Urban Bug Out Gear...Some Ideas

When people think about putting together a Bug Out Bag, they often think of lots of camo, lots of (impressive) weapons, and lots of other cool gear that they can pick up at the local military surplus store. In most environments, especially urban environments, you may want to think again. Here's some stuff to consider for your low-profile urban Bug Out Bag:

• Instead of an ALICE pack, consider a more urban option for carting your gear around such as a messenger bag, or urban-styled backpack (Dakine, etc)
• Instead of camo clothing, consider urban appropriate clothing in generic colors (khaki, brown, black) from REI (west coast) or LL Bean (east coast)
• Instead of combat boots, consider, again, well made urban option such as Keen or Merrell shoes/boots.
• Instead of an AK or other similarly impressive firearm, consider something much more concealable (for close quarters urban needs, a good handgun will lend an element of surprise and be more easy to conceal).
• Instead of radios to communicate with your team, cell phones are a more urban alternative if the system is still up.
• Instead of canteens hanging on your belt, consider a more urban SIGG or Nalgene water bottle in your backpack.
• Instead of a bag of MREs, consider some urban options such as beef jerky, dried fruit, nuts, and other portable foods found in your local grocery store which has a long shelf life.

Anyway, you get the idea. Take a look at your BOB and compare it to the location you are most likely to use it. Does it match? Does it stand out like a huge target? Do you look "like everyone else" or do you look like you just stepped out of a military movie? Consider "un militarizing" your BOB so that you will be able to more easily blend into your environment.