Emergency Bug Out Bag Essentials

When crisis strikes, having an emergency bug out bag ready provides essential supplies for survival. Most would agree that being prepared with basic provisions is crucial in unstable times.

This article explores must-have items for a complete bug out bag focused on survival basics. You'll discover gear to pack for medical needs, navigation, shelter, water, fire, food and more to handle the unexpected.

We'll cover key decisions like pre-made vs custom kits, bag weight considerations, and how to accommodate special needs. You'll learn to build the ultimate portable survival kit to safely evacuate or shelter in place during emergencies.

Preparing the Best Emergency Bug Out Bag

An emergency bug out bag is an essential survival kit filled with gear to help you safely evacuate or shelter in place during a crisis. Having critical supplies on hand can mean the difference between life and death when disasters strike. This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare the ultimate bug out bag.

Defining the Ultimate Survival Kit: What is a Bug Out Bag

A bug out bag, also known as a go bag, is a backpack stocked with food, water, medical supplies, tools, and other gear to sustain you for 72 hours when evacuating or sheltering from an emergency. The purpose of a bug out bag is to allow you to quickly grab your most critical survival items in a crisis so you can safely reach a secure location. Key features include:

Portability - Designed to be carried or worn during evacuation
Sustainability - Contains 3 days worth of critical supplies
Comprehensiveness - Covers basic survival needs with well-rounded gear
Accesibility - Allows quick access to gear in high-stress situations

Bug out bags help you safely evacuate disasters like floods, fires, storms, and other emergencies when staying in place becomes too dangerous. They are also useful for sheltering at home during events like power outages.

The Importance of a Bug Out Bag for Emergency Readiness

Disasters often strike without warning, which is why emergency preparedness is so vital. Having a bug out bag ready allows you to quickly evacuate while meeting basic survival needs in the first 72 hours of an emergency. Key benefits include:

Evacuation Preparedness - Contains essentials to safely evacuate from immediate danger while being self-reliant
Survival Sustainability - Supplies for water, food, first aid support survival for 72 hours
Peace of Mind - Provides comfort knowing you can safely handle disasters
Family Protection - Allows you to provide for dependents until reaching secure locations

Taking steps to prepare now, even gradually over time, ensures you have the gear needed to protect yourself and loved ones when the unexpected occurs.

Building Your Bug Out Bag List: Essential Items to Include

Certain categories of gear are widely considered to be bug out bag essentials for meeting fundamental survival needs:

Water - Dehydration is dangerous. Pack at least 1 gallon per person for 3 days. Choose durable, portable containers.

Food - Pack non-perishable, high-calorie foods like protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc. Calculate a minimum of 2,000 calories per day.

First Aid - Injury and illness are likely. Be prepared to treat wounds, pain, infections, etc. with a well-stocked medical kit.

Fire - Stay warm and purify water. Pack matches, lighters, fire starters, kindling, etc. Practice fire skills now.

Shelter - Protection from the elements is critical. Pack durable, waterproof tents, sleeping bags, pads, tarps, and bivvy sacks.

Tools - Equip yourself to construct shelters, navigate, repair gear, and accomplish other key tasks with a multi-tool, knife, cordage, duct tape, etc.

Navigation - Know where you are and where you’re going. Bring maps, compass, GPS device, personal locator beacon, etc.

Light - Don’t get caught in the dark. Pack flashlights, glow sticks, lanterns, and other redundant light sources.

Communication - Stay in touch with emergency notifications and updates via battery/crank/solar-powered radio and emergency whistle.

Personal Items - Customize with prescription medications, pet supplies, infant formula, feminine products, etc. according to your unique needs.

Premade Bug Out Bag vs. Custom Kit: Pros and Cons

You can save time by purchasing a ready-made bug out bag or invest effort into building a custom survival kit tailored to your situation. Consider the tradeoffs:

Premade Bags

Pros:

Quick, convenient, grab-and-go option
Professionally packed by experts
Covers basics for short-term survival

Cons:

One-size-fits-all approach
May lack items needed for specific situations
Often built with cheaper gear to save costs

Custom Kits

Pros:

Personalized to your unique needs
Ability to hand-pick higher-end gear
Tailored and optimized over time

Cons:

Time-intensive to research and build
Easy to overlook some critical items
Requires ongoing maintenance and updates

If opting for a premade bag, be sure to evaluate the specific gear list to ensure it truly covers the basics before fully relying on it. Augment any gaps according to your situation. Ultimately, the process of building a custom kit helps ingrain critical knowledge while allowing you to hand-select optimal gear. But buying a ready-made bag can serve as a reasonable shortcut for getting started.

