When preparing for emergency scenarios, most would agree that having a well-stocked bug out bag is critical for survival.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most essential items to include in your bug out bag, ensuring you have the critical supplies and gear to handle a wide range of situations.
We will cover everything from fire starters and first aid essentials, to communication tools and personal comfort items. You'll have a complete bug out bag checklist to build your own minimalist survival go bag for 2023.
Introduction to Bug Out Bag Essentials
A bug out bag, also known as a go bag, is a portable emergency kit filled with critical supplies to support survival for 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster. They are essential for those focused on emergency preparedness, including urban preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families. This section provides an overview of key bug out bag components to promote survival.
Defining the Bug Out Bag and Its Purpose
A bug out bag is a portable backpack or bag filled with gear to aid survival in an emergency. Also called a go bag, it contains supplies to support you for 72 hours when evacuating from disasters both natural and man-made. The purpose is to give you the vital tools and provisions when urgent evacuation is necessary and you may be without other resources. Having a well-stocked bug out bag is recommended by emergency preparedness experts as part of an overall readiness plan.
Identifying the Target Audience for Bug Out Bags
Bug out bags are useful for several key demographics focused on being prepared for disasters:
- Urban preppers: Those living in cities preparing for events like earthquakes, floods, storms, fires, or civil unrest. A bug out bag allows rapid evacuation.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Hikers, campers, hunters, etc. use them in case they become lost or stranded in the wilderness.
- Families: Having bug out bags ready for every family member containing food, supplies, etc. is vital.
Key Components of a Comprehensive Bug Out Bag Items List
Experts recommend stocking bug out bags with a variety of gear including:
- Survival tools: Knives, paracord, fire starters, compass, flashlight, multi-tool, duct tape, etc. These provide critical capabilities in the wild.
- First aid: Bandages, ointments, medicines, etc. to treat injury and illness.
- Food and water: High-protein bars, pouches of tuna, trail mix, jerky, and 4+ liters of water for sustenance.
- Navigation: Maps, compass, GPS device to track position and find routes.
- Power: Portable chargers, batteries, crank chargers to power devices.
- Shelter and warmth: Tarp, emergency blanket, warm layers, gloves, hat for protection from elements.
Customizing your bug out bag to your geographic area, skill level, and needs is key. But the above provide a solid universal starting point for what to include. Follow expert guidance and checklists to build out a complete bug out bag essentials kit.
What is needed in a bug out bag?
A well-stocked bug out bag is critical for survival in an emergency situation where you need to evacuate quickly. The key is having the essential gear and supplies to endure 72 hours completely on your own without external support. Here are some of the most vital items to include:
Shelter and Navigation
- Tarp or emergency shelter: Can be used for makeshift shelter or signaling for help
- Map and compass: For navigation if you lose your bearings
Food and Water
- Water pouches or portable filtration: Have at least 1 gallon per person per day
- High-calorie, non-perishable food: Such as MREs, protein bars, nuts and dried fruit
Tools and Light
- LED flashlight: Reliable light source without batteries
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: Provides necessary tools like a knife, pliers, screwdrivers
- Fire starter: Such as a magnesium bar or stormproof matches
First Aid Supplies
- First aid kit: At a minimum adhesive bandages, gauze, trauma shears, antiseptic
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-diarrhea meds, antibiotics if possible
Communication and Navigation
- Emergency whistle: For signaling and getting attention
- Hand crank or battery powered radio: To receive emergency broadcasts and weather reports
The exact bug out bag contents can vary depending on factors like climate and specific risks in your area. But these represent universal essentials for an effective go-bag when disaster strikes.
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 easy to prepare and will sustain you in an emergency situation. Some essentials 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 bars and trail mixes
- Peanut butter packets
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Beef jerky or other dried meats
- Powdered milk, coffee, soups etc. that just require water
- High-calorie meal replacement/protein shakes
- MREs (meals ready-to-eat)
- Water purification tablets or filter
The key is packing nutritious foods that won't spoil, don't require cooking, and will give you enough calories and nutrients to survive. Integrating items like jerky, nut butters, dried fruit/nuts provides protein and good fats to keep you energized. And don't forget the water! Having portable, clean water is essential. With the right bug out bag food essentials, you'll be prepared nutrition-wise in an emergency.
What items are in the go bag?
