Survival Bug Out Bag Essentials

When facing an emergency situation, having the right survival supplies can mean the difference between life and death.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide on the absolute essentials to include in a bug out bag for emergency preparedness.

We'll cover the critical basics like water, food, first aid, shelter, navigation tools, and personal safety items that can sustain you when bugging out during a crisis.

Preparing the Best Survival Bug Out Bag

A survival bug out bag is an essential emergency preparedness kit filled with gear to help you survive if you need to evacuate quickly. Having a well-stocked bug out bag can make a life-or-death difference in an unexpected crisis.

When packing your bug out bag, focus on the survival basics - sustenance, shelter, and safety.

Food and Water

Having enough food and water is critical. Pack high-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, dried fruits and nuts. For water, pack durable bottles and water purification tablets to make found water drinkable. Aim for 1-2 gallons per person, per day.

Pack lightweight, weather-resistant shelter options like a tarp, bivvy sack or tent. Include a map of your area, compass, GPS device, and other navigation gear to find your way if you get lost. Paracord can also be used to set up camp or gear.

First Aid and Tools

A first aid kit, medications, and basic tools like knives, a flashlight, duct tape, and fire starters can prove invaluable. Consider personal defense items if permitted by law. The right tools facilitate survival in unexpected situations.

Customize your bug out bag to your needs with other essentials like cash, batteries, radio, emergency blankets and clothing. Routinely refresh perishable items and check gear condition. An organized, well-stocked survival kit gives you the best chance of making it through a crisis.

What do you put in an emergency bug out bag?

A well-stocked bug out bag is essential for emergency preparedness. The items inside can make the difference between life and death in a crisis situation where you need to evacuate quickly. When packing your bug out bag, focus on the survival basics - shelter, water, food, first aid, fire, self-defense, and navigation.

Shelter and Warmth

Having adequate shelter and warmth is critical in an emergency scenario. Key items to include are:

Tarp or emergency blanket - can be used as makeshift shelter or signaling
Extra socks and base layers - critical for retaining body heat
Emergency sleeping bag or bivy sack

Water

Water is the most vital resource in any survival situation. Be sure to pack:

Collapsible water bottles and canteens
Water purification tablets, drops, or personal water filters
Hydration enhancers like electrolyte powder

Food

Pack high-calorie, non-perishable foods that are lightweight and easy to store:

MREs (meals ready to eat)
Protein or granola bars
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit mixes

First Aid

You can't predict injuries, so make sure to include basic medical supplies:

Adhesive bandages and gauze pads
Antibiotic ointment
Anti-diarrheal medication
Pain relievers

Fire Starting

The ability to start a fire provides warmth, light, and signaling capabilities:

Stormproof matches
Flint striker
Waterproof tinder

Self Defense and Tools

Depending on your laws and level of training, you may want to include:

Pepper spray
Folding knife
Multitool
Tactical flashlight

Knowing where you are and where you plan to go is key. Bring:

Topographic maps of the area
Lensatic compass
Emergency whistle and signal mirror

Customize your bug out bag to your needs, skills, and environment. The goal is having the essentials for short-term survival if disaster strikes.

Is it good to have a bug out bag?

A bug out bag is an essential survival kit that contains supplies to help you endure an emergency situation. Having a well-stocked bug out bag gives you the resources you need if you ever have to evacuate quickly or shelter in place. Here are some key reasons why every household should have a bug out bag:

Provides basic necessities if access is cut off

A bug out bag contains food, water, medical supplies, and other gear to sustain you for 72 hours or more. This gives you what you need to survive if access to grocery stores, hospitals, or utilities gets cut off during a disaster. Having these basics on hand reduces panic and gives you time to enact backup plans.

Critical items for evacuation

In a crisis requiring quick evacuation like a wildfire or flood, you may only have minutes to leave. A bug out bag means not wasting precious time figuring out what to take. Just grab your bag and go, knowing you have crucial items like medications, important documents, flashlights, and more.

