Premade Bug Out Bag Essentials

When disaster strikes, having a premade bug out bag with essential supplies can mean the difference between life and death.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide on the critical components of a premade bug out bag, ensuring you have the necessary items for survival.

We'll explore what defines a quality premade bag, key features to look for when buying one, and provide checklists of gear that should be included. You'll learn everything needed to prepare the ultimate survival kit.

Introduction to Premade Bug Out Bags

A premade bug out bag contains critical supplies to survive for 72 hours when disaster strikes. This article provides an overview of must-have items to include in a premade bug out bag.

Defining a Bug Out Bag

A bug out bag, also known as a 72-hour emergency kit or go bag, contains essentials like food, water, first aid, and survival tools to sustain an individual or family when evacuating or sheltering in place during an emergency. These bags are designed to provide sustenance and safety for the critical 72-hour period before additional help and supplies can arrive after a disaster.

Benefits of a Premade Bug Out Bag

Purchasing a premade bug out bag offers significant advantages over assembling your own from scratch:

Saves time - No need to research and source all the components yourself. Premade bags come ready to grab and go.
Reliability - Reputable brands use durable, field-tested supplies built specifically for emergencies.
Comprehensiveness - Expertly packed bags cover all the bases for survival and safety.
Cost-effectiveness - Premade bags provide good value for a comprehensive emergency kit.

Core Components

While premade bug out bags come in many shapes and sizes, most quality bags contain supplies in 10 core categories:

Food - High-calorie, non-perishable food like protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc.
Water - Bottled for drinking and purification tablets for finding additional water.
First aid - Bandages, ointments, medicines, etc.
Fire - Waterproof matches, lighter, fire starters, tinder.
Shelter - Emergency tent or tube tent, emergency blanket and sleeping bag.
Lighting - Flashlight, glow sticks, headlamp.
Navigation - Map, compass, GPS device, signal mirror.
Hygiene - Toothbrush, toilet paper, feminine products, etc.
Power - Battery bank, crank charger, batteries.
Clothing and tools - Extra socks, gloves, multi-tool, knife, duct tape, paracord.

Focusing your premade bug out bag on these core categories helps ensure you have the essentials covered to safely evacuate or shelter in place. Prioritize your specific needs, environment, and possible disaster scenarios when choosing a bag.

Are premade bug out bags worth it?

Premade bug out bags can provide a convenient starting point for emergency preparedness. They take the guesswork out of assembling critical supplies and ensure you have the necessary items to survive for 72 hours if disaster strikes. However, premade bags may not suit everyone's unique needs and budget.

Here are some key factors to consider regarding premade bug out bags:

Customization

Premade bags contain basic essentials like food, water, first aid, tools, etc.
They may not include specialty items you specifically need based on your family, health issues, pets, climate, etc.
You can customize a premade bag by adding extra items that are personally important.

Quality

Inspect bag quality before purchasing - cheaper bags may rip easily.
Prioritize durable, weather-resistant materials for long-term reliability.
Double check expiration dates on food, medicine, batteries.

Cost

Premade bags provide convenience at a premium cost.
You can likely assemble your own cheaper bag with some research.
Factor in any customization costs you'll incur down the line.

Overall, premade bug out bags can serve as an accessible starting point for emergency preparation. Take time to evaluate your unique situation to determine if a premade bag meets your needs, or if you're better off fully customizing your own 72-hour survival backpack.

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

A go bag and a bug out bag serve similar purposes, but have some key differences.

Go Bags

A go bag, sometimes called a grab bag, is designed to provide critical supplies in an emergency evacuation from something like a natural disaster or civil unrest. Go bags are made to be quickly grabbed and taken with you if you need to leave your home or shelter in a hurry.

Go bags are generally designed to provide supplies for 72 hours or less. They focus on essentials like food, water, first aid, tools, and other gear to survive for a couple days. Go bags prioritize portability and ease of transport.

Bug Out Bags

A bug out bag, or BOB, contains gear and supplies meant to help you survive for longer periods of time in an emergency situation. The supplies in a bug out bag may need to last for weeks or more.

