Bugout Trunk Box contents

[rjacobs]

I have been ruminating about getting a bugout box for the trunk of my car. This box would not leave the car, I would not be carrying it around, etc... I would be using some cable to "chain" it to the car. I am not worried about the added weight in the car as its a trade off to either be prepared or lose .5mpg.

I have put together a list of stuff after thinking and I posted this on one or two other forums(and got mostly negative remarks from people, nothing really constructive).

I have been looking at the 24gallon Rubbermaid Action Packer cargo boxes. I believe I could fit 2 in my trunk(based on measurements alone not physically having them to check) and still have room to put stuff in my trunk(suitcases/groceries/etc...). They have larger ones, but the cost of the 35 gallon is more than double what 2 24 gallon's would cost.

Anybody got something like this? Any better suggestions in that price range(they are $30 at Lowes).

Some things I am thinking of putting inside of it(this list is not all inclusive and feel free to add to it or disagree with having something in it):
Wool blanket(or some other type of blanket)
Tarp
Jumper Cables
Small tool kit with socket set/screw drivers/allen wrenches/pliers/wrenches/hammer/prybar/etc...
First Aid Kit(need advice on this)
Hatchet/camp axe(probably just grab a Fiskars and call it good)
Bowie knife(or machete)
GI type folding shovel
Compass
Signal Mirror
Whistle
250ft(or whatever length) spool of 550 cord
2 gallons of water(and maybe some water purification tablets or something like that)(some people have brought up issues with freezing in the winter, might remove it in the winter unless there are other suggestions)
Some type of food(looking for suggestions, MRE's?)
Nalgene Bottles(2 1 liter bottles, wide mouth)
5 pack of BIC type lighters and a flint type striker for starting fires(or some other manual striker type method)
dryer lint/cotton balls packed into one nalgene bottle for helping start fires
Extra clothing(thinking short sleeve t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, carhartt pants, 2x underwear, 2x wool socks, 2x moisture wicking athletic socks, winter hat, gloves, one pair long underwear, boonie hat, GI style boots)
Rain Suit(Frog Togs or similar)
Fleece type jacket/pullover
Ammo can with the following:
-50 rounds of 12g buckshot
-50 rounds of 12g slugs
-50 rounds of 12g bird shot
-150 rounds of 5.56 loaded in AR mags
-100 rounds of .38 special
-100 rounds of 9mm
-100 rounds of .45
-Brick or 2 of .22lr
Batteries(not sure what all to get thinking 12 each: CR123, AA, AAA)(somebody mentioned only getting lithium type so they are heat/cold resistant)
Flashlight(not sure what kind, maybe a small CR123 Surefire or two)
Chem Lights
Toiletry kit(soap, toothpaste, tooth brush, deodorant, razor, shave cream, alcohol hand sanitizer, sunscreen, petroleum jelly)(toilet paper was suggested as well, but not sure on it)
Empty 3 day type Backpack(to use as an E&E bag with stuff already in the big tub)


Thats kind of a rambling list of crap I have been thinking of. Not sure exactly how much of it I would be able to fit in said box. Its a pretty good size box, but like I said, I think I can fit two in my trunk if need be.

I have gotten a lot of comments on the various ammo I am thinking of packing into an ammo can. I own a gun(or multiple guns) that use every type of cartridge I have listed. In a day to day situation I would either have a 9mm or a .38special revolver on me(or both). If my father was out with me he carries a .45. On a road trip I would generally have both of those plus a 12g and an AR. If I was truly bugging out I would also have a .45 on me. So the potential is there that I could use all of said ammo. If I got caught out without one of the said guns for the ammo, and the shit really had hit the fan, I could barter with the rest of the ammo. I own one .22lr, but there are so many .22lr's out there that not having something as cheap as a brick or two of .22lr doesnt seem smart to me.

[PA PATRIOT]

The heat/cold that can occur inside your truck could kill a few of the items in your kit being,

Ammo
First Aid supplies
Bic Lighters
Food such as MRE's
Battery's
Toiletry items that are pressurized.

I would think ammunition manufactured to Military spec would have the best chance of surviving the heat/cold but I would try to insulate it and rotate it every 30 days.

First Aid supplies I have no real answer for protecting against heat damage over time, maybe one of are forum members have a suggestion.

Bic Lighters I would replace with a manual fire stater and some water proof matches.

I would suggest dropping the MRE's and go with a long term stable survival bar such as the ones the coast guard uses.

Standard Battery's with die quick when stored in extreme heat or cold. Lithium will last a bit longer for your lights but how much so depends on the quality of the battery.

If its pressurized the heat and cold will most likely burst the can or blow out the pressure plug. No answer for you there.

[Rider79]

I have something similar in my trunk. I keep everything in a Sterlite container. I keep the backpack already packed though. I keep a set of clothes and boots in there as well.

