Bug-out-bag for an off-road expedition
When I started wandering alone with my Jeep in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and British Columbia, I had a satellite phone, a CB radio, and a quality airband radio transceiver. I felt safe because I could reach just about anyone I wanted/needed at all times and ask for help. It didn’t take me long to realize that sometimes I didn’t want to ask for help because it was TOO EXPENSIVE.
When you start a long-distance journey in the wilderness, forget about receiving help from your friends and family members. They have jobs, kids, errands to run, and other responsibilities or scheduled activities. Unless you are injured or dying, they won’t travel hundreds of kilometers to bring you a serpentine belt or get you out from a puddle of mud. And if they do, well, you are lucky to be supported by extraordinary people.
But the fact is that asking for help in the wilderness requires to pay for commercial services. And I’ll tell you this: it’s awfully expensive. It’s beyond your imagination. Are you willing to pay $5,000 for a bush pilot to land on the closest lake and bring you a $40 crankshaft position sensor? Or $3,000 upfront (+ $300 per hour) for a tow truck located 100km away to come help you get out from a ditch?
Yes, sometimes it’s possible to get help from very comprehensive conservation officers or First Nations, but people are scarce in remote areas. What about a rescue team? Maybe you don’t want to pay for the helicopter and the whole team (including the dog) just because you’re lost and now out of fuel.
Personally, I once found myself stranded in grizzly territory, and I realized it would be better for my health to bug out by foot (walking on the safest trail). I came back the next day with a bunch of nice guys who helped me to get unstuck (safely), and everything was cool.
Of course, the best thing should be to NEVER HIT THE TRAIL ALONE. But I know you won’t listen because I’m used to encountering solo off-roaders on the trail. And most (99%) don’t have any plan for a long walk. That is why I decided to share the contents of what I call my Jeep Bug-Out-Bag. It weighs only 14 lbs (including the backpack itself). Most online articles about B.O.B. have been written by survivalists, not by 4x4 adventurers. My goal is to always be ready for a fast 100km/60mi walk and/or to spend three days and three nights in the wilderness. So, I can go somewhere, get what I need, and even come back to my Jeep by foot. What matters the most is (in decreasing order): 1) Water, 2) Foot Care 3) Calories 4) Build a fire 5) Restorative Sleep
Backpack |
Deuter X-Race 10L |
Feet |
Rest |
Foot Blister Kit |
Bivy Sack |
CoolMax Liner Socks (2x) |
Snugpak Blanket |
Smartwool Socks |
SE Sleeping Bad |
Water |
Balaclava |
Hydration Bladder 1.5L |
Stormproof Matches |
2x500ML Spring Water |
UST Wet Fire Starter |
LifeStraw Filter |
Mosquito Repellent |
Calories |
Others |
Granola Bars |
Headlamp + Batteries |
MRE Military Ration |
Antiseptic Cream |
Fishing Kit |
Soap |
Total Weight: 14.0 lbs. |
Note 1: I know that most long-distance hikers and survivalists won't agree with my strategy. But on my side, I just want to walk fast, get the help/parts/tools/fuel I need, and come back as soon as possible because my Jeep is unattended. I don't want it to be found by looters. Acting fast is the key in the wilderness.
Note 2: Even though it's not on “the list”, bear spray is mandatory. You should carry it at your belt (not attached behind or in the backpack) for a quick access. You wear a warm and rainproof jacket. You have quality hiking boots (waterproof + breathable). And I also recommend you to carry a survival knife that has a compass and a tiny flashlight. Like this one from Survival Pro-1 sold for less than 30$.
Survival Pro-1 Knife (with Compass and Light)