When emergencies strike, having the right supplies can make all the difference for survival and safety.
This comprehensive bug out bag checklist covers everything you need for 3-5 days away from home, including food, water, shelter, first aid, tools, and more.
Use this complete guide to pack the perfect bug out bag for your family, accounting for individual needs, environments, and potential scenarios.
Introduction to Bug Out Bag Supplies
A bug out bag is an emergency kit filled with supplies to help you survive for at least 72 hours if a disaster strikes. Having a well-stocked bug out bag can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to assemble your own bug out bag.
Defining the Bug Out Bag
A bug out bag, sometimes called a 72-hour kit or go bag, contains everything you need to survive for at least 3 days away from home if a disaster forces you to evacuate quickly. It includes food, water, first aid supplies, tools, and other gear tailored to your personal needs. The goal is to have everything already packed and ready to grab at a moment's notice.
Bug out bags help you safely relocate in emergencies like fires, floods, earthquakes, storms, terrorist attacks, or civil unrest. They are an essential part of emergency preparedness for individuals and families. Having survival supplies already packed eliminates panicked last-minute scrambling if disaster strikes.
The Importance of Being Prepared
Disasters can hit suddenly and without warning. Recent years have seen dramatic increases in extreme weather events, active shooter incidents, cyber attacks, grid failures, and more. This growing risk makes emergency preparedness vital.
A well-stocked bug out bag allows you to handle these threats by giving you the supplies to endure several days without electricity, running water, access to stores, or other modern conveniences we often take for granted.
Bug out bags are useful for more than just hardcore survivalists and preppers. They provide practical insurance against the unexpected for people from all walks of life. Parents, commuters, frequent travelers, and those with medical needs all benefit from having emergency gear ready to go.
Selecting the Appropriate Bug Out Bag
Choosing the right bug out bag is key. Look for durable, weather-resistant backpacks made of heavyweight nylon or polyester with multiple exterior pockets and supportive shoulder straps. Size depends on your needs, but a good general range is 20L to 55L.
Consider your climate, terrain, and likely evacuation scenarios when packing. If you live in a cold winter region near mountains, for example, include extra insulating and waterproof layers, crampons for icy trails, and avalanche safety tools. Those in hurricane zones would emphasize water purification, mosquito nets, and resilient shelters. Customize based on your situation.
Fundamentals of Packing a Bug Out Bag
Experts recommend a minimalist yet versatile bug out bag focused on survival essentials. Start with a base layer covering your core needs, then add supplemental items to address likely risks in your area.
A well-rounded foundation includes, at minimum:
- 3 days supply of non-perishable, high-calorie foods and at least 1 gallon of water per person daily
- First aid kit with bandages, gauze, medicines, etc.
- Flashlights, batteries, lighter, fire starters
- Multitool, knife, duct tape, zip ties, plastic sheeting, cordage
- Weather appropriate clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy shoes
- Sleeping bag, lightweight tent or tarp, mylar blanket
- Paper maps, compass, whistles, distress signals
- Chargers and backup battery pack for phones/devices
- Cash in small bills, copies of key documents in waterproof bag
This basic loadout covers your core survival needs to bridge the gap until you reach safety or aid arrives. Add other mission-specific gear as desired.
With the right bug out bag, you can weather almost any crisis. Use this guide to prepare your own go-to emergency kit complete with all the essential bug out bag supplies.
What is needed in a bug out bag?
A well-stocked bug out bag is crucial for emergency preparedness. Here is a checklist of essential supplies to include:
Shelter and Navigation
- Tarp or emergency shelter - Provides protection from the elements and can also be used for signaling
- Map and compass - Critical for navigation if you need to evacuate on foot
Water and Food
- Water pouches or portable water filters like LifeStraw - Dehydration is a serious risk so stock up on water
- High-calorie, non-perishable foods like energy bars, trail mix, and MREs
Tools and Light
- LED flashlight with extra batteries - Essential for lighting and signaling
- Multitool or pocket knife - Useful for opening cans, cutting things, minor repairs
- Fire starter like a magnesium bar - Helpful for starting campfires
Clothing and Hygiene
- Extra socks - Dry socks are important to prevent blisters when hiking
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper - Help maintain basic hygiene
The exact bug out bag checklist will vary based on factors like climate, terrain, group size, and length of evacuation. But these basic categories cover the most essential items for your go-bag when disaster strikes. Prioritize portable, durable goods and pack as light as possible without sacrificing necessities.
What food to put in a bug out bag?
When packing food for your bug out bag, it's important to focus on non-perishable, calorie-dense options that are lightweight and easy to prepare. Here are some of the best foods to include:
- Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, chili, tuna, chicken, etc. Prioritize pull-tab cans that don't require a can opener.
