When building a prepper bag, most will agree that having the essentials for survival is crucial.
With the right supplies, your prepper bag can provide shelter, water, food, first aid, fire, tools, and light to get you through critical situations.
In this article, we'll cover the prepper bag basics - from tents and sleeping bags to keep you sheltered, to water filters and food staples that will keep you nourished and healthy. We'll also touch on key elements like fire starters, knives, flashlights, and other gear that serves survival needs. Use this guide to pack your prepper bag with confidence.
The Ultimate Prepper Bag List for 2023
A well-stocked prepper bag is essential for handling emergencies and survival situations. The key is having the right essentials that cover your basic needs without overloading your bag. Here is a comprehensive list of the prepper bag essentials you need in 2023:
Water and Food
Having potable water and long-lasting food is critical. Pack at least 1 gallon of water per person per day and high-calorie foods like granola bars, beef jerky, trail mixes, and MREs. Some good options are:
- Collapsible water bottles or pouches
- Water purification tablets or filter straws
- Canned goods and MREs
- High-calorie protein bars and snacks
First Aid Equipment
Medical emergencies can happen any time. Be prepared with a well-stocked first aid kit, including:
- Bandages, gauze, tape
- Antibiotic ointment and anti-itch cream
- Oral pain relievers like ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Tourniquet and trauma shears
Tools and Equipment
Pack versatile tools like knives, a fire starter, rope, duct tape, and a multi-tool. Equipment like flashlights, batteries, a radio, and warm clothes are also essentials.
Navigation Items
Having maps, a compass, GPS device, or even just a smartphone with offline maps will help you navigate to safety.
Personal Items
Bring essential prescription medications, hygiene items, cash, and copies of important documents in a waterproof bag.
Preparing your prepper bag with these fundamental survival items will help you handle various emergencies and keep your basics covered while on the move. Adapt your bag to your needs, pack smartly, and stay vigilant.
What should be in a prepper bag?
A prepper bag, also known as a bug out bag, is essential for emergency preparedness. At a minimum, it should contain the basics recommended by FEMA's 72-hour disaster supplies kit. This includes:
- 3+ days supply of non-perishable food and water - Stock up on high-calorie survival bars, powdered sports drinks, and canned goods. Opt for lightweight, nutrient-dense foods.
- First aid kit - Adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, pain medication, emergency blanket.
- Flashlight (and backup batteries) - Choose a durable, waterproof model. Bring extra batteries or consider a hand-crank flashlight.
- Hand-crank or battery-powered radio - Stay updated on news and emergency broadcasts. Alternative charging methods are key.
- Signaling devices - Whistle, signal mirror, flare gun. These will alert rescuers to your location if needed.
It's wise to also include basic tools like a multi-tool, knife, fire starter kit, and tactical pen. Round things out with personal hygiene items, extra clothing, maps, cash, and important documents sealed in waterproof bags. All gear should fit in a sturdy, comfortable backpack that allows ease of mobility. The bug out bag essentials list provides gear recommendations for every prepper. Proper planning and preparedness is key!
What goes in a go bag for evacuation?
A go bag, also known as a bug out bag or 72-hour kit, contains essential items you may need in an emergency evacuation. Having a go bag packed and ready to go ensures you have vital supplies if you need to leave your home quickly.
Here is a short list of must-have prepper bag items to include in your go bag:
- Copies of important documents - Include copies of your ID, insurance information, bank details, emergency contacts, etc. Protect these in sealable plastic bags.
- Cash in small bills - ATMs and credit card readers may be unavailable, so have at least $100-200 in small denominations.
- Seasonal clothing and sturdy shoes - Pack layers, jackets, and comfortable closed-toe shoes or hiking boots to account for various weather.
- Hygiene and sanitation supplies - Moist towelettes, toilet paper, feminine products, travel toothbrush and toothpaste.
- First aid kit - Adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, over-the-counter meds, latex gloves.
- Flashlight, radio, batteries - Crank or battery-powered devices for light, news, and communication. Pack extra batteries.
- Water and non-perishable food - Stock at least 1 gallon of water per person per day and high-protein snacks that won't spoil.
