With global instability escalating due to more frequent natural disasters, global conflicts, civil unrest, and the potential for infrastructure failure, being prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice is more crucial than ever. Having a well-stocked bug out bag with essential supplies can mean the difference between life and death for you and your family if you need to evacuate quickly. With the chance of unexpected emergencies higher than ever, every home, vehicle, and office should have bug out bags stocked with vital tools and gear. This article will provide a complete packing list for an effective SHTF (Sh*t Hits The Fan) bug out bag.
Introduction
A bug out bag is a portable emergency kit designed for evacuation and survival self-reliance in a disaster scenario where sheltering in place is not an option. The goal of a bug out bag is to allow for quick departure with critical supplies in a crisis event. Key features include portability, durability, and containing essential survival items. Bug out bags differ from everyday carry (EDC) kits which are designed for daily convenience and small emergencies. Bug out bags are optimized purely for larger disaster preparedness and longer-term survival self-sufficiency. Events that would require bugging out with your BOB include natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes or floods, nuclear emergencies, infrastructure failures, home fires, disease outbreaks, terrorism, and civil unrest or rioting. Having a bug out bag prepared allows for quick departure and gives you the best chance of survival.
What Should Go In an SHTF Bug Out Bag?
A bug out bag should contain everything critical for survival for a minimum of 72 hours. Here are some of the most important items to include in your shtf bug out bag list:
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Water and water purification supplies - Pack at least 1 gallon of water per person per day as well as portable water filters or purification tablets. Dehydration is a major risk in an emergency.
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Calorie-dense non-perishable food - Pack high-calorie foods like protein bars, dried fruit, trail mix, peanut butter pouches, etc. Avoid foods that can spoil quickly.
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Comprehensive first aid kit - Include bandages, gauze, antiseptics, pain meds, latex gloves, any personal medications, and other medical items.
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Multiple light sources - Pack LED flashlights, glow sticks, and a headlamp for travel at night or inside shelters. Having backup lights is crucial.
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Fire starting capability - Pack matches, lighters, ferro rods, tinder, and kindling to allow creating fire for cooking, warmth, or signaling. Practice in advance.
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Emergency shelter - A tarp, tent, or tube tent can protect from the elements. Even a garbage bag has multiple uses for improvised shelters.
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Navigation aids - Having maps, a compass, and handheld GPS device helps prevent getting lost.
Clothing and Footwear Recommendations
Choosing the optimal clothing and footwear is vital yet often overlooked. Here are key recommendations:
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Broken-in hiking boots or shoes - Avoid brand new footwear liable to cause blisters. Waterproof boots are ideal if affordable.
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Moisture-wicking wool socks - Pack several pairs. Change socks regularly to prevent blisters and allow moisture wicking.
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Weather appropriate clothes - Include both lightweight and insulated layers that can be added or removed.
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Gloves and insulated hat - Up to half of body heat can be lost through the head and hands. These are essentials.
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Face masks - Masks protect from dust, smoke, biohazards, and can help avoid identification.
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Sturdy belt - A belt allows comfortably carrying gear and tools on your waist or attaching accessories.
Self Defense and Security Tools
Avoidance and de-escalation should be the primary means of defense. However, certain tools can provide a key advantage against threats:
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Pepper spray - An ideal non-lethal option for fending off human threats up close.
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Tactical knife or multi-tool - Choose a fixed-blade knife that also provides utility functions.
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Two-way radios - Allow communicating when not in line-of-sight with group members.
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Whistle and signal mirror - Useful for signaling others or calling for emergency assistance.
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Faraday bag - Helps block electronic signals to conceal your location.
Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies
Maintaining hygiene and sanitation is crucial when infrastructure has failed:
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Toilet paper and wet wipes - Vital for personal sanitation needs when restrooms are unavailable.
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Soap, toothpaste - Keeping clean helps avoid illness and disease.
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Feminine hygiene products - Important for managing menstrual cycles.
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Deodorant - Helps mitigate body odor without regular bathing options.
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Portable shovel - Allows properly burying human waste to prevent disease spread.
How to Choose the Optimal Bug Out Bag
Key factors to evaluate when selecting a bug out bag are comfort, durability, capacity, organization, and color. Backpacks and duffel bags are two common options.
Backpack vs Duffel Bag Pros and Cons
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Backpacks excel in carry comfort with shoulder and waist straps to distribute weight. However, capacity is less flexible.
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Duffel bags lack backpack structure yet can fit irregular loads. They cinch down when partly empty.
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Test wearing a loaded bag to determine which carry style fits your body type and strength the best. Both can work well.
What Features to Look For
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Padded straps and back support on packs prevents chafing from extended wear.
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Multiple exterior pockets on both bags enables quick access to gear.
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Durable, abrasion-resistant fabric like 1000D nylon withstands heavy use.
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Water resistant coating and rain cover keeps contents dry when wet.
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MOLLE attachment points allow adding accessory pouches and gear.
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Inconspicuous neutral colors help avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Recommended Bug Out Bag Models
- 5.11 Rush24 Tactical Backpack
- Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack
- REDCAMP 75L Duffel Bag
- REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack
- WeLovePrepping's custom bug out bags coming soon!
Bugging Out Safely With Your SHTF Bag
Developing an evacuation plan and having proper situational awareness is just as crucial as the gear itself. Here are tips for safely evacuating with your bug out bag:
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Establish evacuation routes and alternates for likely disaster scenarios ahead of time.
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Carry paper copies of essential documents, contacts, and maps.
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Don't forget necessary medications, prescriptions, and other critical healthcare items.
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Leave a written note detailing your departure and intended destination.
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Aim to evacuate early, before roads become congested and gridlocked.
Key Evacuation Planning Factors
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Pick an emergency rally point if evacuating with family or a group.
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Designate a clear chain of command within your group to avoid confusion.
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Establish primary and backup communication methods if separated.
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Pack supplies for family members, children, and pets who are evacuating.
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Identify any contacts or resources along your evacuation route.
Situational Awareness and Safety Tips
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Keep bug out bag details discreet. Avoid publicly discussing your plans or supplies.
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Seek to blend in and not draw unnecessary attention when evacuating.
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Consider only traveling at night if needed to improve anonymity.
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Keep personal defense items readily accessible if threatened.
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Stay alert, avoid panic, and monitor emergency channels for critical updates.
When Should You Bug Out?
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Evacuate immediately if authorities advise leaving the area. Don't delay.
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Don't wait until the last minute - leave at the first signs of a major emergency.
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Get out early to avoid being trapped or stuck in gridlock when evacuating.
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Be prepared to shelter in place if evacuating is not safe or feasible.
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Ultimately trust your instincts. Evacuating early is often the safest choice.
Conclusion
Having a well-stocked shtf bug out bag is one of the most crucial emergency preparations for disaster preparedness. This guide outlines the essential supplies including water, food, first aid, shelter, navigation tools, hygiene items, and self defense gear to include in your bug out bag list. Choosing a backpack or duffel bag that balances durability, capacity, and carrying comfort is key. Developing an early evacuation plan and leaving at the first indication of disaster can save lives. Visit WeLovePrepping.com for further bug out bag resources, evacuation planning, and developing critical survival skills. Being prepared with a bug out bag helps ensure you and your family's safety.
