I recall that years ago, while in university, I read an article in Backpacker magazine about how to get out more. The author described how he kept a closet just for outdoor adventuring. He kept all his equipment packed and ready to go, including a pantry full of ready to pack ingredients for camp cooking.

I didn't realize it a the time, but I built my first BOB the night I read that article. I couldn't afford to buy anything new, but i organized all my camping gear, packed it and mad sure that I could grab it at a moment's notice. It included a duffel bag of edibles and cookware that weighed a ton but facilitated some rocking camp meals. I didn't plan it that way, bu it came in handy when the power went out during an ice storm and my cupboards and bank account were bare.