Be sure your go bag is easy to carry and clearly labeled. Place items in sealable plastic bags, and replenish any expired or used items at least twice a year.
What do you put in a bail out bag?
A bail out bag, also known as a bug out bag, is essential for emergency preparedness. Here is a concise list of must-have items every bail out bag should contain:
- Clothing and Outerwear - Pack at least one full change of clothes suitable for your climate, including socks and underwear. Choose durable, quick-drying fabrics. A jacket, hat, and gloves are also recommended.
- Battery Pack - A portable charger or extra batteries to keep devices powered in case of electric grid failure. Consider solar-powered options as well.
- Cash - Keep several hundred dollars in small bills on hand for buying necessities if electronic payments are unavailable.
- Important Documents - Copies of critical records like IDs, insurance info, contacts list, maps, etc. Store in a waterproof case.
- Water - Pack durable water bottles or pouches adding up to at least one gallon per person. Replace supply every 6 months.
- Food - High-protein snacks like granola bars, jerky, and nuts. Choose calorie-dense options with long shelf lives.
- First Aid - Adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotics, pain meds, gloves, and other medical essentials.
With the right supplies, your bail out bag can give you a fighting chance in an emergency. Regularly check and refresh gear to be rescue ready.
What are the names of the bug out bags?
Bug Out Bags go by many different names: Go Bag, Go Kit, Grab Bag, 72-Hour Bag, Bail Out Bag...but it all means the same thing: a portable emergency disaster survival kit.
Some key alternative names for Bug Out Bags include:
- Go Bag: A lightweight, portable bag designed to be grabbed quickly in an emergency evacuation. Typically contains 3 days worth of critical supplies.
- Grab Bag: Similar to a Go Bag, it contains essential gear to survive for 72+ hours. Easy to take with you if you need to evacuate suddenly.
- 72-Hour Bag: Designed to contain important tools and supplies to survive for 3 days. Includes food, water, first aid, tools, etc.
- Bail Out Bag: Another emergency backpack loaded with gear to keep you alive if you need to evacuate urgently or become stranded.
The terms may differ slightly, but they all refer to the same general concept - having an emergency kit packed and ready to go containing basic survival essentials in case disaster strikes unexpectedly.
Essential Shelter Solutions for Urban and Wilderness Settings
Strategize your survival with portable and durable shelter options suitable for both urban bug out bag lists and remote environments.
Choosing a Compact and Reliable Tent
Selecting a tent that is both lightweight for travel and resilient in diverse conditions is crucial for a minimalist bug out bag list. When choosing a tent, consider the following:
- Weight: Aim for a tent under 5 pounds to minimize the load in your bug out bag essentials. Ultralight backpacking tents with aluminum poles are ideal.
- Weather resistance: Select a tent with a waterproof rain fly and durable, coated floor fabric. A 3-season tent can withstand most conditions besides heavy snow.
- Size: A 1-2 person tent maximizes space efficiency in your bug out bag while providing adequate shelter.
Some excellent tent options include:
- The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1: A versatile, freestanding backpacking tent weighing under 5 pounds and designed to weather storms. Its vestibule offers extra storage.
- The MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Ultralight Tent: An ultra-lightweight 2-person tent with impressive weather resistance. Its minimalist pole structure helps shed wind and snow loads.
- Ozark Trail 1 Person Backpacking Tent: An very affordable option weighing only 2.5 pounds, making it a perfect choice for a minimalist urban bug out bag list aiming to conserve weight.
The Best Sleeping Bags for Temperature Regulation
Identify the best sleeping bags that offer comfort without compromising on space, a vital element of your bug out bag essentials list. Ideal sleeping bags have:
- Compressibility: Higher fill power down and synthetic blends allow for maximum compression to save pack space.
- Temperature rating: Choose a bag offering warmth suited to your climate, from 40°F+ for 3 season mild weather use to 0°F or below for winter.
- Weight: Lightweight, heat-trapping materials like treated down or PrimaLoft can minimize the sleeping bag's weight.
Top sleeping bag picks include:
- Sea to Summit Spark SPI Sleeping Bag: This ultralight mummy bag uses innovative fabrics and 850+ fill power down to achieve a 34°F temperature rating at only 1.1 pounds packed weight.
