Assembling your first bug out bag can be an overwhelming endeavor for novice preppers.
This guide will provide you with a comprehensive starter list of gear to include in your bug out bag, ensuring you have the essentials covered for emergency evacuation and survival situations.
We'll review critical components like water, food, fire, shelter and first aid, as well as additional equipment to customize your kit. You'll also get specialized recommendations for preparing for specific emergencies like natural disasters. By the end, first-timers will have a complete packing list to confidently start bugging out.
Introduction to Bug Out Bags and Emergency Preparedness
A "bug out bag" is essential bug out equipment for first-time preppers. These bags contain supplies needed to survive for several days in an emergency situation where you need to evacuate quickly. Assembling a well-stocked bug out bag is one of the most fundamental steps in developing an emergency preparedness plan.
Here are some key reasons why a bug out bag is vital:
- Allows you to leave quickly in an evacuation. Having your supplies already packed saves precious time.
- Provides basic provisions if you get stranded or shelters/stores are unavailable.
- Peace of mind knowing you have necessary gear for an unexpected crisis.
- Customizable to your needs - tailor the contents to risks in your region.
- Portable and durable to withstand being on the move in rough conditions.
When putting together your first bug out bag, focus on including emergency essentials like:
- Water and water purification supplies
- Non-perishable, high-calorie food rations
- First aid materials
- Weather-appropriate clothes and blankets
- Battery/crank-powered lights and radios
- Basic tools like knives, duct tape, and fire starters
Start with these fundamentals, then customize further based on your climate, terrain, skills, etc. Building a bug out equipment supply takes time and budgeting, so take it step-by-step. With a well-stocked bag, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're prepared to handle an emergency evacuation.
What is usually in a bug out bag?
A well-stocked bug out bag should contain the essentials for survival, including:
Food and Water
Having nutritious food and clean water is critical in an emergency situation. Some important items to pack include:
- High-calorie non-perishable foods like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits
- Lightweight, long-shelf-life foods like instant oats, freeze-dried meals, and MREs
- Water purification tablets, Lifestraws, or water filters to ensure safe drinking water
- Collapsible water bottles or canteens to carry and store water
First Aid
You'll want to be prepared for any injuries with a comprehensive first aid kit, such as:
- Bandages, gauze, butterfly closures
- Antibiotic ointment and anti-itch cream
- Pain medication like ibuprofen
- Medical tape and tourniquet
- Scissors, tweezers, safety pins
Tools and Equipment
Rugged, reliable gear will help you navigate the elements, including:
- Flashlight, headlamp, and extra batteries
- Multitool like a Leatherman for repairs
- Fire starting supplies like matches, lighter, firestarter
- Signaling items like whistle, signal mirror, flare
- Duct tape, paracord, zip ties
Shelter and Warmth
Protection from the elements is vital. Pack:
- Emergency tent or tube tent
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Extra socks, gloves, hat, and rain poncho
- Hand warmers and emergency blanket
Customize your bug out bag to your needs, but these basics will help any prepper handle an emergency situation. Replenish and update items regularly.
What should be in a bug out first aid kit?
A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential component of any bug out bag. For first-time preppers assembling their first bug out bag, the first aid kit should contain basic medical supplies to address minor injuries and stabilize more serious conditions until professional medical treatment can be accessed.
Here are some recommended items to include in a beginner bug out bag first aid kit:
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes) - for minor cuts, scrapes, blisters
- Gauze pads and rolls - for wound dressing and compression
- Medical tape - to secure dressings
- Antibiotic ointment - prevents infection in minor wounds
- Antiseptic wipes - cleans wounds
- Aspirin - relieves pain and fever
- Anti-diarrheal medication - treats gastrointestinal issues
- Antihistamine tablets - alleviates allergic reactions
- Burn cream - treats minor burns
- Tweezers - removes splinters and debris from wounds
More advanced preppers may also include items like tourniquets, sutures, chest seals, and decompression needles in their first aid kits. However, the basic supplies listed above make a good starting point for those just beginning to assemble their bug out bag emergency preparedness supplies.
Having the right first aid gear on hand could mean the difference between life and death in a disaster scenario where medical care is limited or unavailable. Considering potential risks like injuries from debris or accidents, waterborne illnesses from contaminated water, or allergic reactions to new environments, packing effective medical supplies contributes significantly to overall emergency preparedness.
What is the best bug out bag?
