Merino wool is more comfortable to wear because it’s fibers are finer than most wool. Merino sheep, originally from Spain, are mostly raised at high elevations in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and South America. Typically Merino sheep have 4 times the number of fibers per square inch than other breeds.

Merino wool garments still require special handling during laundering like all wool clothes but it also shares the benefits like its ability to retain body heat when wet, breathability, water resistance, odor-resistance, fire-resistance, durability, elasticity, crease-resistance, UV-light resistance, easy care, and sustainability.

Since Merino wool is more comfortable to wear than other varieties a wider range of garments can be made including t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, long underwear, gloves, and of course socks.

Modern synthetic fabrics are also provide excellent performance and can also add increased weather protection, lighter weight options, and a much wider selection of selections. But by adding wool garments to your selection of clothes will make your survival wardrobe more effective and give you more options over time.

Learn more about Merino Wool (REI.com)

Learn more about Merino Wool (wikipedia.org)

For those building bug-out bags and preparing for hard times or disasters, ultralight backpackers can be used as an extreme example of how little one needs to survive with the right skills and planning. Disaster preparedness requires additional items and considerations but the progress made in ultralight equipment and ultralight backpacking techniques combined with normal disaster preparations would make a powerful combination.

The three essential items that make up most of the weight are the backpack, sleeping system, and rain shelter. There are many ultralight backpacks on the market and the size you choose is dependent on the amount of stuff you carry. Sleeping systems can be ultralight sleeping bags or even sleeping quilts which cover the camper and rely on the insulated pad for bottom protection. Rain shelters are often simple tarps or bivy sacks instead of tents. Here are a few examples:

• Ultralight Backpack (REI Quick UL 45 Pack – 2lbs. 9oz.)
• Ultralight Sleeping Bag (REI Sub Kilo +20 Sleeping Bag – 2 lbs.)
• Ultralight Bivy Sac (REI Minimalist Bivy – 1lb. 1oz.)

The remaining equipment usually includes:

• Ultralight Alcohol Stove, Fuel & Lighter
• Spoon (no mess kit)
• Lightweight Hiking Shoes
• Lightweight Clothes (minimal quantity)
• Balaclava
• Sleeping Pad
• Ultralight Knife or Leatherman
• Chemical Water Treatment Tablets
• Ultralight Water Bottles
• Tiny LED Flashlight
• Infant Tooth Brush
• Food

Here is more information on ultralight backpacking:

• Ultralight Backpacking – Wikipedia
• Ten Essentials – Wikipedia
• Survival Kit – Wikipedia
• TrailQuest Ultralight Backpacking
• Ultralight Backpacking Checklist – REI
• Joe’s Ultralight Backpacking
• Adventure Alan’s Ultralight Backpacking

Capacity

You need a vehicle that has enough room for your group (family) and their stuff (bug-out bags). You should also be able to carry enough water and food for 3 to 30 days depending on your personal predictions for potential disasters.

Ability

You need a vehicle that can get you through a mess, like a storm. I personally think having 4-wheel drive is essential. It provides the clearance and traction you’d need to get through most conditions.

Range & Fuel

Your vehicle needs to be able to get you to safety with the fuel it can hold. If power lines are down gas stations may stop pumping fuel. Being stuck with an empty tank during an evacuation is a serious problem. Diesel fuel, good fuel economy, and extended fuel tanks is often preferred.

Livability

When evacuation is required it tends to include the relocation of thousands of people. Even with ample cash finding a motel or safe place to stay may prove impossible. Vehicles that provide a protected place to sleep and live for your whole group may quickly become a very valuable asset.

Stealth

The best protection is often the ability to go unnoticed. Vehicles that blend into the environment and don’t look like expensive temporary housing may be the safest place to stay. For example an RV looks like a place people live. A white panel truck with no windows that’s outfitted like an RV blends into the urban scenary. Less expensive vehicles are also less of a target when people begin to get out of control. For example an Escalade or Hummer would be a much higher theft target than an old pickup.

Towing

The ability to tow a small to medium size trailer gives you the flexibility to transport more stuff if time permits. Towing additional vehicles also becomes an option. Towing ATVs and motorcycles can also give you a way to bypass clogged freeways although this would require abandoning your primary bug-out vehicle.

Repairs

Vehicles you can work on yourself without the aid of computerized equipment is preferred. In an evacuation being able to preform a quick repair can get you back on the road fast. Modern computerized vehicles are nice when they work and when there are mechanics around to fix them. Simple vehicles that can repaired with hand tools are better in extreme situations.

Examples

I spotted this truck on craigslist the other day and imagined an extreme survivalist being it’s next owner. It’s a monster and former forest service truck. The owner is asking only $4900 for it. A truck like this wouldn’t be very useful everyday but it could be great during an evacuation. Some problems might be that it would stick out like a soar thumb and would need some kind of camper on the back for living/sleeping. It might also be hard to find truck parts. A smaller truck with more common parts would probably be better.

