I pack ~ 1x2 yard square of mosquito netting as a portable pie safe (and sleeping-facenet) to keep flies off my food and drink, given corpses' special spices which might well be added to lunch.
Folks, Leatherman "Crunch" multi-tool and 5-7" serrated combat/rescue knife (K-Bar-ish) goes with the handgun, Swiss Army "Hunter" model is a minimum: carry rat-shot for rats, squirrels, birds - snarling pack dogs get hollowpoints along with strangers who do not honor the FBI's 21'+ Rule or common sense to move along and don't come back. Carry a small magnifying glass for fire if not a magnesium striker and Fire Ribbon napalm in a tube...
Carry lots of Nitril (far stronger than latex) gloves, eat with them - as you should never eat with your hands, even if "washed" under hellish conditions.
550# paracute cord, 300-500 feet. "100mph" high quality duct tape. Lots of 30 and 55 gal. trash bags for everything, poncho - shade (fabric shower curtain is lighter than tarp) taped &/or corner knotting) etc., etc., etc.
Think multi-use and creatively. In a meltdown - locally, regionally, or nationally - plan on being paranoid, BUT survival may depend on forming up random tribes to watch your 6 day and night. I pack peppermint hard candies by the scores because it is calming to kids and adults alike. I take several # of good quality dogmeal with small Milk Bones because you may need a foundling as your night-watchman. You never know when you may need to take a dog for a wok.
As my primary bugout bag, I like a large "whitewater" pack/bag that is nearly 100% water-proof because one never knows when water may not save your life. I have put together now 5 slightly varied purposed/seasons bags with 2 medical kits small and large for when things are bloody bad And ONE ALONE IS THE MEDIC. Pack 2-4 weeks+ worth of critical meds - IF PACKING FOR A FAMILY, DON'T PUT ALL YOUR MEDS IN ONE pack - if one is lost.
My 7 somewhat redundant bags with at the ready fail-safe tools fill a Suburban. I can travel heavy, Toyota Corolla medium or pedestian lite - and INJURED EVAC VERY LITE.
I have thought through what it would be like to leave my home within 30 seconds to 3 minutes to never return.
Always have enough to share something. My 2 cents tonight.
Never can get enough good advise. It is then up to us each to apply it to our individual circumstances and situation.
You have some good items I hadn't thought of for my bag. I gotta ask about the napalm tho! Why do you have it and where do you get it? I can't wait to tell my son, "To hell w/more ammo, we gotta get some napalm!"
My Norwegian friend, who thinks the government is supposed to handled everything, finally made a bugout bag the other day. I think it dawned on her that she needed to take care of herself first and not wait on the government to save her.
preparation ping.