The Ultimate List of Bug-Out Bag Essentials

In order to be ready for different potential emergencies, it is important to have a survival plan that considers the possibility of your family having to leave your home. By creating a “go bag” or “bug-out bag,” you will have all the essential supplies and tools required to survive outside of your house for a minimum of 72 hours in case of a disaster.

It is important not to procrastinate in making a plan or convince yourself that planning will lead to disaster. Instead, starting to gather the essentials for a portable go bag will help you feel more at ease. While you may already have some necessary items, we recommend investing in reliable products to ensure they won’t let you down when you need them. You may also notice that many of the items listed below have multiple uses or functions that overlap. It is wise to have backup options or alternatives in case you need to start a fire, charge a lantern, or set up a shelter to protect from rain.

What items should be in a bug-out bag?

No matter the season or the emergency, our list of essential items to consider gathering remains the same, whether you’re aiming for a more minimalist go bag or the ultimate bug-out bag.

Food and Water

3 days’ supply of non-perishable food (healthy canned goods in non-BPA lined cans, other shelf-stable foods, high-nutrition energy bars, even MREs, the boxed ready-to-eat meals that soldiers carry) per family member
Portable water filtration system
Chemical water purification tablets or drops
Collapsible water bag or bladder
Stainless steel water bottles for each family member
Stainless steel bowl/pot
Spork multi-utensil
Field knife
Collapsible fishing kit
Portable stove
Fuel for stove/fire (solid fuel, fire starters, ferro rod, waterproof matches or petroleum soaked cotton ball DIY fire-starters)
Multipurpose tool with knife, can opener, screwdriver, etc.
Waterproof Ziploc bags

Water Filter

Although you can survive for a significant period without food, water is essential and cannot be compromised. Moreover, when the cleanliness of available water cannot be determined, the potential dangers may far exceed the benefits. However, you can mitigate the risks by utilizing a reliable water filtration system such as a LifeStraw, which can eliminate 99.9999 percent of bacteria and is conveniently portable. Additionally, it is advisable to have water purification tablets in your backpack, as they can effectively eliminate germs and bacteria, ensuring the safety of drinking water obtained from questionable sources.

Warmth and Shelter

Lightweight tent
Sleeping bag
Ground pad
Emergency waterproof blanket or space blanket
Hand warmers
Gloves
50′ of parachute cord (paracord)
Hatchet or machete
Knife sharpening stone
Clothes
Rain poncho or other durable waterproof outer shell layer
Warm and lightweight winter jacket
Warmth layer (wool, fleece)
2 sets of quick-dry underwear per person
2 pairs of wool hiking socks per person
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Hat for warmth (winter) or sun protection (summer)
Tarp

A tarp in your bug-out bag is worth keeping because it can serve numerous purposes. It can function as a tent, a blanket, protection from rain, or a tool for collecting water. Tarps are inexpensive and lightweight, and they have the potential to save lives. When folded correctly, a regular tarp won’t occupy much space in a bug-out bag.

First Aid and Sanitation

Comprehensive first aid kit
N95 face masks
Prescriptions
Spare set of glasses
Antibacterial wipes and ointment
Splint
Sunscreen
Folding shovel
Condensed soap
Toothbrush
Travel towel
Hand sanitizer
Nail clippers
Tampons, pads or silicone menstrual cup
Toilet paper/wet wipes
Contractor garbage bags

First Aid Kit and Medical Supplies

To ensure the safety of every family member before medical assistance arrives, it is advised by the American Red Cross to have a well-equipped first aid kit that contains necessary 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 pack other essential medical supplies like hearing aids with spare batteries, contact lenses, glasses, and mobility devices.

Tourniquet

Although no one intends to get injured, it is crucial to prepare for certain injuries in order to ensure survival. Severe injuries to the limbs may result in excessive bleeding and ultimately lead to death; however, using a tourniquet can halt the bleeding. While improvising one by using fabric and a stick is possible, it is more advantageous to possess an actual tourniquet, particularly during emergency scenarios, as they are significantly easier to apply.

Light, Safety and Communication

Whistle
Two-way walkie talkie
Compass
Watch
Pepper spray
Hand-cranked radio
Hand-cranked flashlight
Hand-cranked or solar-powered lantern
Headlamp and rechargeable batteries
Glow sticks
Portable solar charger and power-charging cords for devices
Cell phones

In an emergency, it is crucial to check on your loved ones, stay connected with other individuals in your group, and have the ability to seek assistance. These bug-out communication tools will assist you in remaining in contact.

Emergency Contact Information

To ensure you can contact emergency numbers and people you know, it is vital to store their information in your cell phone. However, this becomes ineffective if your phone dies or goes missing. It is advisable to keep a printed version of this information in your bug-out bag, preferably laminated for protection against the weather.

Whistle

Finding people who may be trapped or require aid can pose a difficulty for rescuers. Shouts may not always reach emergency responders at a sufficient volume. According to Ready.gov, it is advised to include a whistle in your emergency kit as a means to indicate when assistance is required. By emitting sounds at approximately 120 decibels, an emergency whistle produces a loud enough noise to notify a rescue team of your whereabouts.

Hand-Crank or Battery-Powered Radio

During wildfires and other natural disasters, power lines can become disconnected, causing cellular signals to be frequently unreliable. To ensure access to vital information such as weather alerts and evacuation routes, it is crucial to include a hand-crank or battery-powered radio in your bug-out kit. The California Fire Prevention Organization highly recommends the NOAA Weather Radio as an excellent option for inclusion in go bags due to its effectiveness. This radio can potentially make a life-or-death difference.

Cell Phone and Charger

Never leave in an emergency without your cell phone. Program the numbers of your emergency contacts, friends and family, and any other phone numbers you may need. Add a power bank and charging cables to your bug-out bag as well to keep the phone charged and ready for use, even when you don’t have access to traditional forms of power.