Peace of mind

Simply knowing you have a packed bug out bag can provide significant peace of mind. It allows you to feel more in control and prepared for unpredictable events. You can have confidence that you and your family could endure several days without external support if the unthinkable happened.

Overall, a survival bug out bag gives you the sustenance, shelter, and safety items you need to overcome emergencies. It allows you to focus on more important things than scrambling for supplies. Every prepper should equip themselves and their loved ones with this essential bugout bag.

What food to put in a bug out bag?

When packing food for your bug out bag, focus on non-perishable, calorie-dense options that are easy to prepare and will sustain you in an emergency situation. Here are some of the best foods to include:

High-Calorie Emergency Rations

Granola/protein bars - Pack high calorie, nutrient-dense options. Avoid bars with nuts if allergies are a concern.
Trail mix - Pack trail mixes high in calories from dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate. Prioritize calorie-density.
Peanut butter - An excellent source of protein and calories. Get single-serve packets to avoid spoilage.
Beef jerky - Shelf-stable, protein-rich, and satisfying. Opt for low-sodium options.

Easy-to-Prepare Camping Meals

Canned meats/fish - Choose pull-tab cans of tuna, salmon, chicken, or other meats for quick, no-cook meals.
Canned beans - Pack protein-rich beans that can be eaten cold if needed. Choose low-sodium options.
Canned fruits/veggies - Select single-serve pull tab cans for easy access. Go for nutritious, energizing options.
Oatmeal packets - Get single-serve packets that only require hot water for preparation.

Hydration and Nutrition

Electrolyte mixes - Maintaining electrolyte levels is crucial. Bring powdered sports drink mixes.
Multivitamins - A daily multivitamin helps fill nutritional gaps in an emergency situation.

When packing food, prioritize lightweight, nutrient-dense, and high-calorie options that do not require refrigeration. Only pack what you can reasonably consume before it expires. And be sure to rotate and refresh food in your bag regularly.

How many days should a bug out bag last?

A basic survival bug out bag should contain enough supplies to last 72 hours or 3 days. This timeframe allows you to evacuate from an emergency situation and make your way to a safe location where you can replenish your supplies.

Here are some key reasons why 72 hours is the standard duration for a bug out bag:

Portability - Trying to carry supplies for longer than 3 days can make your bag extremely heavy and hard to transport by foot. Keeping it to 72 hours allows for a lighter, more mobile bag. - **Essentials focus** - Limiting yourself to 3 days forces you to pare down your bugout bag to only the most critical survival items like water, food, first aid, etc. Extending beyond that may lead you to pack unnecessary gear. - **Seeking safety** - A 72 hour bugout timeframe is based on the assumption that you will be able to reach a secure location by then to restock your depleted supplies. This could be a home, shelter, friend's house, etc.

Of course, you can prepare a backup bag with additional supplies if you want to extend your sustainability. But keeping your primary bugout bag focused on 72 hours ensures you have a grab-and-go option for rapid evacuation emergencies with only the most essential gear.

The Foundation of Your Bugout Bag: Water and Hydration

Water is essential for survival, so having water treatment and storage solutions in your bugout bag is critical. Here are some key items to include:

Water Treatment Essentials

Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide) to kill bacteria and viruses
A compact water filter like the Sawyer Mini to remove bacteria, protozoa and solids
A metal container to boil water in if no other purification method is available

Water Storage Solutions

BPA-free collapsible water containers that are lightweight and take up little space when empty
Hydration bladders or reservoirs that can hold 1-3 liters of water and fit in your pack
Water bags and pouches with roll-down closures to prevent leakage

Water Procurement Gear

A metal cup or pot to collect water from streams or other sources
Folding shovels and trowels to dig for subsurface water
Paracord that can be used to create traps or snares to collect rainwater

Hydration Accessories

Insulated drinking tubes to prevent water from freezing in cold weather
Water bottle holsters and harness clips to keep your water accessible
Collapsible dog bowls to share safe drinking water with pets