What should be in an emergency go bag?

An emergency go bag, often called a bug out bag, is essential for being prepared when disaster strikes. Having the right supplies on hand can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Here are some of the most important items to include in your bug out bag:

Food and Water

Having food and water is critical in an emergency when you may need to evacuate quickly. Good options to pack include:

Canned goods and ready-to-eat meals that don't require cooking. Choose items with a long shelf life.
High-calorie protein bars or granola bars.
Powdered drink mixes to add to water.
A reusable water bottle and water purification tablets.

Tools and Supplies

Be equipped to handle various emergency scenarios with these essentials:

A flashlight and batteries or hand crank flashlight. LED flashlights last the longest.
A pocket knife or multi-tool.
Fire starting supplies like matches, a lighter, or flint.
A small first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, etc.
Personal medications you normally take.

Stay connected and find your way with:

A cell phone charger, charging bank, and crank charger.
An emergency radio to receive news updates. Choose a hand crank model.
Extra batteries for devices.
A map and compass.
Whistle for signaling.

Round out your bug out bag with other essentials like warm clothes, a tent or tarp, toilet paper, and any specialty items you need. Check and refresh your bag every 6 months to keep supplies ready. With the right emergency bag, you’ll be equipped to handle the unexpected.

What should you put in a bug out bag?

When building an emergency bug out bag, focus first on packing the essentials for survival. These basics will help you safely evacuate an area or shelter in place until help arrives.

Tarp or Emergency Shelter

A durable, lightweight tarp or emergency shelter like a tube tent allows you to quickly create cover from the elements. Tarps can also be used for signaling rescuers. Mylar emergency blankets serve a similar purpose on a more compact scale.

Map and Compass

Having an accurate, up-to-date map of your area and a reliable compass for navigation are vital for finding your way on foot. Know your region and major landmarks so you can effectively navigate if phones and GPS fail.

Water and High-Calorie Foods

Pack at least 1 gallon of water per person for a 72-hour period. Prioritize lightweight, high-calorie foods like energy bars and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) to sustain energy levels. Items like beef jerky, trail mix, and peanut butter packets are also handy.

Extra Socks and Foot Care

Trekking for long distances is taxing on feet. Pack multiple pairs of wool hiking socks, moleskin, foot powder, and blister bandages so you can keep moving. Proper foot care prevents infection.

Multi-Tool

A compact multi-tool or Swiss Army knife equips you to handle minor gear repairs, medical needs, food prep, and basic survival tasks. Prioritize ones with pliers, screwdrivers, a knife, scissors, and a bottle opener.

LED Flashlight

Pack a rugged LED flashlight with extra batteries or a hand crank option. Quality lighting aids navigation and task completion after dark. Waterproof models float if dropped.

Fire Starter

A magnesium alloy fire starter with integrated scraper and flint rod makes starting campfires possible even in damp conditions. Fire provides warmth, light, and a morale boost. Wetfire tinder tablets are a handy backup.

Hand Crank Radio

Stay updated on news and emergency broadcasts with a hand crank AM/FM radio. Units with USB charging, flashlight or lantern settings are ideal for powering phones and other devices during an outage.

How to get free emergency kit?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a free Emergency Financial First Aid Kit to help you prepare for unexpected emergencies and disasters.

Here are the steps to get your free emergency kit:

Go to ready.gov, FEMA's disaster preparedness website.
Under "Money and Finances", click on the link to download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.
The kit is a PDF file that you can save to your computer or print out. It contains checklists, forms, and tips to help you organize important financial information.

The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit covers topics like:

Documenting valuable household possessions
Listing contacts for critical services
Recording bank and credit card information
Keeping copies of important documents

Having this vital information organized and in one place will help you deal with insurance, banking, or government assistance after a disaster.

So visit ready.gov today to get your free emergency kit and take an important step toward greater peace of mind! Being prepared with a bug out bag can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.

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

A go bag and a emergency bug out bag are both designed for emergency preparedness, but they serve slightly different purposes.