[rjacobs]

I went and bought one 24 gallon Action Packer, its not as big as I had hoped, but its bigger than I thought. I could fit two in my trunk, but that would take up almost the whole trunk. I may have to re-think my strategy here, especially the ammo, tools, and 2 gallons of water.

I think I can still carry all the pistol ammo and rifle ammo, but carrying that much 12g takes up a bit to much space. Might shrink it down to 25 rounds of buck and 25 rounds of slugs. I fit everything I wanted to in the ammo can, but the ammo can takes up to much space in the rubbermaid container. I think I may pack my pistol ammo in vacuum seal bags, same with the AR mags.

I really need to think through what tools I REALLY need vs. what I would like to have. I really want this 154 piece Craftsman tool set that has everything I think I would ever need, but I am sure it has a shit ton of stuff I would NEVER use.

[North]

hope this helps but I have been contemptating making a very small bug out box for my vehicle as well. I have came up with this list.

Toilet paper
a ice breaker for the windsheild
550 cord
a knife
a screwdriver with various bits
razor blades
flares
bic lighters
a flashlight
some cliff bars

I keep loaded magazines close to me whether it be in the vehicle or on my person depending try of activity and clothing. My box will be very small and I don;t except to bug out or use it as a "get home box". If there is a SHTF situation local then the roads will be to ****ed for my small car to get me to a safe place. My list just gives me enough for what i need.

[Reagans Rascals]

cheap blow up bed from walmart that can double as a raft when necessary with some collapsible oars.

rope
boots
flares
bolt cutters
crowbar
some planks of wood that can be used for anything from helping a stuck vehicle to making litters/splints
duck tape
more duck tape
shit ton of ziplock or other plastic bags
rubber bands to secure the bags when necessary
WD-40
probably a small jug of fuel or lantern oil
a really good pair of windproof/waterproof gloves
multiple pairs of cheap sunglasses/goggles
probably a case of canned food like chef boyardee or spam
space blankets
various caribiners and other attachment hardware
probably a container of some really good zip ties, for securing people or items

also try to fit in a metal ammo can of any size to use as and exigent wood stove... just cut a hole in one side and use a piece of flex pipe as a smoke stack, keep the flex pipe and the cooking containers inside the can when stored... learned that in the preparedness forum here

forgot to add an Atlas... or other detailed maps.. .I also like to have aviation sectional charts on hand because they show freqs and routes by both civil and military aircraft as well as airports and Military/ Government areas... which might help in a shtf situation

[Moose-Knuckle]

The first thing that came to mind when I read your post was consolidate calibers. My CCW is 9mm and my truck gun is 7.62x39. So those are the only two calibers I keep in my truck. While I do own other weapons in different calibers I only keep what I have on hand in the vehicle preps.

You can also consolidate your tools; I keep a Leatherman (w/ accessories bits) in my truck’s BOB. You don’t need a whole tool set. If you get broken into you will lose less sleep if you had an inexpensive Stanley tool set lost rather than your good Craftsman’s. A ratcheting screw driver with multi bits will eliminate the need for a whole set of screwdrivers. I would also add a few cans of Slime and or Fix-A-Flat and an air compressor that can plug into your lighter port. As the seasons change you can rotate the clothing you keep in the car. A roll of electrical tape for good measure and might want to look at spare belts and hoses specific to your vehicle.

While I do keep and highly recommend a Gerber/Fiskars camp axe and folding spade I also keep a Gerber LMF II in my truck due to its blade length. In Texas you cannot have a blade over 5-1/2” in your vehicle or on your person. So I would check with local and state laws on such things before I start driving around with them in your trunk.

I would also consolidate on batteries, only keep extras in the same size of the devices you have on hand.

As for first aid, take a look at Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak, also places like The Tactical Medic and Austere Provisions Company have pre assembled kits at various price points.

[rjacobs]

cheap blow up bed from walmart that can double as a raft when necessary with some collapsible oars.

rope
boots
flares
bolt cutters
crowbar
some planks of wood that can be used for anything from helping a stuck vehicle to making litters/splints
duck tape
more duck tape
shit ton of ziplock or other plastic bags
rubber bands to secure the bags when necessary
WD-40
probably a small jug of fuel or lantern oil
a really good pair of windproof/waterproof gloves
multiple pairs of cheap sunglasses/goggles
probably a case of canned food like chef boyardee or spam
space blankets
various caribiners and other attachment hardware
probably a container of some really good zip ties, for securing people or items

also try to fit in a metal ammo can of any size to use as and exigent wood stove... just cut a hole in one side and use a piece of flex pipe as a smoke stack, keep the flex pipe and the cooking containers inside the can when stored... learned that in the preparedness forum here

forgot to add an Atlas... or other detailed maps.. .I also like to have aviation sectional charts on hand because they show freqs and routes by both civil and military aircraft as well as airports and Military/ Government areas... which might help in a shtf situation

Good list, but honestly a bit overkill for what I am looking to do. Im not trying to survive out of this thing for months on end. Basically looking to make a 3-5 day kit of get home/bug out stuff. We keep our RV stocked with a TON of stuff similar to your list and its always full of fuel and potable water and we have a place we plan to head if things go south. This kit is to help me get to the RV or to help if I get stranded some where in say a blizzard or other general chaos where 3-5 days of stuff will get me through.