When it comes to choosing the best bug out bag for your emergency preparedness needs, there are a few top options to consider:
Uncharted Supply Co. The Seventy2 Pro Survival System
This bug out bag is widely considered one of the best overall choices. It comes fully stocked with over 70 survival tools and provides enough supplies for 72 hours. Key features include:
- Multiple storage compartments and pouches to keep gear organized
- Integrated, portable shelter system for protection from the elements
- Water filtration system and collapsible water bottle
- First aid supplies, fire starters, light sources, and more
With durable, weather-resistant construction, this bag ensures you have what you need to survive several days in an emergency situation. It's an excellent choice for dedicated preppers.
Emergency Zone Stealth Tactical Bug-Out Bag
For those on a budget, the Stealth Tactical Bug-Out Bag from Emergency Zone is a great value option. Despite the low price point, it includes a wide array of survival gear:
- Food and water pouches providing over 2,000 calories
- First aid kit, hygiene supplies, and other essentials
- Versatile tools like a folding knife, emergency blankets, duct tape, and more
With multiple sizes and color options, it can work for preppers of all ages and preferences. If you want an affordable, all-in-one bug out bag, this one hits the mark.
Judy The Mover Max
Frequent travelers and urban preppers should consider the Judy The Mover Max bag. Extremely lightweight and flexible, it serves well as a multi-purpose transition bag for shorter-term emergencies. Key advantages include:
- Under 3 pounds when empty for easy portability
- Can compress down to store anywhere or expand to 40 liters
- Durable, water-resistant nylon exterior
While you'll need to stock it yourself, its unmatched packability makes it a great emergency preparedness bag for those on the go.
Why is it called bug out bag?
The term "bug-out bag" refers to a portable kit that contains critical items needed to survive for at least 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster. The origins of the term come from military language.
"Bail-out bag" was used by military aviators to describe the emergency kits they carried in case they needed to suddenly "bail out" of an aircraft. The term "bug out" emerged during the Korean War when U.S. Army units would designate alternative defensive positions to retreat (or "bug out") to if their current position was compromised.
Over time, the civilian term "bug-out bag" was derived from this military language to describe a civilian's go-bag or evacuation kit in an emergency. The idea is that the bag contains gear you would need should you need to immediately "bug out" and leave an unsafe location.
Some key reasons a bug out bag is called that include:
- Origins from the military term "bail-out bag"
- Related to the army's practice of designating "bug out" spots to retreat to
- Allows civilians to quickly evacuate or "bug out" in an emergency
- Contains critical gear needed when evacuating urgently
So in summary, the term conveys the urgent nature of quickly leaving an unsafe location during a disaster, with the help of critical gear stored in a portable bag designed for rapid evacuation.
sbb-itb-b932644
Essential Bug Out Equipment List for Beginners
Assembling the right bug out bag is crucial for emergency preparedness. When choosing bug out equipment, prioritize lightweight, durable, multi-purpose items that meet your basic survival needs.
Choosing the Best Bug Out Backpack
The foundation of any good bug out bag is a high-quality backpack. Look for bags around 20-50 liters to avoid overpacking. Key features include:
- Durable, waterproof fabrics like vinyl, nylon, or cordura
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Multiple compartments and pockets for organization
- Molle webbing to attach additional gear
- A chest and waist strap for stability
Focus on finding a bag that balances durability, comfort, and storage space within your budget.
Bug Out Bag Packing Considerations
When packing your bug out bag, follow these tips:
- Pack the heaviest items closest to your back to properly distribute weight
- Store items you'll need quickly in outer pockets for easy access
- Include backup options for critical items like water filters or fire starters
- Customize gear for your climate, location, skills, health needs, etc.
- Plan supplies for up to 72 hours, or longer for extended evacuation scenarios
Adapt your bug out bag to your unique situation to maximize preparedness.
Bugging Out With Family or Groups
For group evacuation scenarios:
- Have each person carry their own bug out bag suitable for their needs
- Split communal gear like tents, cooking supplies, and first aid kits between bags
- Make sure to pack any necessary medications, infant formula, pet food, etc.
- Designate a planned rally point in case you get separated
- Carry family or emergency contact information in each bag
With some coordination, families and groups can assemble complementary bug out bags to handle a wide range of emergency situations.
Bug Out Bag Essentials: The Core Components
This section outlines some of the basic essential equipment you'll want to include in your first bug out bag, focusing on critical emergency-preparedness supplies.
Water and Hydration Gear
Having access to clean drinking water during an emergency situation is absolutely vital. We recommend stocking your bug out bag with items like the Sawyer Mini Water Filter or LifeStraw, which allow you to filter and purify water from lakes, rivers, and other natural sources. You'll also want to pack collapsible water canteens like the Survivor Filter Collapsible Canteens to store your filtered water.