- High-calorie granola, protein, or meal replacement bars. Look for options with at least 200-300 calories per bar. Some good brands are Clif Bars, Kind Bars, Pemmican Bars, and Survival Tab Bars.
- Lightweight trail mixes with calorie-dense nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These pack a lot of calories in a tiny package.
- Instant oatmeal, rice, pasta sides, or dehydrated meal pouches that only require boiling water.
- Peanut butter and other nut butters - an excellent source of protein and calories.
- Cured meats like beef jerky, smoked salmon, or pemmican.
- Powdered milk, coffee, tea bags, and drink mixes like electrolyte powders or broth cubes.
The key is packing calorically dense foods that don't take up much space or weight. Try to have a mix of proteins, complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables. And don't forget the water purification tablets or LifeStraw to safely drink water from unknown sources if needed.
With the right compact, non-perishable foods, your bug out bag can sustain you for 72 hours or more in an emergency situation where access to food is limited. Just be sure to rotate the food every 6-12 months before expiration dates.
What should be included in a go bag?
A well-stocked go bag is essential for emergency preparedness. Here are some of the most important items to include:
Water and Food
Having access to clean water and non-perishable food is critical in an emergency situation. Be sure to pack:
- Bottled water - 1 gallon per person per day
- High-calorie non-perishable foods like granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter, etc.
Tools and Supplies
Equip your go bag with these tools:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- AM/FM radio to receive emergency broadcasts
- Portable phone charger
- Notepad, pens and markers
- Local map
- Multipurpose tool or Swiss Army Knife
- Emergency whistle
- Duct tape
Hygiene and Sanitation
Don't forget personal care items:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Wet wipes
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand sanitizer
Clothing and Shelter
Having extra layers and shelter provides protection from the elements:
- Extra socks and underwear
- Rain poncho
- Emergency blanket or lightweight tarp
Customize your go bag based on your family's unique needs, including supplies for pets, infants, seniors, or those with health conditions. The key is having the essentials for survival during an emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place scenario.
How many days should a bug out bag last?
A bug out bag is designed to provide the essential supplies to survive for 72 hours or 3 days in an emergency situation where you need to evacuate quickly. The key items in a bug out bag are chosen specifically to last for this short 72 hour time period while you make your way to a safer location or shelter.
Trying to prepare a bug out bag to last longer than 3 days takes up more space and weight, making it harder to transport efficiently. The focus is on having the most critical items ready to go at a moment's notice, not preparing for long-term survival. The bug out bag enables the initial critical 72 hours while you then work on securing more supplies.
Some key reasons to keep the timeline at 72 hours:
- It's a reasonable duration to stay mobile and get to safety before supplies run out
- The essentials will fit in a manageable backpack size for transport
- You can survive 3 days without food as long as you have water
- It gives time to make it to a FEMA shelter or other aid location
The exact items recommended for a 72 hour bug out bag vary based on personal needs and climate conditions. But the principle remains the same - pack light, prioritize portable essentials, and plan to keep moving for 3 days. This maximizes your chances for survival in a disaster scenario where bugging out is necessary.
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Comprehensive Bug Out Bag Supplies List
This section provides a detailed checklist of items to include in your bug out bag, ensuring you have the best bug out bag supplies on hand for survival.
Essential Survival Supplies
When packing your bug out bag, be sure to include these top 10 essentials:
- Water and water purification supplies such as water purification tablets or a LifeStraw
- Non-perishable, high-calorie foods like energy bars, trail mix, and Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs)
- Lightweight, weather-resistant shelter options like a tarp, tent, or bivvy sack
- Maps and navigation tools like a compass and regional map
- First aid supplies like bandages, gauze, medications, etc.
- Multipurpose tools like a knife or hatchet
- Fire starting materials like matches, lighter, fire starters
- Light sources like flashlights, headlamps, glow sticks
- Extra batteries for electronics
- Communication devices like a weather radio or emergency whistle
These basic survival items will provide hydration, nutrition, shelter, navigation, first aid capabilities, tools, and signaling/communication in an emergency situation.
Nutrition and Hydration
Having the proper nutrition and hydration supplies in your bug out bag is critical. Be sure to pack:
- Water pouches or water bottles
- Water purification tablets or portable water filters like the LifeStraw
- High-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, nuts, beef jerky trail mix, and dried fruits
- MREs or freeze-dried backpacking meals
- Powdered sports drinks, broths, milk, or meal replacement shakes
Aim for at least 1 gallon of water storage capacity. Have enough food for 72 hours minimum.
