The passage of a natural disaster or a dramatic event may force you to leave the premises urgently. Apprehension, loneliness, and fear will invade your mind. Surviving in such conditions could be difficult when you are used to comfort. Preparation is therefore essential to avoid being left to your own devices. Here are some tips on how to prepare your urban survivalist bag.
Choosing the right urban survivalist bag
The bag contains your essential survival gear and important documents. To do this, it must have many criteria.
A discreet urban survivalist bag
In an apocalyptic context, discretion is a must. The urban survivalist bag (or B.O.B. for Bug Out Bag or… Brothers of Bushcraft ^^) must blend in. Avoid flashy models like military bags because you are not in the wild. They look like a stuffed bag. You could become a target for bad people. Also, avoid bags with shoulder straps, which are impractical for walking.
Choose a standard backpack that is sturdy and durable and holds your survival kit. Choose one that is padded, ergonomic, has a chest strap and is easy to adjust.
A large bag
An optimal size is between 21 and 80 liters. A 21-liter bag can hold EDCs (EveryDay Carry or daily essentials). Clothing and food require a larger model: 50 to 80 liters. This is more of an indefinite use.
Choose a bag with several zippered pockets. If necessary, add extra pockets or attach other small bags. If possible, try out your bag before you make your choice to ensure that it is comfortable for your back and shoulders.
Packing clothes in your urban survivalist bag
Sleeping gear and clothing take up space. You should be minimalist in your choice of clothing.
Sleeping gear
The choice of sleeping gear depends on the season. If the evacuation takes place in winter, pack a cold weather sleeping bag and a tent for quick shelter. A tarp, hammock or meat bag will also protect you from the cold. In the summer, you can make do with a survival blanket. But for more comfort, you can bring a light sleeping bag or a hammock.
Equip yourself with a minimalist toiletry kit composed of:
- a soap
- shampoo
- toothbrushes
- toothpaste
- small towel
- tampons or sanitary napkins (for women)
- razor (for men)
- your medication (if applicable)
Avoid unnecessary materials (such as makeup) in your urban prepper bag.
Clothes in your urban survivalist bag (B.O.B)
The choice of clothing is based on 2 criteria: resistance and comfort. Avoid tight-fitting clothes that may restrict your movements. A survivalist outfit includes a large sweater and casual or cargo pants.
Ideally, put in your urban survivalist bag:
- a garment against humidity (underpants or a poncho for example)
- a pair of cargo or casual pants
- a warm top (a survival jacket in winter or a thermal under sweater on summer nights);
- a set of underwear (2 pairs maximum).
Complete with a pair of rangers or good hiking boots and high socks (2 pairs).
The survival kit in the urban survivalist bag
The nomadic survivalist equips himself with a variety of materials to protect, care for and feed himself.
The daily essentials
The Swiss Army knife with a maximum of functions is the best ally of the survivalist. Slip a spare battery or two in your bag that is compatible with your phone.
Add a multi-function clip and a flashlight, preferably rechargeable with a crank. To light up nighttime travel, take a headlamp.
For meal preparation, a camping kitchen kit is a must. Don’t forget lighters and matches. And of course, a container for heating (a stove will be perfect).
Emergency food
Water is essential, because the body cannot do without it. Take 0.5 gallon in a large bottle (a water bottle is even better) or at least a 0,13 gallon bottle in a pocket.
And above all, take a water filter with you to be able to transform any water into drinking water free of any bacteria dangerous to health.
Take along imperishable food: dried meat, dried fruit, cookies and especially high-vitamin energy bars.
One meal a day is sufficient. However, the number of meals depends on the pace of the walk. Avoid sugar as a snack. Although it boosts energy, its effect fades after a while and leads you to a state of fatigue.
Always prefer imperishable and energizing food.
Weapons for hunting and fishing
In survivalism, weapons are a must. Get a slingshot, a bow, black powder handguns, knives or a bladed weapon. General purpose weapons also do the trick, such as: tactical light, taser and pepper spray.
For economic reasons, hunting and fishing will be de rigueur. Learn how to design innocuous traps: a net set in a stream, snares on game trails…
Emergency equipment
In an inhospitable environment, health care centers are scarce. You must resort to your own means. Keep a first aid kit in your urban survivalist bag. It contains: basic medications, gauze, a roll of plaster, sterile gloves, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, sterile compresses…
Add an anti-diarrheal, painkillers, alcohol and Betadine. The sewing kit can also be of great help in case of a cut.
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