- TETON Sports Celsius Sleeping Bag: A versatile synthetic fill sleeping bag with a compression sack and pocket for storage. It's affordably priced while providing cozy 0°F-rated warmth perfect for a winter bug out bag essentials list.
Innovative Sleeping Pads for Insulation and Comfort
Incorporate top-tier sleeping pads that provide both padding and protection from the ground, rounding out your tactical bug out bag. Seek out sleeping pads offering:
- Insulation: Closed cell foam and inflatable options with an R-value of 2+ block heat loss through the ground.
- Cushioning: Pad thickness of 1 inch or greater prevents pressure points. Self-inflating and air pad options maximize softness.
- Portability: Rollable and packable designs consume minimal space when compressed.
Some of the best sleeping pad options are:
- Therm-A-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad: This closed cell foam pad can't deflate and works in frigid weather with an R-value of 2.0. It rolls up neatly to store in a bug out bag essentials 2023 list.
- NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad: Topping lists of premium options, this inflatable 3-season mummy pad offers exceptional 4.8 R-value insulation and thickness suited for side sleepers.
Having shelter solutions like tents, sleeping bags, and pads prepared in advance is key to ensuring comfort during a disaster scenario. Tailor your selections to your climate and space constraints within a well-planned urban or wilderness bug out bag list.
sbb-itb-b932644
Water Purification and Hydration: Staying Alive and Healthy
Having access to clean drinking water is one of the most critical elements of survival preparedness. As you develop your prepper bag list essentials for 2023, effective water storage and filtration should be top priorities.
Collapsible and lightweight water containers are perfect for an urban bug out bag when space is limited. Brands like Platypus offer durable bottles and reservoirs that fold down small. Aim for approximately 1-2 gallons of storage capacity to cover basic drinking and sanitation needs.
Water filter straws provide on-demand access to clean water from questionable sources. The Sawyer Mini filter straw can filter up to 100,000 gallons and removes 99.99999% of bacteria and protozoa. Weighing just 2 ounces, it's a must-have for medical and minimalist bug out bag lists alike.
Water purification tablets offer lightweight, portable water treatment for your printable bug out bag checklist. Each Aquatabs tablet can purify 1 liter of water in 30 minutes. Treat multiple bottles at once and stash the tablets in a pocket until needed.
When planning water solutions for your bug out bag, aim for redundancy with containers, filtration, and purification. This layered approach helps ensure you can access lifesaving water no matter the conditions. Prioritize lightweight, packable, and durable gear that stands the test of time. Water is life - equip your tactical bug out bag accordingly.
Nutrition On-The-Go: Food Essentials for Survival
Ensuring you have the right food essentials in your bug out bag is crucial for survival in a crisis situation. As part of your printable bug out bag list, packing high-calorie, non-perishable snacks and meals will keep your energy levels up when you need them most. This guide covers must-have food items to include in your bug out bag essentials 2023.
Energy-Packed Snacks: Bars for Quick Sustenance
Having a supply of granola, protein, or energy bars in your bag provides easy access to a fast burst of calories and nutrients when on the move. As a key recommendation for your best bug out bag packing list, these compact snacks are ideal additions.
Some top picks to consider are:
- Clif Bars - A hearty blend of oats, nuts, dried fruits and chocolate provide sustained energy.
- Kind Bars - With nuts, spices and chocolate drizzle varieties, these bars offer bold flavors along with protein.
- Luna Bars - The lemon zest and cherry almond options add a tasty fruity flair while delivering nutrition.
No matter which bars make your bug out bag essentials list, having 10-15 on hand makes solid preparatory sense. Rotate them out periodically to keep your stock fresh when building your urban bug out bag list.
Protein-Rich Canned Goods for Longevity
Incorporating canned meats, fish, beans and stews into your bug out bag maximizes protein and calorie counts for the long haul. As part of a well-stocked tactical bug out bag, these vitamin and mineral-dense foods have extensive shelf lives.
Smart choices to include are:
- Tuna or Salmon - Packed with omega-3s and protein, canned fish makes an ultra-portable survival food.
