A bug out bag, also known as a BOB, is an essential emergency preparedness kit filled with critical supplies. It allows you to evacuate quickly on foot in the event of a disaster. With a well-stocked bug out bag, you can sustain yourself for at least 72 hours when forced to urgently leave your home.

When You Should Use Your Bug Out Bag

There are many situations that could require bugging out with little notice:

Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, or wildfires where evacuation becomes mandatory. Having your bug out bag ready allows you to leave immediately.
Extended power outages, infrastructure failure, cyber attacks or other events severely disrupting normal life. Loss of electricity, water, supply chains mean relying on your own reserves.
Civil unrest, riots, instability or looting making your home unsafe. Being able to rapidly evacuate on foot becomes critical.
Chemical spills, nuclear incidents, industrial accidents or other environmental hazards requiring quick evacuation.
A pandemic, economic collapse, political upheaval, or other major disruption leading to societal breakdowns. Having survival essentials becomes vital.
Any scenario where evacuation by vehicle is impossible but staying put poses too much danger. Your bug out bag gives you critical supplies when moving by foot.

Ideal Contents of a Bug Out Bag

While customized to your needs, some key items most bug out bags contain:

Food: High-calorie, non-perishable foods to sustain you several days. Lightweight protein/granola bars, beef jerky, trail mix, peanut butter packets, dried fruits. Avoid heavy canned goods.
Water: At least 1-2 gallons per person if possible. Carry for drinking, cleaning, food prep. Store in reusable bottles, lightweight collapsible canteens. Bring purification tablets, filters, or steripens.
First Aid: Bandages, gauze, antibiotics, disinfectants, trauma kit, OTC meds (Tylenol, Advil, antihistamines), medical tape, tweezers, scissors, safety pins, latex gloves. Treat likely injuries.
Light: LED flashlights, headlamps, glow sticks, lanterns. Extra batteries, solar/crank chargers. Light critical during disasters.
Fire: Matches, lighter, fire starter sticks, tinder, magnesium flint bar. Allows fire for warmth, light, boiling water, cooking. Practice skills at home.
Tools: Knives, multitools, parachute cord, duct tape, zip ties, sewing kit, scissors. Critical for shelter, fixing gear.
Shelter: Tent, tarp, emergency bivvy, reflective blankets or tube tent, depending on climate. Garbage bags work in pinch.
Navigation: Map of the area, compass, portable GPS device. Safely navigate evacuation route.
Clothing: Sturdy shoes/boots, weather appropriate clothes. Extra socks. Gloves, warm hat, balaclava. Choose quick-dry fabrics.
Hygiene: Toilet paper, toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, feminine products, hand sanitizer, small towel, contact lens supplies. Critical for health.
Comfort: Emergency whistle, emergency blanket, entertainment - books, playing cards. Ease stress.
Documents: Copies of ID, cash/coins, contact info. Have originals AND photocopies. Store in waterproof USB stick or bag.

Customizing Your Bug Out Bag

Tailor your bug out bag for:

Your region's climate, likely risks and disasters. Desert gear differs from winter weather kit.
Who is evacuating - yourself alone, your family including kids/elders or pets?
Your skills - firestarting, fishing, navigation. Pack accordingly.
Health factors - chronic illnesses, mobility issues, medications needed.
Your fitness level and ability to carry loads long distances. Keep weight reasonable.
Your budget - balance cost vs durability. But don't skimp on critical items.
Expected evacuation distance. Will you hike 3 days? A week?
Most probable local disaster scenarios. Hurricanes? Earthquakes? Civil unrest?
Don't forget morale items - favorite snacks, family photos, small games. Critical for emotional health when bugging out.

Key Tips for Assembling Your Bug Out Bag

Use a durable, water resistant backpack with waist strap. Look for compartments.
Pack heavy items closest to back to distribute weight.
Gear you need quickly like food, maps, tools go on top for fast access.
Use zip lock bags to organize and waterproof gear.
Wrap fragile items like electronics in clothing to prevent damage.
Keep an itemized checklist of all contents. Re-verify periodically.
Set reasonable weight limits so bag remains portable.
Ensure comfort for ALL members evacuating including children.

Testing and Maintaining Your Bug Out Bag

Periodically hike with your bag to test comfort and usability.
Inspect and replace expired food, water, batteries, medications. Recheck clothing fit.
Recharge battery powered items, remove batteries for storage.
Update bag contents as location, needs, family size changes.
Completely unpack and repack the bag annually for familiarity.
Annually replace used food, water, first aid supplies.
Clean and disinfect containers, canteens, or reusable gear before repacking.
After use, replenish any missing items from your checklist.

Proper planning and testing ensures your bug out bag is ready when disasters strike. It provides critical mobility and resilience. Periodically verifying contents keeps you truly prepared.

