Introduction
When disaster strikes, having a well-stocked bug out bag can mean the difference between life and death. A bug out bag contains essential gear and supplies that allow you to evacuate quickly and survive for several days when normal amenities are unavailable. These go-bags are designed specifically for unexpected emergencies and 'SHTF' (Survivalist slang for when 'Stuff Hits The Fan') scenarios. The types of disasters a properly packed bug out bag prepares you for include: civil unrest, economic collapse, pandemics, natural disasters, nuclear events, and unexpected grid failures or infrastructure breakdowns. Having a bug out bag ready provides peace of mind and potentially life-saving preparedness when faced with these unpredictable crises.
This comprehensive guide will outline the most critical items every bug out bag needs. We'll recommend versatile, durable gear to cover your basic survival needs, including:
- Shelter - Tents, tarps, and sleeping bags
- Water - Filtration, purification, and carrying capacity
- Fire - Ignition sources, tinder, and firestarters
- Food - High-calorie, non-perishable food and foraging tools
- First Aid - Medical supplies to treat injuries
- Light - Flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns
- Tools - Knives, multi-tools, paracord, and duct tape
- Navigation - Maps, compasses, GPS devices
- Power - Chargers, batteries, solar panels
- Security - Pepper spray, alarms, concealable weapons
Follow along for an in-depth look at the ideal items to include in your shtf bug out bag. Let's dive in and get prepared!
Bugging Out Essentials
Shelter
Having reliable shelter during an emergency scenario can protect you from the elements and provide a place to rest. Look for durable, lightweight tents like the Snugpak Scorpion 2 or the Coleman Sundome 2 person tent, and waterproof tarps such as the Wise Owl Outfitters tarp, that are easy to set up. A bivvy sack like the SOL Emergency Bivvy retains body heat and adds insulation for your sleeping bag. Mylar emergency blankets can provide ground cover and reflect your body heat. Paracord is a versatile tool that can secure your shelter or create perimeter alarms.
The team at WeLovePrepping has evaluated hundreds of tents and tarps to find the most rugged and portable options for bug out bags. Check out their wide selection to find shelter gear you can depend on.
Water
Stocking water and purification tools is one of the most critical bug out prep steps. Collapsible jugs like the Reliance RhinoPack and hydration bladders let you carry substantial water. Look for sturdy water bottles and canteens like the Simple Modern Summit water bottle that allow boiling. The Sawyer Mini water filter and the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter are portable filters that remove bacteria and viruses. Water purification tablets like Potable Aqua are an ultralight backup option. Build in redundancy with multiple water storage and purification solutions.
WeLovePrepping offers deep discounts on long-lasting water filters and purification gear. Browse their deals to ensure clean water access in any situation.
Fire
In an emergency, fire provides warmth, light, and a way to cook food and purify water. Pack multiple fire starters like stormproof matches, windproof lighters, magnesium fire starter rods, and Tinder-Quik Fire Tabs. Dryer lint, wax-soaked cotton balls, and wood shavings work well as tinder to ignite fires. Look for all-weather fire starters like the Ultimate Survival Technologies Wetfire Tinder that work in stormy, wet conditions.
WeLovePrepping has an unmatched selection of survival fire starters to cover you in any environment. Check out their wide variety and stock up on fire redundancy.
Food
High-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, beef jerky, trail mixes, and freeze-dried meals provide sustained energy when bugging out. Look for options with at least 100-200 calories and 5-10 grams of protein per serving. MREs and freeze-dried meals like Mountain House and Wise Foods offer easy preparation. A folding saw, fishing kit, or slingshot can help gather food from the wilderness. Carry mess kits, utensils, and portable cooking gear like the Esbit Stove to prepare meals.
Browse WeLovePrepping's selection of MREs, canned goods, and emergency food kits with decades of shelf life. Stock up and save with their case discounts.
First Aid
Medical emergencies can happen at any time during a disaster. A well-stocked first aid kit can help stop bleeding, disinfect wounds, and treat pain. Look for sterile gauze, bandages, antibiotic ointment, trauma shears, medications like ibuprofen, and protective gear like N95 masks and nitrile gloves. WeLovePrepping offers specialized first aid kits like the Be Smart Get Prepared 100 piece kit designed specifically for bug out and survival needs.
