Bug Out Bag Prepper Checklist

Preparing a comprehensive bug out bag is an essential step for anyone focused on emergency preparedness.

This article provides a detailed checklist covering all the gear you need for your ultimate survival kit, ensuring you have the right supplies to evacuate at a moment's notice.

You'll learn the bug out bag philosophy, what to pack for different durations, must-have categories like water, food, first aid, and more. There's even a downloadable PDF checklist to print out.

The Ultimate Survival Kit - Your Tactical Bug Out Bag

A bug out bag is an emergency go-bag packed with essential supplies to help you survive for 72+ hours when disaster strikes and you need to evacuate quickly. This checklist will ensure your bag is stocked with tools, gear, and provisions critical for emergency preparedness.

Understanding the Bug Out Bag Prepper Philosophy

The "prepper" philosophy revolves around being prepared for any emergency situation. When disaster strikes, you may need to evacuate quickly without much warning. A well-stocked bug out bag allows you to grab your critical survival supplies and escape to safety at a moment's notice.

Preppers recommend keeping a bug out bag ready in your home, vehicle, and workplace. That way, you'll have the vital tools, gear, and provisions no matter where you are when an emergency evacuation becomes necessary.

A properly packed bug out bag should contain everything you need to survive for 72+ hours when away from your home base. The supplies should be portable and durable enough for an outdoors environment. The bag itself needs to be comfortable to carry over long distances by foot if necessary.

The Importance of Being Prepared to Evacuate

Unforeseen disasters like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires, civil unrest, or terrorist attacks can force emergency evacuations with little warning. Roads may become impassable, power and water supplies disrupted. First responder resources will be overwhelmed dealing with the crisis event.

Having your own bug out bag prepped with food, water, medical aid, navigation tools, and other critical survival gear gives you the ability to evacuate quickly and safely. You'll have vital supplies to sustain yourself until you can reach an emergency shelter or services are restored.

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. An well-stocked evacuation go-bag can mean the difference between life and death in a crisis scenario where you need to escape and evade danger across challenging terrain to reach safety.

How many days should a bug out bag last?

A bug out bag should contain enough supplies to last 72 hours or 3 days. This timeframe allows you to evacuate from an emergency situation and make your way to a secure location or shelter where you can replenish your supplies.

When packing your bug out bag prepper essentials, focus on including gear, food, and water to cover the basic survival needs for 3 days:

Shelter

Tent or tarp
Sleeping bag or blankets
Ground pad, mat, or foam pad

Water

3 liters of water per person per day minimum
Water purification tablets, drops, or filter
Collapsible water container

Food

High-calorie, non-perishable food like protein bars, dried fruits, nuts, jerky
Utensils like spoon, fork, can opener
Camp stove and fuel to heat food/water

First Aid

First aid kit with bandages, gauze, medications - Medical aid items like gloves, trauma shears, tourniquet

Tools

Knife, multi-tool
Fire starting supplies like matches, lighter, fire starter
Flashlight, headlamp, batteries
Rope, paracord
Duct tape

The goal is to evade the emergency zone and find safety within 72 hours. Trying to prepare for longer durations can overload your bug out bag. Focus on the essentials and travel light!

What should you put in a bug out bag?

A well-stocked bug out bag is essential for any prepper. When disaster strikes, you may need to evacuate quickly, so having crucial supplies already packed can be a lifesaver. Here's a checklist of some of the most vital items to include in your bug out bag:

A tarp or emergency shelter like a bivy sack is key for setting up a makeshift shelter if you need to camp out. A map and compass ensures you can navigate to safety without relying on technology.

Food and Water

Pack high-calorie, lightweight foods like MREs or energy bars to provide sustenance on the go. At least 1 gallon of water per person for 3 days is recommended. Consider packing a portable water filter like the Sawyer Mini.

Clothing and Footwear

Bring extra socks to prevent blisters and allow you to change out of wet socks. Choose quick-drying, breathable layers.

Tools and Fire Starting

A multi-tool and LED flashlight are extremely versatile. Fire starters like stormproof matches, magnesium rod, or a ferrocerium rod allow you to build a fire for warmth, cooking, or signaling.

