Best Bug Out Bag Kit Essentials

When an emergency strikes, having a well-stocked bug out bag can mean the difference between life and death.

In this post, we'll explore the essential items that compose the best bug out bag kit for emergency preparedness in 2023.

You'll learn the core components that no survival pack should be without, from tactical tools to sustenance supplies, enabling you to assemble a comprehensive go-bag for any scenario.

Introduction to the Best Bug Out Bag Kit for 2023

A well-stocked bug out bag is crucial for emergency preparedness. As world events become more unstable, having a bug out bag ready can make the difference between life and death in a crisis. This introductory section will cover the basics of bug out bags and what to look for when choosing the best bug out bag kit for your needs.

Understanding the Concept of a Bug Out Bag

A bug out bag, sometimes called a go bag, is a portable kit that contains survival supplies. The purpose of a bug out bag is to allow you to evacuate quickly and sustain yourself until you find safety. A high-quality bug out bag contains equipment like food, water, first aid, tools, and other gear to keep you alive for at least 72 hours.

Bugging out with only the items on your back is a worst-case scenario. A bug out bag lets you leave dangerous situations quickly while buying you time to get to a secure location. Refugees fleeing from disasters like hurricanes, floods, and war often have only a bug out bag.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Bug Out Bag for Survival

When picking the right bug out bag, key criteria include:

Portability: The entire kit should weigh under 50 pounds and fit on your back. Look for bags around 3,000 cubic inches (50 liters).
Customization: Your bag should meet your personal or family needs. Pick gear that matches your climate, terrain, skills, etc.
Durability: Look for water-resistant and ripstop fabrics that stand up to abuse. Reinforced straps help bear heavy loads.
Storage: Well-designed bags have ample compartments to organize gear securely. Pockets, MOLLE panels, and dividers keep items handy.

The Evolution of Bug Out Bags: From Basic to Tactical

In the early days, preppers stuffed backpacks with a few days’ worth of food, basics tools, and first aid. Today’s tactical bug out bags contain specialized gear for survival scenarios.

Modern bug out bags integrate technology like solar chargers, crank radios, and GPS locators. Attachments like sleeping pads, tents, and weapon sheaths expand capacity. Hardcore preppers pick products designed specifically as bug out bag survival systems.

As world crises multiply, a reliable bug out bag is a vital asset. Choosing the right gear can be the difference between life and death if disaster strikes.

What is the best bug out bag on the market?

When it comes to the best bug out bag on the market, a few key names stand out:

Uncharted Supply Co. The Seventy2 Pro Survival System

This bug out bag is widely considered one of the best overall options. It comes equipped with over 70 survival tools including fire starters, a knife, flashlight, first aid supplies, food rations, and more. The bag itself is durable, water-resistant, and made to withstand extreme conditions. While it is more expensive than other options, you get premium quality and enough gear to survive for 72 hours.

Emergency Zone Stealth Tactical Bug-Out Bag

If you're looking for the best budget bug out bag, the Stealth Tactical Bug-Out Bag from Emergency Zone is a top choice. Despite the low price, you still get ample storage space and plenty of survival gear including food, water, first aid, and tools for navigation, lighting, and shelter. The quality isn't as high-end as pricier models but it has excellent value.

Judy The Mover Max

For a lightweight yet versatile bug out bag, Judy The Mover Max is a leading option. This bag transitions from a hiking pack to a pull cart, allowing you to transport heavy gear with ease. It comes equipped with straps, pockets, and attachment points to carry essentials like food, water, cooking gear, and more. While it doesn't include actual survival supplies, it gives you a customizable and mobile bug out bag.

When researching the best bug out bag, focus on storage capacity, durability, included gear, weight, and budget. Think about your intended uses as well - whether hiking long distances, driving to a safe location, or sheltering in place during a disaster scenario.

What is the most important item in a bug out bag?

Water and hydration related items are arguably the most critical components of any bug out bag. As the human body can only survive approximately 3 days without water, having access to clean water sources is imperative in a survival situation.

