Urbanocalypse Gear

Starting out, prepping for an apocalyptic scenario can be EXTREMELY overwhelming. I feel overwhelmed all the time when looking at things on the internet. Looking at other peoples bug out bags, EDC (Every Day Carry) kits, 72 hour bags, underground bunkers and so on. 

So a little advice. Buy a small cheap kit, do some research and build it from there. I guarantee this is the absolute best way to start. 

For clarification; EDC or also known as Every Day Carry. This will be a few set of items that you will carry with you every day. These items may consist of things like: folding pocket knife, multitool, paracord, mini bic lighter, safety pins, lockpick set, water bottle, hand sanitizer, deodorant, pens, permanent marker, notepad, flashlight, napkins, and a pocket survival kit. 

Now you might be thinking why I carry a pocket survival kit in my EDC. I figure since it has items I still may very well need in a survival situation, why not take it if it fits? 

Obviously, I have a bag that I carry all these items with me in. Yes I take it to work and yes I take it everywhere else I go. NO I am not joking. My girlfriend thinks I'm crazy, but that's what its for right? You never know what is going to happen and when it might happen.

Another name for this kit you might see is GHB or get home bag. 

A Bugout Bag on the other hand, is for just that, bugging out. In other words, when SHTF and you need to leave to safer ground, this bag has all the proper essentials to get you there. 

The following is a vague list of items that you MAY need in your Bugout Bag or BOB:
Water bottle
Camelbak
duct tape
fishing supplies
firestarter supplies
water purification supplies
Tent 
Tarp
sleeping bag
bed roll
sharpening stone
Climbing rope
Backpack
Sleeping bag
Bed roll
Tarp
Paracord 100ft.
shovel
knife (fixed blade)
multitool
cooking supplies
-canteen
-mini stove
-mess kit
-silverware
Fishing gear
-fishing line
-hooks
-bobbers
-weights
Firestarting gear
-stormproof matches
-bic lighter
-fire striker/blast match
-petroleum cotton balls
Water purification
-life straw
-water purification tabs
-MMS (miracle mineral solution)
Pen
Permanant marker
Notebook

Compass
Gas Mask

Now mind you this is just a VERY basic list of the items you can put into your own BOB. All the items on this list will vary greatly depending on your location, route and many other factors. Just remember this when building your BOB, your very life may depend on EVERY item inside this bag. So make sure that EVERYTHING inside it has a use. I cannot stress this enough. All the time I see contents of peoples BOB's posted online. I always wonder why they have the things they do. In this case, its always good to just ask. They may see a need for an item that you never thought of.

Once you get your BOB all set up, go out and take a day hike with it. Go out and take a week long hike with it or just even 3 days. If you have items that you didn't use, reconsider them. There is no need for extra weight.

A good way to get started on a BOB is to give yourself a budget, say maybe $200-$300. Buy a bag, doesn't really matter what kind, but I suggest a military type bag. Here is what I use for my current BOB. I suggest staying away from the camouflage gear. I say this only because in my opinion, it will draw unwanted attention to you. Most people see camouflage and they think military or militia. You can still have good, military grade gear and not the military look. Also, not all military gear is the best gear. There are some very good hiking bags that people use. Just stay away from the bright colors like blue, orange, yellow, red, etc.

The very next thing on your list should be a good knife. They say that's all you really need to survive is a good knife and the skills to use it. Personally I own a 6 inch, combat K-bar and I love it!

After you get the bag and knife, just go through your list and go to Amazon.com and start adding to the wishlist. If you are tight on money like me, and happen to go over budget, just save and wait. You will get it eventually.

You can buy Bugout bags premade online. They can cost you anywhere from $60 in excess of $1,000. I personally do not suggest doing this. The cheap ones have crappy gear and the expensive ones are just that, expensive. Just do what works for you.