List of Essential Bug Out Bag Items for Your Survival
Having a bug out bag prepared can allow you to get up and out if faced with an emergency situation. If not a bag, you should always have a list prepared for what you absolutely need to pack in your bug out bag. For those who are not into survivalism, and are not aware of the term, a bug out bag is something that can help you survive an emergency situation for 72 hours.
What Is A Bug Out Bag?
If you’re new to the survivalist mindset, the term “bug out bag” might seem strange to you. The term refers to a bag that can be used to survive for 72-hours. Bug out bags is useful in the event of natural disasters or any situation where you need to evacuate your home suddenly.
Many of the contents of the bug out bag will depend on your specific circumstances– if you’re prepping for a natural disaster or other situation. Some materials, however, are universal. Read on for a few recommendations on must-have items for any bug out bag.
Why Packing Your Bug Out Bag Is Not enough!
If you have a bug out bag, is it packed and ready to go? When did you last inventory your survival bag to ensure you are prepared for bugging out? I’m writing this blog post today to address a growing trend I see within the prepper and survival community that is very problematic. Here is a mistake I see happening all the time.
A lot of effort is put forth deciding what to put in the bug out bag. The packing list is finalized. Essential items are packed in the bag, then the bug out bag is stored away in the corner of a storage room without a second thought.
I can think of numerous reasons why sitting and forgetting about a bag for extended periods (months, years) is not a good idea. In fact, by doing so, a person puts themself at risk.
Can You Survive With Your Bug Out Bag?
Case in point, imagine if you will, you find yourself in the following survival scenario.
When you initially packed your survival bag, your only concern was a power outage due to floods. You last checked and inventoried your bug out bag in the last quarter of 2017. Now fast forward to 2020 when disaster strikes.
The power grid is down, with no electricity, no cell phones, etc. There is civil unrest, large crowds have taken to the streets, citizens are ransacking at will with no police presence insight.
It’s bugging out time, you grab your bug out bag and hit the road. You find a safe place to hold up for a while until the situation normalizes. You go through your bug out bag only to out you have some expired items. You find expired…
- Foods
- Medications
- First Aid Supplies
After a more detailed check, you realize you did not replace the ammunition you took out a few months ago.
Over the next 72 hours, you force yourself to eat the expired food but do not fare so well with the expired medicines. You let the medications in your first aid kit expire and take the expired drugs anyway. However, they are less than useful, which puts you at risk for a heart attack if things get too stressful.
Thankfully you didn’t have to use your handgun for personal defense since you only had five rounds in your revolver. All said, society has returned to normal, and you made it through without significant damage. This time you were lucky, but how will you respond to future events? Indeed, you’ve learned your lesson, and going forward will check your bug out bag often.
Bug Out Bag Checklist
Prepare a bugging out bag so that you are always ready to respond to an emergency situation. Below you will find an essential checklist and some advice to prepare you for bugging out.
Water
Clean water is the single most essential thing to keep in your bug out bag for emergency survival. For 72 hours, it is recommended to carry four gallons of water. This water can be used for cleaning and cooking purposes – as well as to drink.
Food
You need to eat if you mean to maintain your energy levels. Pack light but pack smart. Keep a bunch of granola bars and healthy snacks in your bag. Keep a stock of dehydrated, pre-packaged meals that can last you at least 3 days. All you have to do is add water, and your meal will be prepared within minutes. Keep the meals in airtight Ziploc bags and make compartments, so your survival food lasts longer.
Fire Starter
Fires will keep you warm in harsh weather, provide the necessary light in dark surroundings, and keep wild animals and unwanted company away in the wild. You will still have to gather wood the old fashioned way. But starting a fire can become considerably more accessible and more convenient if you have a fire starter packed in your bug out bag.
First Aid
Pack a basic first-aid kit with gauze, anti-septic ointments, band-aids, and tape. Also, pack any medicines that members in your bug out party require. If unprepared with a first aid kit, 72 hours can seem like a long time in the unfortunate event that someone gets hurt.
Water filter
Carrying around four gallons of water can be difficult. That’s why it is vital to keep a water treatment option such as bottle filters and purification chemicals on hand. With bottle filters, you can treat water on the go wherever you find it. This way, you won’t have to carry large amounts of water, and you can treat it at your own convenience.
Knife
A survival knife can serve a dual purpose. I can help you protect yourself from potential dangers. Your survival knife can also serve you when it comes to other activities like cutting up tree branches or hunting and preparing food. A durable, carbon, or stainless steel, full tang knife is a priceless accessory to have in your bug out bag.
Compass
A compass is required if you plan to be on the move in an unfamiliar location. In some situations or places, it can be challenging to keep track of where you are going. This is especially true if you’ve always been dependent on GPS to guide you. To ensure that you’re moving in the right direction, keep a small compass handy, along with a detailed map.
Tarp
Tarps come in handy when you need shelter. Out there, if the weather gets harsh or you get caught in a storm or rain, you need something to protect yourself from the environment. Tents are a good option, but if you’re looking to cut down on weight and baggage, opt for a tarp.
How Often Should You Check and Update Your Bug Out Bag?
You should review your bug out bag at least once per quarter and more frequently if the situation dictates. You must be proactive because it’s not likely that you will be forewarned before disaster strikes. The smart survivalist’s bug out bag is always packed and ready to go. He or she is prepared to jump into action at short notice, prepared for the possibility of a natural disaster or an end of the world event. What would happen if you went to sleep tonight and awoke to a downed power grid, civil unrest, or some other life-changing scenario? Are you prepared and ready?
Final Words
When it comes to preparedness, it never hurts to be ready for an emergency situation, right? Disaster doesn’t announce itself before arriving, so it is best to keep a well-prepared bug out bag for any extreme conditions.
