More Bug Out Bag Goods – The Battle Bag
I was searching around for some info on different BOB options and came across this little gem. The actual article is from 2005, but the info is still very useful.
The author talks specifically about a ‘battle bag’ – that is a ready-packed bug out bag that is specifically designed for fighting.
A Battle Bag differs from a Bug Out Bag in that the Battle Bag also has to carry fighting supplies. What goes into your Battle Bag is dependent on your primary weapon, secondary weapon
(handgun), whether or not you have a vest to carry other gear (armored or otherwise) and whether or not you intend to wear a gun belt.
A few things I love about this article:
His survival system is based on a shotgun: Ok, so every survival/BOB/EOTW/WTSHTF writer out there knows that a shotgun is a bad idea for a survival scenario, but why? Not only is this the weapon of choice for Mad Max (ok, bad example), but chances are in a purely scrounge scenario the only types of cartridges you are guaranteed to find almost everywhere is .22LR and 12 gauge. There is also ample evidence that the weapon of choice for the frontiersmen were smoothbore shotguns. And if Hollywood has taught us anything – to really make sure you kill the hell out of that zombie – nothing can guarantee second mortality like a shotgun.
He advocates PPE beyond rubber gloves: Not only does the author mention making sure you have eye protection (remember how we can run through the cedar in a paintball mask and not worry about getting poked in the eye?) , he also talks about using a helmet. Think about it – if things are really that bad – there are probably going to be more sharp edges out there than usual.
He combines his LBE, belt, and BOB into one package: Rather than having to kit-out with one of those snazzy Eagle Deployment Bags (which are still cool, mind you), he has the idea to have his primary BOB wrapped with his LBE vest to make it easier to carry . . .
The way I have everything put together, the Battle Bag is full and sits upright. The vest wraps around and over it, with the Bag’s handle sticking out the neck opening of the vest. The gun belt wraps around the top slotted through the vest arm openings and the Bag shoulder straps, effectively making them one unit to pick up. The helmet chinstrap is wrapped through some of the webbing on the vest and snapped shut. What I get is one unit that I can pick up by the handle on the Battle Bag as I’m going out the door. If I have the time to “suit up” before I leave, I pull off the gun belt to put it on quick. The helmet comes off the vest, the vest goes over my head, Velcro straps get pushed down, and I’m good to grab the bag and helmet and go out the door.
There is a great picture that shows how everything fits together.
Good stuff!