Here are some of the most essential hydration-related items to include in your bug out bag:

Water filtration system - A compact, portable water filter allows you to drink from natural sources like lakes and rivers. The Sawyer Squeeze filter is a top choice.
Collapsible water bottle - Carry extra water in a bottle like the Platypus SoftBottle that folds down small when empty.
Water purification tablets - If your filter fails, Aquatabs and Micropur purification tablets are an emergency backup option.
Electrolyte powder/tablets - Prevent dehydration and replenish lost nutrients with electrolyte sources like Nuun tablets.

Having multiple means of storing, transporting, and purifying water in your bug out bag provides redundancy that could save your life if SHTF. Set a goal to carry at least 1-2 liters per person as an absolute minimum.

Beyond hydration, other critical items for bug out bags include first aid kits, fire starters, shelter/sleep systems, food, self-defense tools, and navigation/communication devices. Prioritize based on your expected evacuation scenario. An urban emergency kit will differ from a wilderness go-bag. Customize according to your needs.

What size bag is best for bug out?

When considering the best size for a bug out bag, it's important not to go too big or too small. A bag in the 35-65 liter range tends to strike the right balance for most people's needs.

Here are some key points on sizing:

Bags under 35 liters can fit basic survival gear, but may not have room for critical items you need in an extended emergency. It's best to err on the side of having extra capacity.
Over 65 liters starts to get very heavy and cumbersome to carry, unless you have substantial backpacking experience. This can slow you down.
The sweet spot tends to be 35-65 liters - enough room for 3+ days of essentials without becoming overly burdensome.
Test out packs in this range when loaded up to find the right fit for your body type and strength. An ill-fitting 50L pack can feel heavier than a properly-fitted 65L.
Frameless packs tend to work best in smaller sizes (~35L or less) while internal frame packs distribute larger loads better.
Compression straps and removable components help right-size your pack between excursions. Take only what you need each trip.

Focus on finding a rugged, comfortable bag in that 35-65 liter goldilocks zone - not too big, not too small, but just right for the critical items that could save your life in an unexpected emergency or disaster. Test weights and fits, and customize from there to find your optimal bug out bag size.

What's the difference between a go bag and a bug out bag?

Both go bags and bug out bags contain emergency supplies for when you need to leave quickly. The main differences lie in the intended duration of use:

Go bags are designed for short-term emergencies lasting around 72 hours. They contain basic supplies to cover your needs for a few days. Go bags are useful for sudden situations like natural disasters or power outages.
Bug out bags prepare you for extended durations, potentially weeks or more. They enable survival if you need to leave home for an indefinite period. Bug out bags contain tools and gear for outdoor survival, in addition to food/water.

The essentials in a go bag include first aid supplies, flashlights, battery packs, cash, copies of important documents, and lightweight food like protein bars.

Bug out bags also have these items but prioritize gear for outdoor survival - things like navigation tools, fire-starting kits, hunting/fishing tools, tents, and more robust food supplies.

The longer timeframe makes bug out bags larger and heavier than go bags. But the ability to be self-reliant for weeks/months makes bug out bags important for major catastrophes that disrupt infrastructure and supply chains.

Both bags boost preparedness. Go bags provide short-term convenience while bug out bags help you survive worst-case scenarios. Having both available ensures you can grab-and-go regardless of the situation.

Core Components of the Ultimate Bug Out Bag Kit

Exploring the essential items that constitute the ultimate survival kit and bug out bag, ensuring you're well-prepared for any unforeseen events.