Communication and Medical Supplies

A hand crank or solar-powered radio keeps you updated about the situation. A well-stocked first aid kit can treat injuries.

Customize your bug out bag to your needs, but these basics can help you survive if disaster strikes. Periodically inspect and replace any expired items. With the essentials prepped, you'll be ready to bug out at a moment's notice.

How much cash should you have in a bug out bag?

Having emergency cash on hand is an important part of any bug out bag preparation. Here are some tips:

Keep at least $500 in small bills in your bug out bag. This gives you funds to purchase any last-minute supplies or pay for transportation, lodging, or other services you may need in an emergency situation.
Store the cash in a waterproof container to protect it. Good options include a water-tight bag or a hard plastic case.
Avoid relying solely on credit/debit cards in a disaster scenario. Power outages or technical issues could render card readers useless. Cash ensures you have a universally accepted form of payment.
Bring a mix of smaller denomination bills - $1, $5, $10, $20 - to facilitate easier exchanges or purchases.
Set a reminder to replace/refresh the emergency cash in your bag every 6-12 months as bills wear over time.

Having spare cash on hand provides crucial flexibility and options when SHTF. The recommended minimum is $500, but more is better if your situation allows. Just be sure to store it properly against water damage. With the right emergency funds, you'll be prepared to cover any unexpected costs in a disaster or survival situation.

Is it good to have a bug out bag?

A bug out bag is an essential part of any prepper's survival kit. Here's why you should have one packed and ready to go:

Peace of Mind

Having a bug out bag gives you peace of mind knowing that you have the basic necessities to survive for 72 hours if an emergency situation arises. Whether it's a natural disaster, civil unrest, or any situation where you need to evacuate quickly, a bug out bag allows you to focus on getting to safety rather than scrambling to gather supplies.

Critical Survival Gear

A bug out bag contains critical survival items including:

Water and water purification supplies
Non-perishable, high-calorie food rations
First aid materials
Navigation tools like a map, compass, and flashlight
Shelter supplies like emergency blankets and tents
Self-defense items
Fire-starting tools
Extra clothing and footwear

Adaptability

The exact contents of your bug out bag can be customized to your climate, terrain, skill level, and possible evacuation scenarios. You can update your bug out bag as needed over time. The key is having your most critical survival gear consolidated in a pack that's ready to go at a moment's notice.

So in short - yes, having a bug out bag is a smart idea for all preppers! The ability to rapidly evacuate while carrying the gear you need to survive is essential.

Water Essentials: Hydration and Purification

Water is critical for survival, so having adequate water storage and purification methods in your bug out bag is vital. This section covers key gear to pack.

Water Storage: Bottles and Bladders

When packing water storage, prioritize lightweight, durable, leak-proof containers that maximize portability. Great options include:

Collapsible water bottles: These fold down small but hold 1-2 liters when full. Brands like Nomader and Vapur are top choices.
Stainless steel bottles: Go for insulated double-walled models that keep water cool for hours. Popular picks are Hydro Flask or Klean Kanteen.
Hydration bladders: Hands-free hydration bladders like Camelbak hold 1-3 liters. Use one compatible with your bug out bag.

No matter what you choose, pack at least 2 liters per person minimum. Rotate and refresh water every 6 months.

Water Purification Methods

In addition to water storage, always carry compact water purification solutions:

Water purification tablets: Tablets like Potable Aqua eliminate bacteria and viruses. Easy to pack and long shelf life.
Water filters: The Sawyer Squeeze, LifeStraw, and Survivor Filter are top portable filters that remove pathogens.
Boiling equipment: As a backup, pack a metal container to boil water. Chemical treatments can fail but boiling is reliable.

A good strategy is packing both a filter and purification tablets or boiling supplies. This provides redundancy if one method fails.

With adequate water storage and multiple purification methods, you'll stay hydrated no matter the conditions if disaster strikes.

Food Supplies: Sustenance for Survival

Maintaining energy is critical when bugging out. Having the right food supplies packed can make the difference between surviving or not. Choose items that are calorie-dense, lightweight, and non-perishable to sustain you in an emergency situation.