The main differences are:

Duration

Go bags are designed to sustain you for about 24-48 hours in an emergency situation. They contain just the bare essentials to survive short-term.

- Bug out bags are more robust, designed to sustain you for **72 hours or longer** if needed during a major disaster or societal collapse. They enable longer-term survival self-reliance.

Purpose

Go bags are focused on small-scale, personal emergencies like getting stranded due to a car breakdown or weather event.

- Bug out bags prepare you for larger catastrophes that may force you to immediately evacuate your home for an extended period, hence the name “bug out”.

Go bags contain just the basics - some food and water, first aid supplies, flashlight, radio, etc.

- Bug out bags additionally have more survival-oriented gear like shelters, fire starters, hunting/fishing tools, navigation aids, and other bushcraft equipment.

The bottom line is that while both bags aim to sustain you in an emergency, a bug out bag is more specialized for longer-term evacuation and survival self-reliance off-the-grid if societal infrastructure fails. It's the ultimate insurance policy for unexpected disasters.

Water - The Lifeline of Your Bug Out Bag Survival Kit

Water is critical for survival, so carrying ample clean water should be a top priority when packing a bug out bag. Having access to safe drinking water will allow you to stay hydrated, maintain health, and support basic survival needs.

Calculating Water Needs: How Much Water to Pack

When packing your bug out bag, it's important to understand your water needs. As a general guideline, experts recommend packing at least one gallon of water per person per day for a 72 hour period. This equals three gallons per person.

To calculate your specific needs:

Determine the number of people in your party
Multiply by 1 gallon per person per day
Multiply by the number of days you need to be prepared for. 72 hours/3 days is a good baseline.

For example, for a family of 4 people preparing for 3 days, you would need:

4 people x 1 gallon per person x 3 days = 12 gallons of water.

Packing enough water ensures your party will stay hydrated in an emergency situation where access to clean water may be limited.

Choosing Water Storage Solutions

When assembling your bug out bag water supply, focus on durable, portable storage solutions including:

BPA-free plastic water bottles or jugs: Choose larger 1-3 gallon capacities. Ensure lids seal tightly.
Hydration bladders or pouches: Flexible options that store 2-3 liters. Integrate with backpack.
Water filtration systems: Portable filters like LifeStraws allow you to drink from natural sources.

Prioritize BPA-free plastics. Look for sturdy bottles that won't leak. Backpack-integrated hydration bladders streamline carrying water. And water filters give you flexibility to replenish from lakes, streams, etc.

Water Purification Methods and Tools

In a survival situation, you may need to drink questionable water from natural sources. Pack water purification solutions including:

Water purification tablets to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
UV sterilization pens like SteriPENs
Water filtration systems like LifeStraws or Sawyer filters that remove pathogens

This gear allows you to drink from natural sources while eliminating contaminants. Always have a backup option like tablets in case your primary tool fails.

Following proper water storage, calculation, and purification best practices will keep your party healthy and hydrated while bugging out. Water is critical, so take steps to ensure ample safe water supply.

Nutrition in Crisis: Food Essentials for Your Bug Out Bag

Bug out bags should contain compact, high-calorie non-perishable foods to maintain energy levels in an emergency situation. Having the right nutrition is crucial for survival.

Selecting Sustainable Food Types

When packing food for your bug out bag, opt for items that have a long shelf life and provide nutrients. Good options include:

Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, meats, and soups. Canned foods can last 2-5 years unopened. Choose pop-top cans that don't require a can opener.
Dried foods like jerky, dried fruits, nuts, trail mixes, and granola bars. Dried foods are lightweight and won't spoil.
MREs or meals ready to eat. MREs contain full meals and can last for years when stored properly.
Vacuum-packed foods like meats, stew, pasta, or rice meals. The vacuum seal prevents spoilage.

Avoid packing perishable fresh foods or foods that need to be cooked or prepared.

Accommodating Special Dietary Needs

If you or your family members follow a special diet, pack suitable bug out bag foods including:

Gluten-free, dairy-free, or allergen-free canned goods
Diabetic-friendly dried fruits and nuts
High-protein jerky or pemmican for keto or paleo diets
Nut butters, sunflower seeds, or plant-based proteins for vegan diets

Having the right foods for medical conditions like diabetes or food allergies could be critical.

