Howdy Buggie,

Nice challenge.

Navigation: #1 must have, a Silva Ranger Compass

Primary Knife (fixed blade): Ka Bar with a Tanto blade or Cold Steel Leatherneck with a Tanto blade or Cold Steel Recon Tanto

Secondary Knife (lock blade folder): Gerber Paraframe

Camp Axe: Estwing Camp Axe

I will start there. I do not have a suggestion where to purchase these items in today's market. You will recognize everyone will have suggestions they strongly support and few heated debates may ensue.

Thanks for this Buggie.

Mountainman.

Here are some of the things that I have included in my own pack, as well as some other things im looking into.

Purchased
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- Titanium Collapsable Camp Stove http://www.vargooutdoors.com/Hexagon-Backpacking-Wood-Stove : Great little stove that can be used with any fuel source, is light weight, doesnt take up space, and is virtually indestructable.

- Lensatic Compass http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Pocket-Army-Green-Military-Lensatic-Hiking-Camping-Compass-/200772873396?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebefeecb4 : with the knowledge of how to use it and a proper map, I would have a hell of a time getting lost.

- CamelBak Hydration Carrier http://www.ebay.com/itm/281010593456?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 : If I have to ditch my main ruck, Id rather have some water on me. Also save having to stop and pull out a water bottle, or having one attached to my bag externally.

- Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife http://www.ebay.com/itm/121030962029?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 : This is my main knife, but I will also have another similar "Junker knife" to be used for very rough work.

- Multi-tool http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-TOOLS-TOOL-13-In-1-Multitool-MULTI-FUCTION-TOOL-PLIERS-And-Pouch-/150966376208?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item23264c1710&vxp=mtr : goes without saying I think.

- Pocket Sharpener http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SMITHS-PP1-POCKET-PAL-MULTIFUNCTION-KNIFE-SHARPENER-DIAMOND-ROD-Serrated-/230900905146?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c2c434ba : with the ammount of working blades I will have it seems like a no brainer.

- Magnesium Fire Starter http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Magnesium-Block-Flint-Fire-Starter-Striker-Firestarter-lighter-Survival-Army-/321020625995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abe52044b : one of several fire starting methods I will have.

Considering
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- Kukri Knife http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gurkha-Service-Kukri-Knife-Authentic-Khukuri-Knives-Nepal-Ha-ndmade-Kukris-/271119349018?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item3f1ff8f51a : Toss up between a kikri or a small camp axe/hatchet. Used for wood splitting and defence.

- Camp Axe/Hatchet http://www.ebay.com/itm/Estwing-E24A-14-Sportsmans-Camping-Axe-with-Sheath-/370714725537?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item565051cca1 : toss up between this and a kukri. Camp axe could be used for wood splitting, hammering, and (worst case scenario) defence.

- Coldsteel Special Forces Shovel http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/92SFS/SPECIAL_FORCES_SHOVEL_W_SHEATH.aspx (I would prefer a folding shovel, but am worried about durability. Anyone have any experience with folders? or with another small sized entrenching tool similar to the coldsteel?)

- Fencing Pliers http://www.ebay.com/itm/BR-TOOLS-10-1-2-INCH-HEAVY-DUTY-FENCING-PLIER-FP10B-UPC-729183280039-/251129752516?pt=Pliers&hash=item3a787febc4 : a wise prepper once told me that these are essential. I tend to agree.

Sorry about all the ebay links, thats not necessarily where I would buy them as most of these items could be found elsewhere. They were just where I happened to be browsing at the time of writing this.

Let me hear your thoughts and ideas!

gc... When purchasing my ka-bar I considered the tanto version as well. I went with the standard clipped blade instead because if its good enough for the marines, then its good enough for me lol. Why did you choose the tanto over the clipped blade?

I have watched a few Youtube videos of BOB contents and in some cases Hercules himself would be hard pressed to shoulder the BOB for 5 miles, never mind the 30 or more miles of travel that may be required. While blades for cutting, shaping, chopping are all good items to have some people pack everything shy of a table saw. I'd laugh at watching some of the fully loaded Alice pack BOB's I have seen people think they can carry. I have no doubt that lots of people are more fit than myself and even I could carry more before my 'best before' date expired. I would strongly urge people to field test their BOB's before they are forced to actually use them. I'm certain that many 'must have' items would be rethought after 5 miles or so of backpacking, before the final BOB contents were packed.

