Bug-out-bag (BOB) contents are discussed at length in many YouTube videos.

This article is about some interesting bug-out-bag contents that I’ve come across and now carry, in additional to the typical items, such as first-aid kit, cordage, knife, container, fire-starter, shelter options, etc…

Below, I provide a short explanation of the various additional items you might want to consider carrying.  My Baker’s Dozen article for camping, is also a good reference for bug-out items, since the two activities share similar stress situations (survival is not voluntary, camping is 🙂 )

The links point to another article expounding on the virtues of the item, or to a very good quality example I’ve either used myself or would recommend.

Portable USB Power Bank – quickly recharge mobile phones, headlamps, and other small devices, at night

Compact 20W Folding Solar Panel – recharge your power bank, in the field

Wool Blanket – outstanding and versatile protection from the elements

Lighting – a headlamp for task work, and a lantern for general area lumination

Leather Gloves – protect your hands

Steel Tongs – quickly handle hot items (think fire management), and keeps your hands clean

Wool Beanie – keeps you warm under stress

Needle-Nose Pliers – better leverage than fingers

Pencil Sharpener – this very lightweight tool allows you to make shavings from twigs – as kindling for starting a fire, in addition to re-sharpening a pencil.  Get the larger “construction pencil” sharpener size.

Small Neodymium Magnet – useful for magnetizing a paperclip or wire to use as a basic compass in a pinch.  Can retrieve items if there is a hook attached to the magnet.

Scissors – a quality pair of heavy-duty but comfortable kitchen scissors (6″ to 8″ long); look for a large comfortable handle

Monocular (min. 7 x zoom) – allows you to quickly observe and assess a situation or lookup information (such as signs) from a safe distance.  Brunton makes an inexpensive 7x compact pocket monocular that I’ve used on many trips that has a sufficiently clear zoom, for the price

Caffeine or Stimulant Pills – stay alert; avoid withdrawal headaches

Water Purification – keep hydrated at all costs

Nails – this one small item revolutionized how we live