When packing your bug out bag, focus on the essentials for survival - food, water, shelter, first aid, navigation, tools, and other critical supplies. Here are some of the most vital items to include:
Food and Water
- Pack at least 3 days' worth of non-perishable, high-calorie foods like energy bars, MREs, trail mix, and meal replacement shakes. Choose foods that are lightweight, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
- Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Water purification tablets can make found water safe to drink.
Shelter and Warmth
- Pack an emergency blanket, a tarp, and hand/foot warmers to protect against the elements.
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting have multiple uses for improvised shelter.
First Aid
- A comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, gauze, medicines, etc. can be lifesaving.
- Special items like a tourniquet and emergency whistle should also be included.
Navigation and Information
- Bring a map and compass to navigate without cell phone signals or GPS.
- A NOAA weather radio will provide critical news and alerts.
Tools and Supplies
- A multipurpose knife/tool, fire starter, rope, and other gear have countless uses from building shelter to signaling for help.
- Duct tape, zip ties, batteries, chargers, cash, and medications round out the critical supplies.
Carefully choosing compact, durable, and practical gear for your situation will ensure you have what you need to survive in an emergency scenario. Test and adjust your bug out bag contents regularly.
How many days should a bug out bag last?
A well-stocked bug out bag should contain enough supplies to last you 72 hours or 3 days. This will provide essentials to survive during the initial critical period of an emergency scenario while you make your way to a secure location.
The 72-hour timeframe is considered the minimum as it may take that long for first responders and relief services to become available after a major disaster. Having at least 3 days worth of critical items will buy you time to get to safety.
Some key factors to consider when preparing your bug out bag:
- Water - 1 gallon per person per day
- Food - Non-perishable, high-calorie foods like energy bars, MREs, nuts, jerky
- First Aid - Bandages, ointments, medicines, etc.
- Tools - Knife, flashlight, batteries, duct tape, rope
- Navigation - Map, compass, GPS device
- Shelter - Tarp, emergency blanket, gloves, face masks
Tailor your bug out bag contents to your family or group size. Having supplies for each person is vital.
Get into the habit of checking your bug out bag contents every 6 months and replace expired or damaged gear. This ensures you have functioning critical items when they are needed most.
Following the 72-hour guideline helps create an effective, portable bug out bag for handling emergency situations. Just remember that your supplies must match the number of people in your party. With the essential bug out bag items covered, you'll be ready to take action when disaster strikes.
Top 10 Bug Out Bag Essentials
Highlighting the most critical items that should be the foundation of any bug out bag to ensure preparedness in emergency situations.
Survival Drilled Flint Ferro Rod for Fire Starting
A reliable bug out bag items for fire starting that can create sparks to ignite tinder even when wet. The ferro rod's composition allows it to produce hot sparks (up to 3,000°F) by striking the included metal scraper down its length. As an essential bug out bag essentials 2023 item, a quality fire starter enables you to provide warmth, purify water, and cook food in a variety of emergency situations.
When selecting a survival fire starter, key features to look for include:
- All-weather performance - can generate sparks even when wet
- Durable construction - lasts through repeated use
- Compact and lightweight design - easily portable
- Integrated scraper - no need to pack a separate tool
- Easy grip handle - for safe control and handling
By packing a drilled flint ferro rod in your go-bag, you ensure the ability to start a fire whenever needed for survival purposes.
Strongarm Knife: The Ultimate Survival Tool
As a versatile fixed-blade fighting knife, the Strongarm knife serves as an indispensable multi-tool for outdoor survival purposes. Its 4.8" 420 high carbon steel blade retains an edge well and stands up to heavy use, while the ergonomic rubber grip provides solid control for delicate and demanding tasks.
With its full tang construction and powder-coated steel pommel, the Strongarm knife can hammer, pry, and break through obstacles. The integrated belt clip and sheath keep the knife securely accessible. As a rugged survival knife designed for military, tactical, and emergency applications, it belongs in every bug out bag items essentials kit.
Key attributes that make the Strongarm knife valuable for survivalists include:
- Sharp, durable blade for cutting, slicing, hammering
- Ergonomic grip and pommel for versatile functionality
- Corrosion resistant black finish
- Secure carry with belt clip and sheath
- Lightweight and portable
Having a quality survival knife enables self-defense capability while also assisting critical tasks like shelter building, food prep, and fire crafting.
