If you spend enough time searching the internet for information about disaster or emergency preparedness, you will eventually come across terms like “bug out,” “bugging out,” or “bug out bag.” For those who are not familiar with these terms, the idea of bugging out or putting together a bug out bag can be overwhelming because the meanings can vary for different people. While some may think that bugging out is only necessary in an apocalyptic scenario, this is not true at all. A well-stocked bug out bag is actually a practical tool that can assist you and your family in a range of real situations. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the most essential gear you will need for various emergencies.
Before we delve into the intricacies, let us first examine the definition of bugging out.
What Does Bug Out Mean?
If you imagine a severe natural disaster or civil unrest, with evacuation orders in place, it is likely that your home’s security will not be guaranteed. In the turbulent times we currently live in, it is easy to envision this outcome for your family or loved ones. In such situations, leaving promptly, or bugging out, is often the most effective way to prevent impending disaster.
There are numerous scenarios where it may be necessary to evacuate to a safer place. Here are various instances where bug out plans could be applicable, spanning from typical to severe. To obtain more detailed information on preparedness measures for any of these topics, simply click one of the provided links.
- Hurricanes
- Wildfires
- Tornadoes
- Floods
- Long-term power outages
- Escape from domestic violence, stalking, or extreme harassment
- Self-rescue after being stranded in a remote location (e.g. a vehicle breakdown)
- Impending lockdown or indefinite “stay at home” order
- Civil unrest and rioting
- Government instability or economic collapse
- Mass-casualty event such as a terrorist attack
- War
Bug out is the colloquial expression utilized by individuals who create a contingency plan for uncertain situations, when safety cannot be ensured.
There are instances of bug out plans that can be observed in your daily life, such as fire evacuation routes displayed on the rear of apartment or hotel doors, or the signs indicating tsunami evacuation paths towards higher ground on roads. For many commercial and government entities, it is obligatory to have a bug out plan, and numerous free resources are available to aid decision makers in creating one.
Not only businesses and emergency responders, but also the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) highly encourages everyone to plan for disasters. It is crucial to create a bug out bag list that includes all the essential items needed to handle a worsening situation while being mobile, if you have to evacuate.
The Best Bug Out Bag Gear
Once you have made a decision regarding the items to include in your bug out bag, the subsequent action entails putting together your kit.
If you happen to not have any of the items, here is our compilation of our most preferred survival equipment.
The Backpack
The 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 is our preferred choice for a 3-day bug out bag due to its design by professional survivalists and durable construction.
If you are looking for a more affordable choice, you may want to consider the 3V Gear Paratus 3-Day Backpack or the Reebow Tactical 3-Day Backpack.
Shelter and Environmental Protection
- Firestarting Kit: UCO Stormproof Matches in Waterproof Container
- Firestarting Kit (2): UCO Stormproof Torch Windproof Lighter
- Emergency Blanket: SOL Emergency Blanket
- Poncho: Rothco Ripstop
- Sleeping Bag: Coleman North Rim Sleeping Bag
- Tarp: OUTAD Waterproof Tarp
- Tent: Survival Shack Emergency Shelter Tent
Food and Water
- Water: Datrex Emergency Water Packets 72 Hour Supply
- Rations: S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars 72 Hour Package
- Water Filtering Item: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- Water Purification Tablets: Potable Aqua PA+Plus Water Purification Tablets
- Canteen: Klean Kanteen Water Bottle
- Hydration Bladder: Camelbak 2.0 Liter Antidote
- Can Opener: P-51 Military Can Opener
- Eating Utensils: Hikenture 4-1 Eating Utensils
Communication and Navigation
- Emergency Radio: Eton FRX2
- Flashlight: J5 Hyper-V Tactical LED
- Headlamp: Petzl TIKKA Headlamp
- Survival Whistle: Storm Safety Whistle
- Compass: Suunto Field Compass
- Laminated State Map: Easyfinder Laminated Maps
- Chemical Light Sticks: Cyalume SnapLight Light Sticks
- Signal Mirror: Coghlan’s Signal Mirror
- Cell Phone Cable and Adapter: AmazonBasics Lightning Cable
First Aid and Staying Healthy
- First Aid Kit: 205-Piece First Aid Kit from First Aid Only
- Tourniquet: Recon Medical Tourniquet
- Israeli Bandage: Ever Ready Israeli Bandage
- Sam Splint: SAM Rolled Splint 36″
- QuickClot: QuickClot Advanced Clotting Sponge
- Bug Repellent: Repel 100 Pump Spray
- Hygiene Kit: Premium 10-Piece Travel Kit
- Wet Naps: Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes
- Potassium Iodide Tablets: ThyroSafe Potassium Iodine Tablets
- Ammonia Inhalants: Dynarex Ammonia Inhalants
Miscellaneous
- Multitool: Leatherman Wingman
- Folding Knife: Kershaw Clash Serrated Folding Knife
- Fixed Blade Knife: Smith & Wesson H.R.T.
- Paracord: Rothco Type III Paracord – 50 feet
- Duct Tape: SOL Duct Tape – 50 feet
- Batteries: AmazonBasics High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries
- Solar Charger: Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Solar Recharging Kit
- Zip Ties: Cable Matters Nylon Zip Ties
- Bandana: Triple9 Bandana
- Dry Bag: Earth Pak Dry Bag
- Pocket Survival Guide: SAS Survival Guide
Urban / Suburban Survival Gear
- Work Gloves: Mechanix M-Pact Gloves
- Dust Mask: 3M N95 Particulate Respirator Masks
- Eye Protection: UVEX Stealth OTG Safety Goggles
- Urban Axe: Ontario SP-16 SPAX Tool
- Pry Bar: Stanley 7-1/2 inch Wonder Bar
- Breaching Tool: Stanley FatMax Xtreme Fubar
- Sillcock Water Valve Key: Cobra 4-Way Sillcock Key
Wilderness Survival Gear
- Camping Hammock: Trek Light Gear Double Hammock
- Pocket Chainsaw: Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw
- Fishing Kit: Best Glide Survival Fishing Kit
- Hatchet: Estwing 14-inch Hatchet
- Tomahawk: CRKT T-Hawk
- Camp Shovel: Gerber Gorge Folding Shovel
- Fillet Knife: Rapala Fish’n Fillet Knife
- Skinning Knife: Mossberg Fixed Skinning Knife
Self-Defense
- Pepper Spray: SABRE Police Strength Pepper Spray
- Handgun & Ammo: Glock 19 Gen 4
- Rifle & Ammo: Ruger 10/22 Takedown Rifle
- Slingshot & Ammo: The Scout Hunting Slingshot
