Essential Items for a Bug Out Bag - Off Grid Questions Blog

In recent years, we have learned many difficult lessons that have taught us the importance of being prepared for emergency situations. One of the lessons that we should have already been aware of is that it is crucial to start preparing early, as survival may hinge upon having the necessary equipment readily accessible without delay.

After all, there are many situations that could result in a temporary lack of services and utilities and require you to look after yourself for a while. Depending on where you live there could be an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, tropical storm, forest fire or flood which might mean you’re left, however briefly, surviving on your own
. So it’s not a terrible idea to have a bag prepared that you can grab and go if the ground starts shaking.

In addition to this bag, it might be a good idea to leave behind larger items at home. If my concern was about potential flooding and the need to evacuate from my rooftop, I would possibly think about acquiring a compact inflatable raft. If I anticipated being isolated for a couple of weeks, perhaps due to residing in a secluded cabin with challenging weather conditions hindering transportation, my priority would be to gather a sufficient supply of dehydrated food.

However, in most cases, a compact and basic bug-out bag is widely applicable and should provide sufficient provisions for the initial 24 to 72 hours of any survival scenario. Unless there is a complete cataclysm, assistance is likely to arrive after that time frame. In fact, numerous items included in the bag are meant to aid in reaching a rescuer rather than solely facilitating self-sustenance in wilderness solitude.

I keep one of these bags in my truck’s bed, located in a lockbox. It is conveniently positioned near my front door, making it easily accessible. As I am more confident in my survival skills rather than my mechanical abilities, having this bag with me serves as a comforting assurance when we venture into remote desert areas.

What Makes a Good Bug-Out-Bag?

If you prefer not to choose the bag essentials individually, there are various off the shelf bug-out-bags available for purchase online. However, it is important to note that these bags, being mass-produced and targeted towards the general public, may not cater to the specific needs of your location. For instance, your supplies would differ if you lived in a desert compared to living near water. Additionally, it is advisable to ensure that you pack sufficient supplies for your entire family as pre-packaged bug-out-bags might not contain enough for larger families.

What to Always Include

It is important to follow certain basic rules when determining the contents of your bug-out-bag, regardless of any factors or variations. Please refer to the information provided below.

Keep it simple – You are not trying to build a mobile home to carry around. Many prepper websites list dozens of items to pack. This not only adds cost, but weight as well. Pack simple, reliable things to cover your basic needs.
Make it easy to carry – Make sure you can carry your bug-out-bag comfortably. You may have to walk for a long distance. If your bag is ill fitted or too heavy, you might as well have taken your chances sheltering in place.
Plan for a specific period of time – 72 hours is a good place to begin as this is about how long a person can live without water. Once you start planning for weeks out, your bag will get too complicated and heavy.
Be self-sufficient – If you are thinking about packing an item that needs something you don’t already have, forget it. The chances of finding that key item in a chaotic emergency situation is slim to none. If you are moving to safety, the last thing you want to do is worry about scavenging. Pack supplies that can be used both individually and together to save space.
Only pack what you need – Remember the goal is to survive, not luxury. If you do not need it to survive, leave it behind.

Bug-Out-Bag Essentials

Please ensure that you customize the contents of your bug-out-bag to suit your family’s needs. Here are a few of the key items that should be included.

Tarp or emergency shelter (can be used for shelter and signaling)
Map and compass
Water and high energy / low weight foods (like MRE’s or energy bars)
Extra socks
Multi-tool
LED flashlight
Magnesium fire starter
Hand cranked radio
Survival blanket
Paracord

You would never want to be in a situation where you have to escape your home, but by engaging in simple preparations, you can guarantee the protection of yourself and your loved ones.

Other Useful Items

Solar Panel + Power Bank

In order to stay informed with news and information, it is important to ensure that your phone remains charged. The Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Kit is an effective solution for this, even in situations when the power grid is unavailable. This solar kit is lightweight and convenient, consistently providing enough power to keep my devices functioning while I am in remote areas.

Headlamp

If there is a power outage, it is important to have the ability to move and perform tasks during the night. The Biolite Headlamp 325 not only has a long-lasting charge but is also comfortable to wear and easy to use.

Watch

The Marathon General Purpose Quartz Composite Watch is designed to meet all your watch needs during a crisis. It possesses various features including water resistance up to 30 meters, self-illumination in darkness, being lightweight, and offering reliability. Moreover, in situations requiring first aid, this watch enables recording the time of injury alongside changes in heart rate and respiratory rate, providing vital information for initial responders.

Protective Face Mask

A mask, like the one offered by Under Armour, can effectively protect against various types of airborne particles encountered in situations such as forest fires. This option is favored by many due to its comfort, versatility, and affordability, although there are numerous other good choices available in the market.

Goggles

When there is a fire or air contamination, it is necessary to cover your eyes. The Learning Resources Colored Safety Goggles, available in a pack of six, can protect your eyes from harmful substances and prevent any confusion between your goggles and those of others. If you wear prescription glasses, ensure that the safety goggles fit over them.