Now there’s an obvious difference between essentials and luxuries. The following items would be considered “luxury” items in a bug out situation. But if you’ve already got your essentials covered these items will do volumes to make bugging out that much easier on you and your family.
The bottom-line: if you’re still working on finding the right pack and knife put these items on the back burner. If you’re ready to take your bug out bag to the next level, these are a great place to start.
Holster
Now a weapon should be on your list of BOB essentials. The holster, however, is quite the beneficial luxury. By having a good holster for your firearm you are eliminating several problems many people come across by not having one.
The first – space. When you can carry your firearm on your body you now open up that space in your BOB for other necessary essentials.
Second – accessibility. Many people become terribly unfamiliar with the in’s and out’s of their BOBs after they’ve been sitting on the shelf for several months (or years). When a bug out situation has occurred, you’ll want quick and easy accessibility to your firearm. It’s no use to you if you can’t get to it in time. By carrying it on you, you won’t have to worry about digging it out of your pack.
My holster recommendation: Deep Conceal
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are one of those day-to-day items that we often take for granted. In many bug-out scenarios, you’ll be wishing you had packed a solid pair of shades. When choosing your bug-out sunglasses, take the time (and money) to pick a pair that will pass a solid durability test. This means no $5 gas station shades.
The primary purpose of these sunglasses are to provide your eyes with protection. They need to be able to keep out any harmful debris and UV radiation that can damage your eyes – keeping you moving at a quick and steady pace toward your bug out location.
My sunglasses recommendation: BTB Sunglasses (ballistic grade durability and under $50)
Ham Radio
In the event of an emergency, communication capabilities are major luxuries. Ham radios are ideal for emergency communication. Given you have the right radio, you can communicate with virtually anyone around the world without having to worry about jammed cell phone towers. Oftentimes emergency personnel will even call upon ham radio operators to assist is spreading the word on official emergency news.
Having a ham radio and license as part of your bug out strategy will be a huge benefit. You can be directly in touch with official emergency statements. If your family has ham radio capabilities you can stay in contact with them as well.
Get more information on ham radio licensing, FAQs and purchasing guidelines here.
Bug Out Vehicle
This item is a luxury for obvious reasons. Having a separate vehicle specific for a bug-out plan is expensive, but worth it. Your bug out vehicle should have the following attributes:
Off-Road Capabilities
Plenty of Cargo Space
Basic Diesel Engine (Older Vehicle)
Durable
Tow-Capable
Camouflage Paint Job (it doesn’t really have to be camo, but dark earthy “camo” colors are best to keep you hidden at night)
Gas Reserve Tank
My family’s BOV is a retired Deuce and a Half but there are many other options not quite as intimidating if you’re not into massive 1970’s army trucks J
Comfort Medication
Every BOB should include necessary medication such as prescriptions, but if you have the space you’d be wise to include a small medicine cabinet with your staple over-the-counter medications. Think about how miserable you are with a cold being at home in a nice warm bed with all the comforts you’re accustomed to. Now think about how much more miserable a head cold can be when you’re bugging out. Things like Ny-Quil, sinus relief, fever reducers, pain relievers, etc. are all nice luxuries to add to your first aid kit.
Now please don’t confuse this with the essentials though. If you don’t currently have a comprehensive trauma kit in your BOB with the most essential emergency first aid needs (like bleed stoppers, j-tubes, etc.) those take precedence over comfort medications.
What other “luxuries” do you have in your BOB? Leave your suggestions in the comments section below.
I absolutely agree the best place to carry your firearm is on you, concealed. However, I would have my second/third in my bob with extra ammo.
Thank you wardog! Many people forget that extra ammo is an necessity. It’s not like the movies where endless ammunition seems like a reality.
Hi Jessica. I like your blog & have been checking in on it for a while. I am the owner of the Guns and Survival Blog (independentwolf.blogspot.com). I have noticed that the new content on your site has slowed down somewhat lately. If there are any posts on my blog that you would like to link to, you are welcome to. Good luck & all the best.
LWM out…………….
For those that don’t have the money for a ham radio, a cheap short wave radio will still let you get news from distant stations and can be had for 21 dollars shipped off ebay ( DEGEN DE321 DSP WORLD BAND RADIO).It is really a great little radio that I can pick up stations all over the world with just using its whip antenna and if you add a small wind up wire antenna it is very sensitive. I would also add a good plastic deck of cards.Everyone will be highly stressed in this situation and having something to do to get your mind off of the situation even if for a short while would be welcomed.