Now, let’s delve into the core of the matter and select the ideal bug out bag tailored to your needs.
In order to effectively carry all of your gear, you will require an item that is both sturdy and spacious, while also providing comfort. It is often observed that many individuals compromise on this aspect, which is not advisable. If the shoulder straps tear, the bottom gets damaged, or the zippers malfunction, your survival kit will undoubtedly become inconvenient. Therefore, it is important to understand that a regular book bag from Wal-Mart will not suffice as a reliable bug out bag.
Overall Best Bug Out Bag – 5.11 Tactical RUSH72
Tech Specs
- Exterior Materials: 1050D Nylon
- Color Options: Black, Dark earth, Double tap, Multicam, OD, Sandstone, Storm
- Interior Capacity: 55 liters
Overview
The 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 backpack offers a combination of vast size, exceptional comfort, and modular design that leaves no room for dissatisfaction.
The RUSH 72 is capable of accommodating all the necessities required for a 72-hour survival in the wilderness. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to carry additional essentials using the MOLLE webbing.
The bag consists of a generous main compartment, a spacious front pocket, two side pockets, an admin pocket, and a hydration compartment. Additionally, there is a fleece-lined pocket positioned at the top of the bag specifically designed for your glasses.
Your gear is held close to your center of mass by compression straps.
I find the internal pockets within this 72 hour bag very helpful for organizing my gear. These pockets include both YKK zipper ones and elastic ones, allowing me to separate and easily access small essentials like flashlights, emergency sleeping bags, and multi-tools.
You can also easily fit a helmet, coat, first aid kit, or any other item you need quick access to between the front pocket and main part of the bag.
The shoulder straps are equipped with closed-cell foam for increased comfort, and there is also a waist strap to prevent your bag from tilting to one side.
Even though this backpack is purchasable on Amazon, 5.11 Tactical’s website offers some color options exclusively.
Best Budget Bug Out Bag – Evatac Combat Bag
Tech Specs
- Exterior Materials: 600D Polyester
- Color Options: Khaki
- Interior Capacity: 40 liters
Overview
The Evatac Combat Bag is constructed from durable 600D polyester and boasts 10 pockets/compartments. Additionally, it features comfortable shoulder straps, including a chest strap, ensuring a comfortable fit. Moreover, it is designed to be waterproof and includes a padded pocket specifically for laptops.
It is priced at less than half of the 5.11 Rush 72.
The Evatac is designed to withstand challenging situations, serving as a long-lasting bag that can comfortably accommodate all your survival gear and emergency items. It offers ample storage space and organization features.
At a price that is affordable for anyone, it provides its services. In case you intend to equip your entire family, they offer advantageous bulk discounts such as a 40% reduction when purchasing 3 bags.
Best Hiking Backpack for Bugging Out – Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical
Tech Specs
- Exterior Materials: 500D Kodra nylon (similar to Cordura)
- Color Options: Black, Forest Green, Navy,
- Interior Capacity: 44 liters
Overview
The Kelty Redwing Tactical is essentially a regular hiking backpack, but it is constructed with stronger materials and designed to withstand harsh sandstorms.
This backpack was designed for hiking or technical purposes, prioritizing long term comfort, which is beneficial for individuals who tend to overpack.
Although the Kelty bag does not have an internal frame, it is equipped with a “single light beam aluminum stay” which serves as a stiffener to improve the handling of bulky and cumbersome loads.
If you are not acquainted with the Kelty brand, it is worth mentioning that they produce gear of exceptional quality, including the Redwing Tactical.
From the initial step of double stitching the seams, to the process of sewing the YKK zippers on from the inside out (resulting in enhanced resistance against dust and water), all the way to the utilization of 500D Kodra nylon for the exterior material, this bag possesses exceptional durability and longevity.
The Redwing is available in a 44 liter size, which is ideal for a day pack or a 72 hour bag. In case you require additional storage, there is also a 50 liter version available.
Similar to other technical backpacks, the absence of MOLLE webbing imposes limitations on your expandability. It is worth noting that these attachments have the potential to alter your center of gravity.
In the long run, it could be beneficial to not have the ability to include numerous pouches and kits.