Water Purification Tablets for Clean Drinking Water
In an emergency scenario, the ability to safely drink water from uncertain sources can mean the difference between sickness and health. Packaging water purification tablets in your go-bag provides a lightweight, portable water treatment solution when on the move.
Look for EPA-registered tablets that eliminate bacteria, protozoan parasites, and viruses from water sources like lakes, rivers, and streams. By killing dangerous microorganisms, adding one purification tablet per instructions makes non-potable water safer to drink.
Key features to look for when selecting water purification tablets include:
- Kills major waterborne bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts
- Shelf-stable for years
- Fast-acting - water ready in 30 minutes
- Easy to transport and use
- Leaves no unpleasant taste/odor
Having the ability to make found water drinkable gives you flexibility and facilitates survival in the critical first 72 hours of an emergency. Water purification tablets should be an essential component of any emergency go-bag.
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Survival Tools and Gear
Reliable tools for navigation, shelter, fire, light and defense are vital for enduring the elements encountered when bugging out. Having the right gear can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
Navigation Essentials: Map of Your Area and Compass
- Carry detailed maps of your area showing roads, trails, water sources, and other key landmarks. Familiarize yourself with map reading and navigation techniques.
- A compass enables navigation when roads/trails are unavailable or visibility is poor. Learn proper usage and orientation.
- GPS devices provide alternate navigation and tracking abilities, but require battery power. Have backups.
Shelter Essentials: Standard Tarp and Lightweight Mylar Blanket
- A lightweight tarp provides overhead shelter from rain and sun. Combined with duct tape, rope, and trekking poles, various shelter configurations can be created.
- Plastic sheeting placed under a tarp blocks ground moisture and wind.
- Mylar blankets reflect 90% of radiant heat to retain body warmth in cold weather.
Fire Starters: Matches and Survival Ferro Rod
- Store matches in waterproof containers and widely distribute across bug out bags to reduce failure risk. Strike-anywhere matches work when wet.
- Lighters enable quick fire starting, but fuel can evaporate over time. Have multiple backups.
- Flint rods spark over 30,000 times for reliable fire starting. Use with a knife blade or included striker.
Light Sources: Flashlights and Glow Sticks
- Pack multiple flashlights using LED or lithium batteries. Strobe and dimming functions conserve power.
- Headlamps enable hands-free light for hiking or tasks after dark. Use red light mode to preserve night vision.
- Glow sticks provide 12+ hour chemical light source without batteries. Help locate gear or mark shelter.
Self-Defense Tools: Strongarm Knife and Pepper Spray
- A fixed-blade fighting knife like the Ka-Bar or Gerber Strongarm provides utility plus security.
- Where legally permitted, a firearm enables defense against aggressive wildlife or people. Train thoroughly.
- Pepper spray causes temporary blindness/breathing difficulty to disable threats at close range.
Having versatile, durable and reliable gear makes a bug out situation far more manageable. Invest in quality tools and take time to learn proper usage technique.
Bug Out Bag Checklist: Family Health and Safety
A full trauma and basic first aid kit tailored for your skill level helps respond to injuries effectively. Having the necessary medical supplies on hand ensures your family's health and safety when access to medical care is limited.
Comprehensive First Aid Kit: Bandages, Antibiotics, and More
A well-stocked first aid kit contains supplies to treat common injuries and ailments, including:
- Adhesive bandages, gauze pads, wraps, and medical tape to dress wounds
- Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
- Burn cream and aloe vera gel to treat minor burns
- Eyewash and eye pads for eye injuries and irritation
- Tweezers to remove splinters and debris
Tailor your first aid supplies to the skill level of the people using them. Include clear instructions on how to use each item. Rotate supplies to ensure they remain effective when needed.
Trauma Supplies: Tourniquets and Quick Clot for Severe Injuries
For severe trauma cases, specialized supplies can save lives by controlling major bleeding:
- Tourniquets to restrict blood flow to limbs for amputations or life-threatening bleeding
- Quick clot gauze and blood clotting agents to quickly stop bleeding
- Sutures and needles to close major wounds
- Decompression needles to treat collapsed lungs
Get proper training on using these items. Improper use can cause further harm. Include detailed instructions on application.
Medications: Managing Health When Access Is Limited
Stock key medications to manage health when access to medical care is scarce:
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen to relieve discomfort
- Anti-diarrheal medication to treat digestive issues
- Electrolyte replacements for dehydration
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- Prescription medications as advised by your doctor
Rotate medication stocks to ensure they don't expire. Include medical documentation and dosage instructions.
