Urban Bug Out Bag Kit Guide - Off Grid Questions Blog

If you are in the process of creating a bug out bag, then you’re in luck, as we have a checklist of items that we suggest for your urban survival B.O.B. for a short-term disaster, lasting a maximum of several weeks. It is important to note that depending on your location, some adaptations may be necessary. For instance, if you reside in a desert area, it might be wise to include a hat with a brim, while those living in northern regions may require a winter toque. Furthermore, the checklist should be adjusted according to the climate and legal regulations in your area to ensure it aligns with your urban survivalist requirements.

Urban Survival Kit Planning Factors

When creating your Bug Out Bag packing list, it is important to take into account various unique factors associated with bug out situations that happen in urban centers. Some of these urban survival factors include:

Having to deal with building debris and glass in the wake of the disaster event.
Increased likelihood of opportunities to scavenge water and food from abandoned buildings.
The possibility of finding supply caches in abandoned buildings – looting is not endorsed by this site but if abandoned supplies mean the difference between life and death, go for it.
Increased likelihood of encountering humans – This can be both good and bad based on the disposition of the people faced and how you handle the situation. Other survivors can be bartered with and be valuable sources for information as well as dangerous criminals. Approach them with caution in mind.
Less need for emergency shelter as there should be many buildings around and debris available to cobble a shelter together if need be.

Gear Essentials

Crow Bar / Pry Bar – For scavenging and removing barriers and debris as well as hammering out glass. The Ka-Bar Becker is an excellent choice for this as it is compact and can smash, pry, as well as cut as the situation requires. The Stanley Fubar is also a very good choice for those with more space in their urban survival kit, and it comes in small and large varieties.
Urban Axe – A multipurpose urban axe, such as the Ontario SP-16 SPAX can be an incredibly versatile and powerful tool in your arsenal. The SPAX is a knife, a hatchet, or a pick axe, whatever the situation dictates. It even has the required slots to open and close water hydrants and gas mains. This is useful if you find yourself in a house with gas leaking or if you want to access a fire hydrant for some clean water. As a bonus, it can also serve as an a intimidating self-defense weapon.
Multitool – Investing in a multitool such as the Leatherman Wingman will give you the versatility to perform all sorts of unexpected jobs, solve minor problems, or get you out of a tight jam with minimal hassle.
Work Gloves – If you have to break glass or move debris, a pair of work gloves such as the Mechanix M-Pact Gloves, will save your hands and keep you working and moving much longer. These can be picked up at any hardware store.
Dust Mask – If there are collapsed buildings in your area this will protect your lungs from airborne debris particles. Have a look at 3M N95 Particulate Respirator Masks to a quality choice.
Permanent Marker – The nature of the urban environment will give you opportunities to leave markings or notes for yourselves or others in your party.
Can opener – In an urban survival situation there will be many more opportunities to scavenge food than in a rural locality. A can opener will enable you to easily access preserved food that you come across.
Sillcock Water Valve Key – Ever notice secured water valves on the side of commercial buildings such as malls or rest stops? All it takes is an inexpensive little tool, the Cobra 4-Way Sillcock Key, to access this water.
Metal Spork – Scavenged food will need a way to get to your mouth. There are many options for this.

Weapons

In an urban survival scenario, it is important to consider the possibility of encountering unfriendly individuals, which can create an unpleasant situation.

Ideally, we can either engage in dialogue to navigate through a potentially perilous situation or completely sidestep such encounters. Nevertheless, circumstances sometimes prevent us from achieving this preferred outcome.

If a situation escalates into a fight where you must defend yourself or your family, it is advisable to have weapons on hand that can provide protection, for example:

Repurposed Tools – If you choose to carry a weapon with you, you can either repurpose a piece of urban survival gear such as the above mentioned Ka-Bar Becker or Stanley Fubar.
Knife – A knife is also a potential self-defense weapon. The Kershaw Tanto has smooth one-handed opening making it ideal for quick self-defense.
Pepper Spray – A popular choice for an effective survival kit weapon that does a great job deterring attackers. The SABRE Advanced Police Strength Pepper Spray is the most recommended choice.
Firearm – A gun is also an option if it is legal in your area and you are familiar with using one.

Items to Consider

Food items: Granola bars, trail mix, MRE’s, knife, spoon, fork, can opener, snares, fishing lures/line, rat traps, sling shot. Water supplies: Several bottles of water, water filter, water purification tablets. Shelter materials: Tent/tarp, sleeping bag, roll up camping mat, rope. Fire supplies: Bic lighter, fire striker, tinder/fire starting material. Sanitation items: Toilet paper, soap, hand towel, hand sanitizer. Clothing: Pants, shirt, underwear, socks, hat/toque, poncho, jacket. Documentation: Insurance papers, birth certificate, contact information for family/friends/services. Other supplies: Flashlight, extra batteries, wind up/battery radio, first aid kit, whistle, signal mirror. Security measures: Alarm systems, tactical knife, firearms, extra ammo Emergency cash: $500 in $20 bills.