BOB loadout — 72 hour kit
Here's my 72-hour bag: - Water: Water purification tabs + 1L bladder - Food: 6 MREs - Shelter: Emergency blanket + poncho - Fire: Stormproof matches + tinder - First aid: Basic kit + tourniquet
Total weight: 24 lbs. Too heavy?. What's in your BOB?
5 Replies
6 MREs is $30+ right there. You can do better for less - ramen packs, instant oatmeal, peanut butter, crackers. Get the calories cheaper and lighter. Skip the emergency blanket, get a $15 space bag that actually works. And make your own first aid kit instead of buying pre-made... saves $20 easy.
Weight's fine for most folks but consider your scenario. If you're bugging out to known locations, cache supplies ahead of time so your bag can be lighter. I keep a full setup at my off-grid cabin plus emergency caches. Also - get a good water filter instead of just tabs. Sawyer Mini weighs 2 oz and filters way more than tabs ever will. And learn to forage... dandelions, plantain, wild onions are everywhere.
24 lbs isn't terrible but you could shave weight. Ditch some MREs for lightweight stuff like pemmican or energy bars. And honestly? Throw a .22 pistol in there - lightweight, quiet, and good for small game if you're stuck out there longer than planned. My Ruger 10/22 takedown weighs nothing and could keep you fed.
Honestly most bug out scenarios are fantasy but... 24 lbs is manageable if you can actually carry it for miles. Test it - load up and hike 5+ miles. Most people can't. The real question is where exactly are you bugging out TO? If you don't have a specific place with supplies already there, you're just becoming a refugee with a backpack.
Solid post. I've been thinking about the same thing lately. My Ruger LCP MAX has been my go-to but I'm always looking at other options.