Being a 'bug in' guy my BOB is quite heavy but will either go into the back of a truck or inside a trailer and used as an absolute last resort. If I can't drive out for whatever reason (right now my truck has about 175 liters of gas on hand) I'll bug in to the bitter end.

I'm just trying to help new preppers be real about what they include in their BOB.

I have watched a few Youtube videos of BOB contents and in some cases Hercules himself would be hard pressed to shoulder the BOB for 5 miles, never mind the 30 or more miles of travel that may be required. While blades for cutting, shaping, chopping are all good items to have some people pack everything shy of a table saw. I'd laugh at watching some of the fully loaded Alice pack BOB's I have seen people think they can carry. I have no doubt that lots of people are more fit than myself and even I could carry more before my 'best before' date expired. I would strongly urge people to field test their BOB's before they are forced to actually use them. I'm certain that many 'must have' items would be rethought after 5 miles or so of backpacking, before the final BOB contents were packed.

absolutley agree. My opinion (which im sure will be much different then most) is that If I have a 50 lb bag on my back, I would rather it be full of usefull tools then loaded with water and food. It is easier for me to catch or forage food and purify water then it is for me to forge a good knife, axe, or canteen. Of course, when making my choices I tend to go for "lighter" versions of these tools, as the weight can quickly add up. ounces = pounds, and pounds equall a failed bugout. Of course I would have some food and water ready to go, but the majority of my kit would consist of useful and NECESSARY items (not ipods, propane stoves, and fold up bicycles lol). and a field test is definatley on the horizon. Find out just how heavy my bag really is, as well as what items I can do without.

BTR I completely agree. There are the "nice to haves"... then there are the "need to haves".. and finally the "I need this to stay alive haves".

1: Berkey sport bottle water purification device.
2: Becker Combat Utility knife.
3: GI Lensatic Compass Olive Drab Tritium
4: GI canteen with stainless steel cup and stove base
5: 100' paracord
6: Coated ripstop nylon tarp, 8' x 10'
7: USGI 4 piece sleep system adjusted to season
8: First Aid Kit with Celox and tourniquet
9: Datrex 3600kcal rations (2)
10: Topo maps of my area
11: Candle Lantern with 1 spare candle
12: 4 Sevens LED flashlight adjustable from .2 lumens to 205 lumens and 4 extra AA batteries
13: 500 rds .22
14: 200 rds 7.62 x 39
15: Gatorade drink crystals
16: Beef and Chicken bullion Cubes
That is the basics of what I have in mine. It is what I believe I will need to survive for at least 3 days regardless of conditions. It gives me the ability to find my way and know the land around me without having to lay eyes on it. It provides me shelter from the elements. It provides me with potable water and the calories I need to function in the very short term.

great lists. anyone else? what do you carry and why?

gc... When purchasing my ka-bar I considered the tanto version as well. I went with the standard clipped blade instead because if its good enough for the marines, then its good enough for me lol. Why did you choose the tanto over the clipped blade?

Howdy Buggie,

I had the clip point and it worked very well. No complaints.

I am looking at the Tanto as it is designed to be very good at puncturing without the loss of the other abilities - chopping or slashing.

I have a Cold Steel Kukri machete. I had to make a new sheath for it as the factory one was not up to snuff. I have used it to chop bush (alder) and it works well. It is a little light for splitting firewood. I am sure there are other Kukri's out there with a heavier blade that could tackle splitting wood. I would use my for splitting kindling it I lacked my axe.

If you are looking at axes, try to find one with a forged axe-head instead of the cheap cast one. The cast ones IMHO are too clunky, not balanced and of poor quality steel. A decent forged head will be bearded - the blade will be larger that the part of the head that attaches to the handle. A cast head is usually about the same size at the front as at the back, just a lump on beveled cast steel on a stick.

Cheers,

Mountainman.

I would not want my long blade if I had a long trek ahead of me. Weight of a pack will kill you and you will use a whack of extra calories carrying that bugger. Avoid too much steel, but hey thats me.