Aim to carry at least 1-2 liters per person in your bug out party. Having the ability to filter and store clean drinking water is one of the most critical components of any emergency kit.
Food and Sustenance Supplies
Be sure to pack high-calorie, non-perishable foods like Clif Bars in your bug out bag. Focus on items that are nutritious, lightweight, and do not require any preparation or cooking. You'll want to pack enough food for each person in your party to last 3-5 days minimum.
Other good options include protein bars, trail mix, beef jerky, and crackers. Just remember - lightweight, nutritious, non-perishable.
Fire and Light Equipment
In an emergency scenario, the ability to start a fire and have a reliable light source is hugely important for warmth, cooking, and safety. We recommend packing firestarters like The Friendly Swede's Emergency Easy Grip Firestarter and waterproof matches such as the UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit.
You'll also want to make sure everyone in your party has their own flashlight or headlamp. Reliable and durable options include the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 and Black Diamond Spot 400. Having multiple light sources per person is ideal in case one fails or gets lost.
Shelter and Warmth
No bug out bag would be complete without basic shelter and warmth items. We recommend packing an emergency blanket or bivvy sack like the UST Survival Blanket 2.0 or Survive Outdoors Longer Thermal Bivvy. An emergency sleeping bag like the Titan Emergency Sleeping Bag is also essential.
The exact shelter and warmth items you'll want to pack will depend on your climate and weather conditions. But having a few basic options for retaining body heat and getting out of the elements is always advisable when building your first bug out bag.
Additional and Optional Bug Out Gear
Customizing your bug out bag with additional gear can enhance your level of preparedness. Here are some optional items to consider:
Customizing Your Shelter and Sleep System
Having a portable shelter and sleep system is critical for survival during a bug out situation. Consider adding:
- A lightweight tarp or tube tent to provide overhead shelter
- An insulated sleeping pad for warmth and comfort
- A compact sleeping bag rated for the climate you'll be in
- An emergency bivvy sack like the Survive Outdoors Longer Thermal Bivvy to retain body heat
Choose gear that packs down small and weighs little to keep your bug out bag as light as possible.
Specialized Clothing and Footwear
The right clothing and footwear can make bugging out significantly easier. Look into:
- Lightweight, quick-drying base layers to wick moisture
- Insulating mid layers for warmth, like fleece jackets
- Waterproof and windproof outer shells
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with ankle support
- Wool socks to prevent blisters and retain warmth
Focus on versatile layers you can add or remove as conditions change.
Comprehensive Medical and First Aid Kits
Medical issues are likely during emergency scenarios, so comprehensive first aid is a must. Well-stocked kits like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Backpacker Kit should include:
- Bandages, gauze, tape, and wound care essentials
- Medications, antibiotics, pain relievers
- Tools like trauma shears, tweezers, thermometers
- Protective gear like nitrile gloves, N95 masks
Tailor your medical supplies to your specific needs and skill level.
Communication and Navigation Tools
Finally, equipment for navigation and communication is vital when bugging out. Helpful items include:
- Weather radio
- Maps and compass
- Two-way radios
- Signal mirrors
- GPS device
- Multi-tool with LED light
Choose navigation tools that don't rely on battery power or cellular networks in case these fail during an emergency.
Customizing your bug out bag to your climate, region, skill level, and needs is key for effective emergency preparedness. Consider the additional gear above to augment your essentials.
Preparing for Specific Emergencies with Your Bug Out Bag
A well-stocked bug out bag can help you respond quickly and effectively to a variety of emergency situations. Having the right gear on hand lets you act decisively when seconds count. This section covers key supplies for common emergencies like roadside troubles, wildfires, and hurricanes.
Roadside Emergency Gear
If your vehicle breaks down or you get stuck on the road, having these items on hand will help you stay safe and get back on your way quickly:
- Husky 42-Gallon Contractor Clean-Up Bags: Useful for warmth, shelter, signaling, and protecting gear from the elements.
- 3M 8511 N95 Respirator: Filters out smoke, dust, and other particulate matter you may encounter at a roadside incident.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp debris while working on your vehicle. Consider Custom Leathercraft's Flex Grip WorkRight Gloves.
- Flashlight: See what you're doing if stuck at night. The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 flashlight offers 500 lumens of bright light.
- Jumper Cables: Try to get your engine restarted if your battery dies.
- Tire Repair Kit: Plug holes and re-inflate flat tires to get rolling again.
- Flares: Alert other drivers to your presence if stuck on the roadside.
Wildfire-Preparedness Supplies
Bugging out from an encroaching wildfire calls for fast action. Prepare with:
- Respirator: Guard against smoke inhalation. The 3M 8511 filters 95% of smoke particles.
