By watching the news or checking your favorite news app’s headlines for 15 minutes, the world can appear to be a threatening and perilous place. Wars, natural disasters, violence, and weather events occur constantly and in close proximity to us. However, we don’t wish to sound overly pessimistic, but as wise individuals suggest, it is advisable to anticipate the worst while remaining optimistic. In the event that a certain situation becomes chaotic, it is important to ensure that you and your family are adequately prepared to face the challenge.
WHAT IS A BUG OUT BAG?
A bug out bag is a collection of vital survival items that are necessary if you find yourself in a circumstance where you must swiftly evacuate your home or current surroundings. Its purpose is to assist in your survival for a moderate duration during natural disasters or emergencies.
HOW DOES A BUG OUT BAG DIFFER FROM A GO BAG?
Both go bags and bug out bags serve the purpose of being prepared for emergencies, allowing you to swiftly take a supply bag and leave. The key distinction lies in the duration for which both are intended to sustain you. A go bag typically comes in a smaller size and includes vital provisions such as food and water that can be conveniently kept in your car or workplace. This setup enables you to quickly seize it and depart. It is specifically devised for short-term utilization.
A bug out bag (BOB), which is similar to a backpack, should include enough supplies to last for 72 hours (3 days) and is usually larger and heavier due to the additional provisions it carries.
BUG OUT BAG ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO PACK
When deciding what to include in your bug out bag, consider the potential situations and events that you may encounter based on your geographical location. Assess the likelihood of different natural disasters in your area. If the chances of experiencing an earthquake are very low, there is no need to incorporate preparations for that specific event into your plan. Conversely, if wildfires frequently occur, be sure to include essential tools and resources in your bug out bag to effectively handle such situations.
When preparing a bug out bag for emergencies, it is important to prioritize essential survival items over creature comforts in order to save space and reduce weight. It is crucial to remember that this bag is intended for emergencies, not for a camping trip.
Before investing in items for your bug out bag, it is important to think systematically about the potential scenarios that you may come across and align your bag’s contents accordingly.
Included in this bug out bag list are necessary items required for all bags, along with additional items that might be beneficial depending on your specific requirements.
Food and Water
When putting together your bug out bag, make sure to include enough food and water to last each person in your group for three days. It is best to choose foods that are rich in protein and carbohydrates, as they provide the necessary fuel and energy. Consider including non-perishable food items such as boxed meals, canned goods, energy bars, jerky, nuts, and MREs. Also, remember to include a can opener, which is usually a part of most multi-tools and is an essential item for your bug out bag.
Other food and water items to consider include:
- Portable water filtration system
- Collapsible water bladder
- Portable stove
- Fire starter and waterproof matches
- Multi-utensil like a spork
- Stainless steel water bottles and bowls for eating and drinking
First Aid and Toiletries
It is important for you to consider investing in a complete first aid kit that consists of various types of bandages, gauze, ointment, tweezers, antibiotic spray, splints, and a tourniquet. Additionally, do not forget to include any prescription medications that you or your loved one depend on.
Other first aid and toiletry items to consider include:
- Sunscreen
- N95 face masks
- Antibacterial wipes, ointment, and hand sanitizer
- Condensed soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Spare glasses
- Biodegradable toilet paper/wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
Shelter
To ensure your survival, it is essential to stay warm and dry. It is advisable to include a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and ground pad for a comfortable sleep. Additionally, remember to pack a tarp to seek shelter and shield yourself from weather conditions. Essential items to bring along include gloves, spare hiking shoes or boots, and a rain poncho.
To ensure your bug out bag is properly equipped, include a spare pair of wool hiking socks to keep your feet warm and dry. In chilly conditions, it is wise to have a balaclava head covering available. This versatile item can shield your head, neck, and face from the cold, wind, and sun.
Other shelter and warmth items to consider include:
- Hat
- Scarf
- Hand and foot warmers
- Emergency waterproof blanket
- Fleece layer
- Parachute cord
Communication and Safety
Communication may be extremely difficult depending on the circumstances, as there is a possibility that cell towers could be down, rendering mobile phone communication impossible. Nevertheless, it is still essential to be able to communicate with others in your group and stay updated with news and information. A hand-cranked radio can serve as a vital means of connection to the outside world.
If you happen to get separated from your group, having a two-way walkie-talkie will enable you to keep in touch with nearby members. It is essential to have the necessary tools for visibility in dark, smoky, or foggy conditions, so ensure that you bring along a headlamp, flashlight (with spare batteries or a hand-cranked option), and a lantern powered by solar energy. Glow sticks are also handy to have.
Other communication and safety items to consider include:
- Whistle
- Basic, feature phone
- Portable solar chargers
- Pepper spray
- Watch
- Compass
Clothing
In a survival situation, the clothes you are wearing could potentially save you. Hence, it is crucial to ensure that your bug out bag includes the following items, enabling you to have access to them.
- Cold weather gloves: A sturdy pair of gloves will provide you with better grip, protect your hands from cuts and splinters, offer warmth in low temperatures, and keeps your hands clean to reduce the risk of infection. In the aftermath of a disaster, you may be tasked with moving fallen branches, gathering firewood, or making your way through broken glass, and high-quality gloves will give you the dexterity to accomplish these tasks.