My #1 Ruger 10 22 takedown + bag
got some neat ideas from this you tube video on it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYPXuJDeQCE
http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=71&&section=1187&section2=1725&section3=1738&ID=40967

Primary knife
Buck Ergo-Hunter,
http://www.basspro.com/Buck-ErgoHunter-Rubber-Handle-Gut-Hook-Fixed-Blade-Knife/product/10202657/

Secondary knife would be my bear grylls survival knife, comes with lots of extras in case I leave my bag some where
http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-000751-Survival-Ultimate-Serrated/dp/B003R0LSMO

Gerber gator combo axe, I like it because it contains a small saw in the handle of the axe and is still lightweight
http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-41420-Gator-Combo-Axe/dp/B000C0RKYM/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1356312406&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=gerber+gator+axe

Just a few items listed I'll post more as I have the time, buggie I hope this is the kind of ideas your were asking about

One thing for sure Bug-out-bags will always have a variety of equipment....
My preference is one good heavy steel knife that can take a serious beating one that you can pound on with a hammer, or a fencing pliers...another for defence or what ever you may need a sharp knife for, it doesn't have to be huge put very sharp, with good steel to hold an edge,about 4 inch blade works nice for me.....Axes well the lighter the better, hatchets are fine but for serious wood spliting or bucking up a supplie of fire wood an axe is" much " better, but a hatchet is still better then nothing at all.....after these tools it depends on how much weight you can , or want to pack......

Just my 2 bits worth .......

I'm in the process of putting together my first BOB, so this is a welcome thread. Here's where I am so far:

1) Kel-Tec SU-16F rifle (.223, weighs about 5 lbs, stock folds, stock holds 2 magazines, uses AR-type magazines) - more punch than a standard .22, this will become my truck gun once I get my hands on the Ruger 10-22 takedown model. I have 2 .22 cal rifles now, neither would I consider as a survival-critical tool for different reasons.
2) Knives. I have a thing for knives, owning stuff from little $2 folders up to and including a pair of swords. A Cold Steel Bushman is going in, because it's ugly and you can beat it to death. An old Western (now Remington) I bought from Wally World as a teenager. It's gutted and skinned nearly everything I've ever hunted, still nary a spot of rust on the blade, and the handle doesn't slip covered in blood. A good carbon-steel bladed SOG Fixation Bowie. Can't strike sparks off a stainless blade. Maybe the SOGfari Machete that's coming for Christmas. Leatherman tool.
3) At least 3 ways of making fire. BIC lighters, a ferro rod/striker system, cotton makeup pads soaked in petroleum jelly, matches.
4) A cup. If a bladder breaks, a cup can become more important than you think.
5) German Army surplus mess kit. This is just the right size to also contain some dry food items and give me something to cook in. Aluminum, very light.
6) A micro-filtration device for water. Where I live it's not likely to be needed, but it's light and small insurance if I can't get to a good water supply for some reason.
7) Snare wire and paracord.
8) 2 pairs of socks and thermal underwear, vacuum packed.
9) 8'x10' poly tarp and a mylar blanket.
10) SAS pocket survival guide. JIC.
11) Brunton orienteering compass
12) Bushnell Backtrack GPS. I have 2 of these, one a prize for a submission to Field and Stream that was published. Basically a glorified compass, they will hold three waypoints and lead you back by GPS. Stupid simple.

These items can get anyone through at least three days, and form the basis for what you need to hunker down longer if you need to. A few items, centered around fire, water and shelter. Food I can forage/hunt for if I'm going to be stuck longer than three days. Items kept in multiples are stored in different places, in case of catastrophe (lost the pack? Good thing there was a fire starter and knife in my jacket). Again, where I live, it's most likely I'll be trying to get home rather than get out. Bigger, heavier items in the truck, smaller bag for if I'm on foot. It's easier to shed weight than find you left something at home that you really need.

Does anyone have the chinese military shovel ? Been thinking about getting something like this but the price is holding me off buying it as im unsure of the quality. looks really cool in the vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b60OZhrTB6o
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chinese-Military-Shovel-Emergency-Tools-WJQ-308-Bags-/260708068196

Juicy,
looked on Kijiji.ca and the following links came up during a search all of Ontario. Note: not sure why the external links came up but they did and prices starting at $16
http://www.tmart.com/Military-Tools-Folding-Shovel-Camping-Survival-L_p128749.html?utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=89002795&utm_campaign=product

and
http://compare.ebay.com/like/370707499320?_lwgsi=y&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
that other seller is out of his/her mind selling Chinese Military overstock or outdated stock so high!

ps. look at Cold Steel for their Russian Shovel first as well.