By watching the news for 15 minutes or checking your favorite news app’s headlines, it is possible for the world to appear as a gloomy and perilous place. With ongoing wars, natural disasters, violence, and extreme weather events, constant upheaval is happening everywhere. Although we do not wish to sound pessimistic, it is wise to be prepared for the worst while maintaining hope for the best, as wise individuals suggest. In the event that a difficult situation arises, it is essential to ensure that you and your family are adequately prepared to face the challenge.
Definition of a Bug Out Bag
A Bug Out Bag, which is usually kept in a backpack for convenience, is a survival kit designed for temporary use. Its primary purpose is to equip you with essential supplies in case you need to swiftly evacuate your home or workplace due to an emergency, such as a major natural calamity.
Bug Out Bags, known as Go Bags, Go Kits, Grab Bags, 72-Hour Bags, or Bail Out Bags, all refer to a portable emergency disaster survival kit.
It is crucial to have Bug Out Bags prepared in advance and stored in handy places, as they are intended to be swiftly deployed whenever necessary.
Typically, these items are not intended for extended survival purposes. Instead, they are created with the intention of being used temporarily over short periods of time. Consequently, they are designed to be compact and light enough to be easily transported on a person’s back or in a backpack. Another excellent choice for a bug out bag is a rolling suitcase.
These items are not intended to replace all of the things in your home.
When initiating the preparation of a bug out bag, it is important to initially consider your plans and priorities.
If you were forced to leave your home and had to depart from the town, which place would you choose to go? And what essentials would you require for the initial 3-4 days?
For most individuals, this entails either residing with their family or friends, staying at a hotel, or seeking refuge in a storm shelter.
BUG OUT BAG ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO PACK
The composition of your bug out bag will vary based on the potential situations and events you may come across in your specific location. Consider what kinds of natural disasters are probable in your area. If the possibility of experiencing an earthquake is highly unlikely, there is no need to incorporate preparations for that scenario. Conversely, if wildfires frequently occur, it would be wise to include items in your bug out bag that can assist you in managing such an event.
When preparing a bug out bag for emergencies, prioritize essential items for survival rather than focusing on creature comforts. It is important to remember that this bag is specifically intended for emergencies, not for camping trips.
Take the time to think step by step before investing in equipping your bug out bag, and make sure to consider the scenarios that are most likely to happen. Gear your bag accordingly.
This bug out bag list consists of necessary items that should be present in all bags, as well as additional items that could be beneficial to you based on your requirements.
Food and Water
When preparing your bug out bag, make sure to include enough food and water to last each person in your group for three days. It is preferable to choose foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates as they provide the necessary fuel and energy. Consider adding non-perishable food items such as boxed ready-to-eat meals, canned goods, energy bars, jerky, nuts, and MREs. Additionally, do not forget the importance of including a can opener, which is often found in most multi-tools and is essential for a 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
It is advantageous for you to acquire a complete first aid kit comprising an assortment of bandages, gauze, ointment, tweezers, antibiotic spray, splints, and a tourniquet. Additionally, it is crucial to keep in mind including any prescribed medications that you or someone you care for heavily depends on.
Other first aid and toiletry items to consider include:
- Sunscreen
- N95 face masks
- Antibacterial wipes, ointment, and hand sanitizer
- Condensed soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Spare glasses
- Biodegradable toilet paper/wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
Shelter
It is essential for your survival to stay warm and dry. It is advisable to include a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and ground pad for sleeping in your packing list. Additionally, it is crucial to bring a tarp that can offer much-needed shelter and protection from the elements. Gloves, extra hiking shoes or boots, and a rain poncho should also be packed as they are necessities.
When considering items for your bug out bag, be sure to include an additional set of wool hiking socks to keep your feet warm and dry. It is wise to select a balaclava head covering for cold-weather scenarios. It serves the purpose of shielding your head, neck, and face from the cold, wind, or sun.
Other shelter and warmth items to consider include:
- Hat
- Scarf
- Hand and foot warmers
- Emergency waterproof blanket
- Fleece layer
- Parachute cord
Communication and Safety
In certain circumstances, communication can be very challenging. Mobile phone communication may become impossible if cell towers are not functioning. However, it is still imperative to maintain communication within your group and stay updated with the latest news and information. For this purpose, a hand-cranked radio can serve as a vital link to the external world.
In the event of separation, a two-way walkie-talkie enables communication between you and other members of your group who are nearby. It is vital to have the ability to see in dimly lit or hazy environments, therefore, include a headlamp, flashlight with spare batteries (or a hand-cranked flashlight), and a solar-powered lantern in your bag. Additionally, glow sticks are a handy item to have.
Other communication and safety items to consider include:
- Whistle
- Basic, feature phone
- Portable solar chargers
- Pepper spray
- Watch
- Compass
Other Bug Out Bag Essentials
- Duct tape
- Zip ties
- Safety pins
- Sewing kit
- Superglue
- Fishing kit
- Signal mirror
Important Documents
To ensure the safety of important documents, or their copies, it is necessary to put them in a waterproof bag. These documents comprise passports, medical records, insurance policies, bank records, a small amount of cash, an emergency contact list, and irreplaceable family photos.