Nutrition in Emergencies: Food Essentials

Choosing Non-Perishable Foods

When packing food for your bug out bag, it's important to focus on non-perishable items that are dense in calories and nutrition. Some good options include:

Canned meats like tuna, chicken, or spam
Canned beans, vegetables, and fruits
Dried fruits and nuts
Granola, protein bars, or trail mix
Powdered milk, eggs, or protein shakes
Peanut butter or nut butters
Hard tack crackers or bread

Look for items that are shelf-stable, don't require refrigeration, and have a long expiration date. Avoid anything perishable or with high water content that could spoil quickly.

Portable Cooking Gear

To cook your food while on the go, pack a lightweight backpacking stove, fuel canisters, and mess kit including pot, pan, cups, and utensils. A pocket knife with a can opener comes in handy too.

Other useful items include:

A metal water bottle or canteen to boil water
A folding utility knife
Biodegradable soap
Paper towels
Aluminum foil
Resealable plastic bags

The key is having compact, multipurpose tools that allow you to heat food and water for consumption.

Foraging and Hunting Supplies

While stored food is essential, you may need to source additional nourishment from the land. Useful foraging and hunting gear includes:

Fishing line, hooks, lures, and a collapsible rod
Snare wire for trapping small game
A hunting slingshot
A hiking staff for digging edible roots
A local plant identification guide
A metal container to cook wild foods

This equipment helps sustain you by providing fresh protein and vegetation. But only forage/hunt what you can properly identify and prepare.

Food Preparation and Consumption

To make eating more civilized, even in emergencies, pack a reusable mess kit, travel cutlery, portable cutting board, cups, and a flask. Items like salt, pepper, spices, sugar, and coffee can provide comfort too.

Having this gear helps you safely prepare and enjoy nourishing foods while maintaining morale in difficult situations. Proper sanitation is also key - be sure to have soap, disinfectant, and towels on hand.

Shelter and Warmth: Protecting Against the Elements

Shelter and warmth are critical components of any survival kit or bug out bag. Having reliable protection from the elements could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

Emergency Shelter Options

When choosing an emergency shelter, key factors to consider are weight, durability, water resistance, and ease of setup. Recommended options include:

Lightweight tarp shelters and tube tents - Compact and easy to carry. Provide basic overhead shelter.
Bivouac shelters and bothy bags - Hooded, insulated shelters made from waterproof, breathable fabrics. Retain body heat.
Ultralight backpacking tents - More substantial shelters with tent poles. Provide greater protection but weigh more.

Insulation Gear for Warmth

It's vital to pack proper insulating layers to prevent hypothermia. Useful items include:

Fleece jackets and pants - Retain warmth even when wet.
Down or synthetic insulated jackets - Very warm and compressible but lose insulation value if soaked.
Balaclavas, gloves, and socks - Prevent heat loss from extremities.

Sleep Systems for Rest

Proper sleep is crucial. Choose a sleeping bag rated for expected temperatures. Sleep pads provide insulation from the ground.

Fire Starting Tools

Reliable fire starting tools are essential. Useful items include stormproof matches, lighter, fire steel, tinder, and kindling. Practice fire starting skills before an emergency.

Having the right gear for shelter, insulation, sleep systems, and fire gives you the best chance of surviving in a crisis. Choose items that balance weight, durability, and performance for your situation. With practice, these tools can save your life.

Medical Aid: First Aid and Health Management

Comprehensive First Aid Kits

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any bug out bag. At minimum, it should contain bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain medication, trauma shears, tweezers, thermometer, and latex gloves. A more comprehensive kit may also include a CPR mask, tourniquet, splints, cold packs, and other specialized items. The exact contents can be customized based on your medical training, but having basic wound care supplies is vital.

Specialized Medical Tools

Depending on your situation, consider adding prescription medications, EpiPens if needed for allergies, blood clotting powder, suture kits, saline for wound irrigation, eye wash, and other instruments. However, only include what you have training to properly utilize. Advanced tools require knowledge to use safely and effectively.

