BUG OUT GEAR - THE CONCEPTS

WEIGHT

The MAXIMUM WEIGHT for a Bug-Out-Bag is around 40 pounds. I don't care if you're a professional athlete or an average office worker. The ruck should not exceed 40 pounds. Many people refer to an infantryman's load, but you have to remember - he is fed from a never ending supply line and has medical assistance. You are fed from your ruck and skills as a hunter/gatherer, and have meager first aid. The energy spent and risk of injury imparted by a heavier ruck is not worth it. Remember, the 40 pounds is in ADDITION to your "line one" gear and rifle.

With a popularly designed AND LOADED ruck, 40 pounds of gear should EASILY net you 7 days worth of "consumables" and YEARS worth of "durables".

CONSUMABLES vs DURABLES

Consumables are those items that get "used up". Examples include:

Batteries
Pre-Packaged Food
Water Purification Tablets
Butane Lighters

Durables are those items that wear slowly. Examples include:

Hand-Crank Flashlight
Fishing Line (doubles as snare line) & Hooks
Seeds
Pump Water Filter
Ferro Rod Fire Starter
Fixed Blade Knife
Poncho or Tarp

Note that I show examples of both consumable and durable products for several specific items. You must start thinking in terms of "how to do I get food after I eat my frieze-dried food?".

FIREARMS

I love guns. Guns have been a passion of mine since I was 9 years old. Heck, I built my first AR15 in 1984 at the age of 10. However, do not sacrfice beans for bullets!

A rifle or handgun in 22LR is the king of survival. The firearms are light, accurate, durable and most importantly:

1) You can easily carry 1000+ rounds of ammo.
2) You can hunt small game.

Do not think you're going to hunt large game in a survival scenario. You will be beat out by every other person who thinks the same thing. Large game populations will dwindle quickly. However, small game has always been a staple for the self reliant.

My personal firearms selection include a "centerfire" rifle, and 22LR handgun. I have a Ruger Mk3 Government Target with a 6-7/8" tapered "bull barrel" that is easily capable of hitting empty 12 guage shotgun shells at 30-40 yards. This is a head shot on a squirrel at the same distance. The 22 handgun will be instantly accessible from a belt holster should a small game opportunity arise. My centerfire rifle selection has changed many times over the years, but has typically been an AR15 of some variety. However, with my recent acquisition of a Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle I've taken my "stay away from the enemy and keep my load light" strategy to an extreme. The GSR is a 7.62x51mm (308 Winchester) with a Leupold 2.5x IER scope on it. After this rifle proves itself on the range - it will be a first or second option for my centerfire rifle. The other option will be a bone stock DSA FAL. I've selected 308Win because of its ability to penetrate, maintain energy at range, and use by our armed forces.



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