Quoted:
When thinking about building my first Bug Out Bag I had a hard time deciding how inclusive to make it.  I kept ranging from keeping it as simple as possible to making it big enough to support four people for a week.  For sanity sake, I thought it would be best to come up with a system to categorize different levels of BOBs.  I've always liked using the DEFCON levels so I adapted that to fit my system.  I present to you the DEFBOB system.  For me, the system is going to be used to build BOBs for varying degrees of bugging out.  The primary goal is so I can start out small (and cheap) to get my feet wet and get in the bug-out mindset.  I'll be able to see what is practical and what products are worth the money.  Then I can take it to the next level and build a BOB for a longer amount of time or more people.  I am not trying to create an all inclusive system.  I just thought I'd share my idea.

• DEFBOB 5 - NO THREAT


DEFBOB 5 is no immediate threat.  You only carry what you would normally carry day to day.  No special preparations needed.


• DEFBOB 4 - MOBILE THREAT


DEFBOB 4 is a threat encountered while immobilized.  Example would be driving home from work you are stuck in a snow storm.  Preparations include a car BOB.  Something small you keep in your trunk.  Jumper cables, med kit, water, blanket, flares, etc.


• DEFBOB 3 - SHORT TERM THREAT


DEFBOB 3 is a threat that you are fairly certain will only last a few days (1-3).  This could be a power outage in a storm or you go hiking and get lost.  Preparatinos include your typical 72-hour Bug Out Bag.  Water, food, shelter and any tools you feel necessary.  Water bottles/bladder, calorie bars/MREs, tent, blanket, sleeping bag, med kit, matches, lighter, flint, compass (although if you have this in the first place you shouldn't be lost ), knife, firearm+ammo, etc.


• DEFBOB 2 - EXTENDED THREAT


DEFBOB 2 is a threat that can last from a few days (4-7) to a few weeks (4-12).  This could be a natural disaster like Katrina.  Preparations include water filtration and purification, food stockpiles, reinforced shelter, power generation, waste sanitation, and weapons for defense.  An evacuation plan is recommended but optional.  A Bug Out Vehicle is recommended but optional.  Water purification tablets or complete filtering systems, MREs/canned food/freeze dried food, generators/solar power, port-a-potty, ammunition stockpile.


• DEFBOB 1 - INDEFINITE THREAT


DEFBOB 1 is when the S has HTF.  No telling if or when help will arrive.  This could be the zombie apocalypse or a nuclear attack.  Preparations include getting your hand on everything you can and in mass quantities.  You will need to be able to maintain a source of water and food.  You will need to protect yourself from others.  You should have an evacuation plan when this happens.  You should have a Bug Out Vehicle and spare fuel/parts when this happens.  Too many examples of gear to list.

By approaching my bug out plan with these levels in mind I have really been able to organize my priorities.  I have been reevaluating what I carry day to day and what I need to carry in my car.  I have already started my DEFBOB 3 kit.  It has been a lot easier building this kit knowing I am only planning on 3 days max of survival.  

Anyways, I felt like rambling about some of my idea.  I know they aren't groundbreaking or anything, just wanted to share.

Quoted:
I have a problem with getting in to new "hobbies."  I spend forever and a day researching and then blow a bunch of money on equipment for the new hobby.  Most of the time I buy way more than I need.  By defining the levels of preparation I will hopefully limit my overspending.  Part of my preparations for survival is getting out of debt so I think this will help me with my goal.  Right now I'm working on my car kit and 3-day bag.  I should be able to build them for around $100 total depending on how many items I use that I already own.