If you want to save time on making your survival kit, using a premade bug out bag may seem like an easy option. However, it is important to choose a high-quality premade bag that won’t let you down in crucial moments. It is crucial to be cautious when selecting a bag, as there are many low-quality options available. Instead of opting for the cheapest option, consider compromising on the number of items in the bag rather than their quality. This way, you can add necessary high-quality items to the bag while keeping its essential components intact, without having to replace any items.
The Best Premade Bug Out Bag
JUDY Mover Max
The bag is durable and expertly curated, with versatility.
Kickstart your preparedness with this top-rated 72-hour kit, equipped with gear that will adequately respond to any emergency.
JUDY has a variety of carefully selected kits, but this particular one is exceptional as a superior foundation for building a bug out bag. The PVC bag is designed to keep items dry, and all the essential gear included is of the highest quality. The bag contains our preferred water and food options, with minimal unnecessary items. The Mover Max kit includes:
- Dry Bag Backpack
- Hand Crank Radio
- First Aid Kit (101 Pieces)
- Multi-Tool
- 14x SOS Water Pouches
- 4x KN95 Masks
- 4x Glow Sticks
- 7x Millennium Bars
- 4x Ponchos
- 4x HotHands Hand Warmers
- Emergency Gloves
- 2x Biohazard Bags
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet Wipes
- 2x Packs of Pocket Tissues
- 2x Emergency Whistles
- 4x Mylar Blankets
- Duct Tape Roll
- Quick Dry Towel
When we tested various premade bug out bags, we found that a lot of them included unnecessary items in order to advertise a larger quantity, such as a “300 piece bug out bag kit.” However, these kits typically contained 299 items that were not useful. On the other hand, JUDY does a fantastic job of including only the essential items and omitting any useless items, making their premade bug out bag a worthwhile investment. If you’re new to prepping and looking for a premade kit, the JUDY Mover Max is the one to go for.
Budget Premade Bug Out Bag
Ready America Emergency Kit
Budget-friendly, indispensable equipment.
Those who are on a tight budget will find it beneficial that this kit includes all the necessary components while also giving them the option to supplement it with additional tools without making any compromises.
If you’re in search of a low-priced ready-made bug out bag, the Ready America 2-Person 3-Day Backpack is the best option available. Similar to our favorite choice, this bag eliminates unnecessary belongings and offers a basic bug out bag at an excellent price. The bag consists of:
- Bug Out Backpack (Mid Capacity, High-Vis Red)
- 2x Mayday Ration Bars (2400 Calorie)
- 12x Mayday Water Pouches
- First Aid Kit
- 2x Mylar Blankets
- Whistle
- 2x Cyalume Glow Sticks
- 2x Emergency Ponchos
- 2x Dust Masks
- 2x Nitrile Gloves
This Ready America kit is a good place to begin with affordable essentials, even though many items could still be added or improved to higher quality gear.
Upgrade Premade Bug Out Bag
Uncharted Seventy2
With Best in Class Tools, the content is organized and packed with high-quality information.
If you want to find all the best gear in one place, Uncharted has the solution with their prepackaged bug out bag called the Seventy2, making it effortless.
If you are looking for the best option without any difficulties of assembling everything yourself, the Seventy2 by Uncharted is the obvious choice to go. The kit has been meticulously designed and crafted to almost perfection, leaving no detail unattended. Unlike other pre-made bug out bags, this one does not compromise on the quality of the bag itself. The bag is made of premium, waterproof and durable 600D tarpaulin material with a 26-liter capacity, and it also includes an organizational insert. Inside the bag, you will discover top-of-the-line gear, including:
- Sawyer Mini Water Filter
- Nalgene Bottle (48 oz)
- Datrex Ration Bar
- UCO Stormproof Matches
- Mylar Survival Tent
- Sanitation Wipes
- Paracord
- Guardsman Multi-tool
- Waterproof Compact Flashlight
- Camp Shovel/Pickaxe
- First Aid Kit w/ Gauze and Splint
- 2x Cyalume Glow Sticks
- Mylar Blanket
- Sunscreen (SPF 50)
- Radio/Flashlight/Charger Combo
- Filtration Mask (99.9% Carbon Filter)
- Duct Tape
- 2x Heat Factory Hand Warmers
- Goggles
- Magnesium Fire Starter w/ Tanto Knife
- Beanie
- Cut-proof Insulated Gloves
Due to its combination of preparedness and minimalism, the bag eliminates any unnecessary items. Moreover, they express appreciation for military personnel by granting a 10% discount to members and veterans who make purchases through their website.