Best Tactical Bug Out Bag – Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
Tech Specs
- Exterior Materials: Cordura
- Color Options: Black, Multicam, Olive drab, Tan
- Interior Capacity: 50 liters
Overview
The Condor 3 Day Assault Pack is offered in various tacticool colors and features sufficient MOLLE to allow customization according to your preference.
Even in the absence of additional pockets, it possesses the necessary compartments and space to ensure that you have the appropriate equipment in its proper location.
In addition to that, there are document pockets, pockets for radios, holsters for pens, and not just one but two pockets for 3-liter hydration bladders.
Gear will not shift due to the presence of compression, sternum, and waist straps. If the waist strap becomes obstructive, it can also be eliminated.
The gear can be securely locked in place without reducing access speed, thanks to the quick-release retention straps in the spacious main compartment.
You can easily lift this bag from any position using its strong handles on three sides, which is convenient in case you have to quickly release the bag to address an emergency situation.
Best Bug Out Pack for Car – REEBOW GEAR 3 Day Assault Pack
Tech Specs
- Exterior Materials: 600D
- Color Options: Black, Tan
- Interior Capacity: 40 liters
Overview
REEBOW GEAR’s 3 Day Assault Pack is capable of holding a substantial amount of gear at an affordable price.
By following this approach, you are taking shortcuts. The material of the fabric is more durable than that of office pants but less resilient than the other bags mentioned in this list.
However, the bag will still remain durable enough to withstand moderate use.
If you are looking for a short-term survival option, this may not be the ideal choice, but it works perfectly if you intend to store supplies for 72 hours.
The features of the REEBOW Pack include MOLLE/PALS webbing, numerous compartments that include a hydration pocket, and compression straps.
The main shoulder straps possess a padded mesh and a cinching strap, though they seem to be somewhat thin.
Additionally, you will receive a blacked out American flag patch as a bonus!
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BUG OUT BAG
Once you have selected the backpack that suits your requirements, the next step is to determine which essential items to include within it.
When assembling your bug out bag, it is important to test your equipment to ensure its reliability during emergency situations. Many individuals choose cheaper options for their survival kits, but they will regret this decision when they actually need to use them. After completing your bag, periodically unpack and repack it every few months in order to replace expired food or any equipment that may be prone to spoilage, particularly items with rubber seals. Moreover, ensure that you are familiar with the usage of every item in your bag and practice using them to become proficient, particularly when it comes to firestarting and first aid.
The provision of immediate medical assistance is known as first aid.
- Bandages
- Medication (Rx and over the counter…don’t forget the anti-diarrheal meds. Without them you could have a really crappy day…)
- EMT scissors
- Tweezers
- Tourniquet
- Exam gloves
- Face mask
- Suture kit
- QuickClot
- Eye Patch
- Eye Wash
- Anit-Itch Lotion (for poison Ivy)
The topics of fire and shelter.
- 100 Feet Paracord (Paracord has many uses… carry as much as you can)
- Sleeping Bag
- Matches (waterproof/storm proof), Lighter
- Magnesium Firestarter (2 types)
- Firesticks, wetfire tinder, and/or other tinder
- Cotton Balls and Vaseline
- Tent and/or Lightweight Tarp
- Mylar Blanket
- Mylar Sleeping Poncho
- Rain gear
- Wool Blanket
- Bandana
- Clothing (coat, hat, gloves, socks, shirts, pants, thermal underwear, see list above)
- Heavy duty work gloves
Food and water are essential for survival.
The initial consideration when pondering about food should be a knife. A knife allows you to create whatever is required to seek additional sustenance if your provisions deplete. It is advisable to invest in a high-quality knife rather than opting for a cheaper alternative. Select a longer full tang fixed blade for tasks that require more effort, a shorter full tang fixed blade for lighter tasks and skinning, and a well-made folding pocket knife with a partially serrated blade.
Now that we’ve addressed that, let’s discuss your actual food provisions. Is 72 hours really sufficient? In my opinion, it’s not. Each full survival ration bar provides 3600 calories, amounting to 400 calories per meal for a span of 3 days. FEMA claims that this is an adequate amount.
It is preferable to have these ration bars worth 3600 calories in addition to the following.
- At least 15 servings of dehydrated meals. This is typically 3 food packets.