- Chicken or Beef Stew - Pre-made stews provide hearty nutrients from meat and veggies in ready-to-eat pouches.
- Chili with Beans - Spicy chili combines protein-packed legumes with tomatoes in a meal-like format.
- Pork and Beans - A classic survivalist menu item, beans offer plenty of fiber alongside serving as a meat extender.
When building your medical bug out bag list, having 10-14 cans lets you alternate flavors for morale. Prioritize pull-tab openings for quick, tool-free access.
Dehydrated Delights: Fruits and Jerky
For a nutritional and morale boost, keeping some sweet and savory dehydrated options in your bag helps round out your diet. As part of a well-considered minimalist bug out bag list, dried foods make efficient additions that don't sacrifice taste.
Some recommended picks include:
- Dried Fruits - Cherries, mango, pineapple, apple and banana chips offer flavorful variety.
- Fruit Leathers - With concentrated fruit purees, these durable strips pack nutrition into compact form.
- Beef Jerky - Smoky, seasoned jerky provides a hearty kick of protein to keep you satiated.
Plan for 6-8 hearty servings of jerky plus an assortment of dried fruits for snacking. Vacuum-sealed pouches help these items retain maximum freshness over time as part of your bug out bag list PDF.
By carefully selecting non-perishable, high-calorie snacks and meals for your bug out bag, you help ensure you'll stay energized and healthy no matter the circumstances. Follow this guide's well-considered food recommendations when developing your own must-have bug out bag list essentials.
Medical Preparations: A Robust Bug Out Bag Medical List
Prioritize health and safety by assembling a comprehensive medical bug out bag list that includes all necessary first aid supplies. Having these medical essentials on hand could prove invaluable if you find yourself needing to bug out quickly.
The Spectrum of Adhesive Bandages
A variety of bandage sizes ensures preparedness for any injury, an important element of the medical bug out bag list. Packing small, medium and large bandages covers scrapes and cuts of all sizes. Select bandages with maximum adherence to withstand moisture and activity. Waterproof variants add further protection.
Rounding out your selection with finger bandages, knuckle bandages and butterfly closures prepares you to treat minor wounds on hands and to close deeper cuts. These specialized bandages belong in every medical bug out bag. Their compact size takes up little space while providing critical treatment options.
Gauze and Tape: Foundations for Wound Care
Keep an ample supply of gauze and medical tape ready for serious injuries, a recommendation for any medical bug out bag list. Rolled gauze in various widths allows you to customize wound dressings. Combine with medical tape to securely fasten dressings in place.
For controlling bleeding, hemostatic gauze contains clotting agents to quickly stop heavy blood flow. This specialized product deserves a spot on your medical bug out bag essentials list. Its potential to save lives in emergency situations cannot be overstated.
Topical Treatments to Prevent Infection
Antibiotic ointment is essential for preventing infections in cuts and scrapes, making it a staple in your bug out bag essentials list. The last thing anyone needs when bugging out is dealing with an infected wound.
Ointments like Neosporin or Bacitracin keep bacteria out of minor cuts and abrasions. For more serious lacerations, antiseptic wipes like alcohol pads or Betadine prepare the injury before dressing it. These topical treatments have earned their place in well-stocked medical packs.
Assembling a comprehensive medical prepper bag list prepares you to handle illness and injury while bugging out. Make health and safety a priority by including versatile medical supplies to address diverse needs. With the essentials close at hand, you face uncertain situations with greater confidence.
Fire-Making Gear: Igniting Hope in Survival Situations
Equip yourself with reliable fire-starting tools to ensure you can cook, stay warm, and signal for help, vital for any tactical bug out bag.
Water-Resistant Matches for Adverse Conditions
Waterproof matches are a critical addition to any bug out bag list when facing wet conditions in the wilderness. Look for stormproof matches that have longer match sticks coated in wax to repel moisture. Popular options like UST Stormproof Matches burn for around 15 seconds even when wet, making them indispensable for igniting fires in adverse weather.
Stormproof matches often come in compact, water-resistant carrying cases that make them highly portable survival gear for your pack. The case also includes a striker for lighting. With their reliability and durability, stormproof matches belong in every prepper's bug out bag list. They ensure you can start a warming fire or signal for help even during storms when other fire starters may fail.