Ensuring Adequate Caloric Intake: Coverage Timeframe

Plan to pack at least 2,000 - 2,500 calories per person for each day you expect to be using your bug out bag. This provides enough energy for 72+ hours in a high activity emergency scenario.

To determine the right amount of food to pack, consider:

Number of people supported by the bug out bag
Expected timeframe away from regular food sources
Environment and anticipated physical exertion level

Having enough food prevents malnutrition and maintains strength during a crisis. Rotate and refresh food items every 6-12 months.

First Aid and Medical Aid: The Bug Out Bag Survival Kit

A comprehensive first aid kit tailored for wilderness use is a critical component of any emergency bug out bag essentials list. Having the proper medical supplies and knowledge to address injuries, illnesses, and health needs can truly mean the difference between life and death when away from professional medical care.

Comprehensive Injury and Illness Treatment

When packing first aid supplies, it's important to include materials to treat both minor and major wounds, such as:

Adhesive bandages
Gauze pads and rolls
Medical tape
Antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic wipes
Burn gel/cream
Sterile gloves
Trauma shears
Splints

Don't forget about over-the-counter medications as well. Useful items include pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, antacids, anti-diarrheal medication, electrolyte solutions, etc. These can help manage anything from headaches, fevers, allergies, upset stomach, diarrhea, and dehydration.

Having the capacity to stabilize major injuries like fractures, severe bleeding, and trauma is also important. Consider packing a CPR mask, tourniquets, hemostatic agents, sutures, and other emergency gear.

Addressing Special Health Needs

Those managing chronic medical conditions should pack at least a week's supply of vital prescription medications and any medical devices/testing supplies needed. For example, those with diabetes should include extra insulin, syringes, glucose testing strips, and snacks. Asthma sufferers should pack inhalers and nebulizer medications.

Also consider adding medical alert identification and details about your health history/needs. Should you become injured or incapacitated, this could provide life-saving information.

Personal Protection and Preventive Supplies

Prevention is the best medicine when in the wilderness. Be sure to pack protective items such as work gloves, safety goggles, N95 respiratory face masks, insect repellent sprays/wipes, and sunscreen. These can shield against environmental hazards from sharp debris and dust to biting insects, smoke inhalation, and dangerous UV exposure.

Having clean water and the ability to maintain personal hygiene is also hugely important for staying healthy. Pack water purification tablets, portable water filters, soap, toilet paper, feminine products, etc.

With the proper first aid knowledge and these medical preparedness supplies in your bug out bag, you can better handle illness and injury when SHTF. Don't forget to get first aid/CPR certified as well!

Shelter and Sleep System: Ensuring Rest in the Wilderness

Bug out bags should allow someone to safely rest or sleep in an outdoor environment, so carrying suitable shelter gear is essential.

Sleeping Components for Outdoor Survival

Having the right sleeping components is critical for getting rest while on the move or sheltering outside during an emergency. Key items to include in a bug out bag are:

Tent or tarp: A lightweight, portable tent or waterproof tarp provides overhead shelter and protects from the elements. Look for durable, compact models.
Sleeping bag: Pack a weather-appropriate sleeping bag rated for the expected outdoor temperatures. Synthetic or down insulation are good options.
Sleeping pad: An inflatable or foam sleeping pad insulates from the cold ground. This is essential for warmth.
Bivvy sack: A waterproof/breathable bivvy sack cocoons the sleeping bag, adding protective layers.
Pillow: A compact inflatable pillow vastly improves comfort when sleeping outdoors.

Insulation and Warmth: Staying Protected from the Elements

Exposure and hypothermia are serious risks when sheltering outside, so packing ample insulation items is a must:

Extra socks: Wool hiking socks retain warmth even when wet. Bring several backup pairs.
Base layers: Synthetic or merino wool long underwear provides critical insulation.
Cold weather accessories: A warm hat, gloves, balaclava face cover, and jacket are necessities.
Mylar blanket: These lightweight emergency blankets reflect 90% of body heat to prevent heat loss.

