The thing about building a bug out bag is that you’re never actually done. No matter how perfect you think your configuration is, sooner or later you’ll find a way to improve on it.
Maybe you’ll find a better piece of gear, or a lighter alternative to something kind of heavy, or an item you hadn’t even considered. The point is, you should always be looking for ways to improve your bug out bag.
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In this video, The Survival Outpost lists ten easy ways to upgrade your bug out bag. Here is his list:
1. Rain Cover – What if it rains? Would your bag and gear get soaked? Get a rain cover, especially one that will blend into your environment.
2. Portable USB Power Bank – Look for one that is waterproof and has a solar panel.
3. Paracord Spool – This keeps your paracord organized so it doesn’t turn into a knotted up mess.
4. Socks and Underwear – You need to have more changes of these than your other clothes, especially if it’s raining.
5. Medical Handbook – Even if you have training in first aid, there are still going to be lots of things you don’t know.
6. Face Mask – Blend in with your environment, cover your head, or filter water. There are many uses for these.
7. Pocket Chainsaw – Very useful for building shelter and cutting firewood. It will save you a lot of time.
8. External Harddrive – You want to back up all your important documents and photos. Then when you reach your bug out location, you’ll have them.
9. Sanitation Kit – It’s difficult to stay clean while traveling on foot. A quality kit will make that easier.
10. Collapsible Water Container – These hardly take up any space and can still hold a lot of water.
This post was just a brief summary, so be sure to watch the video below for a much more detailed look at these bug out bag items.
I agree your BOB, like your EDC needs to evolve. Changing technology and improved tools and supplies. An example of my own is water filters. When I first started into this prepping journey, I bought Lifestraws for the wife and my bags. Now I’m not knocking the Lifestraw, but the Sawyer Mini is more versatile and has a longer usage life, so this was an item I upgraded. I still have the Lifestraws (for barter/trade or as a filter kept in a vehicle), but they’re no longer a part of our BOB’s. As another noted before me, wire saws are handy, but they’re not a sturdy use item, or that efficient either. A good quality pruning saw (I think the Bahco Laplander is one of the best too), will last longer, be more efficient and can serve dual purpose (they’re great for quartering a deer or elk carcass).
Multitools are another item that sees small changes over the years. I still have one or two of the original Leatherman tools kicking around, but the originals are big time finger cutter/knuckle busters as none of the tools or blade locked. MT’s are also an item I recommend buying the best you can afford to buy. The cheapos are often made of poorer grade steels and they don’t handle much use or abuse.
Mylar blankets are quick and useful for an emergency, but once deployed, good luck getting it folded back down or avoiding tearing the heck out of them, so a sturdier Bivvy Sak has a much longer life span.
Emergency Food Bars do have a shelf life. Since they’re not the most palatable of foods to begin with, I’m pretty certain that they don’t improve with age, so watch your Best By dates and replace with a newer bar. Use the old ones for a roughing it in the back yard survival practice with the kids or grandkids.
First Aid items, especially the old plastic band-aids. They do deteriorate with age. The plastic type become brittle and the adhesive breaks down. The cloth type don’t become brittle, but the adhesive still breaks down. Disinfectant Wipes dry out in the package. Those are items you should check and replace if they’re showing age or loss of efficiency.
Those are just a few examples of some of the items that can and should be upgraded or replaced when possible.
I personally would opt for a folding saw like the silky pocket boy or bacho laplander over a pocket chain saw
Paper coffee filters, don’t take space at all, very cheap, and they are good to pre-filter water and make fire.