Personal Medication Considerations

If you take daily prescriptions, pack at least a week's supply in their original bottles with dosing instructions. List any allergies, medical conditions, blood type, and emergency contacts. This critical personal information aids first responders. Also useful are electrolyte tablets, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and basic hygiene items.

Health Maintenance Accessories

To support continued wellness, also pack sunscreen, insect repellent, toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, soap, feminine products, extra glasses or contacts if needed, and other comfort items. Staying healthy boosts your survival outlook.

Having the right navigation tools and skills can mean the difference between life and death in a survival situation. When building your bugout bag, be sure to include essential items like maps, compasses, GPS devices, and signaling tools.

Maps and compasses are critical for orienting yourself without modern technology. Select detailed topographic maps of your area and a high quality compass. Learn key navigation skills like taking bearings and triangulating your position.
GPS devices like Garmin's eTrex line provide enhanced navigation and mapping capabilities. They allow you to pinpoint your location, calculate routes, mark waypoints, and more. Have both battery and solar powered options.
Protractors and rulers allow you to measure distances and bearings on maps. Useful backups for navigation.
Binoculars help scout terrain, identify landmarks, and spot signs of civilization. Choose a durable, compact pair.

Communication Devices

Two-way radios enable communication with your party and monitoring of emergency frequencies. Opt for longer range models with NOAA weather band.
Satellite communicators like the inReach allow 2-way text messaging via satellite when beyond cell range. Crucial for summoning emergency help.
Signal mirrors allow visual signaling to aircraft and search parties. Highly reflective glass mirrors are most effective.

Signaling for Rescue

Having various signaling devices can alert rescuers to your location:

Signal flares provide bright visual markers for aircraft and ground parties. Pack both handheld and aerial varieties.
Smoke signals from purpose-built cans draw attention and indicate wind direction. Bring multiple cans.
Signal panels are lightweight, highly visible markers for ground signaling.
Whistles enable signaling rescuers over long distances. Choose loud, high pitched models.

Study topographic maps and terrain to grow your navigation abilities over time.
Practice key skills like orienting maps, taking bearings, triangulating position, and more during outdoor training.
Pack navigational references like trail guides, survival manuals with land navigation content, and waterproof map sets.

Having proper navigational gear and practiced techniques can make all the difference when trying to find your way or signal for help. Prepare by packing maps, compasses, GPS units, signaling tools, radios, and more.

Illumination: Light Sources for Safety and Visibility

Having reliable lighting is crucial for visibility and safety in emergency situations. When building your bug out bag, be sure to pack durable and long-lasting illumination tools.

Durable Flashlights and Lanterns

Look for waterproof and impact-resistant flashlights and lanterns constructed out of aircraft-grade aluminum or ABS plastic. LED bulbs last longer and provide brighter light than incandescent bulbs. Choose multiple small flashlights over one large one for redundancy.

Hands-Free Illumination

Headlamps free up your hands for other tasks like cooking, repairs, or navigation. Look for adjustable beams, dimming functions, and red light modes to preserve night vision. Waterproof models can be worn in the rain.

Long-Lasting Light Markers

Pack glow sticks and light markers for signaling and pathfinding in the dark. Chemilight sticks last up to 12 hours and can be tied to backpacks for visibility. Reflective trail markers can also designate paths and campsite perimeters.

Backup Lighting Solutions

Candles and storm proof matches provide an alternate light source if devices fail. Storing extra batteries, solar chargers, and even shake flashlights can ensure you have light if your devices run out of power.

Essential Tools and Gear

Survival situations require versatile tools and gear to meet critical needs like shelter, fire, food, and safety. Having the right equipment can make a life-or-death difference. Here's an overview of some essential items every bug out bag should contain.

