Build a Bug Out Bag: 11 Essential Categories to Keep In Mind

Which Backpack/Rucksack/Bag To Use?

The initial topic of discussion should be the type of bag to use.

This question is frequently asked of us. Ultimately, the specific backpack or rucksack you use is not truly significant (up to a certain extent). If you are on a tight budget, you can simply begin with a traditional school backpack. Simply having something prepared puts you ahead of 99% of individuals. School backpacks are sufficient; consider the fact that they can accommodate numerous textbooks. Those backpacks can surely carry your gear.

Specialized backpacks exist that contain numerous compartments, including hidden ones, as well as incorporating MOLLE technology. This enables individuals to carry a larger quantity of items in a reduced amount of space.

Essentials For a Bug Out Bag: DIY

1. Water

It is a well-known fact that water is essential for survival in any circumstance. In a scenario where one must strive to stay alive, water rapidly becomes the most valuable resource.

To meet the basic requirement, each person should consume a minimum of 1 liter of water per day. Therefore, it is essential to include a total of 3 liters of water in your 3-day Bug Out Bag.

In order to increase your ability or prolong your survival beyond a few days, you will require a water purification system. This could involve basic methods such as boiling water and using iodine tablets, or investing in a more advanced water filter.

Here are a few products that we highly recommend due to their quality.

1. Water Filter Bandana: a pocket handkerchief with a built-in 1-micron filter for in-the-field water treatment or for use as an improvised air contaminate mask
2. LifeStraw Personal Filter: portable straw filter to be used anywhere. Recommended!
3. Platypus Platy Collapsible Water Bottle: can be used for extra storage
4. Backpacking Bucket: make water collection easier with a bucket

2. Food

To have a 3 day Bug Out Bag, you can rely on backpack meals, emergency bars, and protein shake mix. Backpack meals are meals that have been freeze-dried and can be prepared by adding boiling water. These meals are lightweight and have a long shelf life. The protein shake mix is also a good option as it is packed with nutrients and only requires water to be prepared.

For your basic BOB, it is beneficial to include category of meals, although in any wide-area catastrophe, a longer-term food solution like specific survival food kits will be necessary.

Please take a look at this product:

• Mountain House Freeze Dried Food: different meals packed in small packets. Easy to carry. Just add water.

In short, ensure to pack a mix of:

1. Backpack meals (MREs)
2. Emergency bars
3. Protein shake mix (mix with water and drink)

3. Clothing

When considering what clothes to include in your bug out bag, you should opt for items that resemble what you would typically bring for a weekend hike or camping excursion.

1. A pair of sturdy survival boots
2. A pair of long pants (preferably not blue jeans)
3. 2 Pairs of socks (preferably not cotton)
4. 2 Shirts (Maybe 1 long sleeve and 1 short sleeve for layering)
5. A jacket that is both warm and protection from rain
6. Warm long underwear of some kind
7. A hat
8. A bandana

Although many individuals would never consider leaving their Bug Out Bag without at least double the amount listed here, in an emergency situation, this particular setup can still sustain you for a period of 3 days.

Make sure to consider the weather in your area when planning.

4. Shelter

In order to survive for 3 days, you require protection from the elements and a warm dry place to sleep. These essentials include:

1. Some type of tent or tarp and a way to set it up
2. A ground tarp for underneath your shelter to stay dry  or a sleeping pad (Never underestimate the importance of this)
3. Some type of bedroll, preferably a good sleeping bag.

5. Heat Source

Depending on your location, a dependable source of heat is essential. Nevertheless, regardless of where you are, encountering lower temperatures during the night is probable. Ensure that you have multiple methods to generate warmth.

Here are a few things to remember about warmth:

1. Lighter
2. Ferrocerium rod
3. Tinder

6. Lighting

Just like your heat source, which can also serve as a light source, it is essential to have this available for nighttime. It is crucial to have multiple backups for both of these categories that can be readily used.

Here are a few points to consider when it comes to lighting.

1. LED headlamp – Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
2. Mini LED keychain – Nitecore Tini Keychain Flashlight
3. Mini LED light – BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern
4. Solar lantern / charger – MPOWERD Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0
5. Batteries – Shop at your local grocery store

7. First Aid

The significance of first aid is self-evident. It is essential to have a first aid or survival kit in one of your family members’ bug out bags at all times. We suggest creating your own kit in addition to purchasing a pre-made one from the store, to ensure that it is tailored to your particular requirements.

Here are a few things to consider regarding first aid items:

1. First aid kit
2. Trauma kit
3. Insect repellent
4. Mylar survival blanket
5. Medication
6. Bandages
7. Tampons

8. Hygiene

Personal hygiene is frequently neglected despite its simplicity, yet it can have serious consequences on health if not properly addressed. Ensure your well-being by preventing issues like bacterial infections.

