Do you recall the parable of the ant and the grasshopper? The reason you are here is because you are the ant.
In our modern society, the number of grasshoppers is likely greater than the number of ants as there are abundant grasshoppers present.
If supply issues arise, what will likely be their primary concern? Most likely, toilet paper.
When faced with a man-made event or a severe situation that leads people to behave dangerously, behavioral issues usually begin to emerge approximately on the third day.
If assistance does not arrive, individuals who rely on living paycheck to paycheck or having constant access to fully stocked grocery stores may become anxious and exhibit uncivilized behavior.
However, there is a general belief that during stressful periods, local communities will come together to assist one another. This has been repeatedly demonstrated following major hurricanes, as numerous news reports validate this notion rather than it being mere optimism.
If you are a serious prepper (which is why you are here, right?), relying on the goodwill of others to survive and succeed is not something you do. Instead, you will anticipate and take precautions to avoid such reliance.
What goes in a Bug Out Bag?
The process of prioritizing is crucial.
The aim is to simplify and concentrate on the top priorities: Environmental Protection (Clothing), Water Purification, Food Supplies, Sleeping Gear, First Aid.
All the other information provided in the text serves as supporting details for the five key categories.
The Bug Out Bag will vary slightly for each individual. It will depend on the location and the specific survival circumstances one may encounter. However, we have created the following list as a general starting point for the average BOB. You can utilize it as a reference to guide you in selecting the necessary items.
It is necessary to have certain items, but you can adjust this list to suit your needs. Starting a fire may not be necessary or desired by everyone, but it is advisable to have that possibility.
It is important to have a prevention or treatment plan for blisters. Additionally, it is necessary to possess a respirator or gas mask.
If you are preparing multiple BOBs for your family, remember that it is not necessary to include all of these items in each bag. Some of them can be shared. Ensure that the bags for your wife and kids are not excessively heavy. Aim for a weight of 25 lbs or less.
Water
On their list of items individuals should include in their bug-out bag, Ready.gov prioritizes water. They advise having one gallon of water per person per day for the family and packing an adequate supply for multiple days. Therefore, a family of four should have a minimum of 12 gallons of water (four gallons per day for three days). This water will fulfill drinking needs and can also be utilized for sanitation and personal hygiene.
Non-Perishable Food
It is essential to pack food in a bug-out bag. ReadyforWildfire.org advises including adequate amounts of non-perishable food to sustain for a minimum of three days. Opt for energy bars, trail mix, and other protein-rich foods. Additionally, it may be a good idea to include Meals-Ready-to-Eat, or MREs, and meal-replacement shakes for higher-calorie options to ensure ample energy during the wait for assistance.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
In cases of natural disasters and fires, there is a chance of being stuck outdoors or in a powerless space. To be able to see in such situations, it is important to have a flashlight. Additionally, remember to take some spare batteries with you to ensure a continuous functioning of the flashlight during the entire duration it is needed.
First Aid Kit and Medical Supplies
To ensure the safety of every family member until help arrives, it is recommended by the American Red Cross to select a spacious first aid kit that contains crucial items such as gauze, antiseptic cleaning wipes, triple antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages, sling bandages, and cold compresses. Along with the first aid kit, it is important to remember to pack additional necessary medical supplies like hearing aids and spare batteries, contact lenses, glasses, and mobility devices.
Medication
Make sure to pack any prescription medications that you or anyone in your household may need. Prescription medications are often crucial for saving lives, so it’s important to have them on hand in case of an emergency. The American Red Cross recommends packing a minimum of a 7-day medication supply to ensure everyone has what they require until they can access medical assistance.
Hand-Crank or Battery-Powered Radio
During wildfires and other natural disasters, it is common for power lines and cellular signals to be inoperative. To ensure you have access to vital information such as weather alerts and evacuation routes, it is advisable to include a hand-crank or battery-powered radio in your bug-out bag. The California Fire Prevention Organization recommends the NOAA Weather Radio as an excellent option for go bags. Being equipped with such a device can be crucial, as it may determine the outcome between life and death.
Multi-Purpose Tool
A multipurpose tool, as the name implies, can be utilized in various ways when facing an emergency. These compact devices come with a wide range of accessories, including pliers, knife blades, saws, screwdrivers, scissors, and wire strippers. By having a multi-purpose tool in your bug-out bag, you’ll have access to a set of tools without taking up much space.
Duct Tape and Plastic Sheeting
Duct tape is strong and water-resistant, making it useful in various emergency situations. It can be used to repair shoes, create a splint, fix a leaking container, mark a path, make a rope, and reseal packages. Furthermore, when combined with plastic sheeting, duct tape can be used to construct a temporary shelter.
Baby and/or Pet Supplies
When preparing a bug-out bag, it is important to remember to pack necessary supplies for your baby or pet. Living with Fire recommends including diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and baby food for babies. For pets, it is advisable to include a carrier, cat food, dog food, food and water bowls, leash, and collar. Additionally, don’t forget to include a picture of your pet in the bug-out bag, which can be used to assist rescue teams in case the pet goes missing.
Cell Phone and Charger
Always make sure to take your cell phone with you in case of an emergency. It is essential to store emergency contacts, friends and family, and any other necessary phone numbers. Additionally, remember to pack a power bank and charging cables in your bug-out bag to ensure your phone remains charged and usable in situations where conventional power sources are not available.
