Don’t Forget the Small Stuff
Whenever I see lists of suggested bug-out bag items, they are dominated by the “big stuff” – emergency food, water, fire-starters, a knife and cordage. Those items are very important, but what tends to get overlooked is the “small stuff.”
These smaller items can make a big difference and help you avoid a major headache if you remember to pack them, and the fact that you can fit a bunch of them in a bug-out bag with no problem is an added benefit. I’ve listed some of these items below. You don’t need all of them, but you should have room for most of them.
- Flashlight. Your best choice here is a hand-crank dynamo generator light because their bulbs rarely burn out and their batteries rarely corrode.
- Compass. A reliable, durable, military-style Lensatic compass should be your first choice. It could help create a map to find your way back to a campsite.
- First-Aid Kit. Buy a pre-made kit or put one together. Include iodine, burn salve, antibacterial ointment, Band-Aids and Ace bandages, gauze, etc.
- Emergency Whistle. A sporting goods store survival whistle is loudest, but a coach’s whistle will do. Put it on a lanyard and hang it around your neck.
- Heavy Trash Bags. These bags can be used as a shelter frame to keep out rain, a floatation device or a small sink for capturing rainwater or washing dishes.
- Signal Mirror. A small mirror can reflect strong sunlight a long way. A durable military style signal mirror includes a sighting system.
- Sunglasses. Choose UV/A or UV/B glasses. They are even more important in the winter than summer due to potential snow blindness.
- Insect Repellant. Choose one with a high DEET content in a tube (not a can). Check the expiration date periodically and replace if necessary.
- Mosquito Head Net. In addition to head protection, it can be used as a minnow net, carry bag for vegetables or dirty clothes tote bag.
- Orange Safety Vest. Buy an inexpensive blaze orange hunting vest that’s a couple of sizes too large so it can fit over other clothing, including a coat.
- Super Glue. You can use it to fix a broken knife grip, plug holes in a canteen and even repair your skin after suffering a small open wound or abrasion.
- Miscellaneous Items. These would include nails for building with wood, edible plant handbook, first-aid manual, toilet paper, small sewing kit, mini binoculars, small scissors, latex gloves, and game or bird calls.
- Comfort Items. Some folks may want a Bible or playing cards, others cigarettes and still others a harmonica. The important thing is that these items should be able to comfort you during a stressful time.
The small items you include in your bug-out bag can make or break your bug-out experience. Make sure you have a vast majority of the items listed above, as well as any others you think you might need.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THE BASICS !!4 HUMAN SURVIVAL !!
AIR
H20 (HUMAN POTABLE)
FOOD
SHELTER
HEAT (99%F)
ALL OTHER IS GOOD BUT CARRY ADDS WEIGHT !!
THERE IS NO MOD NEEDED… CK W/USA SEALS, etc. !!!
One thing that is a must for your survival kit and is something that probably few think about or know about is a tincture of Propolis. It is number one for a toothache or on coming tooth abscess. Because nothing can do you in quicker than a achy tooth. No matter how prepared you are, feeling like the side of your head is going to come off will make any amount of preparedness seem worthless. It is available online. Or in most health food stores. It is a product made from bees. And it cost about $10-$12. And it last for a very very long time. it doesn’t go bad tho the FDA requires an expiration date. You use it directly on the tooth. Once you feel that tale tale ache and know an issue is coming on, just put a drop on the offending to tooth It will sting like mad, but it goes away pretty quickly and it will kill the bacteria that’s causing you pain. It’s also really great for an infected hangnail kind of thing. One thing though, if you don’t feel the sting, it’s not going to work. There has to be an opening for the tincture have contact the infection. It is a resin so it will stick to your tooth like paint. But it will come off with brushing. If I ever have to use it, i put it on before I go to bed and I have results by the morning. I brush my teeth and go on with my day. I’ll tell you Frank, you should look into this and be promoting it on your website because it can be a lifesaver. I never go on vacation without it. Thanks for all your great info. Peace brother, dawn
Y.S. Eco Bee Farms 50% Super Strength is the brand I use and it’s reasonably priced.
We used to cook Ramin Noodles in a canteen cup using sternos with a couple of small rocks on top of the sterno can to set the canteen cup on.
Zip-lock bags, dryer lint(good kindling) are just a few more
Dear Frank,
Great list and right out of our book, SURVIVAL 101 – HOW TO GUN OUT AND SURVIVE THE FIRST 72 HOURS!!! Hope people are still ordering it, now that we know it has actually save a couple lives.
One other thing worth mentioning here is, personal prescription medications. A lot of people forget to maintain a stash in their BOB, Then when they have to make a run for it they forget their med’s.
Those who wear glasses should also have an extra pair kept in their BOB or GHB. From experience, when making wilderness rescues, about 1/2 of those who needed glasses all the time, somehow break or lose their daily pair when thrown into a harsh survival secenario.
God Bless to All,
Orrin