Choosing the Right Backpack: Features of the Best Bug Out Bag 2023

When choosing a backpack for your bug out bag, you'll want one that is durable, comfortable to carry, and has enough storage capacity. The best bug out bags for 2023 often have features like:

Internal frame - This helps transfer the pack's weight to your hips so it doesn't strain your back. Look for an internal frame made of aluminum.
Padded hip belt - This also helps shift the pack's weight onto your hips. Make sure the hip belt is wide and padded for comfort during long treks.
Water-resistant fabric - Bags made of durable fabrics like 500D nylon resist moisture so your gear stays dry.
Multiple compartments - This allows you to organize gear efficiently. Key areas to have include a main storage area, external pockets, and straps to attach tools.
Hydration reservoir sleeve - This holds a water bladder so you can drink hands-free on the go. Being able to easily stay hydrated is vital for survival.

Popular backpack brands like 5.11 Tactical, Red Rock Outdoor Gear, and Uncharted Supply Co. offer bags with these features that make great bugout bags. Choosing the right backpack ensures you can bug out quickly while carrying the essentials.

Shelter and Warmth: Tents, Sleeping Pads, and Emergency Blankets

Having reliable shelter and warmth is critical for survival during a bug out situation. Key items to include in your bug out bag are:

Compact tent - Choose a lightweight tent with easy setup that still offers weather protection. Brands like ALPS Mountaineering and Coleman have quality options.
Inflatable sleeping pad - This insulates you from the cold ground. Therm-A-Rest and Sea to Summit pads provide comfort and fold up small.
Emergency blankets - These retain 80% of body heat to prevent hypothermia. Brands like Primacare and Swiss Safe offer durable blankets that take up little pack space.
Hand warmers - These provide portable heat to keep extremities warm in frigid conditions. HotHands and Zippo make reliable, long-lasting warmers.

Having the ability to get out of the elements is necessary both for comfort and safety when bugging out. These packable shelter solutions help you do that.

Hydration Strategies: Water Bottles and Purification Systems

Staying hydrated is critical no matter the situation. Your bug out bag should contain:

Durable water bottle - Choose one made of steel, aluminum or BPA-free plastic that holds 1 liter or more. Reliable brands include Hydro Flask, Klean Kanteen, Nalgene and Yeti.
Water purification system - If you need to source water in the wild, you'll need to purify it. Systems like the Sawyer Squeeze, Grayl Geopress, and LifeStraw allow you to filter water via squeeze bag, bottle filters or straws. This removes bacteria, protozoa and more.
Water purification tablets - These serve as a lightweight backup option, with brands like Potable Aqua and Katadyn offering tablets that kill waterborne pathogens.

Having multiple water storage and purification methods prepares you to collect, disinfect and store enough water in any situation. This allows you to maintain proper hydration, preventing serious health risks.

First Aid Preparedness: Building a Comprehensive Kit

You can't predict injuries, so having a well-stocked first aid kit is vital. Essentials to include are:

Basic supplies - Adhesive bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, latex gloves, scissors, tweezers, thermometer.
Medications - Pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids, laxatives, anti-diarrhea meds.
First aid tools - CPR mask, emergency blanket, instant cold packs, space emergency blanket.
Wound care - Bandages, butterfly closures, hemostatic agents, sutures, saline.
Splints - Inflatable, moldable, finger, leg splints to stabilize injured limbs.

Preparedness involves planning for medical situations too. Having these first aid items lets you effectively treat cuts, sprains, burns and other common injuries when bugging out until you can get proper medical care. This greatly improves survival outcomes.

Survival Tools and Equipment for the Tactical Bug Out Bag

A tactical bug out bag focuses on specialized tools and gear to enhance functionality and efficiency when facing unexpected emergencies or disaster scenarios. Assembling the right equipment can make all the difference in an evacuation or survival situation.

Cutting and Self-Defense: Knives and Other Essential Tools

Knives and other cutting tools serve critical, multifunctional purposes in survival situations. A good quality fixed blade knife can be used for:

Self-defense
Hunting and dressing game
Cutting rope, paracord, wood for shelters/fires
Opening cans and packages

Other essential items like a hatchet, folding saw, and multi-tool provide additional cutting power and versatility. These tools deserve priority placement in any bug out bag essentials list.

