Realistic Bug Out Bag Paperback – May 7, 2014

I bought this looking to improve my Bag or possibly lighten it a little. I find it difficult to balance between keeping my bag light and making sure I have everything I need.Max seems to have the same problem as I am sure most of us do. He keeps mentioning to keep it light, but recommends a lot of things to consider having. I don't agree with certain items or especially some brands he recommends, but like he says everyone has different needs. One thing I think we all can agree on is to gain as much knowledge as possible.Overall, his book did make me rethink a couple of items. I'm adding one I previously decided against, and going to try swapping one item for something much lighter and easier to carry. My bag will be lighter, goal achieved.I would recommend this to anyone who wants to begin putting a bag together, or needs advice with a bag they already use.

In search of a guide to help build your first bug out bag? Not quite satisfied with your current bug out bag? Lack the confidence in your current bug out bag? Look no further. This is THE GUIDE you need. Not want ... need. Max helps you make the right decisions to build the bag that will support your needs in your particular situation and environment. You won't find specific lists of stuff made to just fill any old bag, thus giving you a false sense of security and confidence. Not only will you learn what you need in your bug out bag, you will learn the proper test methodology to confirm your bag will provide what you need. And if testing exposes a problem, you will know what you need to do to make it right. Max has written a gem with this one.

It's a good book with some great ideas. I give it four stars because at least half of the ideas seemed like no-brainers. I could be wrong, because my partner, who has never lived outside of the Urbs and Burbs, thought all of the ideas were good. I feel like my backpack that I use for camping and wandering (which I need to do more of) is easily as complete and stocked as the suggestions in this book. But I already know I will survive the zombie apocalypse, because I'm prepared.This book will help people who don't have all the necessities to get them.

I almost feel bad about giving this one star, but not as bad as I do about the money I wasted. I've been building Bug Out Bags for my entire large family for the past couple of months. This has been a very time consuming and expensive project. I've have read blogs and product reviews about BOB bags to educate myself about the best way to put together the BOBs. When it came to a couple of categories I was undecided about what items were best. So I looked for a highly rated book on this subject. I finally decided to buy this one after reading reviews. I was truly disappointed. Very basic information. Read entire book in just over an hour. Could have fit contents in a large pamphlet. I wanted suggestions with reasons as to why one choice would be better than another, but instead got what was basically a list of items that can be purchased for each category. I already knew what the purchase options were...I wanted to know which ones were best and why, but that information was not given in my opinion. I found the pages about water purification especially lacking in information and options. Save your money and spend a couple of hours reading some of the many sites available for free online. Also read the reviews for the products you are considering for your BOB as they will offer many insights into what works and why. Sad to say this book truly offered me nothing in the way of advice or useful information.

If you are planning a GO bag, this will help you tremendously. He has a very practical approach to setting up your kit and looking at what you need verses what you want. You may find similar material in other books on the subject and that is a good thing. When you hear multiple people say the same thing then it is probably true. Always keep in mind that this kind of project is a very subjective thing. Everyone is different and may have needs that match their diversity. But he will help you eliminate a lot of worthless baggage and get down to core equipment. I recommend this book.

After reading numerous other books about bugging out and bugout bags Mr. Cooper lays it out straight. Less is more. The book gives great advice on what to do to be prepared for bugging out as well as need vs want (which made me go through my bag just before this review and eliminate multiple items.) I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking to make a bugout bag. He doesn't get in depth at the specifics of what to carry but does give somewhat of a layout of types of items to carry as well as what he carries himself.

I started my bag before reading this book. Glad I read it. Wise, practical suggestions. Not just a generic list. He asks important questions, like what are the needs of your children, pets, elderly? How much you can carry? How to test yourself and your bag contents. He gives specific product advice and pictures. I don't know him but I like him! One item can save a life! A valuable and easy read. Well worth the cost. This will help us live long and prosper.

I got this for a reference to update my own bag. I still have all of the basic items, but there were some items that were good suggestions for additions to a bag. This was use full for me and may prove to be a great help for those that have not put a bug out bag together in the past. The book provides a very good basic knowledge on how to stuff your bag.

Bought as a present for my brother. Great book, relevant to all locations not just the US. Would highly recommend for its level of detail, clear writing style and down to earth practical advice.

Good

A good read and great introduction to the topic. It's well written and well thought out and having read it I am more aware of the practicalities of bugging out.

Very interesting.

A great book without the waffle! It's to the point and suitable for people in the UK too. If you want a bag you can actually carry and use, this will help you get it!