaged in strenuous conditions; running, hiking, building shelter, or being in the heat. Symptoms of dehydration in it's cruelest form (about 10% hydration loss) are:
* Muscle spasms
* Vomiting
* Racing pulse
* Shriveled skin
* Dim vision
* Painful urination
* Confusion
* Difficulty breathing
* Seizures
* Chest and Abdominal pain
* Unconciousness
* Death
I'll repeat again: Bug Out to a location with Water. Flowing water is best if it can be found; water that is flowing is typically safer to drink than standing water. If sterilization tablets, tubes, or a fire on which to boil are available, use them even if the water is flowing. Collect and horde water at any opportunity and make it a priority in your bag.
d. Fire in the Hole
Few things have such a profound mental affect as a well-burning fire. Besides battling hypothermia and cold, keeping away predatory animals, and cooking your food, there is a very relaxing and nurturing effect that will calm you down and get your mind thinking straight. After water, fire and shelter should be your next priority. In your bag should be several waterproof matches in a sealed container or double-zip-lock bag. Toss in a lighter or three for good measure as well. Many people will include a firestarter (http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0003883511099a.shtml) - this is fine; however the entire point of a bug-out-bag is to make life in the field easy on you. Don't bring a firestarter INSTEAD of matches and a lighter, bring it in addition to these.
Firestarting material is also very important. Materials such as kleenex or cotton balls burn very well; theyre also extremely light. However, survivalists recommend a very common, free, seemingly endless material to start your fires: Dryer Lint. Peel some off your lint tray, stick it in a plastic zip-lock, and you have a very large quantity of easy-to-burn material. Adding a bit of vasoline to the dryer lint and balling it up makes the lint burn hotter. You'll want to collect fairly thin, somewhat dry branches as well, to get the fire going after you've started the lint. Pro Tip: A small, managable, well-maintained fire is much better than a gigantic uncontrollable fire that will keep you up all night feeding branches in to it. Put a large rock or two, or a tall log in front of the fire, to reflect the heat back at you.
Keep a decent pile of green branches and leaves nearby as well; if you need to signal, these will burn a very black smoke, and make your location obvious to anyone looking for you. On the other hand, if you are bugging out, you may not want to be found...
-----------
Thanks for reading this far, Part II tomorrow...
:durr:
-What is "Bugging Out?"
Bugging Out is defined as leaving a disaster or evacuation area for safety. Bugging Out can be as simple as a camp in a deserted area while riots, fires, etc die down, and can be as complex as building semi-permanent shelter in "No-Man's Land" to wait out a natural disaster, military coup/invasion, or other potentially harmful situation.
- What is a "Bug Out Bag?"
Wikipedia defines a "Bug-out Bag" as follows:
A Bug-Out Bag is a portable kit containing all of the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours after evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72hr kit, emergency kit and disaster supplies kit. The focus on evacuation, rather than survival, distinguishes the bug-out bag from a survival kit.
- Why the thread?
The purpose of this thread is to discuss realistic bug-out bags, bug-out plans, and bug-out vehicles. While anyone will tell you that bringing a firearm for self-defense and hunting food is important, for the purposes of this thread let's stay away from giant packs stuffed full of loaded 30 round mags and ARFCOM fapfest setups.
- Getting Started
a. "Ten Essentials"
Back in the 1930s, a group called The Mountaineers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountaineering:_The_Freedom_of_the_Hills) out of Seattle, Washington, put together a list of 10 basic and critical survival items to carry whenever backpacking, mountaineering, or climbing. They considered this the bare minimum that each person should carry. When packed properly, these items take up almost no space or weight on a person:
1. Map
2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra food and water
5. Extra clothes
6. Headlamp/flashlight
7. First aid kit
8. Fire starter
9. Matches
10. Knife
Many folks still consider this the absolute minimum for survival. These items should be the first ones in your pack. In addition, The Mountaineers suggested some "Supplemental" items if you have the luxury of time:
- Water treatment device (water filter or chemicals) and water bottles
- Ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel (if necessary)
- Repair kit, including duct tape and a basic sewing materials.