Overnight Protection and Defense Gear

When sleeping outside during a disaster scenario, safety and security are paramount. Be prepared by packing:

Flashlight: An LED headlamp allows hands-free light for setting up camp or nighttime visibility.
Fire starters: Waterproof matches, lighter, fire steel, and tinder enable warmth/cooking fires.
Bear spray: Where wildlife may be present, bear pepper spray provides protection.
Survival knife: A fixed-blade knife with serrated edge has versatility for shelter building, fire, defense, and other uses.

Fire Creation: A Fundamental Skill for Survival

The ability to safely build and maintain a fire provides critical warmth, light, signaling capabilities, and a means to purify water and cook food when stranded. Having reliable fire starting capability in your emergency bug out bag can make a life-saving difference.

Ignition Sources for Reliable Fire Making

Pack multiple fire starters to ensure you can create fire in any conditions:

Waterproof stormproof matches
A butane lighter
A ferrocerium rod fire steel
Tinder cubes
Cotton balls coated in petroleum jelly

Redundancy across ignition methods gives you the best chance of success.

Gathering Tinder and Kindling

Great tinder options to collect:

Cotton balls
Dryer lint
Wax paper
Fine wood shavings
Dry grass and bark
Fatwood

Look for tiny, super dry, fibrous materials that ignite quickly with a spark.

Kindling refers to progressively larger dry twigs and sticks (pencil to finger width) to add on to growing flames.

Fire Safety and Extinguishing Methods

Transport a fire extinguisher or bucket of water to properly contain and extinguish any campfires you spark.

Follow standard protocols like clearing away combustible brush, building fires in existing fire rings and away from tents or structures, avoiding leaving fires unattended, and fully extinguishing any flames before packing up camp.

As a responsible prepper, fire safety helps us utilize this vital survival skill while preventing wildfires or accidents.

Bug out bags should contain navigation tools plus communication devices to assist with situational awareness, coordinating rescues, or reporting emergencies.

Having the right navigation tools in your bug out bag is critical for finding your way in an emergency situation. Here are some must-have items:

Compass - A basic compass for orienteering and determining direction is essential. Make sure to get one that is durable and waterproof.
Topographic maps - Have up-to-date topographic maps for your area and potential bug out locations. These will show terrain, landmarks, and other geographic features.
GPS device - A handheld GPS device can pinpoint your location if you get lost. However, these rely on battery power so have a backup navigation method.
Lensesatic compass - Used by military, these compasses are extremely reliable. The lenses make it easier to see the dial and plot courses.
Signal mirror - Can be used with the sun to signal rescuers if you are lost. Helpful for search and rescue.

Practice with these tools before an emergency to get proficient at using them. Having multiple navigation aids provides redundancy if one fails.

Emergency Messaging Devices

To call for help or communicate with others, pack these emergency messaging devices:

AM/FM radio - Battery-powered or hand crank radios enable receiving emergency broadcasts and weather reports when cell towers are down.
Emergency whistle - Loud whistles can be heard farther than shouting. Useful for signaling rescuers.
Signal flares - Launchable flares fire high in the sky making it easier for rescuers to spot your location.
Personal locator beacon - Transmits a distress signal with your position to satellites or rescue aircraft. Should only be activated for life-threatening emergencies.

These devices all have limitations in range or battery life. Use them judiciously, have backups, and only activate for true emergencies.

Power and Charging Solutions for Devices

In an extended emergency, being able to power and charge devices is critical. Pack these items:

Extra batteries - Carry spare batteries for all battery-powered gear, especially navigation tools and radios. Store properly to preserve longevity.
Power bank - Portable USB power banks can recharge cell phones and other small electronics in the field. Get a 20,000 mAh capacity or larger model.
Crank charger - Hand crank chargers generate power to charge devices without batteries. Turn a handle to produce electricity.
Solar charger - Portable solar panels can charge devices using power from the sun. However, output is weather and sunlight dependent.

Rotate stock of batteries to keep them fresh. Test charging devices periodically to verify operation. Having backup power prevents losing critical communication and navigation abilities.

Survival Tools and Utility Items: The Backbone of Your Bug Out Bag Kit

A variety of general tools offer essential capabilities for repair, construction, defense, and other critical survival tasks. Having these items in your emergency bug out bag ensures you have the necessary gear for handling unexpected situations.

Cutting, Chopping, and Bushcraft Tools

A fixed blade knife, hatchet, folding saw, and heavy duty scissors provide essential cutting power and versatility.