Power and Illumination: Power Banks and Flashlights

Reliable power and illumination give you a key advantage when facing the unexpected. A high capacity, durable power bank lets you charge phones, GPS devices, radios and other gear on-the-go. LED flashlights and headlamps ensure visibility in low-light disaster scenarios, freeing up hands for other tasks.

Power and light fundamentally enable navigation, communication, security - core survival needs. Every tactical bug out bag must contain robust power bank and flashlight options.

Communication and Rescue: GPS Units and Radios

GPS units and two-way radios provide critical navigation and communication abilities during evacuations and rescues. GPS functionality helps orient your location, plot optimal routes, and track movement through unfamiliar terrain. Two-way radios enable communication with emergency services when cell towers fail.

While expensive, a GPS personal locator beacon can literally save your life if injured or stranded by transmitting your coordinates via satellite. Communication and location-tracking equipment enhances survival probability in disaster contexts immensely.

Hunting and Security: Rifles and Hunting Day Packs

A lightweight rifle or shotgun plus ammo provides security and expands food procurement options while bugging out. Carrying a hunting day pack containing field dressing equipment, a rangefinder, camo netting and other accessories can aid hunting success.

Firearms and hunting gear may prove necessary for protection or sustenance acquisition. While requiring responsible usage, these items have potential to critically improve prospects in prolonged survival situations.

Sustenance and Nutrition: Packing Emergency Food and Cooking Supplies

Ensuring adequate food and ability to prepare it is critical in a bug out situation. Careful planning and packing is required to maintain health and energy when on the move.

Emergency Food Selection: Longevity and Nutritional Value

When selecting emergency food for your bug out bag, key factors to consider include:

Shelf-life: Look for food with 1-5+ year expiration dates. Canned goods, MREs, freeze-dried meals, and survival food buckets are good options. Ensure you rotate and replace food before expiration.
Nutritional value: Seek calorie-dense foods high in protein, complex carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Balance this with some comfort foods for morale. Good choices include peanut butter, nuts, jerky, and survival food bars.
Compact and lightweight: As space in your bag is limited, choose light foods that take up little room like bars, pouches of tuna, and freeze-dried or dehydrated meals.
Preparation needs: Opt for some foods that require minimal water and cooking like snack bars. But also pack quick-cooking rice, pasta sides, and heatable meals.
Taste: Consider packing some spices, condiments, drink mixes to make bland survival foods more palatable over long term.

Portable Cooking Solutions for Bug Out Scenarios

To prepare your emergency food rations while on the move, useful cooking gear includes:

Compact portable stoves like an Esbit, alcohol, or solid fuel stove take up little space.
Metal canteen cup serves as a small pot for boiling water or heating meals.
Pocket knife with can opener to access canned goods.
P-38/P-51 military can openers are ultra-lightweight options.
Waterproof matches, lighter, fire starters to ignite fuel source.
Mess kit with plate, bowl, utensils for individual eating needs.

Supplemental Nutrition: Vitamins and Energy Boosters

To complement your food rations, also consider:

Multivitamins - Boost micronutrients, immunity, and energy levels.
Protein bars - Convenient mini-meals to maintain strength and muscles.
Powdered sports drinks - Replace electrolytes lost from sweat and activity.
Caffeine pills or coffee singles - Useful stimulant to increase alertness and cognition.

Having the right balance of nutritious survival food and ways to prepare it can prove critical to health and survival if forced to evacuate without access to regular food sources for days or weeks. Planning meals and cooking equipment ahead of time removes some uncertainty and stress during an actual bug out journey.

Clothing and Personal Protection: Adapting to the Environment

Selecting the right clothing and protective gear is crucial when preparing a bug out bag. The ability to adapt to various environmental conditions can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency scenario.

