A bug out bag, also known as a “ready bag” or “go bag,” is a crucial portable emergency kit to have in case of an emergency. Whether facing a wildfire, flood, hurricane, or any other type of emergency, having a bug out bag allows you and your family to evacuate swiftly while having all the essential supplies and tools needed for survival.
The bug out bag essentials are specifically designed to last for a 72 hour period, during which you aim to find shelter and restock your supplies.
The purpose of these bags is to be quickly deployed, so it is important to have everything prepared in advance. Your bug out bag should be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry. Being prepared is crucial; you should be ready to depend solely on yourself and your bug out bag.
When assembling your bag, consider this question: What essential items would I require to endure the initial 3-4 days if I were compelled to evacuate my residence due to an emergency situation?
Bug Out Bag (Personal Kit)
Bug out bags, which are also known as 72 hour kits, are specifically created for extended use and with the primary purpose of evacuation. Comparatively, they possess a more serious intent. Typically, they are equipped with survival gear, personal belongings, as well as protective gear such as weapons, among other things. Consequently, bug out bags can be seen as a more extreme and justified version of emergency gear. In situations characterized by unrest within a country, the need for more extreme gear arises. Numerous individuals who invest in bug-out bags firmly believe that it is merely a matter of time before either social unrest or some catastrophic event forces us to leave our residences. Consequently, a bug out bag contains essential equipment for prolonged survival and safeguarding.
Military and tactical individuals undergo rigorous training to prepare for dire emergencies, and they allocate significant resources to acquire the required equipment.
Bug out bags are typically made up of a tough and transportable container like a tactical backpack with molle-ready attachment points. These bags contain high-quality gear that can withstand extreme circumstances. The gear inside may consist of hydration bladders and filters, MRE food, multitools, rechargeable light sources, hatchets or saws, portable shelters, weapons, communication devices, and so on. The expense for bug out equipment usually surpasses that of other emergency kits due to the focus on reliable, long-lasting gear of superior quality.
Survival Priorities
In order to survive, the human body has specific needs. These include clean air, water, food, and the preference of keeping blood inside our bodies. These requirements can be ranked by priority, where urgent needs such as breathing take precedence over others, such as drinking water.
Based on our list of survival priorities, we suggest gear that aligns with these priorities. Throughout each stage, the gear we suggest will prioritize these aspects. It is important to acquire essential gear and supplies initially and arrange them in a manner that is both portable and easily accessible.
Considering the probability of needing certain items in survival situations, we acknowledge that the likelihood of requiring a facemask is not as high as that of a flashlight or multitool, among others. However, we purposefully include certain tools at the beginning of the checklist because they assist in acquiring more essential items. For instance, a reliable multitool proves useful in numerous ways, leading us to prioritize it near the top of the list.
Taking into consideration years of experience in the outdoors, as well as the checklists provided by the Boy Scouts, research on the web, recommendations from military personnel we know and first responders, our bug out bag checklist has been formulated.
We strongly recommend that you personalize your kits to suit your specific needs. Take into consideration your regular activities, any health-related necessities, the individuals in your household, and so on.
It is important to remember that bug out bags belong to Stage 2 gear, and other stages serve to enhance and complete these kits. Therefore, it is crucial to acquire Stage 1 Emergency Essentials before focusing on these items.
Pick Your Bug Out Bag
The first crucial step is to choose the type of bag that will store your bug out essentials.
In order to ensure you have all necessary survival supplies, it is crucial to have a backpack that is both durable and comfortable, with enough space to accommodate everything. However, it should also be compact and lightweight for easy carriage. It is important to note that a typical school backpack may not possess the durability required for demanding situations.
Take your time to carefully examine the bag, considering its compartments, quality, and size, to determine if it is capable of meeting the requirements of a survival situation.
When searching for the ideal bug out bag, it is important to take into account the color. It is preferable to choose a bag with natural hues rather than camouflage. The objective is for the bag to easily blend in, but if a camouflage bag is selected, there is a risk of being mistakenly identified as military personnel. Suitable colors for the bag might consist of black, beige, and green.
Each person’s bug out bag will vary slightly. A father’s bag will not resemble a military bag, and particularly not a young man’s bag. Depending on your location and the specific environmental obstacles you may encounter, your bag will also differ. It is advisable to keep an eye out for a waterproof bag.
What to Put in Your Bag
In your emergency-readiness pack, there are five categories of essentials for a bug out bag that should be included.
- water purification
- environmental protection
- food supplies
- sleeping gear
- first aid
When making bags for each family member, it is essential to remember that not every item needs to be included in every bag. Instead, distribute the items accordingly. Some things, such as single-use items or those that can be shared, only need to be included once. Aim to keep all the bags as lightweight as possible. Focus on including only the necessary essentials for your survival bag.
Ensure that you pack essential gear that is effective for the crucial aspects of survival. It is advisable to store this gear in a durable and comfortable backpack to facilitate easy movement. Here are a few examples of the suggested survival items:
Survival gear refers to equipment and tools that are essential for ensuring survival in challenging situations.
- 2-way Radio
- AM/FM Radio/Charger
- Headlamp
- Multi Tool
- Field Knife
- Camping Tarp
- Bivvy or Sleeping Bag
- Hand Saw/Hatchet
- Water Container
The activity of providing immediate medical treatment or assistance to someone who has been injured or suddenly taken ill.
- Trauma Shears
- Chest Seals
- Rolled Gauze
- Aluminum Splint
- First Aid Reference Guide
- Abdominal Pad
- Bleed Stop
- Pressure Bandage
- Tourniquet
Toiletries necessary for survival.
- Toilet Paper
- Toothpaste
- Camp Soap
- Sunscreen
- Cotton Swabs
- Body Wipes
- Trash Bags
- Hand Sanitizer
- Feminine Hygiene
