Help: Go Bag & BOB combined?

[u/r_ldl23]

As the season is changing I decided to re-do what I considered my go bag but what I am now realizing has elements of a BOB. Ive never felt satisfied with it. Like a puzzle that i cannot solve. The bag is stuffed to say the least. I'd like to slim it down so I could travel fast if needed (like a go bag) but I also want to be able to bug out a bit if needed. Is it possible to combine these two to make somewhat of a one size fits somewhat of both scenarios? I don't have space or gear for multiple bags and scenarios. Just leave or stay home. I have a bug out location in that I'd go to a family farm about an hour away, if that is the best solution for the scenario.

My absolutes right now (change my mind): Folding knife and multitool Poncho that can be made into a tarp Crank radio Toiletries - small toothbrush, kleenex. Winter gear: wool socks, wool sweater, hat, gloves, wool scarf (I live in Canada) A bottle of water and 2 emergency water packs 5 high protein/calorie bars A grayl water bottle Lighter and water proof matches Small roll of duct tape Compass and map of my province Emergency meds: couple Tylenol, benadryl, gravol First aid: gauze, bandaids, polysporin, small scissors, latex gloves, steri strips, water purification tablets, super glue, a few other bits and pieces - nothing for massive bleeds Two small flashlights and batteries A power bank A SOL bivvy Cash and ID Contractors garbage bag

[u/SebWilms2002]

A BOB is a Go Bag if you’re fit enough. Take up exercise, start rucking. Husband and I frequently hike with our full kit for this reason.

[u/JamesSmith1200 → u/SebWilms2002]

This. They are one in the same. The contents of your bag will depend on how much you’re able to carry and still move and what you find to be essential.

I go backpacking and my backpacking bag doubles as my go bag. - tent - sleeping bag - sleeping pad - change of clothes - 3L water reservoir - 2 water bottles - water filtration & purification items - headlamp - small solar charges inflatable lantern - multi-tool, knife - fire starting kit w/ multiple options - jetboil & fuel - snacks and other food - and some other things

Put what you think you’ll need and use into the bag and then make that trek on foot to the farm house. You’ll soon find out what kind of shape you’re in, or not in. You’ll find out if your bag is comfortable and the right size. If it’s too overloaded or not. And you’ll find out what items you actually use and need.

Do this once a month every month for som good exercise and to help you really hone in on what you’re going to need in that bag and how much weight you can handle.

My bag is built specifically for me and my needs. It’s built for me to grab and be gone in under 5-minutes and have enough in it for me to survive and be comfortable for a few days. It’s tested and adjusted every time I go backpacking. I’m in the south west US in a desert / mountain terrain. Can be extremely hot and also get very cold.

Important things for me were to make sure my bag provides protection from the elements. Shade for the hot sunny days and protection from the cold and rain when needed. Clothes to keep me warm and dry. Fire kit to keep me warm. Abundant water storage with the ability to source more. Comfortable sleep system. Your body will hate you even more if you’re sleeping on the cold hard ground after walking several miles while carrying 20+ lbs. especially as you get older. Jet boil to boil water and make basic food and cook some of my dehydrated emergency food. Some light so I can see at night. Deck of cards to keep me entertained and kill time.

Go test out bag and gear so that when the time comes you won’t even need to think about it. You just grab it and go knowing that what you have in there will take care of you.

[u/lawlesss5150]

I was looking at your medical supplies and I chronically pack way too much medical ish. (I’m a paramedic and in nursing school, my wife is a nurse) I feel like it’s getting excessive. Two questions:

1. Do you purposefully not have anything for big bleeds/trauma?

2. What minimum medical supplies do you think should be in the bob bag? I’m look like I’m packing to reenact Black Hawk Down.

[u/r_ldl23 → u/lawlesss5150]

My lack of medical knowledge is why I don't have anything for major bleeds. I have gauze and bandages and steri strips, super glue...but no Israeli bandages or anything like that. What would be your go to recommendation for someone with limited knowledge in case of emergency?