Weather-Ready Apparel: Ponchos and Layering Strategies

Having weather-appropriate clothing in your bug out bag allows you to withstand the elements no matter the conditions. Key items to include:

Ponchos: Lightweight and waterproof, ponchos provide protection from wind and rain. Consider packing multiple ponchos in case one gets damaged.
Base layers: Moisture-wicking base layers keep your skin dry and regulate body temperature. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics work best.
Insulating mid layers: Fleece jackets, vests, or pullovers provide warmth without restricting movement.
Waterproof outer layers: Rain jackets and pants shield you from precipitation. Look for breathable fabrics.
Socks: Having multiple pairs of wool hiking socks will keep your feet warm and dry.

Follow the "layering" principle to adapt to changing weather during a bug out situation. Add or remove layers as needed to avoid sweating or getting chilled.

Personal Safety Gear: Gloves, Goggles, and Masks

Bugging out may expose you to hazardous materials, smoke, ash, dust, pathogens, and other threats. Packing protective gear enhances safety:

Gloves: Tough leather or mechanix-style gloves prevent injuries from debris and tools.
Safety goggles: Shatter-resistant goggles safeguard eyes from particles. Consider adding tinted lenses.
Dust masks: N95 respirators filter airborne contaminants to support respiratory health.
Bandanas: Soak bandanas in water to cover your nose and mouth while traversing smoky or dusty areas. Provides a moisture barrier and filtration.

Don't forget personal care items like insect repellent, sunscreen and basic hygiene products to stay healthy in the field.

Having the right protective clothing and gear makes you ready to handle nearly any climate or condition during an emergency bug out situation.

High-Quality Bug Out Bag Kits on the Market

Assembling your own custom bug out bag can be a daunting task. Thankfully, there are some high-quality, pre-made kits on the market that take the guesswork out of emergency preparedness. These complete systems allow you to grab your bag and go when disaster strikes, confident you have the essential tools for survival.

Seventy2 Pro Survival System: A Comprehensive Review

The Seventy2 Pro is one of the most robust and well-appointed bug out bags available. This modular system includes a backpack, water bottle, cook set, fire starter, first aid kit, food bars, a multi-tool, and more. With space for additional personal items, it provides everything you need to survive for 72 hours off-grid.

Customers praise the Seventy2 for its durability and thoughtful organization. The bag features plenty of MOLLE attachment points and exterior pockets to keep your most vital gear within reach. It's a versatile option suitable for outdoor recreation as well as emergency evacuation. While expensive, you get what you pay for with uncompromising quality.

Echo Sigma Emergency Systems Bug Out Bag: What's Inside

For a budget-friendly alternative, Echo Sigma offers an affordable bug out bag bundled with essentials like food, water, first aid, fire, shelter, and self-defense items. The quality isn't on par with premium brands, but it contains basics like thermal blankets, ponchos, glow sticks, rope, duct tape, and an emergency radio.

The bag itself is roomy with ample organizational pockets. But some users report issues with zippers breaking over time. While Echo Sigma doesn't match the durability of high-end kits, it provides an ample starter option if funds are limited.

Rhino Ready Companion: Durability and Versatility Tested

The Rhino Ready Companion shines for its rugged dependability. Built from durable 1000D nylon, this bug out bag stands up to heavy use with reinforced stitching and oversized zippers. The straps comfortably distribute weight even when fully loaded.

Inside, you'll find essentials like water purification tablets, fire starters, flashlights, a first aid kit, emergency blankets, plus food and water. The Rhino doesn't include shelter or self-defense tools, so you'll need to supplement those yourself. But if you want a sturdy, weather-resistant bag to count on in tough situations, it delivers excellent value.

Sustain Supply Company: Catering to Family Preparedness

For group evacuation, Sustain Supply Company offers bug out bags tailored for families. Their Deluxe Family Preparedness Kit bundles four packs - one for each member. This includes larger bags for adults pre-loaded with a 100-piece first aid kit, biohazard bags, duct tape, emergency blankets and ponchos. The kids' versions contain comfort items like stuffed animals, playing cards, crayons and activity books.