Pick up one of their expertly packed kits for your go bag and get peace of mind knowing you can handle medical situations during an emergency.
Light
Having a reliable light source helps with navigation, setup, and security when disaster strikes. Look for LED flashlights and headlamps that provide at least 100 lumens of brightness. Waterproof models like the Fenix PD25 flashlight perform well in wet conditions. Also pack extra batteries. Candle lanterns can provide stationary area lighting.
Browse WeLovePrepping's wide selection of tactical flashlights and illuminated gear purpose-built for survival scenarios.
Navigation
Maps, compasses, and GPS devices will help you navigate and track evacuation routes if getting lost or separated from others. Waterproof handheld GPS units like the Garmin Foretrex 601 keep you on track even if electronics fail. Bring topographical maps for your region in case of device failure. A lensatic compass like the Suunto MC-2G provides analog navigation redundancy.
WeLovePrepping has a great selection of navigation tools to traverse rugged terrain during disasters.
Security
In unstable situations, you may need to defend yourself and your supplies. Pack pepper spray, personal alarms, batons, or concealed carry weapons according to your local laws. A high-lumen tactical flashlight can act as an improvised weapon. Tactics like stealth, concealment, and evasion can help avoid confrontation if possible. Only engage in self-defense as an absolute last resort.
Browse WeLovePrepping's selection of personal security and self-defense tools tailored for bug out bags. Travel safe in unstable situations.
Skills and Knowledge
Proper training enhances survival skills like navigation, foraging, tracking, concealment, and emergency response. Pack reference materials like the SAS Survival Handbook and Bushcraft 101 in your bag. Take wilderness first aid, orienteering, and self-defense classes to prepare. Knowledge and skills may prove more valuable than any gear or supplies.
WeLovePrepping has numerous guides and eBooks focused on developing critical survival abilities. Read up on the skills needed to thrive in the wilderness and in emergency scenarios.
Top Recommended Bug Out Bag Essentials
Here are 10 of the most essential items to include in your bug out bag:
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Snugpak Scorpion 2 Tent - A lightweight and weatherproof 2 person tent. Compact and easy to pitch.
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LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water. Removes bacteria and parasites.
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Fenix PD25 LED Flashlight - Durable flashlight with multiple modes up to 500 lumens brightness. Waterproof IPX-8 rated.
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Ultimate Survival Technologies Wetfire Tinder - All-weather tinder ignites with sparks or flame. Burn for 5 minutes even when wet.
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Mountain House Classic Bucket - Tasty freeze-dried meals with a 30 year shelf life. Just add hot water.
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Be Smart Get Prepared 100pc First Aid Kit - Sterile dressings, trauma supplies, medications, and tools to treat injuries.
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Garmin Foretrex 601 GPS - Rugged and waterproof GPS navigator works for up to 17 hours per set of batteries.
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Fiskars X7 Hatchet - Durable 14 inch hatchet chops wood and kindling for shelter and fire needs.
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Midland GXT1000VP4 Radio - Reliable two-way radio keeps you in communication up to 36 miles.
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SABRE 3-IN-1 Pepper Spray - Police strength gel pepper spray disables threats up to 10 feet away. Safer for user.
Evaluate your risks and needs, then build a tailored bug out bag for your situation. With preparation and the right gear, you can evacuate quickly and survive away from home for several days. WeLovePrepping has all the essential bug out items at discounted prices, so check them out and get your go-bag stocked up!
Conclusion
Having a well-equipped bug out bag provides insurance against unexpected disasters. Load your go-bag with versatile survival gear to cover shelter, water, fire, food, first aid, navigation, and security needs. Choose products known for lightweight, durable, multi-purpose designs optimized for portability and reliability. Customize your bag for likely regional risks. Proper training and survival knowledge complement your equipment. Use this guide to shop for proven bug out bag essentials so you're prepared to evacuate and endure any emergency scenario. Your survival could depend on having the right shtf bug out gear, so get your bag stocked today and gain peace of mind!