- Insect repellent (or clothing designed for this purpose)
- Signaling devices, such as a whistle, cell phone, two-way radio,
unbreakable signal mirror or flare.
- Plastic tarp and rope for field expedient shelter.
Obviously certain items will vary depending on your location; for instance, one would carry a woodsmans axe or hatchet rather than an Ice Axe if one lived in a warm climate where snow was a non-issue.
b. "Firearms and Weapons"
A savvy reader will notice that firearms and personal protection weapons were not listed above. This is largely a situational and personal choice. When bugging out to an unfamiliar area, it would behoove you to bring a a firearm for protection, signaling, and harvesting of food.
i. Pistol in .380 - .44 Magnum
A pistol is a great tool for personal protection from two-legged threats, as well as emergency close-up work with animals. A pistol is not, in most situations, an ideal hunting platform. It is highly recommended to bring a pistol as a means of defense.
ii. Rifle in .22lr
A .22 rifle, especially breakdown-type, is ideal for bugout situations. Though not suited for personal protection, it can be used effectively for small-game hunting (rabbits, squirrels, ground-birds, etc). Ammunition is light and inexpensive, and more importantly, takes up very little room in a pack. One can add a 550 round brick of .22lr to a backpack without much noticable increase in pack weight. While not exceptionally loud, a .22 rifle can be heard from moderate distances if signaling is required
iii. Rifle in a larger, centerfire caliber
Rifles in larger centerfire calibers should be strongly considered as well. While Red-Dawn "Wolverines!" situations will be rather unlikely, rifles can be used for larger game (Deer, Coyote, Wild Pig, etc). If you plan on bugging out with others, or organizing a large meeting spot, hunting larger game would be another consideration. One rabbit doesn't feed as many starving people as one deer. The downside to a rifle, besides its size and inability to conceal while escaping a conflict/evacuation zone, is that ammunition is typically heavy and somewhat bulky. Plan accordingly, and avoid taking your AK47 and fifty loaded mags.
vi. Shotgun
A shotgun is perhaps the ideal bug-out weapon. #7 Bird shot shells can be used to hunt small game and birds, 00-Buckshot provides a very effective close-range self defense solution, and 1oz rifled slugs can take large game inside 100 yards. Pump or Coach/Over-Under style shotguns take out the jam-factor that semi-automatic firearms face when used for prolonged periods in harsh and dirty environments. A shotgun is also appropriate for signaling.
Whatever you choose to bring, consider a few things:
a. How much ammunition will you NEED, and how common will it be to find more? A rifle in .257 Roberts may be your ideal choice when hunting game, but can ammunition be easily found at local gun shops or hardware stores?
b. What are the plans for your group? There is little sense in bringing 4 centerfire rifles with 4 different calibers; try to standardize the caliber your group will use, and pool your resources
c. A small cleaning kit and bottle of CLP/Hoppes will go a long way in keeping your firearm working in the wild.
d. A small package of balloons or condoms in your pack weigh nothing but can keep grime and water out of your barrel, and can be fired-through without damage to your firearm or alteration of the projectile's path
c. Food and Water: Because Rachel Ray doesn't live in a forest lean-to
i. Food
The human body is an amazing thing. Rooted deep in our survival instinct is the ability to conserve and store fat and burn it later as energy; some have been known to survive for up to 73 days (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunger_strike#Irish_republicans) before succumbing to death from lack of food. Of course, this is not gospel and certainly should be avoided. Doctors generally state that the body can go 4-6 weeks without food, under ideal environmental conditions, adequate hydration, and the will to keep going. During your Bug-Out, ideally you should be in a stable area with food and water within a 3 day window. Remember, you aren't living out of your pack, you're using it to get you to safety.