With over 200 pieces per kit, families get supplies needed for medical emergencies, food, water, lighting, communication, sanitation and more. The bags aren't as rugged as some alternatives, but provide ample capacity to handle extended time away from home. Sustain Supply Company takes the stress out of emergency planning for households big and small.

Building the Ultimate Bug Out Bag: A Step-by-Step Guide

Assembling the best bug out bag kit for survival requires careful planning and preparation. By following a step-by-step approach, you can ensure your bug out bag has all the essentials to keep you safe and comfortable when disaster strikes.

Selecting the Foundation: Backpack and Internal Pack Frames

The foundation of any solid bug out bag is a durable, comfortable backpack with internal frame support. This helps properly distribute the weight so you can travel farther without back strain or fatigue. Some top-rated bug out bag backpacks include:

The Uncharted Supply 72 Pro Survival Kit - Features a 70L roll-top backpack with an internal HDPE framesheet and hip belt for heavy loads.
Echo Sigma Emergency Systems Bug Out Bag - A large 3-day assault pack with metal internal frame and heavily padded shoulder straps.
Rhino Ready Companion - A 55L backpack with an internal aluminum frame and mesh back panel for breathability.

When selecting a backpack, prioritize comfort, capacity, durability, and weight distribution. The best bug out bags allow you to carry 30-50 pounds of gear comfortably.

Layering Your Gear: Organizational Strategies for Accessibility

Carefully packing your bug out bag list items in layers allows quick access to the most vital gear. Consider:

Top layer for frequently needed items like first aid kits, flashlights, food, water, maps, tools, and other survival kit essentials.
Middle layer for bulkier items like sleeping bags, tents, cookware, and clothing.
Bottom layer for dense, heavy items like shelter components, batteries, and camp stove fuel.

Strategic layering coupled with interior organizational pockets helps you find and utilize your bug out gear rapidly without unpacking everything.

Testing and Tweaking: The Importance of Real-World Trials

No survival plan or bugoutbag is complete without real-world validation. Test your loaded bug out bag on short hikes to highlight potential issues with weight distribution, accessibility of gear, effectiveness of your packing strategy, and endurance carrying a heavy load over long distances.

Tweak your loadout based on trial outcomes. For example, you may opt to shed nonessential creature comforts in favor of more mission-critical first aid supplies, food, water, and navigation tools. Regular testing leads to gear optimization and improved chances of survival when your bug out bag truly matters.

Conclusion: Embracing Preparedness with the Best Bug Out Bag Kit

Recap of Essential Bug Out Bag Contents

Having a well-stocked bug out bag is critical for emergency preparedness. Based on the key items covered in this article, some of the most essential elements to include in your bug out bag are:

Water and water filtration system
Non-perishable, high-calorie food items
First aid supplies and medications
Multitool, knife, fire starters
Flashlight, batteries, power bank
Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Paper maps, compass, GPS device
Self defense items like pepper spray

This basic checklist hits many of the crucial categories for survival. Tailor and customize your specific bug out bag contents to your needs, skills, environment, and potential risks.

The Mindset of Survival: Staying Prepared and Adaptable

Beyond just having the physical gear, embracing preparedness as a mindset is key. Situational awareness, adaptability, critical thinking, and vigilance will serve you well. Understanding your surroundings, staying current on world events, and being ready to respond accordingly can help mitigate risks.

Practice using your equipment, test your skills, rotate food/water, and routinely review your bug out bag contents. Preparedness is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. As risks evolve, so too should your level of readiness.

Final Tips for Maintaining and Updating Your Bug Out Bag

Take inventory every 6 months and replace expired items
Field test your gear under various conditions
Research and swap outdated equipment for the latest innovations
Adjust your bag contents based on your region, season, skills
Have contingency plans ready for different situations
Involve your family/group in preparedness training

Following these best practices will ensure your bug out bag will perform when you need it most. Embrace preparedness as an empowering lifestyle that gives you confidence and resilience no matter the circumstances.