Bug out bags prepare you for situations where you need to leave quickly and can't return for an extended duration. This could be something like societal collapse, nuclear event, pandemic, etc. Bug out bags help you remain self-reliant while on the move or setting up a long term shelter/camp.

Bug out bags focus more on tools and materials needed for outdoor survival and improvised shelter building. They may contain things like tents, tarps, fishing line, firearms, ammunition, etc. Bug out bags prioritize durability, utility, and sustaining yourself long-term off grid.

The main difference comes down to go bags providing critical supplies for short term evacuation, while bug out bags equip you for long term survival when sheltering in place isn't an option. Both can be invaluable additions to an emergency preparedness plan.

How many days should a bug out bag last?

A premade bug out bag is designed to provide the essentials to survive for 72 hours in an emergency situation where you need to evacuate quickly. The purpose is to buy you enough time to get to a safe location or shelter where you can replenish your supplies.

Here are some key things to know about how long a bug out bag should last:

72 hours (3 days) is the standard duration that premade bug out bags are designed for. This provides a buffer to seek more permanent shelter or supplies.
The bag contains critical survival items like food, water, first aid, shelter, etc. It's meant as an emergency kit, not for long-term sustainability.
The 72 hour duration accounts for needing to travel on foot to your destination. The supplies allow for basic sustenance while mobile.
You may need to ration or conserve the food and water if it needs to last the full 3 days. So be prepared for limited resources.
Once secured at a long term location, the bug out bag can be replenished with fresh food/water or replaced with more robust provisions suitable for an extended stay if necessary.

The premade 72 hour timeframe is well tested and gives most people enough time to evacuate from an emergency scenario and establish more permanent arrangements. Just remember to keep an eye on your remaining supplies and seek stable replenishment once in a secure shelter.

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 or disasters.

Here are the steps to get your free emergency kit:

Go to ready.gov/financial-preparedness, FEMA's website for disaster preparedness information and resources.
Under the "Tools and Resources" section, click on the link to download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK).
The EFFAK is a PDF document that you can save to your computer and print out. It contains checklists, forms, and tips to help you organize important financial information.
The EFFAK has sections to help you:
Keep financial records safe
Access money during an emergency
Communicate with your family and creditors
Repair credit quickly
Apply for aid and manage debt

Having this kit prepared in advance will help you respond more effectively to emergencies, minimizing their financial impact. We recommend keeping a printed copy in your emergency supply kit.

The EFFAK from ready.gov is a great free resource to help strengthen your financial preparedness. Be sure to download and review it today.

Choosing the Best Premade Bug Out Bag

When selecting a premade bug out bag, it's important to evaluate the quality, completeness, and suitability for your specific needs. Key factors to consider include:

Best Bug Out Bag Features

Look for bags that offer a good balance of essential survival gear while still being comfortable to carry. Key features include:

Durable, water-resistant materials like heavy-duty nylon or cordura that can withstand the elements
Padded, ergonomic straps for extended wear comfort
Ample storage capacity with both large main compartments and smaller organizer pockets
Modularity and customization with MOLLE panels or removable pouches

Military Bug Out Bags for Sale

Military-grade bug out bags offer extreme ruggedness and reliability to survive tough conditions. They may include:

Rugged build to withstand harsh environments
Large capacity for extended operation
Specialized features like hydration compatibility or tear-resistant fabric

However, they can be heavy and have a tactical look that stands out.

Tactical Bug Out Bag Advantages

Tactical bug out bags provide useful features for survival situations like:

MOLLE compatibility to attach modular pouches and gear
Specialized compartments for organization
Tough materials to handle scrapes and abrasions

This comes at the expense of discretion and weight savings.

Urban Survival Bug-Out Bag Considerations

For urban bug out bags, prioritize:

A discreet, non-tactical style to blend into cities
Compact, slimmer profile for maneuverability
Essential urban survival tools like lockpick sets, cash, or city maps

The key is balancing utility with a low-key design that doesn't draw unwanted attention.