Choosing Long-Lasting Food Items

When packing food for your bug out bag, prioritize nutrition and calories over taste. Some good options include:

Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, chili, tuna, etc. Canned foods can last 1-2 years and provide protein, carbs, fiber and vitamins. Choose pop-top cans that don't require a can opener.
High-calorie dried foods like nuts, peanut butter, jerky, dried fruits and trail mixes provide energy and healthy fats.
Comfort foods like hard candy, chocolate, coffee, tea bags boost morale.
Meal replacement/protein bars and shakes offer balanced nutrition in compact form.

Avoid foods that easily spoil like fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs and milk. Unless you have special storage, perishables won't last more than a couple days without refrigeration.

When packing, calculate ~2,000 calories per day for your bug out duration. Aim for a mix of proteins, carbs and fats to maintain energy levels. Also pack a water filter and backup water purification tablets.

Cooking Gear for Meal Preparation

While some bug out bag food can be eaten cold, having some basic cooking equipment enables you to heat meals and boil water:

Compact backpacking stove like an Esbit solid fuel stove
Metal cup/pot for boiling water and heating canned foods
Spork for eating meals
P-38/P-51 military can opener
Aluminum foil wraps for makeshift pans

Choose nesting cooksets that consolidate space. Test gear beforehand and know proper usage/safety.

With the right food selection and some basic cooking equipment, you can sustain yourself nutrition-wise for several days off-the-grid during an emergency bug out situation.

Shelter and Warmth: Protection from the Elements

Your bug out bag should enable you to set up an emergency shelter and sleep system if evacuation lasts multiple days. Having shelter and warmth elements packed ensures protection from the elements during a disaster scenario.

Emergency Shelter Options

When packing shelter options in your bug out bag, focus on lightweight and packable items that can be set up quickly. Useful items include:

Lightweight tents or tarps: Look for durable, waterproof shelters that pack down small. A quality tarp or bivy tent weighs under 2 lbs.
Emergency space blankets: These reflect 90% of radiant heat and provide waterproof barrier. Weighing only a few ounces, these are a must-have.
550 paracord: This versatile rope has many shelter uses from staking down tarps to creating ridgelines. Pack at least 50 ft.
Tent stakes and poles: Bring compact or collapsible poles to support your shelter. Aluminum stakes work best.
Duct tape and safety pins: Multi-use items that can repair rips or holes in shelters. Help secure space blankets as well.

The key is choosing packable, sturdy, and weather-resistant shelter options tailored to the climate and your needs. Practice setting up your system at home to ensure ease of use in an emergency.

Sleeping Systems: Staying Warm and Dry

In addition to shelter, your bug out bag should contain items to create an emergency sleeping system for warmth and dryness during evacuation:

Sleeping bags: Pack a lightweight, compressible bag rated for the climate. Synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet.
Inflatable sleeping pads: These insulate from the ground and cushion the body. Choose durable pads that inflate manually.
Emergency bivvy sacks: Waterproof and windproof outer layer to place over sleeping bag for extra warmth and dryness.
Hand/foot warmers: Air-activated warmers provide up to 10 hours of warmth. Helpful during frigid nights.
Wool socks: Even when wet, wool insulates feet. Bring 2-3 extra pairs.
Stocking cap: Up to 50% of body heat can be lost through the head. A wool or fleece hat is essential.
Lightweight gloves: Extremities are vulnerable to frostbite. Pack gloves and mittens.

Assembling the right sleeping system elements keeps you rested, healthy, and energized during an emergency evacuation lasting multiple days.

First Aid and Medical Aid Supplies

Medical emergencies can happen anytime. Prepare to treat injuries and illness by stocking these first aid essentials.