- Fire shelter: For last-resort protection if trapped by flames. Consider the Survive Outdoors Longer emergency bivvy.
- Eye protection: Shield eyes from embers and ash. Googles or wraparound glasses recommended.
- All-weather blanket: Insulate against heat loss if forced to evacuate quickly. The Titan emergency blanket reflects 90% of radiant heat.
- Headlamp: Keep hands free for other tasks if evacuating at night or through smoke. The Black Diamond Spot 400 offers brightness adjustable up to 400 lumens.
Hurricane-Preparedness Strategies
Bracing for hurricane impacts requires diligent preparation:
- Weather radio: Stay updated on the storm’s track via NOAA broadcasts. Consider the Midland ER310 radio.
- Water purification: Have capacity to make found water sources potable. The Sawyer Mini filter removes 99.9% of bacteria.
- Emergency sleeping bag: Rest inside reliable shelter if displaced from home. The Sol Emergency Bivvy reflects 90% of radiant heat.
- Waterproof storage: Protect essentials like documents, food, meds, and electronics. Try waterproof Husky bags.
- Backup charger: Maintain communication channels if power loss occurs. The Anker PowerCore can recharge a phone multiple times.
Adjust your bug out bag’s contents to the emergencies most likely in your region. But these fundamentals will help you respond safely to a variety of situations.
Finalizing and Practicing With Your Bug Out Bag
Assembling a well-stocked bug out bag is an essential step in emergency preparedness. However, your preparation is not complete until you have thoroughly tested your gear and practiced evacuating with it. Here are some tips for finalizing your bug out bag and making sure you are truly ready to use it if disaster strikes.
Perform Quality Checks on Your Bug Out Bag
Before considering your bug out bag complete, do a careful inspection to ensure you have high quality gear that is ready for use.
- Check expiration dates on any food, water, medicine, or other perishables to ensure they will still be usable when needed. Replace anything that will expire soon.
- Inspect your critical survival tools like fire starters, flashlights, and knives. Make sure they are in good working order with fresh batteries installed.
- Go through your entire bug out bag contents and look for any signs of wear, tears, leaks, or other damage. Repair or replace anything that seems unreliable.
- Consider the weight of your packed bag. Make sure you can comfortably carry it for extended periods if necessary during an evacuation. Lighten overloaded bags.
Organize Your Bug Out Bag for Quick Accessibility
In an emergency, you need to swiftly access gear from your bug out bag as situations demand.
- Use pouches, compartments, and pockets to group related items like medical supplies, food rations, hygiene products, etc.
- Ensure your most urgently needed gear is stored in quickly accessible exterior pockets. This includes critical items like bug out equipment such as flashlights, maps, and tools.
- Attach essentials like water bottles and first aid kits to the exterior of your bag for grab-and-go access without unpacking.
- Label compartments and pouches so you can swiftly locate gear when urgently needed during high stress disaster scenarios.
Practice Evacuation Drills With Your Bug Out Bag
No amount of planning ensures preparedness - you must regularly practice bugging out with all your equipment to identify and correct any issues.
- Conduct evacuation drills on foot and practice carrying your loaded bag for extended distances. Identify any discomfort or accessibility issues.
- Drive evacuation drills to test transporting your bug out bag and other gear to your intended bug out destination. Refine packing methods as needed.
- Incorporate your family or group so everyone learns proper use and transportation of their bug out bags. Ensure all vital items are consolidated across packs.
- Time your drills and aim to rapidly pack all essential bug out gear within 5-10 minutes. Identify any lagging preparation steps that slow your evacuation.
By inspecting, organizing, and routinely testing your bug out bag, you can ensure that when disaster strikes, you have quick access to the high quality bug out equipment and essential supplies needed to improve chances of survival and resilience. Maintaining readiness takes continued practice and diligence.
Additional Resources for First-Time Preppers
Here are some additional resources for first-time preppers looking to build their bug out bag and enhance their emergency preparedness:
- Ready.gov - FEMA's official recommendations for putting together an emergency supply kit and bug out bag. Includes checklists and tips.
- The Prepared - Reviews of the best bug out bags plus a free printable bug out bag packing list.
- REI - REI's backpack buying guide can help you find the right bug out bag based on features, capacity, fit, and more.
- ArmySurplusWorld - Specialized bug out bags and tactical backpacks purpose-built for disasters and emergencies.
- CDC Emergency Preparedness - The CDC provides science-based tips on preparing for natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other threats.
Focusing on reputable preparedness sources can help ensure you get quality information and recommendations when assembling your bug out bag. Let us know if you have any other questions!