When selecting a premade bug out bag, carefully evaluate whether it has the right set of features, storage, materials, and design to match your intended operational environment and specific needs.

Essential Bug Out Bag List

A comprehensive bug out bag ensures you have the gear and supplies to survive for several days in an emergency situation. When choosing a premade bug out bag, prioritize one packed with food, water, shelter, tools, and navigation aids.

Survival Backpack Contents

The ideal survival backpack contains:

Water and food - Pack enough non-perishable food and water to last 72 hours for each person. Consider items like energy bars, canned goods, MREs, and water pouches or filtration systems.
Shelter and warmth - Include a compact tent or tarp, sleeping bags, and extra layers and socks to protect against the elements.
First aid supplies - Stock trauma kits, medications, bandages, gloves, and other medical essentials.
Tools and supplies - Pack a knife, flashlight, batteries, duct tape, fire starters, cooking equipment, rope, and a multipurpose tool.
Navigation - Ensure you have a map and compass to navigate unfamiliar terrain. A GPS device can also help track your location.

Bug Out Bags Preloaded with Gear

Opting for a premade bug out bag saves time and effort. Choose one packed with durable, high-quality survival gear instead of the cheapest option. Prioritize bags built to military specifications for extreme durability.

Top premade bags provide all the essentials, leaving you needing only to add personal items and specialty gear. Stick to reputable outdoor brands that stake their reputation on quality.

Bug Out Bag Survival Kit Additions

Consider supplementing your bug out bag survival kit with:

Extra clothes, shoes, and hygiene items
Prescription medications
Personal documents like ID cards and cash
Local trail maps
Special gear like night vision goggles or two-way radios

Add items tailored to your skillset - a fishing rod for experienced anglers or plant ID books for foragers, for example.

72-Hour Emergency Kit Essentials

A proper bug out bag should contain enough gear and supplies to sustain one person for 72 hours minimum. This meets common standards for an emergency kit able to support you for three days until help arrives or you reach safety.

Carefully evaluate your bug out bag contents against checklists for a 72-hour kit. Cross-check the gear, food, water, and other items against recommended quantities for a three-day duration. Top up any categories lacking adequate supplies to meet the 72-hour threshold.

First Aid Kit Integration

A well-equipped first aid kit is essential for any premade bug out bag to handle medical emergencies until professional help is available. Having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference.

Comprehensive First Aid Supplies

When stocking your first aid kit, be sure to include:

Bandages, gauze, wraps, and medical tape for dressing wounds
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
Burn cream and aloe vera gel to treat burns
Eyewash and eye pads for eye injuries
Splints and slings to stabilize injuries
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins, thermometer
Medications like aspirin, antihistamines, antacids

Tailor your first aid supplies to the needs of your group. Having these basic items will allow you to treat cuts, burns, sprains and other common injuries in an emergency.

First Aid Knowledge Resources

In stressful disaster scenarios, having reference materials can help guide proper first aid. Consider packing:

First aid manuals with step-by-step instructions
Charts on injury identification and treatment options
Videos or info sheets on techniques like CPR, wound dressing, etc.

Take the time now to get training and familiarize yourself with these resources. When faced with real injuries, having studied materials on hand can assist with correct treatment.

Medications and Personal Care Items

Round out your first aid kit with medications and personal care items suited to your party's needs, like:

Prescriptions and medications for existing medical conditions
Pain relievers and cold/flu medication
Anti-diarrhea medication and digestive aids
Vitamins and supplements
Feminine hygiene products
Sunscreen, insect repellent
Hand sanitizer, toothpaste, floss

Customizing with these personal items ensures your health and comfort needs can be met in an emergency situation.

Having a well-stocked first aid kit integrated into your bug out bag provides critical capacity to treat injuries and illness during disasters. Tailor contents to your group's needs and have reference materials on hand to assist in proper treatment.

Shelter and Comfort

Having adequate shelter and means for comfort are critical components of a well-stocked premade bug out bag. When selecting items for this section of your bag, focus on compact, lightweight essentials that will meet basic needs for shelter, warmth, and rest.

