Disaster Skills: Unconventional Bug Out Bag Items
Forget about the post-apocalyptic movies you’ve seen - the ones with our hero striding is boldly through the desolation carrying a rucksack of badass gear on his shoulders. Plain and simple, this scene is fantasy. If you ever did have to grab your Bug Out Bag and run for the hills, it would not be in slow motion, you would not look noble, and there’d be no theme music playing in the background. If you’re using your BOB, you’re experiencing one of the worst days of your entire life, and that bag of gear has now become your lifeline. It had better have items for shelter, water disinfection, first aid, food, communication, navigation and self-defense. And if there are a few spare cubic inches of space, you can add a few of these unconventional (but useful) bug out bag items.
Candy Candy is made of sugar, and sugar provides quick energy. Candy could be an important thing to snack on as you hike to your bug out location. It’s also a great morale booster, especially for the kids. Choose candies that are easily divided for rationing and sharing. Select non-melting candy for hot seasons and locations. Most candies will last far beyond their expiration date.
Work gloves Even a little bit of low key survival training can tear your hands up. Imagine how they’d look after some real survival chores. A well fitted pair of gloves can allow you to work harder, longer and safer than you could without them.
Lip balm This multi-use product can help up to start fires, lubricate equipment and certainly be used on the lips. In cold climate and desert climates, this little tube can earn its keep.
Fingernail clippers These might seem silly at first, as you wouldn’t have time for a manicure during an evacuation. But in the long run, they could be very valuable. Keeping your nails short actually keeps them cleaner. This prevents the spread of bacteria and helps to prevent gastrointestinal bugs from being passed around in close quarters. These clippers are also great for snipping fishing line and cordage.
Poison Ivy Remover If you’ve had some bad run-ins with our outdoor companion poison ivy, then you know just how important this product can be. If your retreat has poison ivy, oak or sumac, add a bottle of Tecnu or a similar product to remove poison ivy oils from skin, clothing and gear. It doesn’t take much, so a small bottle can go a long way.
3-in-1 Oil They should call it 100-in-1 oil. This magic oil can clean, lubricate and protect a wide range of items. Use it on tools, weapons, motors and machines. It’s even flammable. Squirt some on your tinder and light a wet weather fire with no problem.
If you’d like to learn more about Bug Out Bags and disaster preparedness, consider our Disaster Crash Course or our Bug Out Weekend. Yes, the subject matter is a little gloomy, but these are still upbeat and fun classes. You may also find that if you spend time and energy to get prepared instead of just worrying about all the “what if” scenarios, you’ll have fewer worries.
Written by Tim MacWelch First draft punlished on outdoorlife.com