The Ultimate Senior Bug Out Bag for Minnesota
The first time I heard the term “bugging out” was a MASH 4077 TV show back in the 1970’s. Of course, the show was about the Korean war so bugging out has been around for a long time. This term comes up more often now as people are told to be prepared for certain situations. Perhaps the situation is a radioactive terrorist event, or maybe a COVID issue that you want to put some distance between you and the problem--or maybe run toward the danger to help someone that needs help NOW.
Generally, the bug-out bag is a survival kit that is made to get you through a bug-out situation and help to keep you alive at least for 72 hours. The tools in the bag are meant to give you an upper hand when disaster strikes.
A good bug-out bag will save time when seconds count during those crucial moments. If you have your go-bag ready, you can grab your pre-packed backpack and evacuate immediately. This allows you to focus all your time, energy, and attention on getting to safety.
What should be in the Bug Out Bag (BOB)
The first thing to ask yourself is “what are we bugging out from?” Is it a “get out of dodge” bag (GOOD bag) or is it an (INCH) bag for “I am never coming home”. For most seniors, this is going to be a SEABOB, (Senior BOB) and it may be for going to visit Aunt Martha while she recovers from a fall. You get the phone call from Uncle Bob and he says your Aunt Martha needs your help and you are miraculously in the car driving to them in 15 minutes! You Bugged Out with your SEABOB!
If this isn’t a nuclear disaster, we probably don’t need the standard stuff that would go in the INCH bag but let’s look at the list--in case you are curious.
INCH BOB
Water
- Bottled or a filter for stream water
Food
- Protein bars
- protein shakes
- freeze-dried food
Clothing
- A pair of sturdy survival boots
- A pair of long pants (preferably not blue jeans)
- 2 Pairs of socks (preferably not cotton)
- 2 Shirts (Maybe 1 long sleeve and 1 short sleeve for layering)
- A jacket that is both warm and protection from rain
- Warm long underwear of some kind
- A hat
- A bandana
Shelter
- Tent
- Ground Tarp
- Sleeping Bag
Basics
- First Aid Kit
- Basic Gear
- Matches/Lighter Straw for fire
- Cook Stove
- Lights LED
- DUCT Tape
- Sewing Kit
- Shovel
Weapons
- Anything from a paring knife to a crossbow I suppose
GOOD BOB
So by now, you are probably thinking the INCH bag is for either camping or hunting trip--or maybe an episode of Survivor. How about a GOOD bag? A 72-hour GOOD bag is a far more conventional item that a family would use to evacuate their home to get by for the 72-hours. This gives the time for the rest of the world to get more organized and formal emergency efforts into place. The 72-hour GOOD bag is for the normal emergency and disaster situation where help will come. An INCH Bag is more along with the end-of-the-world scenario stuff. So for most seniors, end of the world scenarios aren’t really something we want to think about. What goes in the GOOD bag? Even the name sounds better.
Unfortunately, we have seen issues in the last year where some of the issues a GOOD bag would be used for wouldn’t be that good. Riots, hospitals are full, and local services are disrupted. What you might think about:
- Violence
- Lack of medical care
- Dehydration
- Exposure
- Starvation
The bag should consist of things like:
- Medications
- Personal Safety Items if appropriate
- Motorola T5500 FRS/GMRS radio
- Charged “rechargeable” Battery pack
- 12vDC recharger
- Solar recharger
- Water
- Toilet Paper
- Paper and Pen
- Flashlight
Clothing
- Socks, Smartwool
- Watch cap, fleece, flat earth brown
- underwear, long johns bottom, Minus 33, Merino wool
- Poncho, Survival Systems OPSEC
- Shirt and Pants
SEA BOB not Sea-Doo
Now here is something that is even more likely to happen. By being extremely prepared you can be the first one to show up for duty! Get your SEABOB--senior Bug Out Bag--ready to go.
- Medications--you need to stay healthy too.
- Earplugs--I can think of a lot of reasons to use these.
- IcyHot--You probably will get sore from the extra work.
- Pain Reliever--same as above
- Hot Pad--same as above
- Playing Cards--Aunt Martha goes to bed early, or may play along with you!
- Flash Light--Always helps when finding yourself in a strange place at night.
- Books and Magazines--When everything quiets down at night.
- Different weights of clothing--some seniors keep the place hot--some not.
- Dopp Kit--you may know it as a shaving or toiletry kit.
Basics
- Portable Keurig
- Cold Iced Tea
- Coffee
- Creamer powdered
- Snacks
- Stir sticks and a cup
- Snacks
- Beer or wine
What does a good BOB look like?
We are pretty impressed by this one--at least for SEABOB. It has room for water bottles on each side, a slot for either blue ice or your tablet/laptop, and enough room for 2-12 packs, or maybe clothing and the list from above if you prefer. The top cinches closed so you can really stuff that baby full! Your army buddies call these things rucksacks and yes they can get bigger, so you can tote the Uzi or AK 47 with you!
A good INCH BOB--pack up to 150 pounds
As you can see there are a number of alternatives for what you need in your BOB. Other bags to consider WIN-BOB, known as the Winter BOB that we should have in the trunk. Summer BOB that has plenty of sunscreen and yard darts! Get out there and deploy those BOBs.