So what are the ramifications of under-nourishment? Survivaltopics.com (www.survivaltopics.com) lists the following signs and results:
* Irritability
* Low moral
* Lethargy
* Physical Weakness
* Confusion and disorientation
* Poor judgment
* Weakened immune system
* Inability to maintain body temperature which can lead to hypothermia, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
Obviously, not things you want to deal with when trying to survive. So what do you put in the pack? Any hiker, camper, or mountaineer can tell you all about the benefits of GORP - Good Old Raisins and Peanuts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorp). GORP is lightweight, energy-rich, and dirt cheap. It's also a desiccant by nature, meaning it won't go bad on you after being stored in your bug-out bag for months or more. Dried Fruits also provide essential nutrients and energy to keep you going. Even dehydrating strips of beef or other meats for Jerky is a light and energy-rich way to go.
Many, many products exist to help facilitate survival; everything from Emergency Food Tablets (http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4c.tam?M5COPY%2Ectx=20216&M5%2Ectx=3402&siteID=rYFoo99K9Go-OV0SfLtca55Khdr148%2F91Q) to Mountain House Dehydrated Meals (www.mountainhouse.com) exist on the market and will keep you going in rough times. Foraging for food in the wild varies wildly depending on your location the climate, etc. Entire books have been written on the subject and that isn't the purpose of this thread; however, a great set of guidelines exists to safely test a food's edibility:
http://230grain.com/images/rsrh/edibility-test.gif
Another good rule of thumb: If indigenous animals are eating it, it's probably safe for you to eat. There are obvious exceptions to this, but it may at least lead you into the right direction.
ii. Water
How much water do you have allocated? Is it enough? Here is your answer: No. Water should take up the bulk of the weight in your bug-out bag. Studies show that the human body needs a gallon a day, per person, of water to survive in stressful or outdoor situations. Do the math; one gallon of water weighs 8.3lbs, so we're talking about adding nearly 25 pounds to your pack. It's imperative that your bug-out location include ready access to water. Bring water purification tables or a purification device in your bag; water, unlike food, is one thing you do not want to ration.
The Human Body can go 3 days without water. However, dehydration begins quickly when engaged in strenuous conditions; running, hiking, building shelter, or being in the heat. Symptoms of dehydration in it's cruelest form (about 10% hydration loss) are:
* Muscle spasms
* Vomiting
* Racing pulse
* Shriveled skin
* Dim vision
* Painful urination
* Confusion
* Difficulty breathing
* Seizures
* Chest and Abdominal pain
* Unconciousness
* Death
I'll repeat again: Bug Out to a location with Water. Flowing water is best if it can be found; water that is flowing is typically safer to drink than standing water. If sterilization tablets, tubes, or a fire on which to boil are available, use them even if the water is flowing. Collect and horde water at any opportunity and make it a priority in your bag.
d. Fire in the Hole
Few things have such a profound mental affect as a well-burning fire. Besides battling hypothermia and cold, keeping away predatory animals, and cooking your food, there is a very relaxing and nurturing effect that will calm you down and get your mind thinking straight. After water, fire and shelter should be your next priority. In your bag should be several waterproof matches in a sealed container or double-zip-lock bag. Toss in a lighter or three for good measure as well. Many people will include a firestarter (http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0003883511099a.shtml) - this is fine; however the entire point of a bug-out-bag is to make life in the field easy on you. Don't bring a firestarter INSTEAD of matches and a lighter, bring it in addition to these.
Firestarting material is also very important. Materials such as kleenex or cotton balls burn very well; theyre also extremely light. However, survivalists recommend a very common, free, seemingly endless material to start your fires: Dryer Lint. Peel some off your lint tray, stick it in a plastic zip-lock, and you have a very large quantity of easy-to-burn material. Adding a bit of vasoline to the dryer lint and balling it up makes the lint burn hotter. You'll want to collect fairly thin, somewhat dry branches as well, to get the fire going after you've started the lint. Pro Tip: A small, managable, well-maintained fire is much better than a gigantic uncontrollable fire that will keep you up all night feeding branches in to it. Put a large rock or two, or a tall log in front of the fire, to reflect the heat back at you.
Keep a decent pile of green branches and leaves nearby as well; if you need to signal, these will burn a very black smoke, and make your location obvious to anyone looking for you. On the other hand, if you are bugging out, you may not want to be found...
-----------
Thanks for reading this far, Part II tomorrow...
:durr: