When starting out prepping, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to include in your prepper bag.
This comprehensive beginner's guide covers everything you need for your first prepper bag, from evacuation essentials to shelter-in-place supplies.
You'll get checklists for a minimalist bug out bag, bug out bag essentials, and printable lists to customize your own complete prepper pack.
Introduction to Prepping
What is Prepping
Prepping involves making preparations and gathering supplies to increase self-reliance and prepare for emergencies like natural disasters, power outages, economic instability, and other disruptive events. Key principles of prepping include stocking up on essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, and having an evacuation plan.
Why Prepare a Prepper Bag
A prepper bag, sometimes called a bug out bag, is a portable kit that contains basic necessities to survive for at least 72 hours. Having a prepper bag ready allows you to handle unexpected situations and provides you what you need if you must evacuate quickly. Key reasons to prepare one include:
- Evacuation Preparedness: A prepper bag contains essentials to survive if you need to evacuate from disasters like floods, fires, etc. This allows you to focus on getting to safety.
- Handle Emergencies: The supplies in a prepper bag help you manage disruptions like power outages, injuries, getting stranded in a car, etc. It buys you time until help arrives.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a stocked prepper bag provides comfort and confidence to handle situations beyond your control.
The next section will provide a checklist of recommended items to include in a beginner prepper bag.
What should I pack in my prep bag?
When building your prepper bag, focus first on gathering basic disaster supplies to cover your essential needs. Here is a checklist to guide you:
Water
Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Prepare enough for several days. Consider packing both bottled water and water purification tablets.
Food
Stock up on non-perishable foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking, such as:
- Canned goods
- Energy bars
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Peanut butter
- Crackers
Aim for at least a 3-day supply.
Communication
- Battery-powered or hand crank AM/FM radio
- NOAA weather radio with tone alert
- Extra batteries
- Whistle for signaling help
Light
Pack flashlights and extra batteries. Consider a headlamp so your hands can remain free.
First Aid Supplies
Include basic first aid items:
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Antibiotic ointment
- Pain medication
- Any necessary personal medications
Tools and Supplies
- Multi-tool
- Duct tape
- Emergency blanket
- Work gloves
- Garbage bags
- Map of the area
Focus first on gathering these basic emergency preparedness supplies. Then you can build upon your prepper bag over time by adding more specialized gear. The key is having your basic needs covered should disaster strike.
What goes in a go bag for evacuation?
A go bag, also known as a bug out bag, is essential for evacuation preparedness. Having a packed bag ready to grab if you need to leave your home in a hurry can make all the difference in an emergency situation.
Here are some of the most important items to include in your go bag:
- Food and Water - Pack high-protein snacks that won't spoil like protein bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Have at least 1 gallon of water per person for a 72 hour supply. Consider packing water purification tablets as well.
- First Aid Kit - Include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, pain medication, latex gloves, and any personal medications needed. A small first aid guide can also be useful.
- Tools and Light - Pack a manual can opener, duct tape, battery powered flashlight and radio, extra batteries, plastic sheeting, garbage bags, zip ties, and a multipurpose tool. Glow sticks can also help light your way if the power goes out.
- Clothing and Shelter - Have at least 1 change of clothes and shoes per person. Pack hats, gloves, emergency blankets, and even a tent or tarp if space allows.
- Sanitation and Hygiene - Toilet paper, feminine products, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand sanitizer. Also pack towels, baby wipes, and even a bucket with lid for an improvised toilet if needed.
- Pets - If evacuating with pets, bring food, bowls, leash/collar, medication, pet first aid kit, and proof of vaccinations. Also pack pee pads, litter box supplies, and plastic bags.
- Documents - Copies of identification, insurance cards, birth certificates, cash in small bills. Have a list of emergency contacts and meeting place. A map of the area can also help navigation.
Check and refresh your go bag every 6 months. Make sure food and medications aren't expired, batteries still work, and clothes still fit. Being prepared with your grab-and-go evacuation kit can give peace of mind for any emergency.
What is in a 3 day bag?
A 3 day bag, also known as a 72 hour kit or bug out bag, contains essential supplies to help you survive for 3 days in an emergency situation. Here is a checklist of recommended items to include:
Water
- 3 liters of water per person
- Water purification tablets or filter
Food
- High-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, dried fruits, nuts, etc.