- As many oatmeal packets as you can fit in your bag.
- Clif bars, Power bars, or something similar.
- Trail mix with nuts and chocolate for a quick fuel.
- Beef Jerky
In order to cook effectively, you must have a container to cook in. Choose the biggest stainless steel pot that can fit inside your bag. Having a large pot won’t take up additional space in your pack because you can pack other items inside it. The larger the pot, the greater the quantity of food you can prepare and the more water you can boil to make it safe to consume. It might be wise to include some spices in your packing as well. A small salt and pepper shaker, for example, can help you maintain your sanity.
In order to hunt for food, it is necessary to have fishing equipment, a snare made of cable, and a minimum of 20 feet of paracord.
- Camelbak with attached water Filter
- Waterfilter or Lifestraw
- Widemouth Nalgene Water Bottle ( recommend 2)
- Canteen
- Water Purification Tablets
- Military Can Opener
- Spoon and fork
- Mulit-vitamins
- High Protein / High Calorie food bards
- 3600 Calories Food Ration Bars (Mayday, Mainstay, Datrex)
- Trail Mix
- Oatmeal
- Beef Jerky
- Seasoning (salt, pepper, or other favorite spice)
- Large Cooking Pot or mess kit
- Backpacking Stove and fuel
- Comfort Food – Coffee Singles, hot chocolate, teabags, sugar, hard candy
Hunting and Fishing:
- Rifle and/or Pistol w/ ammo (I feel a .22 rifle is your best survival weapon because you can carry tons of ammo. This is primarily to be used for hunting, not for combat. If you are a good shot you can take down large game with a .22 rifle and you wont destroy too much on small game. My next option would be a shotgun with a mix of ammunition types. Slugs for large game, buckshot for small game, and everything in between for threats of the 2-legged nature.)
- Gun oil
- Gun cleaning kit
- Snare wire
- Fishing Pole or Survival Fishing Kit
- Fish hooks, line, tackle
- Paracord
Tools:
- Axe, hatchet, or tactical tomahawk
- Swiss style army knife
- Machete
- Multi-tool aka Leatherman (screwdriver, saw, can opener, pliers, wire cutters, etc.)
- Folding Saw
- Cable Saw
- Hand Chainsaw blade
- Folding Shovel or hand spade
- Knife sharpening stone
- Mill file (for sharpening large blades or axes)
- Full tang fixed blade “survival knife” (6-8 inch blade)
- Full tang fixed blade (4-6 inch blade)
- Folding Pocket knife with partially serrated blade
- Sewing Kit ( I recommend one with a heavy needle, seam ripper and Kevlar thread)
- Duct tape and electrical tape
- Zip ties
- Carabiners
Lighting/ Communication/Navigation
- Flashlight and batteries
- Dynamo flashlight (no batteries required)
- Crank/Solar Weather radio ( most have flashlight, radio, and adapter to power small electronic devices)
- Two-way radio (walkie talkie)
- Emergency Candles
- 12 hour light sticks
- Headlamp and batteries
- Signal Mirror
- Emergency Whistle
- Compass and map
- Binoculars (or rifle scope)
Sanitary:
- Toilet paper
- Washrag
- Soap
- Toothbrush / toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissue
- Q-tips
- Shaving Razor
- Wet naps
- Garbage bag
- Feminine Products (can double as gauze or wound closure)
- Nail clippers
- Hairbrush / comb
Misc:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand/Foot Warmers
- Safety Pins
- Razor Blades
- Ear plugs
- Extra shoelaces
- Waterproof bags
- Extra Ziploc baggies
- Gas Mask
- Aluminum foil
- Cash or silver ( in a true bug out situation, cash may be worthless, but you never know. )
- Lip balm
- Hand lotion
- Vaseline
- Rite-in-the-Rain Notebook
- Pen/Pencil/Sharpie
Literature /Paperwork
- Survival Guide
- Wild Edible and Poisonous Plant Guide (best to find a local guide)
- CPR Handbook
- First Aid Handbook
In order to identify oneself, it is necessary to possess certain documents such as a driver’s license, passport, house/car titles, insurance cards, and emergency contact numbers.
Map of the local area
A thumb drive containing all the pictures and important documents of your family.