Cash
During a power outage, credit cards and debit cards will not be very helpful. It will not be possible to buy things or take out money from an ATM in this situation. Putting some cash into your bug-out bag can make sure that you can pay for necessary items like food, gas, or accommodation.
Emergency Blanket
Emergency blankets, which are also known as weather blankets or thermal blankets, are versatile tools that serve more purposes than just providing warmth. It is crucial to include them in every go bag list. These indispensable items can shield against the elements, reflect light for signaling distress, and be utilized for makeshift tourniquets, compression bandages, or splints. The California Fire Protection Organization suggests opting for lightweight foil blankets as they occupy minimal space and do not contribute excessive weight to a go bag.
Personal Hygiene Essentials
When shopping for items for your emergency kit, it is important to keep in mind that bugout bag supplies should include personal hygiene items. These items can consist of hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, menstrual supplies, and dry shampoo. It is worth considering that you may or may not have access to running water during an emergency.
Extra Clothes
It is essential to have additional clothes in a bug-out bag. Although you can potentially wear the same outfit multiple times during an emergency, it is still crucial to have spare clothing in case your current clothes get torn, wet, or soiled. Make sure to include several changes of clothes for each family member, selecting lightweight and compact items that won’t consume much space in the bag. When picking out outfits, consider ones that can help you adapt to various temperatures and weather conditions since you cannot predict the weather when you need to retrieve your bug-out bag.
Bug Out Bag Picks
There exist numerous options for bags that can be utilized for your 72 Hour Emergency kit.
We favor the use of rolling bug out bags due to their ease of mobility with heavier loads, reducing the likelihood of injury for elderly individuals.
Hazard 4 Air Support
The regular price for this item is $250 and it has a large size, specifically 38.5 liters.
In terms of advantages, the Hazard 4 Air Support is ranked as the top choice due to various reasons. Primarily, it possesses wheels, enhancing its convenience for individuals requiring transportation of gear weighing over 25lbs.
Thanks to the MOLLE attachment points, you have the option to add pouches to the exterior. In case you require air travel, this bag is designed to fit conveniently into an overhead compartment.
The durability of the item is ensured by 1000D Cordura as well as ruggedized wheels and base. If needed, you can enhance your storage with a small backpack.
The external dimensions of the item are 22.8 inches in length, 14.2 inches in width, and 9.1 inches in depth.
One drawback is that I am not fond of the laptop sleeve, so we divide it in half and utilize it as a smaller storage compartment. Additionally, the reciprocating handles on other suitcases breaking has made me apprehensive.
Kelty Coyote 85 Backpack
The regular price for this item is $180 and it is available in an extra-extra-large size, which equals 85 liters in capacity.
Advantages: Our preferred pack has received a fantastic enhancement for the year 2020. With a reasonable price, it offers ample storage capacity, strong construction, and a sleek design. Additionally, it features a convenient bottom zipper for easy retrieval of the sleeping bag.
The internal frame is adjustable to accommodate almost all body sizes. It has decent water resistance but may benefit from the addition of a rain cover.
The weight of 5.8 lbs is for a size of 19″(L) x 32″(H) x 13″(W) made of 420d polyester.
One drawback is that it is not as durable as some of the other bags we prefer, and we would prefer if the buckles were slightly stronger.
5.11 Rush 72
The usual cost is $180, and the size is a large 55 liters.
When you search for “bug out bag” in the dictionary, you will find the 5.11 Rush 72, which perfectly exemplifies this category. It offers an excellent balance of price and performance. It is user-friendly and simple to pack and organize.
There are numerous MOLLE options available for adding items externally. The yolk-style harness is comfortable. There is reinforced webbing and stitching throughout. It is water repellent and has a hydration pouch.
The dimensions of the object are 13.5 inches in length, 23 inches in height, and 8.5 inches in width, with a weight of 5.5 pounds.
Some individuals might find the military style too obvious, as it gives off the impression of having MRE’s.
Common Mistakes
Before jumping straight into using heavy tools, it is important to note that Bug Out Bags often consist of excessive items such as 4 knives, 2000 feet of paracord, an axe and a machete, along with a minimal amount of supplies like 2 Cliff Bars and a Lifestraw.
First and foremost, this overlooks the main objective because none of these things are truly beneficial in our present-day society. While it is true that extraordinary advancements might occur, they are not your primary concern initially.
When reflecting on the past 50 years, we observe the occurrence of natural disasters resulting in people being housed in shelters or hotel rooms. However, it often takes several days or even weeks for the State or Federal Emergency Response teams to reach the affected areas.
The main focus is on preparing for the initial gap. Although it is possible to plan for long-term issues, that is not the purpose of a Bug Out Bag. For extended evacuation requirements, an INCH Bag is more suitable.
Before delving deeper into your build out, begin by focusing on the fundamentals. Enhance your understanding, improve your survival skills, and develop your bushcrafting abilities. Subsequently, initiate the process of gathering the necessary items and packing them for your venture.
Having a wilderness pack is an excellent idea, but it should not be considered as your main Emergency Kit, unless you currently reside in the wilderness requiring several days to reach civilization.