Essential Factors When Picking The Right Bug Out Bag

Choosing the optimal bug out bag requires evaluating:

Your regional climate and weather conditions. Extreme temperatures affect gear choices.
Total packed weight. Aim for no more than 25% of your body weight.
Your health and physical ability to carry loads long distances.
Expected distance of evacuation by foot to reach safety.
Timeframe you need to be self-reliant - 72 hours? 1 week? Longer?
Who is evacuating with you? Yourself alone? Family? Group? Pets?
Your existing outdoor survival skills - firestarting, navigation, fishing, etc.
Most likely risks and disaster scenarios for your geographical region.
Any health considerations - chronic illness, mobility restrictions, medications.
Your budget - avoid the cheapest bags but most expensive aren't necessary either.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Bug Out Bag

Look for key features:

Backpack or duffel bag style for easy carrying. Avoid rollers or suitcases.
Durable, abrasion resistant and water repellent fabrics - nylon, treated canvas, etc.
Pockets and compartments to neatly organize gear for quick access.
Padded hip belt and sternum strap to distribute weight.
Correct torso fit adjusted for your body size so weight rests on hips.
Hydration compatible to allow hands-free drinking.
MOLLE paneling to attach additional modular pouches.
40-55L capacity minimum but avoid oversized bags.
Integrated rain cover or waterproof sealing to keep contents dry.
Adjustable straps and lumbar support for customized fit.

5 Affordable Bug Out Bags Under $50

If budget constrained, consider these highly rated options under $50:

Paratus 3 Day Operator's Pack - 25L capacity. MOLLE compatible. Just $40.
Monoki 75L Heavy Duty Backpack - Extremely spacious at just $39.
CVLIFE 3-Day Backpack - Various sizes starting at $20. Great value.
Coleman 28-Can Cooler Daypack - 17L capacity, insulated for food. Under $30.
Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Daypack - Folds up tiny. Only $16.

5 Premium Bug Out Bags $180 - $250

For a high quality long term investment, look at these bags:

5.11 All Hazards Prime Backpack - Rugged, used by professionals. Several sizes.
REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack - Lightweight, high capacity, lots of features.
Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack - MOLLE compatible and very durable.
Eberlestock Halftrack Pack - Tough, modular MOLLE attachments.
Everlit Emergency Survival Backpack - Literally packed with integrated tools and supplies.

5 Great Bug Out Bags For Women

Ladies should look for bags accommodating the female frame:

She's Birdie 72-Hour Go-Bag - Includes hip and chest straps for stability.
OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack 50L - Comes in stylish rose gold and purple.
Mardingtop 65L Internal Frame Backpack - Designed specifically for women.
Barefoot Provisions The Essentials Pack - Cute stylish patterns like flowers.
Blupond Moti Packable Backpack - Ultra lightweight at just 0.5 lb and several color choices.

Key Features To Evaluate

No matter your specific bag, check for:

Multiple compartments and pockets for organized storage.
Padded hip belt and sternum strap to bear weight on hips.
Durable fabric like 1000D nylon stands up to abuse.
Hydration bladder pouch and ports for hands-free drinking.
MOLLE attachment points to add modular pouches and gear.
Rain cover or waterproof sealing to keep contents dry.
Adjustable straps and lumbar support for customized fit.

Choosing the right bug out bag can truly save your life in an emergency. Carefully evaluate your unique situation and needs to select the ideal bag for you and your family.

How To Pack A Bug Out Bag

Packing your bug out bag systematically optimizes space and prioritizes critical survival gear:

Categorize items into survival groups - food, water, shelter, first aid etc. Pack each category together.
Heaviest items should go closest to your back to properly center weight.
Gear you need quickly like food, maps, tools go on top or in outside pockets for fast access.
Use additional bags, cases or containers to compartmentalize and waterproof gear.
Wrap fragile items like electronics in clothing to prevent damage.
Important items like cash, keys and documents go in secure inner pockets.
Tightly roll clothes to conserve space.

Example Bug Out Bag Layout

BACK - Sleeping bag/blanket, clothes
MIDDLE - Food, cookware, hygiene kit
FRONT - First aid, fire kit, light, important documents
LID - Rain gear, rope, tarps
BOTTOM - Tent, tools, water filter
SIDE POCKETS - Water bottles, high energy food, flashlight

Zone Layout by Survival Priority

Another approach is packing by survival zone:

ZONE 1 Critical - First aid, water, self defense
ZONE 2 Important - Food, fire, navigation, shelter
ZONE 3 Supportive - Hygiene items, extra clothes
ZONE 4 Comfort - Entertainment, pillow

Helpful Packing Tips

Use waterproof stuff sacks or bags to compartmentalize items.
Keep a checklist of all contents.
Periodically practice unpacking and repacking your bag.
Place dense, heavy items centrally near your back.
Pack most frequently accessed items on top or in outside pockets.
Wrap fragile items in clothing to prevent damage.
Secure important documents in inner zippered pockets.

Items To Avoid

Heavy items that don't justify the space.
Perishable foods - pack stable high calorie options.
Anything illegal or dangerous.
Overpacking extra clothes or valuables.
More than you can reasonably carry long distances.

Carefully planning your bug out bag's layout ensures you can quickly access critical survival gear. This saves precious time in an emergency evacuation. Prioritize space by survival importance and frequently used items.

Conclusion

A well-stocked bug out bag provides mobility, resilience and peace of mind to handle emergencies. Analyze potential disasters you may face and customize your supplies accordingly. Prioritize survival essentials, pack systematically, and regularly verify contents. A properly assembled bug out bag ensures you can evacuate quickly on foot while remaining self-reliant. With your critical gear organized and at the ready, you and your loved ones can stay safe even in dire circumstances. Bug out bags empower you to rapidly leave danger while carrying the essentials to survive several days. They provide comfort knowing you're truly prepared.

What Is a Bug Out Bag?