Bug Out Bag/72 Hour Kit

This post has been a long time in the making.  For over a year I have been wanting to put together a Bug Out Bag (BOB).  The last six months have been spent in research, making a list, and gathering supplies.  This might be the most important post that I have made so far.  Each person/family should have some sort of BOB.
What is a bug out back?  It is a kit that will get you and your family through a 72 hour period in case of an emergency.  What you put in your kit is up to you, everyone has different needs.
There are a couple of things to remember when making your kits.
1. It should include supplies for all weather you may face through out the year.  So, if you live in a place like I do extreme winter weather needs to be considered.
2.  All kits should consider 10 basic essentials;  navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid, fire, repair kits and tools, nutrition, hydration, and shelter.
3.  You should also consider the priorities of survival; shelter, water, fire, food.  The order of these priorities might change for a given situation, but being in a situation that lasts more than 24 hours (which is what we plan for with a BOB) all become important.
So the kit.  Here is a list of items I have put together for my family.  Remember they are suggestions, every kits will be a little different and can change over time as your family size or location change.  I have put my list into groups that I feel are important and coincide with the 10 essentials as well as the survival priorities.

Storage

All your gear has to go somewhere.  A bag with shoulder straps is ideal when considering a pack.  Many people use some sort of backpacking bag, or duffel.  Whatever you choose make sure it is durable and has some level of water repelling qualities.  I would also suggest it isn't too flashing.  This prevents others from knowing you are prepared and keeps them from either taking your gear or mooching off the supplies you have for you and your family.


Shelter

Shelter will almost always be the first priority in survival.  Whether you are protecting yourself from hot sun,rain, snow, or wind, shelter is always important.  Shelter includes short term living quarters, blankets, clothing, and anything that will protect you from the elements.  In this section I have included a tube tent, two thermal blankets, two wool blankets, two space blankets, one plastic poncho per person, hand warmers, and appropriate clothing.


Fire
In this section many people think a pack of matches is good enough.  This is not true, what if you are in the middle of strong rains, matches probably won't cut it.  You need to triple or quadruple your fire starting supplies and techniques.  Also keep in mind that you may need items that go beyond initial spark or flame, include one or two forms if tinder in your kit.  Included in my fire starting kit are matches (in water proof case), lighter, flint and steal, Wet Fire tinder, and petroleum soaked cotton balls.

Water
It is very hard to carry water in your pack, it is just too heavy.  You should, however, have a way to purify and store water once using your kit.  The adult human body can only go 3 days without water.  Water is important for staying hydrated but can also be used for cooking.  If there are not a lot of natural water sources where you are at you may want to store barrels of water somewhere as back up.  My kit has two 1 liter water bottles, hand crank powered SteriPEN, SteriPEN pre-filter, stove and fuel for boiling water.

Food
There may be some natural food in your area available to you.  However, this should never be relied on in an emergency.  Freeze dried food is light, filling, and lasts a long time.  It does require water to cook, so if you do not have lots of water sources near you stock some in a safe place.  I have three days of freeze dried food for four people, hard candy (for instant energy and to help keep kids happy), powdered sports drink, and tuna packets (good energy and ready to eat, also lasts a few years).

Navigation
It is not hard to imagine a situation that would force you to go on the move.  Navigational supplies and skills could save your life.  Always have a compass and maps, and know how to use them.  I suggest keeping maps of any area you live in or may want to evacuate to.  You can get free topographical maps from mytopo.com, just click the online maps link.  I have a state highway map, local street map, compass, and local topo maps.  All these maps go into a small water proof roll-top pouch.

Tools
These items might seem excessive, but can save your life.  Many survival experts believe a good knife is the most important piece of survival gear.  While some of these items can be heavy they are important and should be included in your kit.  Mine includes a pocket knife, multi tool, snare wire, hatchet saw combo, para cord, can opener, duct tape, knife sharpener, and survival radio (with weather band).


Illumination
Again you want more than one light source.  If you are in a group you will not want to take all the light from a shelter when you go to fetch water.  Also consider different forms of light.  In my kit I have a headlamp, small flashlight (that is also a glow stick), survival radio with flashlight, candle lantern, and extra batteries.




First Aid
Many tend to think of first-aid as the most important part of a kit, however you are only going to be able to carry enough supplies for minor to moderate injuries.  That said my first-aid kit takes up the most space in my pack after food.  All my first-aid supplies are kept in a water tight plastic box to protect the contents.  It includes large pads, sterile gauze, assorted adhesive bandages, 2 small ice packs, quick clot, petroleum jelly, bug spray, rubber gloves, sun screen, soap, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, assorted pain killers, tampons/pads, cotton balls, toothpaste, toothbrushes, small first-aid booklet, anti itch cream, medical super glue, eye drops, shampoo, diarrhea tablets, antihistamines, tweezers, suture kit, and ace bandage.  Make sure to rotate medicines, they do have expiration dates.

Signaling
You might find yourself in a situation that isolates you from other people or rescue teams.  These teams may not be able to locate you with out signals being put out.  If you are not able to start signal fires or put out markers a couple of tools will be vital yo being found.  The flash lights in your kits can double as signals, but may only work well at night.  You will also want to include a signal mirror and whistle.  Some suggest a small flare of some kind, but I haven't added that to my kit at this time.

Misc.

Some items aren't necessary but are nice to have in your kits.  They don't really fit into a specific group but can be important for comfort or extended survival situations.  I have thrown in work gloves, sewing kit, dusk masks, fishing line and lures, trowel, and towels.  I have also made photocopies of important documents, like driver's licences, birth certs., and passports (all in another water proof pouch).  I would also suggest having anywhere from $100 to $1,000 in your kit.  You will also want something to take your mind off the tragedy of the situation.  A deck of cards or book will help here.

Protection/Hunting
History tells us that in times of emergency there are people willing to set aside law and common decency.  You may live in a location that has large animals like cougars, bears, and even wolves around.  It isn't hard to imagine that some disasters would cause animals to come out of the hills, with larger predators in tow.  If you are comfortable with including a fire arm in your kit I would do so.  Make sure you have adequate ammunition.  You may consider a gun that uses a common caliber of ammunition, so that you can restock easier.  A .22 rifle would be a great choice if you plan on hunting.  This caliber of rifle is perfect for small game, but could help take down larger game as well.  I would suggest the Ruger 10/22, this is a semi-auto rifle with years of reputable reliability.  I do keep extra ammo in my kit, but not my actual firearms.  They are however, near my kit ready to be grabbed when needed.  Please always remember gun safety practices.

Please remember that what I have in my kit may not work for your needs.  These are all suggestions.  I have spent months finding the things that my family might need.  Use my list as a guide and a motivator to get started on your own kit.  Also be sure to get good quality supplies.  You don't want gear to fail when you need it most.  Also make sure that all adults using your kit know what is in it and how to use the items it contains.  Good luck, I welcome any suggestions.