Personal Hygiene Items: Sanitation Essentials
Maintaining personal hygiene prevents illness. Pack:
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss
- Biodegradable soap, shampoo, toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes
Proper sanitation is vital when access to clean water is limited. Prioritize hygiene to uphold health.
Nutrition and Hydration: Bug Out Bag Food and Water Essentials
Rations should sustain energy, nutrition, and hydration levels with minimal preparation required.
Water Solutions: Storage, Filtration, and Purification
Having access to safe drinking water is critical in an emergency situation. Durable water bottles made of stainless steel or plastic allow for water storage and portability. Water filtration systems like the LifeStraw remove bacteria and parasites, while water purification tablets like Potable Aqua chlorination tablets kill viruses. These solutions enable access to potable water from questionable sources. Choose items that best fit your needs, budget, and scenario.
Sustenance Supplies: Energy Bars, Trail Mix, and MREs
Pack high-calorie foods that won't perish quickly. Look for lightweight options with long shelf lives. Energy and protein bars offer portability. Trail mixes with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit provide energy. Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) pack complete, pre-made meals needing only heating. Food variety helps morale, so pack a mix. Estimate minimum calorie needs, then pack extra.
Cooking Tools: Compact Equipment for Meal Preparation
Bring compact cooking gear, including a mini camp stove, fuel tablets/canisters, pot, utensils, cups, and a spork. These allow you to heat water for freeze-dried meals or MREs. Opt for a nested titanium cook set to save space and weight. Test gear beforehand and understand safe usage. This enables nutrition and comfort from hot foods and drinks.
Communication and Power: Bug Out Bag Electronics
Devices for renewable power, weather warnings, and emergency contact support longer term needs if evacuation is sustained.
Power Solutions: Extra Batteries and Solar Power Banks
Rechargeable batteries and solar panels maintain essential gear operability. Having extra batteries for devices such as flashlights, radios, and GPS units ensures you can keep them powered in an emergency situation where electricity is not available. Lithium batteries have a long shelf life and high energy density. Solar power banks with built-in panels can recharge your devices using sunlight. The Anker PowerCore Solar power bank is a great option that can charge two devices simultaneously. With 10,000 mAh capacity, it can fully charge most smartphones multiple times.
Staying Informed: NOAA Weather Radio for Updates
Crank or battery-powered radios access weather and news when usual communication methods fail. NOAA weather radio receivers provide access to continuous weather reports, emergency news, and alerts even when cell towers, internet, and electricity are down. Hand crank and solar models like the Etón FRX3 allow you to power the radio without batteries. Having an information source for news and weather helps you make better decisions during evacuation.
Connectivity: Charging Cables for Critical Devices
Charge devices rapidly whenever power sources are found. Packing extra charging cables for cell phones, tablets, and other electronics ensures you can power them when you find an available outlet or car charger. Prioritize cables for devices with navigation, communication, or informational capabilities. Lightning cables for iPhones, USB-C for most Android phones, tablets, and the Anker PowerCore Solar power bank mentioned above are most essential.
Signaling for Help: Emergency Whistles and Visual Aids
Signal and call for help loudly to improve rescue likelihood. A loud emergency whistle like the Fox 40 Micro helps you signal for help, scaring off animals, and finding group members. Bright signal mirrors, flags, and reflectors also visually call attention. Combining audible whistles and visual signaling devices gives you the best chance of being spotted by rescuers.
Personal Comfort: Clothing, Bedding, and Shelter
The ability to layer clothing and get rest improves morale and body temperature regulation across environments.
Appropriate Attire: Adapting to Weather Conditions
When packing clothing for your bug out bag, it's essential to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Base layers made of moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or merino wool will help regulate body temperature. Middle insulation layers such as fleece jackets and pants provide warmth. Outer shell jackets and pants made of waterproof, windproof materials protect from the elements. Hats, gloves, and scarves further prevent heat loss. Choose subdued colors like black, brown, gray, dark blue, or olive green over bright colors that stand out.
Footwear: Durable Shoes or Boots for Rough Terrain
Rugged waterproof boots with aggressive tread and ankle support are ideal for traversing rough terrain while carrying a heavy pack. Break them in ahead of time to prevent blisters. Waterproof hiking shoes also work well. Bring extra laces and consider waterproof gaiters to keep debris out of boots.
