By watching the news for 15 minutes or checking the headlines on your favorite news app, it is possible to perceive the world as a gloomy and threatening place. Wars, natural disasters, violence, and weather events are consistently occurring and are happening in our vicinity. Although we do not intend to promote pessimism, it is wiser to be prepared for the worst while maintaining optimism. In the event that an unexpected catastrophe occurs, it is crucial to ensure that both you and your family are equipped to face the challenge.
What is a Bug Out Bag?
A bug out bag is a collection of essential survival items that are necessary for a prompt escape from your home or present location during a situation demanding swift action. It is intended to assist in enduring the intermediate period in the event of a natural calamity or any other emergency.
How Does a Bug Out Bag Differ From a Go Bag?
Both go bags and bug out bags are intended to be used in emergencies when you need to swiftly grab a bag of supplies and leave. The primary distinction between a bug out bag and a go bag lies in their intended duration. A go bag is typically a smaller type of bag that holds vital items such as food and water, which can be stored in your car or workplace for quick retrieval. Its purpose is to serve as a short-term kit.
A bug out bag (BOB) is similar to a backpack but bigger in size, and it should include supplies that can last for a period of up to 72 hours (3 days). Typically, it may be heavier due to the inclusion of additional supplies.
Bug Out Bag Essential Items to Pack
When deciding what to put in your bug out bag, consider the potential situations and events that may happen in your location. Take into account the types of natural disasters that are likely to occur nearby. If the possibility of experiencing an earthquake is very low, then there is no need to include preparations for that scenario. On the other hand, if wildfires frequently happen in your area, it is essential to include items in your bug out bag that can assist you in dealing with such incidents.
When preparing a bug out bag for emergencies, it is important to prioritize necessary survival items over creature comforts, as the focus is on saving space and reducing weight. This should be distinguished from preparing for a camping trip.
Take some time to consider the scenarios you are most likely to encounter before making the investment to outfit your bug out bag, and gear your bag with those scenarios in mind.
This bug out bag list includes necessary items for all bags, along with potentially handy items depending on individual requirements.
Food and Water
When considering what to pack in your bug out bag, it is essential to include enough food and water for each person in your group for three days. It is preferable to choose foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates, as they can provide the necessary fuel and energy. Some examples of non-perishable food items to consider are boxed, ready-to-eat meals, canned goods, energy bars, jerky, nuts, and MREs. Additionally, do not forget to include a can opener, which is commonly included in most multi-tools and is another important item for your bug out bag.
OTHER FOOD AND WATER ITEMS TO CONSIDER INCLUDE:
- Portable water filtration system
- Collapsible water bladder
- Portable stove
- Fire starter and waterproof matches
- Multi-utensil like a spork
- Stainless steel water bottles and bowls for eating and drinking
First Aid and Toiletries
To act wisely, you should purchase a complete first aid kit encompassing a range of bandages, gauze, ointment, tweezers, antibiotic spray, splints, and a tourniquet. Additionally, don’t forget to bring along any necessary prescription medications for yourself or a family member who depends on them.
Our Picks
Arc’teryx Granville Zip 16
Arc’teryx is famous for their waterproof outdoor clothing and they incorporate the same expertise into their bags and packs. The Granville Zip 16, with its sleek minimalist design and Advanced Composite Construction, offers excellent technical waterproof performance in a daypack style that fits seamlessly in urban settings. Despite its lightweight of only 26 ounces, this bag has 16 liters of capacity, providing space for your everyday necessities. Additionally, it features a padded pocket that can hold a 15″ laptop, catering to your work requirements.
Matador FreeRain24 Waterproof Packable Daypack
Matador specializes in producing packable bags that are suitable for everyday carry. The FreeRain24 model perfectly demonstrates that a bag can be both lightweight and collapsible without compromising its ability to withstand heavy rain. The bag is constructed using a lightweight yet durable material called 30D CORDURA nylon, which is siliconized to enhance its resistance to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the bag features a Hypalon roll-top closure that provides extra physical protection for the 24 liters of gear that can be stored inside. When not in use, the bag can be conveniently packed away into a compact package small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. This makes it ideal for easy storage or for utilization as a smaller bag within a larger one when traveling.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 15L
Peak Design offers a line of water-resistant everyday bags that are both protective and visually appealing, making them suitable for travel whether you’re heading to work or embarking on outdoor adventures. Among these bags is the Everyday Backpack, which provides 15 liters of space in its main compartment. This compartment allows for easy access from the side, and when fully unzipped, it offers a complete 270 degrees of access thanks to the single UltraZip zipper. The internal storage area is spacious enough to accommodate a 13″ ultrabook laptop or professional tablet, and the main compartment can be further organized with Peak Design’s FlexFold dividers. The bag’s shell is made of 400D nylon canvas, constructed entirely from recycled materials. Furthermore, it is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to protect your belongings from rain.
Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21
Mystery Ranch is famous within the EDC and tactical community for producing durable bags that can withstand various environmental conditions. Among their designs, the Urban Assault 21 is particularly suitable for daily use in urban areas. In the waxed wood version, the bag enhances its durability and water resistance by incorporating wax impregnation into the 500D CORDURA fabric. This feature effectively protects the contents from heavy rain. Additionally, the bag’s water-resistant YKK 3-way zipper opening allows for effortless access to the interior when needed.
Mission Workshop Fraction 14L
Mission Workshop, a design firm located in San Francisco, specializes in creating durable backpacks for everyday use that are suitable for active commuting and stylish in urban surroundings. The Fraction rucksack offered by the brand is a sleek everyday-carry bag equipped with numerous weather-resistant pockets, zippers coated with urethane, and an internal frame sheet that ensures the bag’s shape remains intact even when not fully packed on a daily basis. Manufactured to meet military specifications for ruggedness, this bag is designed to withstand demanding use. Additionally, the buckled flap aids in keeping rainwater out, which is particularly beneficial for cyclists.
Mission Workshop The Khyte
If you want a high quality messenger bag from Mission Workshop that also provides the same level of water resistance as their other bags, consider looking at The Khyte. It’s a messenger laptop bag with all the necessary features, including a two-layer waterproof construction made from HT500 double-coated textile technical fabric and three Arkiv rails for modular carry. It also has a flat pocket for documents, and the main compartment can be easily accessed thanks to the use of Fidlock hardware.
Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel
Patagonia is deeply connected to the outdoor lifestyle, and their Black Hole bags are specifically created to provide ample space for your equipment in a waterproof shell, ideal for long journeys. The remarkable flexibility of the Black Hole Duffel is also worth noting, as it effortlessly converts from a conventional duffel bag to a comfortable backpack, making it suitable for extended hiking trips. The bag’s exterior is constructed from 100% recycled 900D ripstop fabric, which is coated with TPU laminate and finished with DWR to repel rain.