Comprehensive First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any bug out bag. At a minimum, your kit should include:

Adhesive bandages: Include a variety of bandage sizes to treat cuts, scrapes, and blisters. Waterproof bandages are ideal.
Gauze pads and rolls: These help control bleeding from larger wounds.
Antiseptic wipes: Clean cuts and scrapes to prevent infection. Look for individually wrapped alcohol wipes.
Antibiotic ointment: Apply to minor cuts and burns. Choose ointment packets for easy packing.
Medical tape: Secure dressings, gauze, and other materials. Waterproof tape works best.
Trauma supplies: These treat serious injuries. Pack triangular bandages for makeshift slings and splints. Include a CPR face shield for rescue breathing. Sterile saline solution helps irrigate wounds. Tweezers remove debris from cuts. Scissors cut clothing and bandages.
Medications: Carry basic OTC meds like ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, anti-diarrheal meds, and electrolyte replacements.
Tools: Thermometer, safety pins, disposable gloves, and emergency blanket have multiple uses.

Choose a durable, waterproof first aid kit designed for rugged use. Inspect contents regularly and replace expired items.

Medications and Health Maintenance

In addition to a first aid kit, your bug out bag should carry:

Prescription medications: Pack at least a week’s supply. Sort pills into labeled single-dose packets.
Allergy medications: Carry epinephrine auto-injectors if needed for severe reactions.
Pain relievers: Ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen relieve pain.
Anti-diarrhea medication: These control gastrointestinal issues.
Daily vitamins: Multivitamins and electrolyte tablets boost health.
Special needs items: Such as insulin, epi-pens, inhalers, and glucometers.

Store all medications in waterproof, shatterproof containers clearly labeled with expiration dates and instructions. Check and refresh medications regularly.

Fire-Making Gear: Tools for Warmth and Cooking

Equipping yourself with reliable fire-making tools is an essential part of putting together your bug out bag. Having the ability to start a fire allows you to cook food, boil water for drinking, provide warmth, and see in low-light conditions. This section will focus on some key fire-starting gear to include.

Essential Fire-Starting Tools

When packing fire-starting tools in your bug out bag, focus on versatile, lightweight, and weatherproof options. Some top picks include:

Ferrocerium rods (aka ferro rods or "fire steel"): These rods generate sparks when scraped with a striker. A good quality ferro rod can produce thousands of sparks and lasts for years. Make sure to get one that is compact in size. Pair it with a striker made of material that won't damage the rod.
Waterproof matches: Look for strike-anywhere matches that are dipped in wax to make them waterproof and windproof. UCO Stormproof matches and lifeboat matches are top options. Pack them in a water-tight case.
Lighter: Disposable butane lighters are affordable and easy to use. However, the fuel can evaporate over time. Refillable lighters, like Zippo lighters, can be packed with spare flint and fuel. Be sure to keep lighters dry inside a sealed bag or container.
Magnesium fire starter: Magnesium shavings burn at over 5000°F, even when wet. Scrape off shavings using the integrated knife/scraper tool and ignite them with a ferro rod or sparks from your lighter.

Fuel and Tinder: Keeping the Flame Alive

You'll also want to pack tinder and fuel sources to help get your fire going and keep it burning. Some key items include:

Tinder material: Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly make excellent fire starters. They're very lightweight and easy to ignite, even when wet. Dryer lint and wax-soaked twine also work well. Store tinder in a waterproof bag or container.
Fuel tablets: These compressed tablets burn hot and long (up to 15 minutes each). Brands like Esbit and Coghlan's offer compact, lightweight fuel tablets that are easy to pack.
Kindling material: Look for lightweight, compact fuel sources to sustain your fire, like trioxane fuel bars, wood pellets, or hexamine fuel tablets. Waxed cardboard and dry twigs collected onsite can work too.

The ability to start and maintain a cooking/warming fire is vital to survival scenarios. Packing multiple fire-starting tools and fuel materials in your bug out bag ensures you'll be covered no matter the conditions. Test gear ahead of time and replace anything that seems damaged or worn.

Stay oriented and maintain contact with others during an emergency with these navigation and communication essentials.

Navigating with Maps and Compass

Having a reliable compass and up-to-date topographic maps are essential bug out bag prepper tools for land navigation if you need to evacuate an area. Here are some tips:

Pack a military-grade lensatic or baseplate compass. These are more durable and accurate than basic compasses.
Make sure your compass has declination adjustment to account for differences between magnetic north and true north. - Bring multiple land navigation maps like USGS topographic maps or road atlases to navigate different terrains. Store in waterproof map cases.
Learn essential navigation skills like plotting grid coordinates, orienting the map, taking bearings, triangulating your position, and more. These skills take practice but are extremely valuable.
Consider packing a GPS device or GPS-enabled smartphone as a backup, but don't rely solely on electronics. Batteries can fail.