Multipurpose Lighters and Natural Tinder
Packing a durable lighter along with easily ignitable natural tinder lays the foundation for reliable fire starting. This lightweight pairing covers the bug out bag essentials list for flexible ignition options.
Select a refillable lighter built from metal components to withstand years of use, such as classic Zippo lighters. Unlike disposable plastic lighters, quality refillable lighters operate even in windy conditions - critical functionality for an urban bug out bag. Combine your sturdy lighter with versatile natural tinder material such as Fatwood fire starter sticks, cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, or dryer lint clumped into a ball with wax. Such easily-ignitable tinder lets you quickly spark a flame using your lighter to ignite damp wood. With this lightweight fire-starting duo, you ensure reliable off-grid fire capabilities to meet survival needs from cooking to communication.
Traditional Flint and Steel for Reliability
Flint and steel fire starters provide a time-tested, fuel-free fire-starting method perfect for a minimalist bug out bag focused on versatility. Using the scraping motion of flint against steel throws sparks onto your prepared tinder bundle to ignite a flame. With practice, flint and steel kits quickly create fires even lacking any other ignition source.
Look for flint and steel sets with a grippy handle and quality flint that throws large, hot sparks to easily catch tinder. Pair your set with char cloth, a natural tinder made by charring cotton or linen that catches sparks exceptionally well. Add jute twine for assembling tinder bundles. With these materials, flint and steel offers a reliable fire-starting method sure to make any prepper’s bug out bag essentials list.
Tools of the Trade: Knives and Multi-Tools for Versatility
A well-equipped prepper bag will include versatile tools for a wide range of situations. Multi-tools and knives are an essential component that can meet a multitude of needs, from food preparation to shelter construction to hunting and self-defense.
Leatherman: The Multi-Tool of Choice
A Leatherman multi-tool should be at the top of every urban bug out bag list. With robust features like pliers, wire cutters, drivers, scissors, and knives integrated into one portable device, a Leatherman allows preppers to tackle repairs, gear maintenance, food prep, and other critical survival tasks.
Models like the Leatherman Wave, Skeletool, or Surge offer an ideal balance of functionality, durability, and packability. The replaceable wire cutters on premium Leathermans are especially useful for urban survival scenarios. Upgrading to options with screwdriver bits, saws, awls, and serrated or plain edge blades enhances versatility.
Stainless steel Leatherman construction stands up to heavy use while protecting against corrosion. Their compact size, secure locking mechanisms on tools, and durable nylon sheaths optimize portability and safety. For medical bug out bags, the scissors and tweezers can assist wound care. No matter the situation, Leathermans deliver indispensable utility.
Survival Knives: The Backbone of Any Prepper Bag
Fixed-blade survival knives compliment versatile multi-tools as bug out bag essentials. A quality full tang knife serves as an all-purpose tool for shelter building, fire/fuel preparation, food gathering/preparation, self-defense, and other fundamental needs.
The best survival knives have 4-7 inch carbon steel or stainless steel blades optimized for edge retention and corrosion resistance. Products from reputable knifemakers like Ka-Bar, Gerber, SOG, Benchmade, and ESEE utilize premium materials with ergonomic handles promoting control, grip, and shock absorption. Many feature integrated handles with compartments for storing matches, fishing line, or other small bug out bag list items.
Serrated spine blades allow cutting through thicker materials like wood or bone while pointed tips pierce easily. Combination edges with both plain and serrated sections maximize versatility. Integrated handles with paracord wrappings assist grip while providing emergency cordage.
Sturdy nylon sheaths securely carry survival knives while metal belt clips and leg straps achieve optimal accessibility. Well-designed sheaths allow belt or MOLLE attachment onto tactical vests. No prepper bag is complete without a quality survival knife as the ultimate outdoor tool.
Portable Folding Knives for Daily Utility
While fixed blades deliver hardcore performance, convenient pocket knives lend themselves better to more casual usages. As minimalist bug out bag essentials, small folding knives handle light food prep, opening packages, stripping wire, cutting cordage/bandages, and detail work.