Here’s another example, a 1971 Suburban. Also less than $5,000. It would fulfill many of the requirements above and still be useful as a day-to-day vehicle, albeit a little expensive on fuel.

Another example of a good bug-out vehicle is an old jeep. I found this on craigslist too; its a 1962 Willys Wagon and the seller is asking for only $8,000. It’s got a fresh engine and transmission and with a more neutral paint job it might be a little more stealthy.

An older camper like this one can also serve as a very useful bug-out vehicle especially if any modern computerized components are replaced, like the fuel injection. But like the Willys and Suburban above range and fuel capacity might prove to be too limiting.

A truck like this (below) is probably the best balance between all the factors especially with a diesel engine and extended fuel tanks. The camper provides the living space, the 4-wheel drive can get you where you want to go. It’s also not an expensive camper so you wouldn’t be calling too much attention to yourself. Best of all it could serve multiple uses.

Eton FR400 American Red Cross Multi-Purpose Radio

You can but the Eton FR400 American Red Cross Multi-Purpose Radio at REI for about $60. Here is a short video that describes another Eton emergency radio.

affordable emergency kit

1 Backpack – Three-compartment nylon backpack with adjustable shoulder straps. Filled the pack weighs 14 lbs. 10 oz. and measures 14.5″ x 10″ x 7″.
2 – food packages
20 – water packets
1 – Tube tent
2 – waterproof ponchos
4 – hand warmers
2 – dust masks
1 – hand-crank flashlight/radio
1 – multifunction tool
1 pair – work gloves
1 – collapsible water jug
1 – whistle
2 – light sticks
1 package – waterproof matches
1 -pencil
60 feet – nylon rope
1 roll – waterproof tape
2 – cold packs
2 pair – latex-free medical gloves
6 – antimicrobial hand wipes
1 – bandage scissors
1 – tweezers/forceps
2 – finger splints
1 – first aid manual
1 package – facial tissue
2 – biohazard waste bags
5 – 3″ x 0.75″ bandages
5 – 3″ x 1″. bandages
5 – knuckle bandages
5 – fingertip bandages
4 – 2″ x 2″ gauze pads
2 – 3″ x 3″ gauze pads
2 – 4″ x 4″ gauze pads
1 – stretch gauze 4 yd. x 2 in.
2 – 9 x 5 in. ABD/combine pads
1 – eye pad
3 – sting relief wipes
9 – antibacterial wipes
2 – triple antibiotic ointment packets
2 – burn cream packets
2 – eye wash bottles
4 – Cetafen® acetaminophen tablets
4 – Nutralox® antacid tablets
4 – Proprinal® ibuprofen tablets
1 – diamode loperamide HCI
2 – anti-diarrhea tablets

As you can see it contains the essential items but it light on food and water. If you’ve done little to prepare for disaster this kit can jump start your efforts and give you some immediate protection. If you are more serious and want to spend the time creating your own kit, this simple kit can serve as an example.

Before purchasing this kit see the REI website for complete details, price, and specifications as they could change from the time I posted this here. Also browse their website, they have other kits as well. This kit just seemed like the best bargain for someone looking for some instant emergency protection or a simple car kit to augment their other preparations.

Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Filter – A simple backpacking water filter like this top rated water filter can make a lot of questionable water. It weights 11 ounces, removes protozoa and bacteria down to 0.3 microns in size, including giardia, salmonella, cryptosporidium and others. It takes 48 pumps to pump 1 liter in a minute. It costs about $75.

SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier with Solar Charging Case – Another way to clean water is to use ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light rays this purifier uses can safely sterilize by destroying 99.99% of protozoa (including giardia and cryptosporidium), bacteria and even viruses. This particular unit comes with a solar batter charger and lithium rechargable batteries. It costs about $140.

Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Tablets – 20 Pack – Another way to treat water is with chemicals. Simply drop one tablet into a quart of water and the water will be drinkable within 4 hours. The chemical is Chlorine dioxide and is effective against viruses, bacteria, giardia and cryptosporidium. It is also the same proven method used in many municipal water supplies. These cost about $10 for enough tablets to purify five gallons of water.

There are pros and cons with all methods (filters, ultraviolet, and chemical) of purifying water but clean water is a necessity so trying a few different methods and then selecting the solution that works best for you should be something you do before disaster strikes. Be sure to consider the lifetime of the device and number of gallons per dollar the device can purify. For example ultraviolet devices might seem expensive at first but they will probably outlast the filter units and will most definitely out last a supply of chlorine tablets.

It’s a Vertex Standard Yaesu VX-8R portable handheld and in addition to being an AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio it can transmit and receive on several amateur radio bands (50/144/430 Tri-Band). This particular radio is also submersible and has a GPS option and can operate on various power sources including lithium ion batteries and AA Batteries.

With training and licencing a radio like this can keep you connected to news, information, and more importantly it gives you the ability to stay connected when other options become unavailable.