- Enough for 3 days per person
Warmth and Shelter
- Emergency blanket
- Hand warmers
- Poncho
First Aid Supplies
- First aid kit
- Pain relievers
- Medical gloves
- Prescription medications for 3-7 days
Other Essentials
- Flashlight
- Battery bank for charging devices
- Radio
- Whistle
- Duct tape
- Map of the area
The key is packing light but having the essentials covered - water, food, warmth, first aid supplies, and navigation/communication tools. Adjust your 3 day bag based on your needs, but this checklist covers the basics to get you started with a minimalist 72 hour kit.
What is in a bug out bag?
When packing a bug out bag, it's important to focus on the essentials for survival. Water, food, light, heat, shelter, and other basic necessities should be prioritized.
Food and Water
Having enough food and water is critical in an emergency situation. Choose non-perishable foods with a long shelf life, good nutritional variety, and sufficient protein. Some good options include:
- Canned goods (meats, fruits, vegetables, soups)
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Granola/protein bars
- MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
- Powdered milk, drinks, and meal replacement shakes
It's also important to pack water purification tablets in case access to clean drinking water is limited. Aim to have at least one gallon of water per person for a 72-hour period. Durable water bottles can help transport and store water as needed.
Light and Heat
Reliable light and heat sources are also bug out bag essentials. Pack spare batteries, glow sticks, flashlights, matches/lighters, emergency candles, and a crank or solar powered radio/charger. Insulated clothing layers and emergency mylar blankets can help retain body heat if temperatures drop.
A basic tarp, tent, or tube tent can provide temporary shelter. Duct tape and plastic sheeting have many uses for quick shelter repairs. The key is having versatile items that satisfy multiple needs for light, heat, and shelter in unpredictable emergency situations.
Focusing on the core survival essentials will lead to a more practical, minimalist bug out bag that's equipped for short-term emergencies. The most important thing is tailoring your bag to your specific needs and potential risks.
The Minimalist Bug Out Bag List
A concise list of the absolute essentials for a beginner's bug out bag, focusing on minimalism and practicality.
Critical Survival Needs
Water, food, shelter, and warmth are the non-negotiable prepper bag checklist items for any survival situation. Having at least a 3-day supply of water and high-calorie, non-perishable food like energy bars, trail mix, and Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) is vital. A lightweight tarp, rope, and mylar blanket can provide rudimentary shelter and insulation.
Basic First Aid Kit
A simple first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, over-the-counter medications, and a tourniquet can manage minor injuries. This allows you to avoid infections and stabilize major bleeding if injured while bugging out. Having basic first aid knowledge is also an important part of prepping.
Essential Tools and Gear
A multipurpose tool, duct tape, and a lightweight mylar blanket are versatile and can be lifesavers in many scenarios. The multipurpose tool contains practical implements like a knife, pliers, screwdrivers. Duct tape has a myriad of emergency uses from repairs to medical applications. The mylar blanket is ultra-packable and provides warmth and shelter.
Personal Hygiene Items
Basic sanitation items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and menstrual supplies are crucial for maintaining health and preventing illness while living primitively. Poor hygiene can quickly lead to infection and disease in a survival situation. Having a small supply of daily use toiletries provides comfort and normalcy as well.
sbb-itb-b932644
Bug Out Bag Essentials List
A bug out bag should contain the critical supplies needed to survive for several days in an emergency situation. Assembling the right gear takes research and planning. Here is an essential checklist to help prepper bag beginners pack properly.
Water and Food Supplies
Having potable water and long-lasting nutrition is vital. Recommended items include:
- Water purification tablets to make found water safe for drinking
- Packets of emergency drinking water or reusable water bottles
- High-calorie energy bars and trail mix
- Lightweight, nutritious Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) or meal-replacement shakes
Aim for at least one gallon of water per person per day, along with 2,000+ calories of food.
Comprehensive First Aid Supplies
Medical emergencies can happen any time. Upgrade your first aid kit with:
- Adhesive bandages and gauze pads
- Antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone cream
- Oral pain relievers like ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Tourniquet to control bleeding
- Emergency whistle to signal for help
- Prescription medications you normally take
Having the ability to treat injuries, pain, and illness can be critical for survival.
Tactical and Utility Tools
In an evacuation scenario, you may need to create shelter, navigate terrain, or repair gear. Useful items include:
- Multipurpose tool with pliers, screwdrivers, knife, etc.