Spare Socks: Keeping Feet Dry and Protected
Pack several pairs of thick, moisture wicking hiking or mountaineering socks. Change socks often, especially if feet get wet. Rotating pairs gives the previous pair time to dry, preventing fungal infections like trench foot. Consider liner socks for further blister prevention.
Resting Essentials: Sleeping Bag and Pad for Recovery
In an evacuation scenario, you may need to sleep outdoors without shelter. Packing a lightweight, compressible sleeping bag suited to the climate protects against hypothermia. Insulated sleeping pads provide a thermal barrier from the cold ground. A bivy sack adds an outer waterproof layer. Hand, foot, and body warmers can boost warmth on frigid nights. Choose earth tone colors over bright ones.
Bug Out Bag Additions: Special Considerations and Personal Items
Custom additions for pets, children, vehicles, data backup meet individual bug out needs.
Pet Preparedness: Food, Bowls, and Leashes
When bugging out with pets, be sure to pack supplies to care for them on the go. Key items to include are:
- Pet food and water bowls - Collapsible bowls are lightweight and take up little space
- 2-3 days' worth of pet food - Choose non-perishable varieties suited for your pet
- Extra leash and collar with ID tag - Ensure pets don't get lost if separated
- Medications, if needed - Pack several days' supply of medications
- Waste bags for clean up - Bring plenty to dispose pet waste properly
Packing these pet essentials allows our furry friends to evacuate safely with us in an emergency.
Child Care in Emergencies: Diapers, Baby Food, and More
Children have unique needs when evacuating from disasters. Be prepared to care for little ones on the go by packing:
- Diapers - Bring 2+ days' supply to reduce need for changes
- Formula, bottles, baby food - Non-perishable varieties that pack and travel well
- Medicines - Several days' supply of critical medications
- Comfort items - Small toy, blanket for reassurance
- Wipes, changing pad - Keep babies clean on the move
- Extra clothes - Include weather-appropriate outfits
Meeting children's needs ensures their health and comfort while evacuating.
Document Security: Backing Up Important Information
In an evacuation, paper documents can be damaged or lost. Protect important information by backing up onto external drives:
- Identification - Save digital copies of IDs, passports, etc.
- Insurance policies - Scan home, health, life documents
- Prescriptions - Photograph medications list with doctor details
- Emergency contacts - Collect phone/emails for relatives, doctors
- Finance paperwork - Tax returns, account info, etc.
- External hard drives - Store backup copies here for transport
Storing vital data digitally enables critical document access if originals are lost.
Vehicle Maintenance: Tools and Supplies for Evacuation
A bug out vehicle must be road-ready to transport occupants safely. Prepare yours with:
- Fuel cans - Carry additional gasoline for long trips
- Fluids - Pack oil, coolant, brake fluid to handle breakdowns
- Tools - Carry jumper cables, jack, tire iron, pliers, wrench for repairs
- Multipurpose tool - Equips cutting, prying, screwing needs
- First aid kit - Treat injuries from accidents en route
- Maps - Navigate evacuation route without cell signal
Properly equipping vehicles enhances evacuation readiness. Perform regular maintenance checks and test packed gear too.
Conclusion: Building Your Minimalist Bug Out Bag List for 2023
Customizing your bug out bag items to meet expected risks by including survival essentials across categories like food, first aid, tools, and power is key to remaining safe if evacuation becomes necessary.
When preparing your bug out bag, focus on the essentials - lightweight, multipurpose items that will help you survive. Here are some of the most critical categories to cover:
First Aid
A compact first aid kit, tourniquet, bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and basic medications. Prioritize injury treatment and infection prevention.
Tools
A multipurpose tool, duct tape, emergency whistle, plastic sheeting. Focus on versatile, durable gear.
Power
Power bank, charging cables, crank charger. Maintain access to communication and other devices.
Water
Water filtration system or water purification tablets. Store at least 1 gallon per person per day.
Food
Energy bars, meal replacement shakes, freeze-dried meals. Prioritize lightweight, high-calorie options.
Light
LED flashlight, glow sticks, headlamp. Critical for navigation and safety.
Shelter
Lightweight mylar blanket, tarp, bivvy sack. Protection from elements.
Navigation
Map, compass, GPS device if possible. Know your location and destination.
Customize further for your climate, expected risks, specialized gear needs. The goal is compact essentials for 1-3 days of survival.