Learn more about disaster preparedness.

The most important items you’ll need are shelter, food, and water. The most important feature of your pack is portability which mostly has to do do with overall weight, your pack’s design, and your physical fitness.

Continue reading for some ideas for making a very complete bug-out bag. You’ll probably find that a sub-set of these items will meet your needs but I wanted to capture a complete list in one place. If you were to put all these items in a bug-out bag it would be much too heavy so choose carefully.

Core:

• Lightweight Sturdy Backpack
• Lightweight Cold Weather Sleeping Bag & Pad
• Collapsible Emergency Shelter or Backpacking Tent

Water

• Filled Reusable Water Bottles (one gallon per person per day)
• Water Filter and/or Water Purification Tablets

Food & Cooking

• Cook Stove, Mess Kit, and Dish Soap
• Matches & Lighters
• Nonperishable Food Rations for 3 Days Minimum

Protective Gear & Clothing

• Warm Rain Resistant Cap
• Warm Water Proof Jacket
• Rain Poncho
• Water Resistant Hiking Boots & Spare Laces
• Sturdy Work Gloves
• Warm Gloves
• Sun Glasses
• Eye Protection
• Dust Masks
• Warm Socks
• Underwear & Long Underwear
• Sun Block & Bug Repellent
• Space Blanket

First Aid & Personal Hygiene

• First Aid Kit & Common Medications (Imodium, Tylenol, Aspirin, Benadryl, etc)
• Personal Hygiene Kit, Soap, and Moist Towelettes
• Handkerchief
• Personal Prescriptions
• Toilet Paper

Misc Gear

• Whistle & Signal Mirror
• Headlamp (AA Batteries)
• Small LED Flashlight (AA Batteries)
• Large Garbage Bags

Communications and Navigation

• Cellular Phone
• Maps (Include locations of public shelters, fire stations, evacuation routes, etc.)
• Compass
• GPS device
• AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio or Multi-Band Ham Transceiver(s) (AA Batteries)
• Binoculars

Toolkit

• Solar Battery Recharger for AA Batteries
• Spare Rechargeable AA Batteries
• Small Sewing Kit
• Multi-Tool
• Knife & Sharpener
• Small Folding Shovel
• Small Crow Bar
• Small Axe
• Rope/Paracord
• Duct Tape

Personal Items

• Identification (Passport)
• Notebook & Pens
• Cash & Coin
• Copies of Personal Documents
• Family Emergency Plan & Phone Numbers
• Financial Account Information
• Survival Books
• Bible (or other scripture)

Weapons

Possessing weapons of any kind is a very personal decision. While weapons can protect you that can also make you more of a threat to other people including law enforcement. Before considering packing weapons in your bug-out bag check you local laws and obtain proper permits before carrying concealed weapons; and by all means be sure to get proper training and consider the risks carefully.

It’s also important to point out that guns and knives are not just weapons but can be extremely useful tools for defense and hunting. So while I emphasize the great care in the decision making process I also want to say that they can also be very useful tools.

Here are some common choices:

Knife – A good survival knife typically has a fixed single sided blade of very high quality steel with solid handels and a full or narrow tang. The blade thickness should also be between 5/32 and 8/32 of an inch and 4 to 6 inches long. Stainless steel blades require less maintenance but are harder to sharpen and are more expensive. Carbon steel blades tend to hold an edge better and if used regularly will not have a problem with rust.

Handgun – It’s hard to define a good handgun for survival situations because there are so many good choices and personal taste ranges widely; but I think most would agree that reliability, accuracy, capacity, and weight are the factors at the top of the list. Some excellent choices are the Glock 17 and the Sig P226.

Shotgun & Rifle – These are a bit difficult to pack in a bug-out bag due to the barrel length but there are some interesting options like the Marlin 70PSS and the Henry U.S. Survival rifle. These are take down rifles that can be partially disassembled for easier packing and transport.

Another interesting option for versatile survival guns are shotgun/rifle combos. These will often have an over/under barrel configuration that combine a .22 rifle with a .410 shotgun. While these shotgun and rifle examples may provide some additional hunting capabilities, the handguns would probably be a better bet for self defense.

Links:

• The Bug-Out Campout – Great article on a real bug-out bag test.
• 10 Lessons from the Bug-Out Campout
• Photos and discussion of a prepper’s bug-out bag
• Another prepper’s bug-out bag
• Multiple bug-out bags
• Wilderness Survival – A nice collection of articles on food, fire, and staying safe in the wilderness.

More about Disaster Preparedness

In fact you can download an ebook on the topic free written by Joseph Jenkins. I won’t go into too much more detail but it’s basically a simple way to compost human waste. The toilet it a toilet lid covered bucket filled with sawdust and the waste is periodically taken out to a compost pile. I know that sounds pretty gross but it sounds a whole lot better than backed up sewer systems. Check it out… The Humanure Handbook