the bug-out bag not just for special operations anymore

Why a bug-out bag

- The news these days either talk about natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods or geopolitical issues such as a terrorist attack.
- While you may not be in serious situations like this, a bug-out bag (BOB) is handy when things do not go the way they are planned.

Reasons you may have to bug out

- Earth quakes
 - Snow storms
- Hurricanes
- Hazardous material releases
- Riots
- Volcanic activities
- Floods
- Terrorist activities
- Forest fires
 - Landslides
- Tsunamis
- Long-term blackouts
- Pandemic
- Nuclear accidents

The Boy Scout motto: always be prepared

- It is always a good idea to be weI-prepared for an emergency.
- Being prepared is not necessarily being prepared for a worst-case scenario.
- Having a bug-out bag can come in handy for emergencies such as when a car breaks down.
- It also provides you with that peace of mind.

What makes a good bug-out bag?

- This not a 'one-size-fits-all' bag.
- it starts with making a solid bug-out-bag list.
-Remember, it is a sunrival kit for 72 hours. So be concise. Together with everything on the list, the bag should weigh about 500 pounds (227kg).
- Don’t panic. Even though you are building a survival kit for a worst-case scenario. it could be a fun. Just imagine taking the world's most awesome camping trip.
- A good bag should be rugged and modular. hands-free, and able to lash items onto it.

What makes a good bug-out bag?

A good bug-out bag should be:

- Rugged.
- Modular.
- Waterproof.
- Hands-free.
- Able to lash items onto it.
- Within the carrying capacity.

Choosing a good bag

- There are two schools of thought when buying the right bug-out bag:
- 1. Comfort. Pick one that fits your body type and which is most comfortable to use.
- 2. Room. Your supply list dictates the type of bag, meaning you choose the one that has all the room necessary to accommodate our final BOB list.
Ultimately, seek something that prOVIdeS you Wlth room and comfort

Comfort is priority

- Your bug-out bag has to be comfortable and fit you well. Otherwise, wearing it is going to be difficult and even painful. This will make it difficult for you should you use it in a real survival scenario.
- You should also buy items that complement the bag, such as a tactical vest or shirt.

Where to buy a bug-out bag

- Army surplus stores.
- Your local outdoor store.
- A variety of online stores.
Price ranges from $25 to $60 for empty bags, and up to $300 for a complete, ready-to-go bug-out bag.

Advantages of frame bags

- The frame is made from an aluminum exoskeleton and allows for storage compartments to be attached to the bag. They can be removed with a series of buckles or studs. without having to remove the frame itself.
- The frame provides support and helps relieve stress from your shoulders and back.
- The frame also allows you to "modify" the bag as you see fit by allowing you to add all sorts of extra touches or smaller bags to the frame.

The disadvantage of a frame bag

- The downside to a frame backpack is that they are rigid and the frame can occasionally get snagged on branches or anything else that sticks out.

Advantages of frameless bags

- A soft-frame bag would be like a typical school backpack or traditional rucksack. It has no external frame and each shape is determined by its contents.
- The upside to a soft-frame backpack is that they tend to be more flexible. have slimmer profiles, and are less expensive than a frame backpack.

The disadvantage of a frameless bags

- It can be rather hard on the shoulders and back. because nothing else is supporting its weight.
- But, if you would like some additional structure in your rucksack, take a plastic or rubber trashcan (which fits the bag) and insert it into the bag.
- The plastic or rubber trashcan can double up to hold water or for storage when you are not on the move.