Here are a few hygiene items that should be taken into consideration:

1. Wet napkins
2. Toilet paper
3. Hand sanitizer
4. All-purpose camp soap
5. Small pack towel
6. Travel toilet paper
7. Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste

9. Tools

Your tool requirements may vary depending on your ability to survive, with some individuals needing more or fewer tools for assistance. Tools such as a knife, which may appear less significant, are actually frequently useful in unexpected situations.

Here are a few tools to remember or consider:

1. Survival knife – Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife
2. Axe – Estwing’s Sportsman’s Axe
3. Navigation and communication tool kit

10. Communication (PACE)

1. For communication aspects of survival, it’s great to follow the PACE system. This stands for primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency communication. You will want to make sure you have something for each of these categories because you never know what will be available to you and what won’t be.
2. Primary (cell phone)
3. Alternate (wifi/tablet)
4. Contingency (Ham radio / license)
5. Emergency (crank power charger with signal lights)
6. Travel Aids
7. Travel aids are items you should absolutely never leave the house without thinking about first. These are the things that will allow you to get going.
8. Here are some travel aid items to keep in mind:
9. $500 minimum in small bills
10. Quarters
11. Local area map
12. Compass
13. Emergency whistle
14. Cotton bandage
15. Small notepad and pencil
16. Self Defense
17. Although this is a controversial topic, it’s important to discuss. In the ultimate bug out bag situation, it could come to a survive or die situation. In this case, you want to make sure you have something to defend yourself, whether that be a handgun or pepper spray.
18. WUSH bag
19. What is a WUSH bag you may ask? In the emergency survival world, this stands for “wake up, stuffs happening”. AKA– a bag that is already put together and easy to find with all of your most important stuff. This would be a great thing to use your fanny pack for. Items that normally would be found in a WUSH bag include:
20. Backup battery / charging cables
21. House and car key copies
22. Copies of important documents (ex. ID’s, home title, etc.)
23. Cash
24. Medication
25. Flashlight

11. Miscellaneous

When you pack your bug out bags, you will come across miscellaneous items that do not fit a specific category, but they are equally crucial and can play a vital role in your and your family’s survival.

Here are a few things to remember about miscellaneous items:

1. Parachute cord – TOUGH-GRID Premium 750lb Paracord
2. Duct tape – Surviveware Waterproof Duct Tape
3. Resealable bags – Ziplock Bags
4. N95 face mask – Shop on Amazon
5. Sewing kit – Singer Kit
6. Fishing kit – Streamline Essentials Kit

After packing everything, be sure to periodically pack and unpack your belongings every few months to eliminate any perishable items. It is essential to keep your bug out bag current and prepared for any situation where it might be necessary.

Bottom Line

When packing your bug out bag, it is crucial to consider various factors. These range from ensuring you have water, shelter, self defense, and first aid equipment to being ready for any emergency that may arise. While the list of items to pack may seem lengthy, it is essential to tailor your bag according to your personal needs, those of your family, and your environment. Focus on packing the essentials, such as water, light, heat, shelter, and food, placing them at the top of your priority list. When selecting food for your bug out bag, opt for items with a lengthy shelf-life, diverse flavors, and a good protein content. Few things fulfill all these requirements quite like beef jerky does. Start your preparation today by exploring our best-selling options.

When faced with a disaster, avoid panicking and instead prepare yourself by collecting your bag and leaving promptly.

Common Questions about BOBs

How Heavy Should a Bug Out Bag Be?

When preparing to carry a bag, it is crucial to consider its weight. To ensure comfort during extended periods, it is necessary to determine the weight you can comfortably handle. It is pointless to pack a bag that cannot be lifted from the ground.

To maximize comfort, it is advisable to place heavier items closer to the top of your bag, distributing most of the weight on your shoulders rather than your lower back. Additionally, it is recommended to test your bag’s fit by taking a walk or going for a run to ensure that it can be carried comfortably.

It is advisable to have a bug-out bag that weighs approximately 10% of your own body weight. The highest weight you should aim to carry is 20% of your body weight.

How Do You Lighten a Bug Out Bag?

When preparing your bug out bag, water is frequently a significant concern. A common practice is to include several liters of water, assuming that there will be a need for it. However, it is important to consider that water will significantly increase the weight of your bag, making it advisable to avoid packing excessive amounts.

By acquiring knowledge on locating water in various situations, you can minimize the amount of water you have to carry. It is essential to always have a method for purifying and filtering water, which will also reduce the quantity you need to carry.

Instead of opting for canned foods, it would be more advisable to pack lighter alternatives such as trail mix, protein bars, dehydrated meal bags, and dried fruit. These food items provide a similar nutritional value.