- Lightweight trenching shovel
- Rope, carabiners, duct tape
- Standard tarp for improvised shelter
- Paper map and compass for navigation
Choose durable, portable tools to accomplish essential wilderness tasks.
Personal Care and Sanitation
Maintaining health and hygiene prevents illness. Pack:
- Biodegradable soap, dry shampoo, toothbrush
- Toilet paper, baby wipes
- Menstrual supplies
- Sunscreen, insect repellant
- Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes
Proper sanitation gear keeps you healthy in the field. Renew consumables like toiletries regularly.
With planning and practice, these four categories provide a framework for assembling your 72-hour evacuation pack. Adapt the gear list to your personal needs and local environment.
Customizing Your Prepper Bag
Tailor your bag and its contents to your personal situation. Prepare for children, pets, medications, etc.
Accommodating Children and Infants
Add baby bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, favorite toys or books to occupy them, and age-appropriate foods. Consider packing a lightweight stroller if you have an infant.
Including Pet Supplies
Pack a leash, ID tag, extra food/water, bowls, plastic bags, proof of vaccinations, and other essentials for pets. Have a plan to transport pets safely.
Prescription Medications
Store at least a week's supply of necessary prescription medications if possible. Also pack over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, allergy meds, etc. Rotate medication supplies to ensure they don't expire.
Advanced Additions for the Prepper Bag
Consider expanding your bag with advanced tools, alternative communication devices, and other pro-level prepper gear over time.
Enhanced Communication Devices
Include items like a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed during disasters when other communication channels may fail. A NOAA weather radio can provide critical information about impending storms, floods, and other emergencies in your area. Make sure to pack extra batteries as well.
An emergency whistle can also be a useful communication device. The loud, piercing sound can alert rescuers to your location. Choose a whistle with no moving parts that cannot jam.
Power and Energy Solutions
Add a power bank, charging cables, and extra batteries to ensure your devices remain operational. Having backup power sources extends the battery life of your critical electronics. A 20,000 mAh power bank can charge a smartphone multiple times. Pack multiple charging cables so you can power different devices. Stock up on spare AA and AAA batteries to power flashlights, radios, and other battery-powered gear.
Advanced Navigation and Shelter Tools
Equip yourself with a detailed map of your area and a standard tarp for creating a makeshift shelter. A map helps you navigate back home or to a bug out location without cell phone reception. Laminate paper maps to make them waterproof.
A durable tarp gives you overhead cover to escape the elements. Tie a tarp between trees or secure it to the ground with stakes. Use tarps, space blankets and sleeping bags to retain body heat if forced to sleep outside. Having multiple shelter options prepares you for different disaster scenarios.
Preparing for Shelter-in-Place Scenarios
Understand how to use your prepper bag to shelter in place, including when to turn off utilities and how to use your supplies effectively.
Shelter-in-Place Supplies
When preparing your prepper bag for sheltering in place during an emergency, be sure to include plastic sheeting and duct tape that can be used to seal off rooms, as well as respirator masks to filter contaminated air. It's also important to have basic sanitation and hygiene items on hand like toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and feminine products. Having some entertainment options packed as well, like books, playing cards, or portable chargers for electronics can help make an uncomfortable situation more bearable.
Prioritize lightweight, non-perishable food items like protein bars, trail mix, and meal replacement shakes. Having bottled water and a water filtration system is critical. A first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and emergency blankets round out the basics for sheltering-in-place with your prepper bag.
Utility Management
If officials advise sheltering in place, you may need to turn off utilities to minimize damage or danger. Start by shutting off the main gas valve and unplugging appliances to reduce electrical hazards and fires. Leave the water main on for sanitation needs, but shut off valves leading to exterior spigots or irrigation systems. Turn the water heater to "pilot" to conserve fuel.
Use your prepper bag supplies sparingly to make them last. Ration food and water. Use plastic sheeting, blankets and clothing layers to retain warmth rather than relying solely on HVAC systems. Conserve cell phone and electronics battery life for emergency communications only. Having utility management basics covered in your prepper bag helps you safely ride out the shelter-in-place situation.
Printable Bug Out Bag List
A printable checklist is an essential tool for assembling your bug out bag. It allows you to track your progress and ensure you have all the critical supplies. Here's a checklist focused on the basics to get your bag started.
