Traditionally the “bug-out-bag” has been designed for wilderness survival. During the last few months, I have been rethinking my BOB with more of an urban/suburban focus.

Scenario
Imagine a scenario where there are mass riots all across the US, and, in particular, the city where you live. For whatever reason, you have to navigate this chaotic urban environment and cover quite a distance, on foot, to get to a specific location. Your best estimate is it will take you 2-3 days to traverse the chaos.

A lot of what you will come across is unknown. However, time is of the essence, and you have to move as quickly as possible. This limits the amount of gear you are going to be able to take.

Areas of Focus
There are four core areas I am going to focus. They are:
1. Essentials
2. Security
3. Navigation
4. Communication

I’m going to try my best to categorize the gear choices into one of twelve “systems.” Feel free to comment, critique, and make alternative suggestions. Here we go–

Tool System
• MultiTool, e.g., Leatherman Wave +
• Small pry bar, e.g., Piranha tool
• Folding knife, e.g., Benchmade Triage
• Fixed blade knife, e.g., Winkler SAR knife
• Small bolt cutter, e.g., Knipex 8 or 6 inch
• Sillcock wrench (for urban water procurement)
• Knife sharpener
• Lock pick set
• Wire saw
• Paracord
• Gorilla tape
• Carabiner
• Rubber bands
• Compass
• Headlamp
• Small flashlight
• 4 medium & 4 large zip ties

Electronic System
• Battery, USB, Anker
• Charger, AA Battery, Goal Zero and 4 GZ AA batteries
• 4 Nicad AA & AAA batteries
• Solar Panel, Goal Zero Nomad 7 +

Communication System
• Smartphone, e.g. iPhone & charger
• iCom ID 51 & charger-Handheld HAM radio
• SatPhone & charger & modem
• SW/AM/FM radio-small handheld

Computer System
• Mini iPad & charger
• WiFi thumb drive

Cooking System
• Titanium cookset & spork, e.g. Snowpeak
• Lighter/matches

Water System
• 2-1 quart canteen
• Sawyer straw

Sleep System
• Bivy bag & tarp/ground cloth
• Poncho

Medical System
• FAK
 4 adhesive bandages
 2-2-pack ibuprofen
 Imodium AD
 2-2-pack aspirin
 ½ roll medical tape
 4 surgical sponges
 3 antiseptic wipes
 4 butterfly bandages
 2 packs antibiotic salve
 Tweezers
 4 safety pins
 4 5 by 3 1/8 inch sheet moleskin
 2 Aqua Mira water treatment tabs
 Sawyer water filter kit
 Tourniquet
 Emergency trauma bandages
 Hemostatic agents

Clothing System
• 1 underwear
• 2 socks

Shelter System
• See sleep system

Personal/Hygiene System
• Personal Dopp kit
 Toothbrush
 Toothpaste
 Dental floss
 Soap
 Hand sanitizer
 Bug spray
 Sunscreen
 Small travel towel
 TP
 Ear plugs

Weapon System
• Handgun, e.g., Barretta 9mm pistol, holster, clip holders & clips

On person & in pockets (all the rest is in a “greyman” backpack)
 PPE Facemask & Nitrile gloves
 iPhone
 Earplugs
 Folding knife
 Lighter
 Survival key chain (2)
 Car keys
 Hand cleaner
 Garmin watch & Sinn Watch
 Notebook/space pen & Combat pen
 Sunglasses
 Multi-tool
 Winkler SAR knife
 First aid/survival kit
 Wallet
 ICOM radio
 SAT phone
 Money

Analyzing the above with traditional wilderness BOBs I note the absence of a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, & food. I also note an increase in tools. Question: Is there too much redundancy in Comm? Do I need the iPad mini or the small solar panel? Weight and mobility is always a crucial factor. What do you think??