Shelter and Comfort
In addition to basic survival shelter like tarps, also consider pack comfort items:
- Lightweight tarp, tent, or bivvy sack
- Emergency sleeping bag or blanket
- Hand warmers and foot warmers
- Work gloves
- Rain poncho
- Warm layers like socks, hat, and gloves
- Inflatable camping pad for insulation
Having multiple shelter options ensures you can set up camp quickly. The added layers and accessories will also keep you warmer.
First Aid and Health
A comprehensive first aid kit is a must-have for any bug out bag. Be sure to include:
- Bandages, gauze pads, medical tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Burn cream
- Medications like pain/fever relievers, anti-diarrhea meds, allergy meds
- Prescriptions critical for survival
- Tourniquet
- Tweezers
- Trauma shears
- First aid instruction manual
Tailor your first aid kit to your specific medical needs and health conditions. Having the ability treat injuries, pain, and common illnesses can be crucial when away from professional medical care.
Tools and Equipment
Round out your bug out bag with versatile tools and equipment:
- Multipurpose knife or hatchet
- Paracord
- Duct tape
- Emergency whistle and signaling mirror
- Weather appropriate clothes
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
- Portable battery pack and charging cables
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Work gloves
- Local map
- Compass
- Cash in small denominations
Having the right tools and equipment will ensure you can navigate, signal for help, make repairs, and handle various situations as they arise.
With this comprehensive bug out bag supply checklist, you'll be equipped and ready to handle an emergency situation. Customize based on your personal needs, climate, and potential risks for your region. Check and resupply your bag regularly.
Personalizing Your Bug Out Bag
Personal Hygiene and Sanitation
Maintaining personal hygiene during an emergency is critical for health and wellbeing. Be sure to pack the following sanitation supplies in your bug out bag:
- Hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
- Bar soap and shampoo
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toilet paper
- Baby wipes
- Garbage bags
Storing these items in sealable plastic bags or containers will keep them clean and dry. Having good hygiene essentials on hand will provide comfort and prevent illness when sheltering.
Special Considerations for Family Members
If you are bugging out with children or infants, tailor your supplies to their unique needs. Be sure to pack:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Rash cream
- Formula, bottles, and baby food
- A carrier, stroller, or baby backpack
Additionally, pack child-friendly snacks and a few small toys or books to provide comfort. Consider packing prescription medications if applicable.
For pets, include food, bowls, waste bags, a leash and their medications. Having a pet carrier on hand is also useful. Customizing your bug out bag to support family members ensures everyone's needs are met.
Accommodating Unique Medical Needs
Those managing health conditions should pack:
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines
- Glucometer and testing strips
- EpiPens
- Medical equipment like CPAP machines
Also important are detailed medical records and contact information for doctors. For those with disabilities, pack any mobility aids, braces or communication devices needed. Having at least a week’s supply of critical medical provisions can be lifesaving when evacuating or sheltering.
Technical and Communication Gear
This section focuses on the technological tools and communication devices to include in your bug out bag for staying informed and connected. Having the right gear can be crucial for navigation, weather alerts, charging devices, and communication in an emergency situation.
Power and Charging Supplies
Essential electronics such as power banks, charging cables, and extra batteries are critical for keeping devices charged and operational in a disaster scenario where power sources may be unavailable. Consider packing the following:
- Power bank with at least 20,000 mAh capacity
- Charging cables compatible with your devices (USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB)
- Extra batteries for flashlights, radios, etc.
- Hand crank or solar powered charger as a backup option
Emergency Communication Devices
Emergency communication devices like weather radios, whistles, and two-way radios allow you to receive critical alerts and updates as well as signal for help if needed. Useful items include:
- NOAA weather radio with AM/FM bands
- Loud emergency whistle with lanyard
- Two-way radios with long range for communicating with group
- Emergency flare or signal mirror
Navigation Aids
Having the ability to orient yourself and navigate during a disaster is extremely important, whether you need to evacuate the area or find resources and shelters. Be sure to pack:
- Detailed map of your region with key routes highlighted
- Compass and protractor for navigation
- Handheld GPS device with extra batteries
- Local area trail maps if evacuating to remote location
With the proper technical and communication gear in your bug out bag, you can charge devices, navigate unfamiliar areas, receive emergency alerts, and call for help if an unexpected emergency situation arises. These key items help ensure connectivity and preparedness.
Military-Grade Bug Out Bag Considerations
Examining the military bug out bag list for robust and reliable supplies that can withstand extreme conditions and rigorous use.
Durable Tools and Gear
When assembling a bug out bag designed for extreme situations, it's smart to examine what tools and gear military personnel depend on. Items made to military specifications are engineered for maximum durability, performance and reliability under duress.
