A Beginner’s Guide to Bug-Out Bag Essentials
Not so long ago, you may have dismissed serious prepping for natural disasters as an activity for the paranoid. But if this year has been good for anything, it’s been for making all of us take emergency preparedness seriously. Now, the phrase “anything could happen” seems less like a warning and more like a casual intro to the daily news report.
To prepare for a variety of possible emergencies, you’ll need a survival plan that accounts for situations where your family may need to evacuate your home. By putting together a “go bag” or “bug-out bag,” you’ll have all the necessary supplies and tools needed to get by outside of your house for at least 72 hours if disaster strikes.
Don’t put off making a plan or convince yourself that simply by planning you are courting disaster. On the contrary, beginning to gather the basics of a portable go bag will set your mind at ease. While you’re sure to have some of the items you need on hand already, we suggest investing in quality products where you can, so that they will not fail you when you need them. You’ll notice that while a lot of the elements below have multiple uses, some also have overlapping functions: Accounting for a Plan B or C is a good idea when you need to start a fire, charge a lantern or erect a shelter from rain.
What items should be in a bug-out bag?
Whether you're looking to put together a more minimalist go bag or the ultimate bug-out bag, here is our list of the essentials you'll need to think about gathering, no matter the season or the emergency:
Food and Water
3 days’ supply of non-perishable food (healthy canned goods in non-BPA lined cans, other shelf-stable foods, high-nutrition energy bars, even MREs, the boxed ready-to-eat meals that soldiers carry) per family member
Portable water filtration system
Chemical water purification tablets or drops
Collapsible water bag or bladder
Stainless steel water bottles for each family member
Stainless steel bowl/pot
Spork multi-utensil
Field knife
Collapsible fishing kit
Portable stove
Fuel for stove/fire (solid fuel, fire starters, ferro rod, waterproof matches or petroleum soaked cotton ball DIY fire-starters)
Multipurpose tool with knife, can opener, screwdriver, etc.
Waterproof Ziploc bags
Warmth and Shelter
Lightweight tent
Sleeping bag
Ground pad
Emergency waterproof blanket or space blanket
Tarp
Hand warmers
Gloves
50' of parachute cord (paracord)
Hatchet or machete
Knife sharpening stone
Clothes
Rain poncho or other durable waterproof outer shell layer
Warm and lightweight winter jacket
Warmth layer (wool, fleece)
2 sets of quick-dry underwear per person
2 pairs of wool hiking socks per person
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Hat for warmth (winter) or sun protection (summer)
First Aid and Sanitation
Comprehensive first aid kit
Prescriptions
Antibacterial wipes and ointment
Splint
Folding shovel
Condensed soap
Toothbrush
Travel towel
Nail clippers
Tampons, pads or silicone menstrual cup
Toilet paper/wet wipes
Contractor garbage bags
Light, Safety and Communication
Whistle
Two-way walkie talkie
Compass
Watch
Pepper spray
Hand-cranked radio
Hand-cranked flashlight
Hand-cranked or solar-powered lantern
Headlamp and rechargeable batteries
Glow sticks
Portable solar charger and power-charging cords for devices
Cell phones
Important Documents in a Waterproof Bag
Passports
Deeds/titles to home and car
Bank info
Insurance policies
Health records
Pencil and notebook
Family photos
Paper road maps and topographic maps
Printed list of friend and family names and addresses
Cash (small bills)
Useful Items for Improvising Solutions
Safety pins
Duct tape
Zip ties
Superglue
Dental floss
Sewing kit
Petroleum jelly
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