I will add duct tape and a crow bar to my list.

The first thing that came to mind when I read your post was consolidate calibers. My CCW is 9mm and my truck gun is 7.62x39. So those are the only two calibers I keep in my truck. While I do own other weapons in different calibers I only keep what I have on hand in the vehicle preps.

You can also consolidate your tools; I keep a Leatherman (w/ accessories bits) in my truck’s BOB. You don’t need a whole tool set. If you get broken into you will lose less sleep if you had an inexpensive Stanley tool set lost rather than your good Craftsman’s. A ratcheting screw driver with multi bits will eliminate the need for a whole set of screwdrivers. I would also add a few cans of Slime and or Fix-A-Flat and an air compressor that can plug into your lighter port. As the seasons change you can rotate the clothing you keep in the car. A roll of electrical tape for good measure and might want to look at spare belts and hoses specific to your vehicle.

While I do keep and highly recommend a Gerber/Fiskars camp axe and folding spade I also keep a Gerber LMF II in my truck due to its blade length. In Texas you cannot have a blade over 5-1/2” in your vehicle or on your person. So I would check with local and state laws on such things before I start driving around with them in your trunk.

I would also consolidate on batteries, only keep extras in the same size of the devices you have on hand.

As for first aid, take a look at Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak, also places like The Tactical Medic and Austere Provisions Company have pre assembled kits at various price points.

My only thoughts on consolidating calibers is that I am only talking 100 rounds a piece and in vacuum bags doesnt take up much space at all. The shotgun is what I am going to drop down to I think 25/25 buck/slugs. The rest I will keep the same. Im kinda not going to budge on what I want to carry on this.

I will checkout the leatherman type tools, I dont have one at all. Probably a better idea than a complete tool set. I could probably have one of those, a small socket set, and a screwdriver with multiple bits(I think I actually already have one with storage in the handle for bits). That would probably cover everything I would need.

I have checked out the Adventure medical kits. I just need to decide which one I want/need and I have no clue what I should be looking for. I know I need/want things like bandaids, gauze, tape, CPR mask(I am CPR certified), aspirin, quick-clot of some kind, etc... There are a shit load of things I probably dont need, but at the same time there are a shit load of things that I do need, but I just dont know what those things are.

[PA PATRIOT]

A big kit in the vehicle is fine but if your ride craps out anything that can been seen makes you a target for those who don't have anything. Just remember if you have to abandon your vehicle you have to hump every thing out with you so weight is always a factor.

I would suggest that your personal kit be reduced to the bare minimums which can be concealed in a small pack. I would carry a single caliber with four or five hi cap magazines but that weapon would have to be concealable on my person in some way.

Low weight and low key will get you the furthest when traveling on foot power.

[Moose-Knuckle]

My only thoughts on consolidating calibers is that I am only talking 100 rounds a piece and in vacuum bags doesnt take up much space at all. The shotgun is what I am going to drop down to I think 25/25 buck/slugs. The rest I will keep the same. Im kinda not going to budge on what I want to carry on this.

-50 rounds of 12g buckshot
-50 rounds of 12g slugs
-50 rounds of 12g bird shot
-150 rounds of 5.56 loaded in AR mags
-100 rounds of .38 special
-100 rounds of 9mm
-100 rounds of .45
-Brick or 2 of .22lr

It's a free country, or at least that's what they keep telling me.

Carry as much ammo in as many calibers as you want. But unless you plan on hump'n a shotgun, an AR, a .22, and three different handguns what is the logic? If you have family members and friends ride with you at different times carrying guns in those calibers, then you can throw a bag of said caliber in at that time.

I carry 180 rounds of 7.62x39 in six mags and 67 rounds of 9mm in four mags and one round in the chamber. I can exit my truck if the situation warrants and not be bogged down with calibers of ammo they I cannot even use. It's not a matter of space it's a matter of utility. If I have any ammo at all in my truck I want to be able to fire it if I need it, otherwise it's just an after thought.

A big kit in the vehicle is fine but if your ride craps out anything that can been seen makes you a target for those who don't have anything. Just remember if you have to abandon your vehicle you have to hump every thing out with you so weight is always a factor.

I would suggest that your personal kit be reduced to the bare minimums which can be concealed in a small pack. I would carry a single caliber with four or five hi cap magazines but that weapon would have to be concealable on my person in some way.

Low weight and low key will get you the furthest when traveling on foot power.

This.