Emergency Communication Devices

Reliable communication during an emergency lets you call for help, receive updates, or keep in touch with others in your party. Pack these devices:

A hand-crank or solar-powered AM/FM radio keeps you informed without batteries. Look for NOAA weather band access.
Satellite phones with global coverage provide communication when cell networks are down. But they require a clear view of the sky. - Whistles, signal mirrors, flares, and other signaling devices help rescuers locate you if injured or lost.
Two-way radios provide short-range communication without infrastructure. Make sure your group shares the same frequencies.

No matter what devices you carry, also develop backup communication techniques like Morse code, light signals, smoke signals, and messenger runners. Redundancy is key for emergency communication.

Self-Defense and Safety

When building your bug out bag, including items for self-defense and personal safety is crucial in an emergency situation. However, it's important to carefully consider the practicality and legality of different options.

Choosing Defensive Tools and Weapons

When packing defensive items, opt for less-lethal options whenever possible. Pepper spray and stun guns can effectively incapacitate an attacker while minimizing lasting harm. If carrying a firearm, ensure you understand and follow all applicable laws in your state and locality regarding licensing, transportation, storage, and use. Consider completing a gun safety course as well.

Other defensive items like tactical pens, kubotans, or tactical flashlights can also prove useful. Focus on easily accessible and legal everyday carry items that require little training to use effectively. Avoid weapons that could escalate a confrontation.

Escape and Evade: Strategies and Gear

Having an escape plan is just as important as defense items. Pack maps, a compass, GPS device, two-way radios, and other navigation aids to help quickly exit an area. Face paint, camouflage clothing, and foliage to break up your silhouette can aid in evasion and concealment.

Practice land navigation and evasion techniques like avoiding detection, hiding tracks, creating diversions, and traversing difficult terrain. Understanding how to safely escape and evade threats is invaluable when in peril.

By carefully selecting defensive items and learning evasion strategies, your bug out bag can help protect yourself even in dangerous situations when help is not available. However, always prioritize de-escalation and avoidance before resorting to force if at all possible.

Tools and Utility Items: The Backbone of Your Kit

Versatile tools can make all the difference in survival situations. Equip your bug out bag with multi-use items that will help you handle a variety of tasks.

Essential Tools for a Tactical Bug Out Bag

A bug out bag prepper should have a few key tools that can assist with several needs:

Multi-tool - Choose one with pliers, screwdrivers, knife, saw, bottle opener, and other functions. Leatherman and Gerber make excellent tactical options.
Sturdy knife - A fixed blade knife with a 4-6 inch stainless steel blade can help with food prep, shelter building, gear repairs, and defense. Top brands are SOG, Ka-Bar and Ontario Knife Company.
Hand saw - Pack a compact saw for cutting branches to build shelters or create firewood. Silky and Agawa Canyon specialize in high-quality portable saws.

Make sure to learn how to properly use survival tools before an emergency situation arises. Practicing various tasks will ensure efficiency and safety when it really counts.

Utility Items for Repairs and Construction

You'll want to carry items for fixing gear or constructing basic survival elements in your bug out bag:

Heavy-duty tape - Gorilla tape bonds nearly everything and won't easily tear. Helpful for equipment repairs, securing shelter materials, and more.
Super glue - Use for quick fixes on metal, plastic, fabric and more. Can temporarily mend damaged gear or seal cuts and wounds if needed.
Sewing kit - Having spare thread, needles, buttons, and fabric scraps enables mending clothing or packs.

Utility items like these allow you to handle basic construction and repairs during an emergency situation or evacuation. Choose durable, weather-resistant options whenever possible.

Customizing Your Bug Out Bag Prepper Checklist

Adapting your bug out bag checklist to meet your specific needs is crucial for effective emergency preparedness. The items you pack should reflect the climate, terrain, distance to safety, and personal considerations like health conditions or family members.