Cutting and Chopping Implements

Reliable cutting tools are a must for survival tasks like building shelter, processing firewood, harvesting wild edibles, and preparing game. Quality fixed-blade knives and small hatchets are ideal for these purposes. Consider options like:

Stainless steel survival knife with serrated edge
Compact hatchet with grippy handle
Folding saw for processing thicker wood
Multitool with various detachable blades

The right assortment of cutting implements will enable you to handle a wide range of critical jobs in an emergency.

Wood Processing Equipment

Gear for obtaining, chopping, and storing firewood is vital for survival as fire serves many critical functions like warmth, light, signaling, purifying water, and cooking. Useful items include:

Hatchet or axe for felling trees and chopping logs
Bow saw or folding saw for bucking felled trees into firewood lengths
Sturdy tarp and paracord for covering/securing collected firewood

Having the ability to effectively and efficiently process wood is key to maintaining adequate fuel supplies.

Digging and Burrowing Tools

The ability to move earth is invaluable for various survival tasks like digging cat holes, trench latrines, underground cache pits for storage, and other earthworks. Quality tools like folding shovels and compact pick mattocks provide digging and chopping ability in a portable package. Useful features include:

Lightweight and durable construction (high carbon steel)
Telescoping handles for compact storage
Ergonomic grip and leverage for efficient digging

Look for a sturdy digging implement that balances portability and digging power.

Paracord and Rope Uses

No survival kit is complete without versatile paracord and rope. Useful for shelter building, wood gathering, gear repairs, animal snares, and other tasks, quality cordage is a critical multi-use item. Features like high tensile strength, durability, and flexibility make paracord well-suited for survival demands. Carry various diameters and lengths for different needs.

Defense and Personal Safety

Defense and personal safety are critical considerations when preparing a bug out bag. Having non-lethal and lethal options available provides protection in uncertain situations. However, firearms and weapons require proper training and adherence to local laws. Focus first on avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation.

Non-Lethal Defense Options

Carrying pepper spray or mace can help deter aggressive humans or animals. Choose a quality brand with a 10-20 foot range. Test and replace expired canisters annually. Wasp spray reaches 25+ feet and may deter multiple attackers.

Impact Tools for Self-Defense

A sturdy walking stick, collapsible baton, or even a hammer provide non-lethal protection. Lightweight and easy to wield, an impact tool creates distance between you and a threat. Consider legality, training required, and potential to cause permanent injury.

Firearms and Legal Considerations

In rural bug out locations, carrying a firearm may be prudent for defense against animals or criminals. However, guns require extensive safety and marksmanship training. Bring only if legally owned and permitted. Be aware of state laws, transport regulations, and storage protocols. Alternatively, consider powerful slingshots or crossbows.

Defensive Strategy and Training

The first line of defense is avoidance. Be aware of your surroundings and potential threats. Attempt to calmly de-escalate conflict using non-threatening body language and communication. Carry a whistle or alarm to scare off attackers and draw helpful attention. If confrontation is unavoidable, use your tools and training to neutralize the threat. Take a self-defense course to hone situational awareness, deterrence, and physical techniques. Knowledge and preparation are your best defenses.

Conclusion: Finalizing Your Ultimate Bug Out Bag

Assembling a well-stocked survival bug out bag is an essential part of emergency preparedness. By carefully considering the basics of sustenance, shelter, and safety, you can create a portable kit with the critical supplies to survive for several days if disaster strikes.

Here are a few final tips to ensure your bug out bag is ready when you need it:

Store your bag in an easily accessible spot near an exit. You may need to grab it quickly in an evacuation.
Check expiration dates every 6 months and replace expired food, water, medicine.
Pack smartly - heavy items close to your back, frequently needed items on top.
Consider your climate and likely risks - snow gear, water purification, etc.
Practice using and wearing your bug out bag on hiking trips. Get used to the weight and fit.
Make sure family members have their own bags packed and ready to go.

Customizing your bug out bag to your needs and climate can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. Follow this prepper advice and you'll have the ultimate mobile survival kit for weathering any disaster. Stay safe out there!