Creating a budget-friendly Bug Out Bag, also known as a 72-Hour Emergency Kit or “Go Bag,” should not be excessively expensive.
If you are new to prepping and want to keep the costs low, we can guide you on how to do it easily, quickly, and inexpensively. Don’t let all the available information overwhelm you. Feel free to rely on us for assistance.
It is likely that you already have most of these items readily available, so there should be no need to spend more than $20, and for many, possibly nothing at all.
Step 1: The Bug Out Bag Itself
It should be easy; start by taking stock of the Backpacks you have lying around.
If you have one, you would want to find one that is fairly large in size.
If you do not have it, consider purchasing the High Sierra Loop Backpack from Amazon.
Although it will exceed your $20 budget, this small camping backpack is extremely easy to organize and perfectly suited to our needs.
If, for any reason, you are unable to wear a backpack, you can still use a small rolling suitcase of carry on size.
No matter what you decide, make sure to anticipate the possibility that you may need to cover substantial distances on foot.
STEP 2: The Easy Stuff
Please proceed to the closet and retrieve a set of clothing. Choose something that is comfortable enough for sleeping in, yet suitable for daytime use. Make sure to gather a shirt, pants, socks, and underwear. Adjust accordingly depending on the weather being either warm or cold.
Bottles of Water are acceptable, but Refillable Kleen Kanteen bottles are preferable due to their increased durability. When filled with clean water and left unopened, these bottles can remain fresh for months. Additionally, they can serve the purpose of boiling and purifying water if necessary.
The best option is to choose easily consumable snacks such as candy bars, hard candy, or a box of cookies. It is preferable for these snacks to have a relatively long shelf-life, not require any preparation, and be suited for eating on the go.
First, locate an old Bath Towel. Next, gather some Soap, a Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Deodorant. Additionally, obtain a few Band-Aids and Alcohol Wipes, or any alternative disinfectant for cuts. Finally, place all these items into a total of three Ziplock Bags.
Please gather any medications you are currently taking and place them in a separate Ziplock bag.
If you happen to have any spare Work Gloves, take them. Otherwise, you can also purchase leather ones for $4 from either Home Depot or Amazon.
Take a Dust Mask and also take a Bandanna. If you wear Prescription Glasses, retrieve the old pair that you don’t use often and put them on.
As you proceed methodically, place an amount of money inside the bag that you find reasonable, taking into consideration the potential expenses for purchasing food, clothes, a hotel room, transportation, and similar necessities. It would be advisable to aim for an amount exceeding $10, if possible.
If you are unaware of your families’ phone numbers (as it is uncommon to remember phone numbers these days), it is advisable to have a sheet of paper containing Emergency Phone Numbers. Additionally, it is recommended to make copies of crucial documents such as your Drivers License, Insurance (health and home), Passport, and any other significant paperwork that you deem necessary.
To ensure you have a spare charging cable and USB wall plug for your phone, make sure to get an additional one.
First, collect some Matches and a Lighter. Next, place all of this equipment into the third and last ZiplockBag.
If you happen to have an extra flashlight, grab some fresh batteries and insert them into the flashlight before placing it in your backpack. Having a headlamp is highly beneficial as it allows you to have both hands free when working in the dark.
Step 3: Very Good to Have
The use of Pen and Notepad can be extremely valuable as a tool for obtaining and conveying information.
An Emergency Blanket could be useful in the event that you find yourself stranded overnight.
Pocket Knife has numerous applications. Chap-Stick, as chapped lips can be extremely uncomfortable.
If you have a deck of cards and/or a book, it can be useful to keep them with you in case you find yourself in a situation where you have to spend time at a shelter or somewhere without power, as they can help you pass the time.
The reason for choosing either a poncho or an umbrella is because rain causes moisture on you.
If you lack a GPS or aren’t too familiar with your residential area, having a Street Map of the Local Area can assist you in navigating. It can also be beneficial in case you need to evacuate to a different town.
If you find yourself at a shelter or in a situation where food or drink is provided, having a resilient plastic cup along with a fork and a spoon can be useful.