What to Look For
There are certain important features to consider when looking for the best premade bug out bags.
- Value
- Essential Gear
- Versatility
- Upgrade Ability
When considering each of these factors, we can analyze the significance they hold for an exceptional premade bug out bag. By combining the ideal combination of these elements, you can acquire a remarkable bug out bag without the effort of assembling one yourself.
Premade Value
The primary purpose of a pre-assembled bug out bag is to save time and money.
Many individuals underestimate the amount of time they dedicate to researching gear, which can be saved through efficient methods of testing, purchasing, and storing gear for various emergency situations.
By utilizing their advantage of bulk purchasing, these companies are able to secure fantastic prices on their equipment and subsequently divide them to create these emergency kits, enabling you to save money. Purchasing thousands of Mylar blankets at once is much more economical compared to buying just one. Additionally, opting for a premade kit can prevent you from ordering low-quality, unnecessary, or duplicate gear.
Essential Gear
The age-old debate surrounding pre-made bug out bags and homemade kits revolves around determining the optimal amount of gear to include in a bug out bag.
The backbone of any bug out bag is essential gear, and additional gear enhances the kit’s versatility for various emergency situations.
Versatile Gear
All gear that is not necessary may still be required depending on your particular circumstances. In our extensive list, we categorize this gear as “suggested gear” and “considered gear” – two extra levels that can determine the significance of including certain types of gear in a kit. The purpose of all this gear is to enhance the versatility of your kit for various emergency situations.
Upgrade Ability
You have the option to upgrade any part of your kits as desired. When we discuss particular types of gear, we frequently mention our ‘upgrade pick’, which represents the highest quality gear available. However, a potential drawback of upgrading is that you may already possess lower-quality gear that serves the same function.
In the world of prepping, it is preferred to have more than one tool or a specific type of gear (referred to as redundancy), as this is considered a good thing. We often use the phrase “two is one and one is none” to emphasize the importance of having backups.
To avoid accumulating unnecessary gear, it is important to find a balance between being prepared and hoarding. If you go a whole year without using a particular item, it may be worth reflecting on your approach. Being excessively well-equipped can become burdensome, so it is crucial to maintain organization in order to remain prepared. If you find yourself with an excess of unused items, consider donating, discarding, or selling them on platforms like eBay.
When we consider the upgradeability of pre-assembled bug out bags, we assess whether the included gear needs to be substituted.
What Should Be In Your Bug Out Bag
If you prefer to construct your own kit from the beginning, then consult the following list of necessary items required for your BOB.
Carefully review each category, one at a time, and identify the essential items that should be included in your bug out bag. While evaluating, remember that the perfect bug-out bag should be easily portable. This might mean that you will have to restrict the number of items, so only prioritize what is absolutely crucial in a situation where survival is at stake.
Air
Ensure you have a necessary bug out bag item to guarantee your ability to breathe comfortably, as you can only endure for three minutes without fresh air.
- Air Filtration Mask: Depending on the survival situation at hand, air filtration may be the only way you can access safe-to-breathe oxygen. Use an air filtration mask that filters out particulates to keep you breathing well.
Shelter
Immediate shelter is necessary whether you are stuck in a storm in the wilderness or have become homeless due to a natural disaster.
- Tent: In many emergency situations, shelter may be hard to find. While packing a traditional tent may not be a viable option, a good bug out bag should always include a waterproof survival tent. The best survival tents are made of Mylar, which can retain heat and repel water. Pro-tip: Be sure to stack leaves, grass or anything else from around the campsite against the tent for added protection from the elements.
