Bug out bag, Japan style

[iwearcowboyboots]

BBC interviewed an expat in Japan whose husband is a "disaster specialist" (no details on what that exactly means) and talked about the contents of their home brew emergency bug out bags. The article has a picture of a number of items in their bags.

It also has a link to what the Japanese government (via the British Embassy in Tokyo's website) suggests people should have in their homes/cars/etc. The list of government recommended emergency kit items is from 2009 though. I'm wondering if this will change now and what items might be added.

 

[E5RANGER375]

how do you fit a surf board into a bug out bag?

hopefully the japanese govt see's the tide is turning and will recommend better items.

 

[JSeroka]

That is a pretty good bag to have, now it can use more stuff but that is a good "basic" emergency bag supply list.

 

[6birds]

Of couse, this list may change if your apartment just washed out to sea.

 

[yepthatsme]

I know that I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, but what is toilet absorption powder? They have that listed for their bug out bags. I have never heard of that.

 

[iwearcowboyboots]

I know that I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, but what is toilet absorption powder? They have that listed for their bug out bags. I have never heard of that.

I'd imagine that product it is similar to the powder found in diapers/pads or something like Bio-Gel.

 

[yepthatsme]

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I figured it was something along those lines, but I have never heard of it. I hope that I never have to use it either.

 

[moischmoe]

how do you fit a surf board into a bug out bag?

hopefully the japanese govt see's the tide is turning and will recommend better items.

Surfboard + tsunami =

 

[yepthatsme]

What items would you add or remove or replace in the bug out bag?

 

[ThrottleJockey]

What items would you add or remove or replace in the bug out bag?

Lose the toilet and powder. Add knife, axe, saw, more first aid/otc meds, fishing gear, water purification tablets, fire starting equip., etc.....

 

[tTotalProvidence]

Here's how mine is different:

I carry at least 3 lights. 2 hand held and 1 head lamp.
That Japanese "army knife" looks a little wimpy. I keep my ESEE RD6 Bush in my bob pack.
As Jockey noted, fishing gear.
Lastly I would ditch the "flame resistant bag". Honestly, how will this come in handy? A discreet black pack with molle webbing is what I employ.

 

[yepthatsme]

I have most of the things that were suggested except for the fishing gear. I'm glad you brought that up. I will add that to my bag. I will check out the ESEE RD6 Bush. Currently, I have a Tool Logic knife in my pack. The reason is because it is equipped with an LED light and flint.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Almost forgot, we keep two changes of clothes in our bags and switch them out seasonally but one set is always long pants, t shirt, sweatshirt. And spare socks should always be in a BOB.

 

[longbow]

I want to see what the toilet looks like when open.....

 

[yepthatsme]

I only have one change of clothes, but with extra underwear and socks. I should probably add another change of clothes.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I only have one change of clothes, but with extra underwear and socks. I should probably add another change of clothes.

We like being able to take the layered approach in foul weather, we have rain gear too, it can be as simple as a poncho but we have two piece suits that will hold up to some serious use/abuse. Our BOBs are pretty elaborate and are designed toward more long term wilderness survival. It's way more than needed and pretty heavy this way, but I would rather start out heavy and lose the things we don't need along the way than not have something we need to start with. I include things like an ax, saw, shovel, soap, sharpening stone, rope AND para-cord, etc...

 

[Fastmover]

One thing I'd highly recommend having in any bug out bag is a poncho/basha.
GERMAN ARMY HEAVYDUTY RUBBERIZED PONCHO BASHA BIVVYgr1 on eBay (end time 02-Apr-11 13:21:39 BST)
It can be used as a wet weather poncho, ground cover, shelter or even a rain water collector.
I had something similar issued in the British Army.

 

[yepthatsme]

We like being able to take the layered approach in foul weather, we have rain gear too, it can be as simple as a poncho but we have two piece suits that will hold up to some serious use/abuse. Our BOBs are pretty elaborate and are designed toward more long term wilderness survival. It's way more than needed and pretty heavy this way, but I would rather start out heavy and lose the things we don't need along the way than not have something we need to start with. I include things like an ax, saw, shovel, soap, sharpening stone, rope AND para-cord, etc...

I like that approach. Mine isn't that elaborate, but more geared towards 3 to 5 day survival. However, it keeps expanding.

I will have to check out the poncho. Currently, I just have a couple of very light type of poncho's. Thanks.

 

[wabash]

anyone have a link to a japanese survivalist forum?

it might be interesting to read recent entries (using googles translation service).

 

[yepthatsme]

It would be interesting to see how the Japanese citizens would modify their bug out bags after experiencing this disaster. I wish them the best.