In a survival scenario, your bug-out bag (BOB) will help you survive the journey to your bug-out location. But you don't have to spend money on your BOB gear if you know how to make them, especially if you prefer to make things instead of buying them to save money. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com)
Here are 15 DIY gear projects that you can try to make for your BOB.
Beef jerky
Store-bought beef jerky can be expensive, but it's a great item for your BOB because it's stable, long-lasting, tasty and provides you with protein when SHTF.
Try the recipe below to make beef jerky and save a bit of money while prepping your BOB.
Ingredients:
- 2 Pounds top round beef, thinly sliced
- 3/4 Cup soy sauce
- 3/4 Cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon onion powder
- 1 Teaspoon red pepper flakes
Steps:
- Set aside the beef then whisk the rest of the ingredients in a big bowl. Add the beef to the bowl one slice at a time and turn to completely coat the beef. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for three hours to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 175 F (80 C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place a wire rack over the foil.
- Place the beef on paper towels to dry and discard the marinade.
- Arrange the beef slices in a single layer on the wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Bake the beef in the preheated oven until dry and leathery of for three to four hours.
- When the beef is dry, blot each slice with a paper towel to remove excess oil. Use scissors to cut the jerky into bite-size pieces and store in an airtight container.
Bow and arrows
Take the time to learn how to make a bow and arrow so you can hunt and defend yourself when SHTF.
Candles
Candles provide light when it's dark and there's an outage. But instead of buying candles for your BOB, make them at home using ingredients like lard or carrier oil and Mason jars.
Cordage
You need cordage to set up a shelter or organize your gear and supplies. If you run out of cordage, you can use dental floss as a makeshift rope.
Alternatively, you can make cordage out of plastic two-liter soda bottles.
- Carefully slice the bottle around its circumference into thin, even strips.
- You'll have plastic tape or webbing that you can use like cordage.
First aid kit
Every BOB should have a first aid kit, but this doesn't mean you should spend money on a pre-assembled kit. Prep your own first aid kit to ensure that it's complete with items that you need and isn't overpriced. You can save some money by assembling a kit and adding basic and commonly available items like bandages and burn cream. (Related: Bug out survival planning: Prepping a bug-out bag in less than an hour.)
Pace counter
If you have to travel in the wilds while bugging out, a pace counter can help you keep track of where you're going. Check out videos or guides so you can make a pace counter for land navigation out of cordage and beads.
Pemmican
Native Americans used pemmican as an ancient survival food because it's a long-lasting and versatile superfood. Pemmican includes ingredients like dried and ground meat, animal fat and optional ingredients like blackerries. Try recipes online to make pemmican for your BOB.
Slingshot
Like the bow and arrow, a slingshot is a ranged weapon that's great for your BOB. You can make a modern slingshot with glass or metal bead ammo and powerful elastic bands for hunting small and medium-sized game. A slingshot also works as a self-defense weapon because it allows you to target your attacker without having to get close.
Survival bracelet
A survival bracelet combines useful gear like compact wire saws, paracord, fish hooks, whistles, compasses and more in one handy item. Check out guides online to learn how to make a survival bracelet for your BOB.
Tarp shelter
With a tarp in your BOB, you can set up a makeshift shelter that will protect you from rain when SHTF. When prepping your BOB, pack a tarp, paracord and a multitool so you can set up shelter while bugging out.
Tin can stove
A modern camping stove is light and fuel-efficient, but it can be expensive. Instead of buying one for your BOB, learn how to make a tin can stove.
With a multitool, you can turn a can into a mini-stove for cooking or boiling water.
You will need:
- Tin can
- Knife or multitool
- Tinder
Steps:
- Use your knife or multitool to cut a hole in one side of the can near the bottom. This hole will provide access so you can add fuel and also allow oxygen into the stove.
- Poke or drill smaller holes around the top of the can. These holes will act as exhaust vents so the fire isn't smothered.
- Insert tinder like char cloth and kindling, then light it up. Set aside more sticks to keep the fire going.
- Set some tent pins or wire mesh on top of the can so your pot or pan doesn't tip over or fall in.
Tinder
You'll need tinder for your tin can stove so make char cloth at home. Char cloth is usually made from cotton or other organic fiber that's exposed to extreme temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This process renders the cotton into a charcoal-like consistency.
The char cloth burns and smolders longer than a match once you light it.
Trapping and fishing kit
With a trapping and fishing kit in your BOB, you can hunt and fish to keep up your energy as you're heading to your bug-out location. Improvise a trapping and fishing kit using items like fishing line, fishing hooks and an empty tin can.
Water filter
When SHTF, a water filter will help you stay hydrated. But water is also heavy and carrying it can make your BOB much heavier. To prevent this, bring a water filter with you when SHTF. If your water filter breaks, you can make one using a clear plastic bottle and materials like charcoal, grass, rocks and sand.
Waterproof matches
Being able to start a fire might just save your life when SHTF since you need one to stay warm and cook food for sustenance. A campfire will also protect you from dangers like wild animals while you're bugging out.
Learn how to make DIY waterproof matches using items like nail polish, turpentine, or wax so you can easily start a fire even if it's raining. Once you're done, store the waterproof matches in a sturdy, waterproof container in your BOB.
You don't need to spend too much money on your gear and BOB if you know how to make must-have items like beef jerky, a tin can stove, or waterproof matches.
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