When we asked the boys what they would like for Christmas this year, the first answer was for dad to put together a grown up survival/bug out bag for them. When they were little we started them off with some simple items, like a water bottle, change of clothes, compass and some small form of entertainment.
Senior was in all his glory shopping for these bags, looking for useful items that kids could use in the event we needed to bug out.
First we found these bags from Mossy Oak, extremely roomy and can hold a lot of stuff:
The bags are so roomy inside that they can even carry their Hennessy Hammocks they got for their birthdays in 2015.
Senior addressed three main areas when planning for these bags: First it was food, he got them a couple of bags of Mountain Houses, and a block of Emergency Food rations, these bricks are available anywhere and give you around 2400 calories..
Next came Warmth...before we added this to their bag Senior held several fire starting classes with them, and made sure he knew that they were well educated and versed in fire safety. The orange can is "Murray's Super Light" hair dressing it is very flammable, Just rub a cotton ball around in it and put it in some tender. We also included some fire starters to spark a flame. Fire is not only essential in keeping warm and cooking but it is essential to a persons morale.
Next and probably the most important item is water... He found this water bag squeeze filtration system. You put water in the blue bag and filter it out through the orange thing at the top. A person can go three weeks without food, but the human body can only go three days without water... A water filtration source should be the most important thing in anyone's bug out bag...
Shelter is also an important component, and we love the Hennessy Hammocks, first off they keep you off the cold wet ground. We gave them a Shemagh scarf to help camouflage them if we are out in the woods etc. And the boys think it is totally fun to wear them...lol
Some other useful items are a couple of pocket knifes, a multi tool and compass...got to know where you are going!
For this past Fathers Day we got Senior this folding saw...He loved it! And added one to the boys bags, it is great for cutting small branches and brush.
I know there are people out there probably scratching their heads as to why we allow our kids to carry around knives and fire starting items..Well unlike yuppy kids, our kids are well versed in safety and carry with them the knowledge of using these items, they understand they are not a toy, and could one day save their lives. Our boys love to get outside and pretend to Bug-Out, they will set up their hammock tents and make a little campsite, it gives them responsibility and independence... They see their parents, prepping and carrying around this cool stuff and they want to as well. I guess it gives them a sense of importance.
So if you are searching for a gift idea for kids who are like ours, I recommend putting something together for them.
Just keep the child's age in mind, some of the things we have for our kids, may not be age appropriate for yours.
Items that are not posted but just as important are A change of clothes, poncho, flashlight, para-cord, toiletries and first aid items...
-JUGM
So proud of your boys for requesting this. And, I agree, so much fun putting it together. If they would ever need something like this, they will be well prepared, as we all are, & should be at all times. Good job Mom & DAd!
ReplyDeletep.s. We get a ?? for those that notice out bug out bags that we carry w/us on every trip over an hour from home. We don't care, it's the fact that we can cope w/almost any situation that may come our way.
Thanks!
DeleteI know people will find it hard to believe that our kids actually requested these things...but they did. They just aren't in to video games etc. They have that but prefer to read or be outside. Or in the case of our youngest to play with his legos... : )
My wife and I did the same with our children when they were kids. It's good to start them early, so that prior planning and a self sufficient mentality are ingrained in them when they are older. You and Senior Chief certainly put together excellent BOB for them. Most adults are not so well equipped.
ReplyDeleteThey requested it, and Senior knew what to buy and what not to buy. He had to also think of their age...what sorts of things would be good for them and what wouldn't. He makes it fun for them. They both love science so the water filtration thing goes over real big.
Deleteand a big congrats to you and Senior for raising boys that want to work on the farm, are interested in the outdoors, want to learn to defend and protect themselves and want "big boy' bug out bags. and kudos to you and Senior for raising these boys this way! me and jambaloney are super impressed!
ReplyDeleteand sending much love your way! your friend,
kymber
Hey Gurlie- It seems rare these days that you have a couple of kids that actually like getting into the outdoors to do these things. While technology is great, I also think kids need to turn off all the devices and get outside. We are fortunate ours likes to do that.
DeleteMany people just don't understand that it's too late to prepare when you're in the middle of an emergency evacuation. The "I'll do it later" mentality will get them in the end.
ReplyDeleteYour boys will be prepared for anything that comes their way.
Hi Granny and welcome to my little blog. I see it all the time with natural disasters etc... people are complacent when it comes to preparing for what ever the world will throw at you.
DeleteBravo, and doing so well with the boys.
ReplyDeleteThanks! We try our best..lol
DeleteHow are you guys doing?
Well done, and socks... ALWAYS a couple of pairs of clean socks!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteDon't forget a small tin of band aids, and first aid stuff. If they carry their bug-out bags with them, they will need band aids at the least. Maybe some 2x2's, 4x4's, gauze wrap and coban (the wrap that stretches and sticks to itself.) Bandage scissors and head lamps...The Red Cross runs first aid courses frequently, and I think you can even get one on line. At least basic training on how to stop bleeding, how to wrap a possible sprained ankle, and how to use a sling for an arm injury. Bet you and Senior can show them that. Cause ya know, if they are outside much, someone will fall out of a tree...lol.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear about kids who like to get outside, and turn off the electronics.
JUGM,
ReplyDeleteWe raised our kids the same way. Every child should know how to take care of themselves, and have a bug out bag (know how and when to use every item in their bag). One just never knows when something will happen, it's better to be safe then sorry.
Sending hugs and love your way.
Sandy