Building a cheap Bug Out Bag.

I was looking to build a cheap Bug Out Bag for a colleague who asked what I would recommend on a budget, so it was to use some of those Autumn deals, which are currently available. The kit also was specified to be capable of sub zero temperatures in poor weather.

It was not going to use low end junk but some reasonably good specification kit with durability in mind. It turned out more expensive than I thought it would.

Here is how I got on for the Basic Kit that is probably not readily available already within a household. (i.e. doesn't include Outdoor Clothing such as Goretex Rain.snow gear etc)

Backpack/Rucksack – PLCE British Patrol pack 38 Litres – these can be had for £25 (well made copies for £20), well this is what I was able to get on sale. Big enough for a72 hrs kit and is very durable and tough being constructed from camoflauge DPM IRR 1000 Cordura @1.6kg It also has numerous attachment points (Not PALS Molle) to add additional capacity to the pack.

Tent – Vango Mirage 200 - £90 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulhtQ0iI0Bc
2 man 3 pole Semi Geodesic tent @2.8 kg suitable 3 season use, using materials found in higher specification 4 season full geodesic 4 pole mountaineering tents. (Recommended for Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Award)

Sleeping Bag – Vango Latitude 200 – £32 - Sythentic Sleeping bag rated to 2-20C Comfort (EN13537:2002) Limit -2C and Extreme -18C Weight 1.45 kg. (Recommended for Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Award)
Vango sleeping bag
Offset double layer construction to prevent seams getting cold
Polair diamond rip stop shell
Polair silky micro lining
Thermal embrace system
7-hole siliconised hollow fibre insulation
Aluminised reflective interlining
3D enclosed hood with dual draw cord closure
Grab loops
Low profile, wo way auto lock zip
Zip guard
Hanging loops
Internal pocket
4-strap compression stuff sac for easy transport
Arrow foot
Horizontal stitching
Cosy shoulder 50g/m2 additional fill around top opening


Sleeping Pad - Karrimor Explorer X-lite Self Inflating Mat. - £19
Season rating: 4
Tog Value: 4.2
Temperature range: +55 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius
Weight: 720g
Length: 183cm
Width: 51cm
Thickness: 30mm


Cook System - Karrimor X Lite 2 Person Cookset 2012 - £15 > 2 person camping cookset
Hard anodised aluminium
Suitable for 2-3 people
Mesh storage bag included
Pots nest together for compact storage
Sizes:
1.7L pot (diameter 170x92mm)
1.1L pot (diameter 136x78mm)
0.9L pan (diameter 180mmx46mm)
0.6L pan (diameter 152x43mm)
Weight: 650g

Stove - Karrimor Alpine Stove £16 – Remote Cannister stove with Piezo ignition which can be used with inverted cannister for sub zero operation. - 450 gram Cartridge - £6

First Aid Kit - Karrimor Advanced First Aid Kit -£13.

Total so far - £216 or around $350.

This is without Food, Water Bottles, Water Filter, Navigational kit, Work Tools (Knives, saws, Axes etc) and Specific Clothing or Foot wear

Building a BOB is expensive even with the substantial seasonal discounting!