How often do you check your BOB?

One of the habits my wife and I got into is come every January 1st, we take out our primary Bug Out Bags (BOBs), go through each item, replace what needs replacing, discuss any changes needed, and reassemble. If nothing else, it provides some piece of mind that it is good to go.

How about you? Is it a monthly, yearly, or some other time frame task?

Thanks for sharing.

 

I check mine every three months.
I usually upgrade something in it each time and rotate usebys.
Looking to upgrade my handheld GPS soon as the one I have is coming on to 15 years old! and is a little slow now!
Researching as of today for maybe a Christmas buy!

 

Check mine every 3 months. Living in Michigan we have a separate bag depending on if it's winter or summer. That bag gets checked every 6 months.

 

Tis' good to check it just in case because some things do expire. But I think checking it every few months is a good idea. I haven't checked mine in a While (I should probably do that ASAP)

 

I don't have a bug out bag.
I plan on bugging in.
WAIT!
Because of all of you I've changed my mind.
"What if........................."? Fill in the blanks.
I've convinced me that I'm safe enough on my 15 acres in N.E. Ohio.
But .................what if I'm not?
Who knows what could happen in a shtf situation so perhaps bugging out might be the
best option.
I'm but 25 miles or so from Youngstown, Ohio where crime now is rampant,.
Drugs, rapes, murders, organized crime, druggies, drug dealers, and most are armed.
If shtf happens they are mobile and would prey on country people for food, and whatever.
Bugging out might be the better choice rather than try to fend off criminals with nefarious intent.
I can't shoot everyone and don't want to hurt anyone.
I will if need be but don't wanna.
I am after all an army of just one and I have to sleep sometime.
Now where to bug out too is the question.
So I'll read what you put in a b.o.b. and go from there.

 

I check mine every six months or so. I keep a written packing list in all of my bags, so first, I will know what is in it, and second, should anybody else need it in a grab-and-go situation they will know what they have.

I always check batteries; both what is in any equipment and the spares. I always check lighters to make sure they still work. I always check reading glasses to make sure the correct strength are in the bag. Food will be rotated as needed.

The rest doesn't change much.

 

I do exactly the same thing. My list includes exp dates if applicable. I also rotate heat sensitive items every 3 months or so.

 

Being in a tropical coastal environment, it's extremely humid here with day time temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in the shade and the humidity index generally exceeding 70%-90% (depending on the season), hence, I check my BOB at least once a month.

I've found perishable items and medical supplies (First Aid Kit) take the worst 'hiding', especially plastic bottles and creams which take some serious punishment. Plasters tend to dry up and more often than not plastic bottles, due to expansion and contraction, will weep/sweat.

Knife blades will rust if kept in their sheath for extended periods of time, oiling is essential. Multi-tools also require regular lubrication.

Also, all batteries MUST be removed from items requiring them after testing, the high risk of batteries sweating acid is just to high.

Fire lighters, those soaked with an accelerant, also tend to dry up and often need to be swopped.

 

Put them inside any indoor container or cabinet along with some moisture absorbent. I'm more worried about insects than anything else.

Same as above although you might wanna consider different blade material (stainless steel base). Not sure about Multi-tools, however Swiss Army Knife rarely need to be oiled regularly, my Victorinox Outrider haven't been oiled since the day I bought it few years back.

 

I have a GHB (Get Home Bag) that travels with me when I'm away from home. Clothing items are changed with the seasons but most items are year round.

Dale