Creating a Minimalist Bug Out Bag List

When packing light, prioritize versatile items that serve multiple purposes. For example:

A survival knife with a built-in fire starter, fishing line, and paracord. This consolidates 4 tools into 1.
A metal water bottle that also filters water. Stay hydrated while ensuring safe drinking water.
A first aid kit focused on injury treatment over comfort. Include antibiotic ointment over bandages, for example.

Travel light without compromising safety by choosing multi-use gear whenever possible.

Family-Specific Additions and Considerations

Adjusting your bug out bag checklist for family members requires forethought. Consider:

Extra food, water, and shelter for children and pets
Medications, mobility aids, and health monitoring devices for elderly family
Entertainment like books, puzzles, and games
Diapers, formula, blankets for infants and toddlers

Packing for family introduces complexities like increased gear and coordination. Maintain your mobile advantage by balancing specialized gear with multipurpose items when possible.

Downloadable Resources: Bug Out Bag List PDF

Having a printable bug out bag checklist can be invaluable for preparing your survival kit. Here are some options for downloadable resources to help you build the ultimate bug out bag.

Printable Ultimate Survival Kit Checklist

A printable checklist makes it easy to inventory your bug out bag and identify any gaps in your gear. Here are some great printable checklists to choose from:

The Ready.gov bug out bag checklist covers all of the essentials like food, water, first aid, tools, etc. Their PDF checklist is perfect for printing out and keeping with your survival kit.
This free printable checklist from The Prepared breaks down bug out bag essentials by category. It's a great reference to print out as you shop for gear.
For a minimalist approach, the Graywolf Survival checklist keeps it simple with just the bare basics.

Print out the checklist that aligns best with your needs. Cross items off as you pack them to ensure you don't overlook anything critical.

Digital Tools for Bug Out Bag Management

Beyond printable checklists, there are also great digital tools to help you manage the contents of your bug out bag:

Apps like The Bug Out Bag Guide make it easy to create packing lists and track inventory from your phone.
Use spreadsheet software to catalog all of your survival supplies across multiple bug out bags. This gives you a master inventory to reference.
Pack a USB drive with critical information like maps, survival manuals, and first aid instructions to keep with your bug out bag.

Combining digital and printable tools gives you the best of both worlds when prepping your go bag. Update checklists frequently as you swap out gear and supplies over time. Being organized is key to having a bug out bag that's ready whenever disaster strikes.

Conclusion: Prepped and Ready with Your Ultimate Bug Out Bag

With the gear above, your bug out bag should provide 72+ hours of survival essentials. Some final tips: pack wisely, test gear, check expiration dates, and refresh perishable items yearly.

Recap of the Essential Bug Out Bag Prepper Gear

Having the right gear in your bug out bag is critical for survival. Here is a recap of some of the most essential items:

Water and water filtration - Pack at least 1 gallon per person per day. A good filter like the Sawyer Mini can filter up to 100,000 gallons.
Food rations - Pack lightweight, high-calorie foods like protein bars, nuts, jerky, and MREs. Have at least 2,000 calories per day.
Shelter - A lightweight tent, tarp, and sleeping bag rated for your climate are vital for shelter. Insulation like a foam pad helps retain warmth.
Fire making tools - Stay warm and purify water with items like matches, a lighter, fire starter, and magnesium bar.
First aid supplies - Pack bandages, ointments, medications, etc. Know basic first aid and CPR.

Having the right survival tools like a knife, flashlight, compass, parachute cord, and multi-tool can also be extremely valuable if you need to improvise solutions or navigate to safety.

Maintaining and Updating Your Bug Out Bag

It's important to periodically review your bug out bag to ensure it's preparedness:

Check expiration dates on food, water, medicine, batteries. Replace anything expired.
Test equipment like flashlights, firestarters, and water filters to verify functionality. Replace if broken.
Re-evaluate gear needs depending on seasons, locations, group size. Adjust contents accordingly.
Refresh perishable items like food and medicine yearly. Schedule a yearly bug out bag review.

Following these tips will ensure your critical survival gear is always prepped and at the ready whenever disaster strikes!