- Space blanket: These light, metal-coated sheets weigh next to nothing and are designed to retain heat, which makes them a great addition to any bug out bag. Your space blanket may also be used as a rudimentary shelter; attach it to a limb or trunk and tie it with a paracord.
- Sleeping bag: If you can find an extremely lightweight sleeping bag that still provides appropriate warmth, this can be a good addition to your bug out bag.
Water
Clean drinking water is crucial in emergency situations because access to fresh and safe water is vital for survival. The ideal bug out bags should include the following items:
- Water filtration system: Your bug out bag must offer a filtration system that can help make any water source drinkable.
- Water bottle/bladder: In order to take water on the go, you need a sturdy water bottle or bladder that keeps it protected from contamination.
Make sure your bug out bag is fully equipped with the abovementioned items, as it is essential to remember that while the average person can survive for weeks without food, they can only last three days without water. Avoid finding yourself stranded without proper hydration.
Food
In the event of flooding or bomb explosions, it is important to have a sufficient amount of food that can last for at least three days. These necessary items will assist you in overcoming the initial critical moments and provide the necessary strength to face any challenges that may arise.
- Rations: You won’t have endless room in your bug out bag for a feast, and that’s where dense, small packages of rations come in. Datrex emergency rations are calorie-dense, providing enough food to sustain you for three days.
- Fishing kit: If your emergency situation leaves you stranded near a body of water, a small fishing kit could come in handy. String, hook, and bait can be tied to virtually anything, making for an on-the-go fishing solution.
Clothing
In a survival situation, the clothes you are wearing could potentially save you. It is essential to have access to the following items in your bug out bag.
- 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.
Warmth is a quality that can be felt on the skin and often gives a pleasant feeling.
It is important to have sources of warmth readily available when disaster compels you to venture into the outdoors.
- 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 when the sun sets. To ensure you can move around any location between sunset and sunrise, make sure you have the following bug out bag essentials:
- 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.
First Aid
In any disaster scenario, it is crucial to have a well-equipped first aid kit. Make sure to include the following essentials in your bug out bag:
- Anti-bacterial wipes: Bacteria can turn the smallest cut into a life-threatening wound. Be sure the first aid kit in your bug out bag includes anti-bacterial wipes.
- Painkillers: Be sure to pack painkillers that can provide temporary relief in the case of injury. Essentials include ibuprofen and aspirin.
- Gauze pads: If you or someone in your party is wounded or injured while outdoors, tackle open sores with gauze pads to keep the wound clean.
- Sunscreen: Keep your skin protected when shade isn’t available and prevent severe sunburns.
- Medical gloves: Medical gloves can help you keep a wound sterile and clean while bandaging and help prevent cross-contamination.
- Instrument kit: A kit filled with necessary medical instruments can be useful in a myriad of ways. A comprehensive kit should include scissors, forceps, safety pins, and medical tape.
- Bandages and Band-Aids: Keep cuts and wounds covered with bandages and Band-Aids to prevent contamination and reduce the chance of infection.
- Sling: In the event of injury, a sling can be used to support and immobilize that part of the body.
- Burn gel: If you or a member of your party is burned, this gel can provide much-needed relief and soothe the skin.
- Antibiotic ointment: Antibiotic ointments typically contain pain-relief ingredients to soothe cuts, scrapes and burn. These ointments also prevent infection and promote healing.
- Antiseptic wipes: These wipes can be used to clean wounds, help ensure an area is sterile before procedure, and prepare skin for impending cuts.
- First aid instructions: It’s all well and good to have a comprehensive first aid kit, but what about situations in which instructive care is needed? A good bug out bag should include first aid instructions, including CPR tips, and steps required for other basic injury care.
- Tourniquet: This compression device can be a lifesaver. A tourniquet stops the flow of blood through a vein or artery by compressing a limb with tight bandages or cords.