Fixed Blade Knife - A full tang, stainless steel knife with 4-6 inch blade is ideal. Useful for food prep, making tools, skinning game. Look for partial serrated edge.
Hatchet - Small hatchet with 13-15 inch handle provides chopping and splitting abilities. Useful for processing firewood, shelter construction.
Folding Saw - Packable 7-8 inch saw folds down small. Quickly processes branches up to 4-6 inches thick into firewood or shelter material.
Heavy Duty Scissors - Stainless steel scissors with serrated edge and soft grip handles. Use for cutting cord, bandages, cloth, opening packages.

Having an assortment of cutting tools enables you to harvest materials from the wilderness and construct the items you need for survival.

Illumination Needs: Lighting Up the Darkness

Headlamps, flashlights, glow sticks, and lanterns enable visibility in low light conditions.

LED Headlamp - Hands-free headlamp with multiple modes allows visibility for tasks. Look for water resistance and long battery life.
Flashlight - Pack a small LED flashlight plus extra batteries. Durable and waterproof is ideal. Allows targeted light.
Glow Sticks - Toss a few backup glow sticks in bag. Provide low level ambient light when needed. No batteries required.
Battery Lantern - Collapsible LED lantern runs on batteries. Gives wide area illumination for entire shelter or campsite.

Having multiple light sources in various form factors ensures you have illumination capabilities at hand for navigating in darkness, administering first aid, reading maps, maintaining gear, etc.

Constructing Makeshift Shelters and Repairs

Pack duct tape, 550 paracord, carabiners, tent stakes and a sewing kit for quick repairs or constructing basic shelters.

Duct Tape - Multi-use silver tape wraps around water bottle. Fix rips, tears, leaks, splints, and more.
550 Paracord - 50-100 feet of nylon cord for lashings, traps, gear repairs, securing loads, shelter construction.
Carabiners - Stainless steel carabiners allow quick attachment of gear. Useful for makeshift shelters.
Tent Stakes - Pack 4-6 lightweight but sturdy tent stakes. Can be used with paracord to construct basic wilderness shelters.
Sewing Kit - Mini sewing kit with needles, thread, buttons, and safety pins enables critical gear/clothing repairs.

With the right materials, you can quickly construct an emergency shelter or make critical repairs to essential gear and clothing while out in the wilderness. Having these utility items in your emergency bug out bag ensures you are prepared.

Conclusion: The Prepper's Guide to a Complete Bug Out Bag

Emergency bug out bags equip anyone to safely endure a crisis situation for 72+ hours. Pack survival basics like water, food, first aid, shelter, fire, navigation and tools in a go bag for peace of mind.

Essential Takeaways for the Ultimate Bug Out Bag

Key bug out bag essentials offer core capabilities to preserve life, withstand the elements, navigate challenges and summon help when facing a sudden emergency. These include:

Water - Pack at least 1 gallon per person per day. Include water filtration/purification supplies.
Food - High-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, dried fruits, nuts.
First Aid - Bandages, gauze, medications, sanitation supplies.
Shelter - Tent, tarp, emergency blanket, paracord, duct tape.
Fire - Lighter, waterproof matches, fire starter.
Navigation - Map, compass, GPS device, signal mirror.
Tools - Knife, multi-tool, flashlight, batteries, rope.

Having these survival basics in a grab-and-go bag provides crucial capacity to preserve life, take shelter, navigate challenges and call for help when disaster strikes.

Customizing Your Bug Out Bag Supplies Based on Personal Needs

While certain fundamentals are universal, it's important to tailor your bug out bag contents to your unique situation, environment and potential risks. Consider:

Your climate and geography
Health conditions and medications
Additional gear for children/pets
Likely disaster scenarios in your region

Customize with additional region-specific items like snow shoes, water filtration tablets, or an EPIRB. Regularly re-evaluate your pack to evolve it over time as your needs change.

Practice Drills: Testing Your Escape and Evade Skills

Test your skills and gear during practice emergency drills to evaluate preparedness and identify any gaps with your bug out bag that need improvement. Ideas for drills include:

Timed evacuation run of your home
Setting up tent and fire in remote area overnight
Land navigation exercises using map, compass and GPS
First aid treatment for simulated injuries

Learning by doing builds muscle memory and confidence to handle real-world crises using your carefully designed bug out bag essentials.