Today we're going to give you some great suggestion for a bug out bag. Remember to prepare for the surroundings you live around, the items on this list is only for ideas in case of an emergency. Hopefully this bag will never have to be used, but better off being prepared than not. Remember to pack as light as possible, bug out bags are meant for 3-7 days to get you out of dodges way.

Most of the items on this list you can find them in our store. The Items that you cannot find in our store I will put a notification next to the item. 

Joe's Army Navy Bug Out Bag

• Framed back pack/with a waist belt for support
• 550 Paracord(at least 100 feet)
• Sleeping Bag
• Matches/Waterproof Matches/Lighter's/Fire Started(Cotton balls soaked in vaseline works great for tinder)
• Candles(Light one everytime you light a match/saves matches)
• Freeze dried food/#10 cans(The lighter the food the better)
• MRE's work well too
• S.O.S. Rations
• Canteen/Canteen cup/Canteen stove
• Small personal stove
• Trioxane compressed ration heating tabs
• Water purifier(Carry emergency water just in case water is scarce in the area.)
• Water purification tablets
• Mess kit with a small pot or pan for cocking
• Knife/Spoon/Fork set
• Multi-tool
• Fixed blade knife
• Knife sharpener
• First aid kit( make your own or we have ready made kits)
• Light Sticks
• Crank flashlight
• Solar or crank radio
• Sewing Kit
• Waterproof boots
• Camouflage poncho(work as a small tarp or a way to hide unattended items)
• Tarp or Lightweight tent for shelter(Natural colors will blend better)
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Solar panel charger for electronics
• A lightweight shovel is good but can add extra weight. 
• Machete
• Hatchet(works as a hammer too)
• Mini Hand Saw
• Insect repellent
• Head net
• Snake bite kit(if snakes are in your area)
• Duct tape/electrical tape
• Face paint
• Compass(maps are good to consider, laminate or put it in a plastic bag)
• Binoculars(see them before they see you)
• Wool socks(Cotton = BAD)
• Boonie Hat
• Ripstop Bdu Pants
• Gloves
• Wool watch cap
• Bandanas
• Long underwear
• Goretexk anything is great for staying dry and comfortable
• Tightly packed toilet paper
• Toothbrush
• Dr, Bronners Soap can be used for many things(washing, toothpaste, shaving, deodorant, and more!)

Items to consider that Joe's Army Navy doesn't carry:

• Fishing Equipment(at least the line and hook/lure)
• Firearm(for hunting)
• Cortisone cream(for poison ivy)
• Sunblock
• Field guide for edible plants
• Spices(render anything that is edible)
• Maps
• Plastic bags/ziplock bags
• Aspirin or ibuprofen
• Cash
• Comb
• Passport/Drivers License 

If you are looking to get any of these item, please come check us out in-store or online at http://www.joesarmynavyonline.com/default.asp

Tubing Down the Michigan Rivers

One of the most relaxing things to do in Michigan is to tube down a nice relaxing calm river. There are many rivers you can go tubing down, but none are better than these five that I will mention below ( in no particular order, they are all awesome). Check out our tub/floats online to save on rental cost in the future, here are our great deals on some awesome tubs, Double Tube, Sing Camo Tube, King Kool Lounge, and the Explorer 300 Boat Kit.

Ausable River (Oscoda Charter Township, MI)

There is two type of tubing trips you can enjoy on the Ausable River. There is a 2.5 and 4.5 hour trip(without stopping), although you can extend those trips into longers one with all the places to stop while traveling down the river. The river is a slower river, it is mostly shallow, but it does have a few areas where you cannot touch. The Ausable River is super clear, fun, big, and relaxing!

Platte River(Honor, MI/Sleeping Bear Dunes Area)

The Platte River is a shorter and more shallow river. The tubing trips on the Platte River come in to two varieties. There is a 1 hour trip and 2 hour trip (without stopping). If you want a cool down and a quick relax that won't suck up your whole day, do the one hour trip then hit the dunes, or the other way around. The 2 hour trip is a more unique trip, this trip will shoot you right out to the beautiful Lake Michigan, which is another nice place to spend your day at after your trip. The Platte River is super clear, pretty shallow(3 Feet in most areas, great for kids), and has a medium flow rate. 

Rifle River(Sterling, MI)

The Rifle River is one of the most shallow Rivers, with some spots only having 18 inches of water. The Rifle River offers a shorter trip that runs 1-1.5 hours and one of the longest trips at 5-7 hours. The 5-7 hour trip seems to be more for the rowdy and party bunch. The 1-1.5 hour trip is definitely a lot more family oriented. The Rifle River tends to be slower than most rivers. When traveling down this relaxing river, be sure to watch out for those shallow spots

Chippewa River(Mt. Pleasant/Near Central Michigan University)

The Chippewa River is another slower river with little current. The rivers current usually only runs at 4 mph, which is nice and slow for the family. There is only one length of trip offered on the Chippewa river, that trip is a 3 hour trip(without stopping). A 3 hour trip is not to short and not to long, so it is basically the perfect amount of time. Now, grab a tub and go cruise this gentle river. 

Muskegon River( Chinook Campground, Grant, MI)

The Muskegon River is a slow river as well, but the river does have a few fast spots. Do not be alarmed, the river will slow back down. The faster spots are fun, and different then most rivers. There is only one length of trip on the Muskegon River as well, that trip is 4 hours long (without stopping). There is also a couple campgrounds along this river if you want to continue your relaxation along the river. Enjoy!

How to do a Zipper Pull Fix

One of our specialities here at Joe's Army Navy is a zipper pull fix. We will fix the zipper pull on anything, from sleeping bags to Carhartt jackets. Below is a how to video, this video is demonstrated by one of our managers here at Joe's Army Navy. In this Video, we will show you the necessary tools you need to do a zipper pull fix. We will be doing a zipper pull fix on a British Military Jacket, and Carhartt Jacket. 

If you are able to come into one of our Joe's Army Navy locations(Waterford, Royal Oak), we will do a zipper pull fix for $10, if it is a Carhartt, we will do it for free. Just make sure the zipper teeth are still workable, if the zipper teeth are broken, the zipper is unfixable.

This is Joe's Army Navy, your hardware store for the great outdoors!

Have a great day!

Welcome to Joe's Army Navy - Waterford

If you have not had a chance to come into our Waterford, MI location, here is a walkthrough of our store! Hope to see you soon, and Enjoy!

Journey with Joe's

From month to month here at Joe's Army Navy we will be bringing you information on the latest and coolest supplies in surplus and outdoor gear. Anywhere from protecting yourself with one of our bullet proof vest($299.99) to enjoying a relaxing day down a river on one of our great intertubes($9.99-19.99). So come on in and check us out at our Waterford or Royal Oak location, or check us out online at http://www.joesarmynavyonline.com/. 

You can also follow us on the following:

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