Lessons for the Bug out Bag

Everyone who's a prepper has some idea what the proper contents of a Bug out Bag are. The idea is to have the essentials for an emergency. The contents of a BOB vary considerably, partly due to the fact that individual needs vary.

Are you looking for a bag that will get you a mile down the road? Are you in a rural area? City? Do you plan on a hike that might be hundreds of miles long? It certainly makes a difference. One BOB might work with a good pair of walking shoes, a water bottle, flashlight and a Swiss Army knife. That's plenty for bugging out of your office job in the city to your place a few miles out. What about the long distance guy?

Fortunately, there are people who've figured out what's essential to bring on a long trek: The Appalachian Trail hikers. People who think nothing of hiking 2000 miles have their gear sorted out. A lot of those people have Youtube channels where they share their experiences, demonstrate their gear, and show how and what they pack.

Most of the serious hikers now go with super light weight gear. One huge advantage is that they can travel a lot faster than someone with a massive pack. Going light also makes sense if you are not Special Forces fit. A super light pack is a lot less wear and tear on your body.

Their gear may be minimal and light, but it provides food, shelter, and water -the basics of life. They can also sustain hauling that gear around day in, day out. Some of it can be expensive, but remember, the gear is not only light weight, but built to last thousands of miles. There are some seriously low budget hikers out there and they are worth seeking out. A $400 lightweight tent is great, but a cheap tarp will keep the rain off you too.

There is some discussion about personal safety among the AT hikers. Most do not carry a firearm, but a few do. It's problematic on the AT as it goes through so many states with different laws. Out west in big bear country, carrying a firearm while hiking is more common.

Now a lot of these guys (and gals) look like dirty hippies. Months on the trail will do that do you. That doesn't mean they don't know their stuff. They have some good information, often learned the hard way, to share.

-Sixbears