May232012
158 Comments
What’s in YOUR bug out bag? (A book giveaway!)
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This giveaway is now closed. The winners were Debbie F. and Mindy. I’m leaving the post here because there were so many great ideas for what should be in a bug out, or emergency, bag. Thanks, everyone, for participating.
Creek Stewart, author of Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag, donated two signed copies of his book and asked only this:
In order to win a signed book, my readers should share the top 3 items they would include in their own bug out bag.
Simple enough!
To enter, simply leave a comment and include those top 3 items!
This giveaway will run through Sunday night, May 27, and the winners (chosen at random), will be announced on Monday!
Good luck!
© 2012, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.
(158) Readers Comments
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The shop looks great. Going to get the book now. Thanks!!
Robert in SF
Comfortable walking shoes
A whistle (for long distance alerts)
protein bars for snacking
Greg Stephens
Three it is:
1. Water & water purifier (counted as one, since they both have the same result)
2. A good fixed blade knife. A 4″ blade is about right…heavy enough for most chores, small enough to dress game or do other tasks requiring precision.
3. Fire starter – magnesium stick, waterproofed matches, a BIC, etc.
With these, I could stay warm and dry, hydrated, and forage necessities for myself, at least in a short-term emergency.
stacy
1. Berkey sport filter
2. 3 day suppy of food
3. A good knife
SueAnn
1. Toilet Paper
2. Food
3. Water
Greg Miller
1. Wet wipes
2. Water
3. fire starter
Denise
1.) A roll of quarters inside a sock. To be used as currency and as a weapon.
2.) A fold-up shovel
3.) A wind-up combination flashlight, radio and cell phone charger.
John blaze
1. Emergency food n water kit is #1 priority in any survival situation.
2. Knife, any is better than none, but a good quality collapsible blade is versital for many situations, eg. Defense, skinning animals, cutting.. But also safer to carry than open blade.
3. Pictures of family… Motivation and will to survive & rescue if necessary!!!
Ingies
1 – toilet paper
2 – water
3 – fire starter
This is hard to narrow down to three!
Sarah C
water/purifier
fire starter
good shoes
AWFord
1 – flashlight
2 – FRS / GMRS radio w/ extra batteries
3 – 3 day supply of food
I debated back in forth between the radio and a firestarter. Ultimately, I’m familiar with a wide array of improvised fire starting methods, but the thought of not being able to communicate with (or find) the wife and kids terrifies me beyond measure – so the radio won out. Thank God we aren’t limited to only three things in our BOBs!
Lee from La
1–Food and water
2–Fire starter (Zippo lighter is my first choice)
3–Extra clothes
Sandy Taylor
Just to be a little out of the box…
Potassium Permanganate
A Long Scarf (I’m up to 78 uses for scarves; some naughty, some nice!)
A Wire Saw (in Florida, with a wire saw you can always get food)
And all three are things I really do have in my Get Home Bag.
~ Sandy Taylor
Granny
water/water purifier
food
extra shoes
Dustin
1. USB with Photos, and copies of important documents
2. A small homemade book of survival tips and first aid
3. As much cord as I could find inside and out of the bag
I know it is top 3 things for your bag. I feel that some people forget the small things. You may not be able to get photos and documents back. You can never remember every survival tip. And paracord you can never have too much. I am sure that is you have a BOB you have ways to purify water, food for 3+ days, and more than one way to start a fire.
Julie
Unfortunately, I am just starting to get prepared. I do not have a B.O.B., yet. I always thought the important items you would take with you in an emerency would be scrapbooks, photos and medications. The more research I do, I realize we would not survive very long. I would really benefit from having the additional knowledge in the book. I think the b.o.b. should include water, heat source, food. Thanks Julie
Sandy Taylor
Hey Julie; the fact that you are here, learning how to be better prepared for yourself and your family IS going to help your family survive longer. Don’t ever think that you’ll just kick the bucket or go in the first wave (of whatever it is). You’re going to be fine; that’s why you are here.
~ Sandy Taylor
amanda
1.antiseptic ointment or spray for injuries.
2. pain relivers and or bandages, ace wrap for sprains
3. sope and hand sanitizer to keep wounds from infection also for hygein
4. always always, water, water purifier taplets( easier to store than big bottles and hydration tablets
Jenny
1) good knife
2) fire starting kit
3) a pot to boil water and cook in
MWFord
1. Clothing/shoes
2. Communication equipment/spare batteries
3. Medical kit
countrygirl
Something to start a fire, something to cut with, something to put water in.