Top folding knife manufacturers like Spyderco, Kershaw, CRKT, Opinel, and Victorinox utilize high-carbon stainless steel for the blades with ergonomic textured handles for grip. Features like reversible pocket clips, integrated bottle openers, locking blades, and one-handed opening mechanisms enhance ease of use.
Smaller pen knives and multi-tools like the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Classic SD fit discreetly in pockets or packs while still providing basic cutting functionality plus tweezers and toothpicks. Larger tactical folders from Spyderco, Benchmade and SOG equip prepper bags for more demanding tasks.
Folding knives strike an ideal balance between packability and practical cutting ability. When combined with a heavy-duty fixed blade knife and multi-tool, folding knives achieve the knife trifecta for versatile survival preparedness.
Lighting the Way: Essential Illumination Tools for Safety
When building your prepper bag list essentials, including reliable lighting devices should be a top priority. In an emergency situation, having proper illumination can make the difference between safety and danger. Let's explore some key lighting gear that belongs in every bug out bag list PDF.
High Lumen Flashlights for Visibility
A high-quality LED flashlight is arguably the most vital item for any urban bug out bag list. When evaluating flashlights, prioritize ones with at least 300+ lumens of brightness. Popular brands like Streamlight and SureFire offer reliable waterproof models built to withstand the elements.
Aim for small, lightweight flashlights that fit comfortably in your hand. Having multiple backup mini flashlights in your minimalist bug out bag list is also wise in case your primary light fails. Quality batteries are equally important, so stock up on lithium batteries boasting a 10-year shelf life.
With powerful, bright LED flashlights casting light up to 600+ feet ahead, you can safely traverse rough terrain no matter the time of day. This brings invaluable peace of mind when considering bug out bag essentials 2023 edition.
Hands-Free Illumination with Headlamps
Another handy item for your best bug out bag is a durable headlamp for hands-free lighting. Headlamps enable you to access gear, cook meals, administer first aid, and complete tasks without compromising visibility.
Look for water-resistant headlamps with multiple brightness settings. A red light function helps preserve natural night vision. Opt for trusted headlamp models from Black Diamond, Petzl, or Princeton Tec - expect to pay $30-$75 based on features.
Thanks to hands-free convenience, headlamps deserve a spot on your printable bug out bag list. They maximize flexibility to address lighting needs on the fly when building essential bug out bag gear lists in 2023.
Glow Sticks for Trail Marking and Emergency Signaling
While not a primary light source, glow sticks in various sizes, colors and durations provide helpful marking and signaling functions.
To start, pack plenty of standard glow sticks for marking travel paths or shelter locations at night. This aids navigation if backtracking becomes necessary. Long-lasting 12 hour models also work well.
For signaling, waterproof floating glow sticks with lanyards simplify visually flagging down aid. The bright fluorescent tubes are easily spotted from a distance. Add these to your bug out bag list PDF for emergency communications needs.
Though basic in nature, versatile glow sticks perfectly complement LED flashlights and headlamps in well-rounded tactical bug out bags essentials list for optimal illumination capability.
Final Checklist: Your Comprehensive Prepper Bag Round-Up
Assembling your prepper bag essentials ensures you have the critical supplies on hand for any emergency situation. Use this comprehensive bug out bag list as a checklist while packing your bag:
Food and Water
- Pack at least 3 days' worth of non-perishable, high-calorie foods such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruits.
- Include a portable water filter or purification tablets plus a metal water bottle.
- Store foods in durable, airtight containers.
First Aid
- Adhesive bandages, gauze, trauma kit, medications, etc.
- Mini first aid handbook as reference.
Tools and Equipment
- Flashlight, batteries, lighter, pocket knife, paracord, duct tape
- Weather appropriate clothes, gloves, hat
- Sleeping bag, space blanket
Hygiene and Sanitation
- Travel-size toiletries like toothbrush, wet wipes
- Feminine products, extra contacts/glasses
- Garbage bags for waste
With the essentials covered, customize based on your unique needs. Refer back to this prepper bag list pre-and post-packing. Consistent readiness is key for handling emergencies of any type. Stay vigilant and gear up for survival.
