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What’s in YOUR bug out bag? 10 must-have multipurpose survival tools

By Zoey Sky // Feb 07, 2018

TAGS: bug out, bug out bag, Collapse, disaster, Gear, Homestead, homesteading, multipurpose survival tools, preparedness, prepper, prepping, SHTF, survival, survival skills, survival tools

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A well-packed bug out bag (BOB) must contain the basics so you can survive a disaster-related evacuation for at least 72 hours. With a BOB, moving out will be safe and easy. (h/t to DoomsdayMoose.com)

Make sure your BOB has "basic survival and first aid emergency" gear and that it only contains necessary items like drinking water and food. Keep it light as possible, so it's easy to carry wherever you go.

Regularly check your BOB to weed out any unnecessary items. Try to include tools and things that can be used in multiple ways. (Related: Prepping your home with essential survival supplies.)

If you don't know where to start, check out this shortlist of the 10 must-have multipurpose survival tools for your BOB:

1. Bandanna - Aside from offering shade from the sun or keeping you cool, a bandanna can be used to filter water or to tie a splint.
2. Duct tape - Duct tape can be used for anything such as building shelter or bandaging injuries.
3. Hatchet/tomahawk - A compact, lightweight, and versatile hatchet/tomahawk will come in handy for various survival situations and tasks like chopping wood, self-defense, breaking glass or other materials, forceful entry, opening containers, etc.
4. Hunting knife/survival knife - Skip the light and low-quality knife. Pack a strong, reliable, and high-quality full tang survival knife in your BOB.
5. Multitool - For your BOB, you're going to need a multitool that includes tools necessary for survival. Stick to the basic ones like a sturdy straight blade, can opener, Firestarter, and a saw.
6. Paracord - Paracord only takes up a little space, but it can be used in various ways such as building shelters, fastening splints, building snares, or other purposes.
7. Plastic bags -These bags can be used to carry items, store water, or start fires.
8. Sanitary Napkin/Tampons - You don't need to be a woman to use these items. Sanitary napkins and tampons can be used as water filters, bandages, and tinder.
9. Tarp - Aside from sheltering you, you can use a tarp to keep yourself or your gear dry. You can also use it to send signals or as a stretcher for injured people.
10. Whistle - A whistle is anything but useless, despite its size. You can use it to signal for help, and bringing one that's a multitool which includes a "Firestarter, a dry container or a compass" makes it even more useful.

Other items for your BOB

If there's extra space in your BOB, bring some of these useful items:

• Clothing - Ideally, a BOB must contain enough clothing for three days. Include the following in your bag: a pair of sturdy boots/shoes, a pair of long pants, two pairs of socks, two shirts, a jacket that is both warm and offers protection from the rain, warm long underwear, and a hat.
• First Aid Kit - Pack your own kit so you know that every item will be useful, unlike buying prepacked kits in stores with things that you may never find a use for in an actual survival situation.
• Food - For a BOB, freeze-dried food packs and energy bars that will last for three days will do.
• Water - A person needs at least a liter of water daily, so bring three liters for your BOB.
• Weapons - A firearm is an ideal weapon for a BOB, but if you're not comfortable with one, substitute it with an expandable baton or some pepper spray, so you have a means of protecting yourself no matter what happens.

You can learn more about other must-have prepping and survival tools at Bugout.news.

Sources include:

DoomsdayMoose.com

SurvivalCache.com

bug out bug out bag Collapse disaster Gear Homestead homesteading multipurpose survival tools preparedness prepper prepping SHTF survival survival skills survival tools

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