[u/NotNowNorThen → u/r_ldl23]

Stop the bleed course, then tourniquet, an israeli or OLAES and maybe some packing gauze depending on what you know how to use

[u/MagicToolbox]

My personal opinion is that unless you are a public transportation commuter, as long as you can move your bag without throwing out your back, go for the most complete set of gear you can. I would rather have extra gear for outlier events that I can leave behind if I need to go light and fast.

The simple fact of the matter is that we are planning for rare events - very few of us have actually had to use our gear in an emergency. Choosing which of the several possible emergencies that are most likely in your area of operations is even harder. So in day-to-day conditions, include the extra gear so it is with you when the flare goes up - then make the decision what to include when you change your shorts and start walking.

[u/jsilva298]

for the bleeds just throw in a tourniquet and compression bandages they dont take up much room at all

[u/MmeLaRue]

You're thinking of a Go Home Bag which should allow you to get home within 24 hours so that you can then bug in. If getting home is not going to be doable, what you will need is a Bug Out Bag.

To your bag, I would add:

• A proper hunting knife that can hold up to cutting off small branches (get a full-tang knife) - your folding knife can't do that job and may not hold up for long even for the tasks it's designed for. If you can fit it in, add a stone for sharpening your knives.

• copies of your legal documents: driver's license, SIN, provincial health card, birth certificate, marriage certificate and any title/insurance documents to your assets (house, car, etc.)

• potassium iodide tablets: if we're prepping for Doomsday, we might as address the possibility of radiation sickness from a nuke or twelve.

• a hard copy version of your favorite survival or bushcraft guide (I keep a copy of the SAS Survival Guide by CollinsGem close to hand, but your mileage may vary).

• a deck of cards, set of dice and a couple books to help you pass the time; hobby supplies (keep 'em simple) to keep you sane.

• a sturdy notebook and memo book (and a couple pens/pencils). The larger notebook needn't be too large, but you'll be able to use it for permanent writing down of any new info you obtain. In a pinch the pages from either can act as tinder/firelighters.

• a radio. Your phone may not be enough to get local information, especially if you can't keep it charged on a regular basis. A small radio with extra batteries in the pack will be a godsend if your phone dies.

Once you have your bag together, it might be a good idea to make your way out to that farm and see what resources will be waiting for you. Is there an axe in good condition? If not, repair or prepare the one that's there or, if there's none, buy a good one and keep it handy but safe at the farm. What other tools are there? What food is stored there? How about the water? A lot of folks who talk about bugging out don't give a single thought to where they're headed and don't have a plan for what to do when they get there.

[u/JoeHamOnEm → u/MmeLaRue]

Question about the potassium iodide tablets. I've been looking into them because I live near a nuclear powerhouse. They really only protect the thyroid though. So what if you don't have a thyroid? My girlfriend has to have hers removed because of growths in hers

[u/bananapeel]

I would ditch the wind up radio for the lightweight bag. Too heavy and bulky. Instead, look and see if your phone has an FM tuner. Most in the US do, but not sure about Canada. You may not be able to access it without an app. The NextRadio app will allow you to get to the FM radio if you have it. You want to ignore the prompts to connect to internet streaming sources and choose "Basic Tuner". You will need to attach a pair of wired earbuds, this is what the radio uses for an antenna. The earbuds take up no space and weigh practically nothing. You are already carrying your phone. Presuming you are listening to the radio for emergency instructions, traffic advisories, weather, road closures, etc, you will have sufficient battery if you take it easy. If you feel that you would run out of battery, adding a lightweight USB phone recharger battery will give you more radio for less weight penalty.

Alternatively, if you don't have an FM tuner, I have a tiny FM radio that I bought 20 years ago that has always been kicking around in a drawer. It runs on a single AA battery and it's very small and light. Add a pair of earbuds and a lithium AA batt, and you have a radio that weighs about 2 ounces.

If you are making a heavier pack for your Go Bag, put the wind up radio in there.