Ashley F.
My top 3 would be
1. A really good knife
2. Strike anywhere matches in a waterproof container
3. Water purification tablets
james
1. a trusted knife (sharpened and ready)
2. water purification (filter or tablets)
3. fire starter (firesteels)
And if possible, I’d always have a backup for these in another bag or location.
Tonya LaDow
1. water purifier
2. food for 3 days
3. clothes
Caroline
Essential oil of lavandula off. Good for stress, again bug, antiseptic…
A whistle
A knife
Janet
1. Katadyn Water Purifier
2. Collapsible Platypus bottle
3. Bear Grylls Survival Blade by Gerber with attached firesteel
Ray
Weapon
Water
Walking Shoes
TreasureGoddess Christine
good ideas, people!
#1-water bottle Plus purification tablets for when you drink the water out. replenish & stay hydrated!
#2-fire starters (we made little kits and keep them in old prescription bottles to stay waterproof
#3-medication needed for my son to be able to eat (he needs enzymes for digestion)
Taz
A knife, fire-making supplies, and water.
Kenda
A Water Flask w/purification tabs
My Mom-purse
Comfortable Shoes
I can do anything as long as I have those 3 things
hbbill
sturdy knife, fire starting kit, water purification/filtration kit
Mary Ungruhe
1. fire starter
2. 3-day supply of food
3. tarp
Live next to a spring that is pure and we’ve been drinking it for years, thankfully
that was already taken care of.
Sean P
1) A means of water collection/purification/storage
2) A well made tarp for shelter
3) A reliable means to start a fire
You can go without food for 72 hours if you absolutely must, but the 3 things above are needed in all environments to survive for 3 days.
Light29ID
Cold Steel Kukri Knife
Katadyn water purification system
Weapon w/ammo
Devin
Thanks for all the great posts
1. Katadyn Vario water filter
2. Magnesium fire starter with flint and steel
3. Fixed blade knife
May your family be safe, your gardens fruitful and your aim true.
Matt Conrad
Gerber Multi-tool
couple Cliff bars
bottle of water
Three things is hard to list. Want to put so much more. But thinking about it I have these things on me constantly, so they had to go in the post for the contest. Good luck to all. Keep up the good work here.
Jody
These comments are filled with wonderful ideas. My 3?
1. water/purification
2. knife with firestarter
3. waterproof poncho (doubles as shelter)
Jodi Grant
1) water filter
2)food
3) fire startee
Steve
1) water bottle w/ internal filter
2) space blankets
3) first aid kits
angie
1. Berkey water filter sports bottle.
2. Bible……man doesn’t live on bread alone!
3. Knife with fire starter.
Reklawj9
Coat
Hat
Gerber multi tool
Steven Bowers
I don’t have any bobs set up yet, but off the top of my head, I would include:
First aid kit
Space blanket
Emergency rations
Annetta Eikelberg
1. Three days of food & water with extra filtering straw for purifying water, including a camp cup
2. Five-in-One Tool
3. A one-gallon ziplock bag that contains: 1 pkg plastic sheeting, 1 set of aluminum tent stakes, 4 space bags, 150 ft of nylon cording, a box of wind-proof matches (in waterproof container), a small bottle of rubbing alcohol and a alcohol stove made from a soda can
Shelter, Water & Food – the Three’s of Survival!
Barb
Medicine
Water
Power bars
Rachael
1. Water purifier
2. First Aid kit
3. Food
Brad
1) Cat
2) Cash
3) Water Filter
Sandy Taylor
A cat? Giggle.
I get it though. Cats are useful. Just wasn’t expecting that as I was reading through the other entries!
~ Sandy Taylor
Jennifer
1. A baby sling to carry my son in
2. Water
3. Food
Jenn
water purifier
3 days of food
multipurpose knife
Letty Torres
I would definitely have water, some protein bars and my trusted weapon, LCP Ruger for protection!
Mike C
Knife, cordage and container ..
Tonya S.
I would include food, water purification and a really good knife. I can use the knife to procure more food, defense if it came down to it, and with the right stuff… Start a fire. It’s hard to pick just three things.
Jackie Kimbrell
For me and my family:
1. Water Purifier
2. Beef Jerky
3. Medic kit