- Waterproof jacket: Make sure you’ve got a jacket that keeps you protected from the elements, especially if inclement weather is a concern in your area.
- Change of clothes: Having at least one change of clothes is essential, especially in wet conditions. Wearing damp clothing is uncomfortable at best, and deadly should hypothermia become an issue while you’re out in the elements.
- Headgear: It’s important to have hats that can provide head warmth. Opt for caps or beanies that can prevent heat from escaping.
The concept of warmth involves considering each step in a logical sequence.
In situations where disaster compels you to venture outside, it is crucial to possess accessible sources of warmth.
- Hand warmers: Hand and/or foot warmers are easy to carry and can provide essential warmth in cold temperatures. Throw hand warmers into your shoes or grip them for temporary relief from freezing conditions.
- Matches/Firestarter: Having access to fire-starters is crucial in an emergency situation. Fire can be used to cook food, provide warmth, and signal for help. Make sure your bug out bag contains matches and a firestarter that can work even when wet.
Lighting
Having lighting tools is essential for navigating any area from sundown to sunrise. Make sure to include the following bug out bag essentials in order to be prepared.
- Chem lights: A chemical grade light stick can last up to 12 hours, and is typically visible from up to a mile away. These sturdy lighting tools have a long shelf life and offer strong output—great for signaling, keeping animals away, and basic illumination.
- Flashlight: No bug out bag is complete without a flashlight. Invest in a sturdy but compact flashlight that provides plenty of illumination.
- Headlamp: If you have room in your bug out bag, consider including headlamp for hands-free lighting.
Multi-Purpose Tools
These tools have a wide range of uses and can assist you in overcoming any challenges you come across.
- Mini shovel: No bug out bag list is complete without a shovel. Whether you need to dig a fire pit, make a trench, dig for shelter, or use for self-defense, a mini shovel will prove to be invaluable in many disaster situations.
- Axe: An axe or hatchet can be used to build shelter, as a self-defense tool, or for a myriad of other purposes. Opt for a bug out bag that contains a shovel/axe combo for lightweight portability.
- Multi-Tool: Our list of multi-purpose tools couldn’t skip over the multi-tool itself. A survival gear multi-tool should feature mini pliers, wire snips, small knif?, file, a Phillips/flat head screwdriver, bottle opener and a carabiner.
- Paracord: Paracord can be used in a multitude of ways. Use it to fish, hunt, string up a bear bag, secure shelter, and create a snare trap.
- Duct Tape: Because of its durability and waterproof characteristics, duct tape can be used to make emergency repairs on your tent, gear, bags, pack, clothing—the list is endless. From stopping leaks to starting fires, duct tape is a must-have piece of bug out gear.
- Crowbar: A small crowbar can be used to break into shelter, hammer things, help you pry up heavy things from the ground, and as a self-defense weapon.
- Folding saw: Some survivalists choose to include a small folding saw in their bug out bag, which can be used to chop wood, build shelter, and clear paths.
Defense
In the event that the need arises to protect yourself, it is crucial to have appropriate protective gear stored in your bug out bag.
- Knife: On the top of many survivalist’s bug out bag lists is a sturdy, reliable knife. Opt for a Tanto blade and make sure it comes with a safety sheath to prevent any accidents.
- Pepper spray: Pepper spray can be a good addition to a bug out bag, especially to ward off wild animals.
Miscellaneous items or things that do not fit into any specific category.
Expect the unexpected and prepare for anything with these miscellaneous must-haves.
- Charger: With modern survival gear in your bag, make sure you have a charger that can provide power to a variety of electronics, including smartphones, flashlights, and radios.
- Goggles: Protect your eyes and improve vision clarity with a pair of strong goggles.
- Whistle: A whistle can be used to signal for help or to stay in communication with loved ones and those you may meet out in the wilderness.
- Sewing Kit: A sewing kit might not be at the top of your bug out bag list, but it’s a worthy addition to consider. Should clothing or blankets rip, even the most simple of sewing kits can be used for repair.
- Copies of Important Documents: Make copies of the following documents and seal them in an airtight canister to take with you should emergency evacuation become your reality.
- Passport: If border crossing becomes a necessity, your passport may prove essential.
- Titles and contracts: Keep a copy of important titles and contracts, including motor vehicle titles, loan agreements, deeds, etc.
- Addresses and phone numbers of loved ones: Almost 42% of cell phone owners do not know all their immediate family members phone numbers, so make a tangible list and do your best to memorize the numbers of those closest to you.
- Family disaster and preparedness plan: You might be prepared for a disaster, but is your family? Only 39 percent of people surveyed have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their household. Take the time to prepare your loved ones for potential disaster and create a plan that can help you all get to safety.
- Emergency Cash: Keep a minimum of $500 with you in your bug out bag to help pay for goods or services should the survival situation require.
- Prescription Drugs: If you take any type of prescription medication, try to keep extra on-hand in your bug out bag in the case of quick evacuation.
- Small Mirror: Reflection is your friend, especially if you need to flag down help. Mirrors can be used to reflect light, serving as a signal to a passerby if required.
