Help me complete my Bug-Out Bag!

Originally Posted by nightrunner

then put some 357s in there for it.

not to go off on a rabbit trail, but the .45ACP 185gr Golden Sabers have a 96% stopping power with 12.4" penetration.. the best .357 JHP also has a 96% stopping power ratio with 12.3" penetration. Am I missing something here? What is the .357 going to give me over my .45?

you should be fine with .45acp then, sir.

Originally Posted by Moped

I have to agree with this. If it was TEOTWAWKI, you'll see people start eating each other in a month.

I'd like to have a rifle or shotgun in my arsenal as well for my whole party.

man.. i really need an AR or something similar.. money money money.

Originally Posted by TNTitan

not to go off on a rabbit trail, but the .45ACP 185gr Golden Sabers have a 96% stopping power with 12.4" penetration.. the best .357 JHP also has a 96% stopping power ratio with 12.3" penetration. Am I missing something here? What is the .357 going to give me over my .45?

I'd stay away from JHP if you're suggesting you may have to shoot a bear or hog. You need something that will penetrate through heavy bone. JHP are great for defending against two legged creatures, but I'd much rather have a flat or round nose soft point VS a four legged foe. I would also go with a heavy load capable of breaking through that heavy skin/fur and bone more readily.

a 158gr jacketed soft point .357 mag at 1250fps would be much more comforting to me and offer more consistent penetration than a 185gr HP at 1000fps. If I were to face a bear or hog with a .45, I would prefer to face it with 230gr +P FMJ's to ensure the best penetration and sacrifice expansion for the 13rd capacity.

I'd think a scout set up on an inexpensive bolt action should suffice...maybe a Marlin XS-7?

I've tried the sterno before. It took forever to get water to boil. Trioxane (can you tell I really like this stuff) boils water with a quickness. Its also heavy, and can leak in your pack.

Get a trashbag for collecting rainwater, more surface area catches more rain. The thermos is bulky and heavy.

Something else I have in my pack is a folding pruning saw. Its lighter than a hatchet, takes up little space, and makes quick work of fallen limbs for navigating through brush to your campsite.

On the compasses, the pin on compasses are just for a quick check of direction while traveling. Get a decent compass for use with your map, preferably one each, and PRACTICE.



Tape the seams of your raingear. They'll last longer.

Originally Posted by SUNTZU

Survival starts in your noggin, not in your gear.

SUNTZU has it covered really well. But this stood out to me as the most important. (I do backpack a little when I can. I don't have BOB though.)

What you have inside your head is most important. I would suggest try backpacking some. Because that is basically what you would be doing. Great way to test both gear and yourself.

Every time I backpack I find better ways to pack, and improvise gear better.

I also know my personal limits. 35lbs on my back with my internal frame pack is all I really need. I can average about 2.5 miles up hill an hour. I see guys posting on Zombie Squad's Forum on BOB's It always tickles me to see guys loaded down with 50 lbs of gear and they look like they would have a rough time carrying bags from the grocery store to their car! LOL!!

I can live for three days and three nights in the smokies with my gear I use for backpacking. I always thought of a BOB as a 72 hour kit of sorts. something to get you from "A" to "B"... know where "b" would be... I have NO idea! LOL!

(*Remember, I don't even have a BOB. )

Originally Posted by SUNTZU

I've tried the sterno before. It took forever to get water to boil. Trioxane (can you tell I really like this stuff) boils water with a quickness. Its also heavy, and can leak in your pack.

I'm a big fan of trioxane too, its great stuff, it makes starting a fire almost too easy. I break it into small chunks for quick firestarter, particularly when the wood is a bit damp. It does a a good job of heating water or toasting a PB&J sandwich.....mmmmm

what about a light machete or small axe? worthwhile addition?

I personally prefer the folding saw. I use a heavy fixed blade knife for any heavy cutting that the saw can't handle.

Creeky is right as to knowing where the hell your going to go...otherwise, your just a well packed refugee.

Back to trioxane...again...I've started fires in the rain using wet wood. I basically dug into the wood to expose the relatively dry inner wood with my knife and saw and put those face down hanging over the trioxane. And then I wasn't so miserably cold.