Emergency 2 Person Tent Options

An emergency tent is a compact yet essential bug out bag item. Look for lightweight 2 person tents that are easy to set up and take down. Brands like Coleman offer affordable, portable tents designed for emergency preparedness. Prioritize tents with taped floor seams to keep ground moisture out. A snug-fitting rainfly is also useful for additional weather resistance.

When packed down, most 2 person emergency tents will fit nicely into a bug out bag without taking up too much precious space. Just be sure to test setup before an actual emergency scenario to ensure you understand the process.

Micro Survival Fishing Kit

Including a micro fishing kit in your bug out bag provides a reliable food source if you find yourself away from stores and restaurants. The RUNCL Micro Fishing Kit packs 30 essential pieces into a compact case, including hooks, lines, lures, and other fishing tackle.

The lightweight design takes up little room, so you can keep the kit in your pack for emergency use. If you need food and have access to fishable water, a survival fishing kit offers an efficient way to catch your next meal. It beats hunting small game if you lack the proper tools and skills.

Spool Tool-Multifunctional Paracord Device

A versatile paracord spool tool serves many purposes in an emergency scenario. The Live Fire Gear Multifunction Paracord Spool Tool offers 100 feet of durable paracord plus an integrated knife, fire starter, whistle, and compass.

You can use the paracord and spool tool to build shelter, start fires, navigate, signal for help, cut rope or wood, and more. It's a compact all-in-one survival tool that preppers recommend including in every bug out bag. The adaptable paracord handles a wide range of emergency tasks, while the attached tools cover essential preparedness capabilities.

Tools and Equipment

Quality tools and equipment can make the difference between survival and hardship when building a premade bug out bag. Here are some essential items to include:

Multipurpose Tools

Choose tools that serve multiple functions to save space and weight. For example:

- A quality multitool like a Leatherman can combine pliers, screwdrivers, knife blades, and other implements into one compact unit. - A hatchet with a built-in hammer allows you to chop wood for shelters and fires as well as drive tent stakes or makeshift nails.

A sturdy fixed-blade knife with a serrated edge can be used for preparing food, making tools, and even as a weapon if needed. Models with hollow handles allow storage of matches, fishing line, or other small items.

Include navigation aids to ensure you can find your way if you become lost or disoriented:

- A military-grade compass and topographical maps of your region. Learn orientation and land navigation skills.

A handheld GPS device can pinpoint locations when out of cell phone range. Bring extra batteries.
Trail marking supplies like surveyor's tape, chalk, or cairns can help identify paths back to camp.

Survival Gear

Pack gear designed specifically for wilderness survival:

- Waterproof fire starters like stormproof matches, magnesium fire steel, or waterproof tinder keep you able to start warming fires. - A water purification system like a LifeStraw or Sawyer filter allows drinking from natural sources. Carry purification tablets as backup. - Lightweight emergency blankets retain body heat and can be used as makeshift shelter, signaling devices, water collectors, and more.

Choose the highest quality gear you can afford - your life may depend on it. Conduct test runs to confirm all items function as expected before an actual emergency.

Conclusion: Preparing Your Ultimate Survival Kit

Final Thoughts on Premade Bug Out Bags

Premade bug out bags provide peace of mind, knowing you have the essentials for survival during an emergency. While personalized kits tailored to your needs are ideal, a premade bag removes the guesswork and ensures you have critical supplies on hand. As you gain more knowledge and experience, continue customizing your bag over time.

Maintaining Your Bug Out Bag

To ensure your bug out bag is ready when needed:

Take inventory every 6 months, replacing expired items
Inspect equipment for damage and test electronics
Cycle out food/water every 12 months
Update clothes/shoes to fit changing needs
Practice using gear to increase familiarity

Following a maintenance routine improves readiness, helping you react quickly in an emergency.

Practicing with Your Bug Out Bag

Practice evacuating with your bug out bag to:

Reduce response time
Identify missing or unnecessary items
Improve organization and packing
Increase familiarity with equipment
Boost confidence in your preparedness

Frequent practice ensures you can smoothly execute your evacuation plan when lives depend on it.