Some equipment to consider including:
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Heavy-duty multi-tools like the Leatherman MUT or Gerber MP600 can tackle tough jobs like breaching, digging, cutting, and even light hammering. They feature sturdy stainless steel components that resist corrosion.
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Tactical flashlights like those from SureFire, Streamlight or Fenix provide ultra-bright illumination perfect for navigating at night or signaling for help. They withstand shock, water submersion and extreme temperatures.
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All-weather notebooks and pens allow you to map routes, take notes or leave messages in pouring rain or bitter cold. Rite in the Rain and Fisher Space Pens are go-to options.
The key is finding mission-critical items that provide enhanced resilience while keeping weight and bulk at a minimum.
Clothing and Protection
Clothing and protective gear made for military, law enforcement and first responders stands up to heavy use in risky environments.
Durable fabrics like ripstop nylon resist tearing while providing wind and water resistance. Popular brands like 5.11 Tactical, Propper and Tru-Spec offer pants, shirts and jackets ideal for bug out bags.
Respirator masks like the MSA Advantage 1000 CBA-RCA provide filtration against smoke, fumes and other particulates. Having protective equipment could prove vital during evacuation through hazardous areas.
Quality boots such as Danner, Belleville or Rocky will withstand miles of rough terrain during an emergency egress. Select footwear with aggressive tread and materials like suede leather or Cordura nylon.
Prioritizing durability ensures clothing and protective items won't fail when it matters most.
Tactical First Aid Components
Battlefield medicine has given rise to compact, specialized first aid gear that works well in high-stress situations. These products provide solutions for significant blood loss, trauma wounds and burns - hazards likely in catastrophic events.
Some key items to include:
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Tourniquets like the CAT or SOFTT-W are proven to stop bleeding from extremity wounds.
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Hemostatic gauze such as QuikClot Combat Gauze quickly controls bleeding from wounds where a tourniquet can't be used.
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Chest seals like the Hyfin Vent Chest Seal Twin Pack seal penetrative chest wounds to allow air escape while preventing ingress of contaminants.
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Burn dressings such as the Emergency Burn Dressing provide sterile coverage of severe burns.
The right tactical medical supplies could save a life when minutes matter most. They perfectly complement conventional first aid kit items.
Maintaining and Updating Your Bug Out Bag
Keeping your bug out bag supplies up-to-date is crucial for ensuring you have what you need when an emergency strikes. As time passes and new innovations emerge, it's important to routinely inspect, replace expired items, and make seasonal adjustments.
Routine Inspection and Replacement
- Check expiration dates on food, water, medicine, batteries, etc. every 6 months. Replace anything that will expire in the next 6 months.
- Test equipment like flashlights, radios, and fire starters to ensure they still function properly. Replace batteries and worn items as needed.
- Inspect the condition of supplies like tarps, blankets, tools, and bags. Repair damage or replace worn items.
- Update first aid supplies, especially perishable items like bandages and ointments.
Seasonal Adjustments
As the seasons change, reevaluate your bug out bag:
- Spring/Summer - Pack lighter clothing, rain ponchos, sunscreen, bug spray, electrolyte tablets.
- Fall/Winter - Pack heavy coats, gloves, ski masks, chemical hand warmers, traction cleats.
Staying Informed on Best Practices
- Read prepper blogs and forums to learn the bug out bag essentials 2023.
- Watch YouTube videos from seasoned preppers for packing tips and product reviews. - Take stock of your local area's common emergency scenarios and tailor supplies accordingly.
- Attend prepper conventions and classes to connect with experts.
Keeping your supplies current ensures you'll be ready for anything, no matter when disaster strikes. Follow these guidelines, and your bug out bag will always be prepared for action.
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Summarizing the essential points covered in the article, emphasizing the importance of a well-stocked bug out bag and the need for periodic updates to stay prepared.
The Essence of Preparedness
A comprehensive bug out bag with survival essentials is key for emergency preparedness. Having supplies like food, water, first aid, tools, and other gear can provide sustenance and safety during a crisis. Customizing your bug out bag to your needs and keeping it updated ensures you have what you need when an emergency strikes.
Adapting to Evolving Needs
As personal circumstances and potential threats change over time, reevaluate and update your bug out bag supplies. Factor in additions like prescription medications, supplies for children or pets, or gear to meet likely emergency scenarios in your area. Rotate and replace expired items as needed.
Empowerment Through Readiness
There is comfort in being prepared. A well-stocked bug out bag provides peace of mind that you can handle unexpected emergencies. Knowing you have the essential supplies empowers you to face uncertain times with confidence.