Checklist for Essentials
Here are the key items every bug out bag should contain:
- [ ] Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- [ ] Non-perishable food (granola bars, dried fruit, nuts)
- [ ] First aid kit
- [ ] Flashlight
- [ ] Multitool
- [ ] Emergency blanket
- [ ] Extra batteries
- [ ] Weather radio
- [ ] Whistle
- [ ] Dust masks
- [ ] Work gloves
- [ ] Local map
- [ ] Cash in small bills
Print out this checklist and mark items off as you pack them. Try to have at least a 3 day supply of critical items.
Maintenance and Rotation Schedule
To keep your bug out bag ready, follow this schedule:
- Check expiration dates on food, water, medicine quarterly
- Replace expired items immediately
- Test flashlight, radio, and other electronics every 6 months
- Replace batteries annually
- Wash and check condition of clothing items twice a year
- Reevaluate contents yearly against checklist
Following this rotation system will ensure your bag is stocked and equipment functions when needed. Mark completion dates on your checklist.
Keeping an up-to-date checklist is vital for assembling an effective bug out bag. Print multiple copies so you can track progress over time. Consistent maintenance will lead to greater preparedness.
Finalizing and Maintaining Your Bag
Maintaining your prepper bag is just as important as putting one together. Here are some tips to help you complete your bag, test your gear, and make sure it stays emergency-ready.
Choosing a Durable Backpack
When selecting a backpack for your prepper bag, durability and comfort should be your top priorities. Look for bags made of water-resistant materials like nylon or polyester blends. Hard-shell backpacks offer the most protection for your gear. Make sure to choose a bag big enough to fit all your supplies, but not so big that it's unwieldy. Try it on with your gear loaded to ensure the straps are comfortable and the weight sits properly on your hips. Backpacks in the 30-50 liter range with multiple exterior pockets for organization work well for most basic prepper loadouts. Brands like 5.11 Tactical, Direct Action, and REI offer quality and affordable options.
Testing and Replacing Equipment
Check all the expiration dates on the food, medicine, batteries and other gear in your bag at least twice a year. Test items periodically to make sure they still function properly after being stored. Check flashlight and headlamp bulbs, replace dried out markers and dead batteries. Swap out any gear that is expired, missing, damaged or no longer functional. Going through your bag regularly allows you to take inventory and prevent any surprises when you need your prepper bag the most.
Rotating Consumables
The food, water, medicine and other consumables in your prepper bag need to be rotated out and replaced over time. Gradually use up and replace any food and medicine within a year of their expiration dates. The same goes for boxes of water or water bladders stored in your bag - exchange them every six months to ensure freshness. Building a rotation system helps you avoid wasting anything that goes bad before you get a chance to replace it. Mark consumables with their pack date using a permanent marker. Then make swapping out older supplies for newer ones part of your regular prepper bag maintenance routine.
Conclusion: The Prepared Prepper
Recap of Prepper Bag Essentials
Having the right essentials in your prepper bag can make all the difference in an emergency situation. At a minimum, your bag should include food, water, first aid supplies, tools, shelter items, hygiene products, lighting, navigation items, and other critical gear tailored to your needs. Consider packing non-perishable, high-calorie foods as well as a water filtration system. A well-stocked first aid kit, multipurpose tool, and fire starter belong in every bag. Emergency blankets, tarps, tents, and sleeping bags provide portable shelter. Toothpaste, toilet paper, and other hygiene items also make the list. With the proper essentials, your prepper bag will help you safely weather difficult times.
The Importance of Personalization
When assembling your prepper bag, resist the temptation to simply copy someone else’s list. Each person and family has unique needs and vulnerabilities. If you rely on daily medications, make sure to pack extra doses. Parents need to account for items like diapers and formula. Pet owners should bring food, bowls, leashes, and other pet necessities. Beyond personal care items, consider the likely risks in your region—pack cold weather gear if you live in a cold climate or water purification tablets if your area is prone to natural disasters. Taking the time to customize your bag to your situation can be the difference between barely surviving and actually thriving when disaster strikes.
Ongoing Bag Maintenance
The key to prepper bag readiness is performing regular maintenance. Set reminders to cycle out expired food, medicine, and other perishables. Check that electronics are functioning and batteries are charged. Update clothes and shoes to fit growing children. Do a trial run by pretending the bag is needed for a weekend camping trip—this allows you to test gear functionality. By keeping your prepper bag current and complete, you ensure it will meet your most critical needs when called upon.