Testing Your Bug Out Bag
Let’s discuss your very own bug out bag for a moment. It is common for people to thoughtlessly include numerous pieces of survival gear, assuming they will require it in the future.
However, what they do not realize is that it will be extremely difficult to carry a lot of belongings when they need to evacuate during an emergency. Even well-trained soldiers struggle with heavy backpacks. I am confident that the majority of preppers will not be able to walk even one mile with a B.O.B on their back and will likely have to abandon some equipment or even the entire bag in a survival scenario.
Taking a few hikes with your bag and evaluating how it feels is highly crucial. It is more advantageous to recognize the need for adjustments beforehand rather than experiencing difficulty or being completely incapable of carrying your packed belongings, even if it is just for a short distance.
Many preppers often make the assumption that they can effortlessly carry their bag and walk a 10-mile distance without any difficulties. However, the reality is that the majority of individuals will either face great difficulty in accomplishing this task or simply be unable to do so. By engaging in practice and thorough planning, this situation can be altered.
Traditional Bug Out Bag Vs. Wilderness Bug Out Bag
Some individuals view a bug out bag as merely a bag meant for handling extremely elementary scenarios, to the extent that they may not even regard such situations as genuine emergencies.
If you have a notion of a bug out bag as an extended stay in the wilderness rather than just a few days, you might want to consider adding some items. Check out the recommendations from Backdoor Survival writer James Walton for designing a bug out bag specifically for surviving in the wilderness.
Metal Traps
Trapping has an unpleasant appearance. Who would desire their life to conclude ensnared by a chilling steel trap?
The issue lies in the effectiveness of steel traps, as they consistently and continuously work even when you are not present, making them the optimal method for passively collecting food.
The DF-4 deadfall trap by Self Reliance Outfitters, a lightweight trapping option, is effective despite its lightness, unlike Conibear traps which are heavy.
If you are not comfortable with trapping animals, you can use killing traps instead. In most cases, your meal will be dead and ready for you when you arrive.
Mess Kit
Eating during a weekend camping trip can be made fun by wrapping sticks with bannock dough and cooking it over the fire.
If that becomes your daily meal preparation, it might become monotonous quickly. If you truly intend to retreat to the wilderness, it is crucial to have a plan for cooking.
A good mess kit can be put together with just a few pans and reliable utensils. Your container can serve as both a pot for boiling water. It is also worth considering including cast iron cookware in your bugout set up.
Long Term Planning
Your wilderness bugout should not be seen as a simple weekend camping trip; it has the potential to become a permanent lifestyle change. Consequently, it is necessary to alter your perspective towards essentials such as food, shelter, and water.
The transition occurs where food and water cease to be temporary solutions and become ongoing procedures. Consistently addressing the tasks of trapping food, gathering, and purifying water will become necessary aspects of your daily life.
To put it simply, your tent is not suitable for long-term use. In order to create a durable shelter, it is imperative that you have the aforementioned cutting tools to construct one from sturdy hardwood.
Building a Bag That Serves You
In order to be fully prepared for a natural disaster or emergency, it is essential that a bug out bag is tailored to meet the specific requirements of the individual. Possessing high-end emergency equipment does not guarantee preparedness in such situations.
Instead of being swayed by appealing gear, use a checklist to focus on your actual necessities. Begin with the essential items and gradually incorporate additional ones as you have the means. Keep in mind that your bug out bag checklist may evolve over time.
When considering areas in which you should not cut corners, tools are one such area. In emergency survival situations, a reliable multi-tool can be extremely valuable. It is advisable to select a reputable brand such as Leatherman, Gerber, or any other well-established brand with a recognized reputation.
It is essential to always possess a reliable water filter, one that you are familiar with operating and is suitable for your proficiency level.
Fire starting is not as effortless as it may appear, and having a set of stormproof matches serves as a reliable alternative to other techniques.
Furthermore, it is important to consider that relying solely on gear will have limitations. It is crucial to familiarize oneself with the equipment through practice during favorable circumstances, as this will ensure effective responses in a genuine emergency survival scenario.
