What is a "Bug-Out Bag"?

The bug-out bag is similar to a wilderness survival pack. It should contain the most important items you and your family will need during an emergency. These items should be contained in something portable and be stored in a place where it can be easily accessed. All items in your bag should already be packed ahead of time so you can grab it at a moment's notice in case you need to leave your home immediately. Having several bug-out bags  made for your home, car and work are always a good idea. Your bags should be updated throughout the year to make sure everything in there stays current and appropriate to the season. 





Your Bug-Out Bag Should Be...​
 

- Relevant to your environment​

Your bag should be equipped with hot-weather items for survival and vice versa for cold weather conditions. 



-Lightweight and portable​

If your bag is not lightweight and portable it will be difficult to carry around and prevent you from moving quickly. Sometimes government agencies will limit the amount of gear you are allowed to take. Try to keep your hands free from carrying gear and limit your items to what can be carried on your body with the assistance of backpacks, fanny packs and straps. Make sure your things are packed tight and you can keep your balance. 



-Waterproof​

Whether it is a wet or dry disaster, you can't afford to get certain items get wet such as extra clothes, medication or matches. Critical items should be put in zipper-lock freezer bags and your pack should be double-lined with two garbage bags before packing items inside. Depending on the weight of your items, the double-lined garbage bags will trap air and possibly keep your bag afloat or allow you to use it as a float if needed. 

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-Durable and dependable​

Do some research and spend that extra dollar if needed. Your bag may be your last defense against death so don't pack cheap gear. 

 

-Appropriate to your physical fitness level ​

We are not all super soldiers, so make sure you evaluate your limitations in physical fitness and pack a bag that you will be able to carry for an extended period of time. 

 

-Able to meet a wide variety of conditions​

Before, during and after a disaster, living conditions can change drastically. Your gear should be adaptable to a wide range of possible conditions and stick to the basic concepts needed to support life.

 

-Consist of multiple-use tools​

Multi-use items allow you to do more with less. Your tools should be able to perform at least 2 to 4 different functions. For example, a tarp can shed rain, show and wind, block excess sun, catch rain for drinking, be used as a privacy barrier or a ground cloth. 



-Consist of calorie-conserving components​

Keep your gear simple and practice using it BEFORE disaster strikes. Become familiar with everything so that if the time comes, you can conserve your energy instead of spending it on figuring out how to use your tools. 



-Panic Proof - containing items that can be utilized if you are injured​

The possibility of you or a loved one sustaining an injury during an emergency is high. Don't assume that you will have use of both hands and feet during a crisis.

 

-Consist of things that can be easily purchased or made​

You do not have to search the ends of the earth to purchase quality gear. You should be able to find most of what you need in your city and basic emergency supplies should be obtainable in local hardware stores or rigged from items you may already have. 

 

​-Obtainable , yet invisible​

Not everyone will be acting on their best behavior during an emergency. Your bug-out bag should be available for YOU to grab at a moment's notice, not for someone else to grab. Be discreet about the look and placement of your bag, especially if you have one in the office or in the car. Be mindful about talking about your bag to others as well, you never know what they may do if disaster strikes. 



-Affordable, yet effective​

There is no need to spend a fortune on supplies. Determine what your intentions are and what is required. Stick to the basics and avoid packing more than what you need. 

 

-Field-tested​

Having gear in your bug-out bag doesn't mean squat unless you know how to use it. Determine what you are going to pack and change things around throughout the seasons. Go outside and practice practice PRACTICE setting up your supplies. Become familiar with everything and know how to use it. Remember, things will not be calm and the weather conditions will not be ideal, so make sure you are ready to take action when under stress. 



-SIMPLE!

According to Murphy's Law, if the contents of your pack are not simple to obtain or make, pack and carry, use under stress, and repair or replace, you may pay for your self-imposed complexities with your life. 





There is NO One-Size-Fits-All Bug-Out Bag!

If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, you should research earthquakes and modify your bag. If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, you should research tornadoes and modify your bag. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you should research hurricanes and modify you bag. Get the idea?

 

 

 

Bug-Out Bag Ideas

Now that we've established that there is no universal bug-out bag, here are ideas of what you can do with your kit. Please modify yours to meet your specific needs. 

 

Packing

Think ahead and be smart about how you pack your gear. Put high-use items near the top or in an accessible place. Mark gear with brightly colored tape and use individual stuff sacks to hep separate and compartmentalize gear to make it easier to locate. 

 

Large-Capacity Backpack of Duffel Bag

Your bag should be appropriate to your physical limits and should be easily carried. The size of your bag depends on what you choose to carry. If you have several people in your tribe, items can be divided between everyone, but each individual should carry items critical to their survival such as adequate clothing and water. 



 

Tarp or Tent

Pick a size that is portable and can withstand the environment. Backpacking tents are durable, compact and lightweight. 



 

 

Clothing Appropriate for the Season and Weather

Clothing is extremely important and should keep you warm, cool, protected from the sun and bugs, quick drying, durable and nonrestrictive. They even sell clothes with built in UV protection. It is your first line of defense against hypo and hyperthermia. Although clothing may take up more space, you can't afford to lack this item, especially during cold weather. 

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Comfortable Walking Footwear

This is one of the most important items on the list. If your feet are trashed, your and your portable bag will be going nowhere. Make sure you have comfortable footwear with ankle support. An extra pair of durable sandals is also recommended. Sandals will allow you to dry and air out your feet and socks; moisture is one of the main causes of blisters. 



 

Wool of Synthetic Blankets or Sleeping Bag and Pad

Have a bag with insulation that is fit for sleeping outside during extreme temperatures. Sleep is paramount to your attitude and overall survival. Backpacking sleeping bags and foam sleeping pads are super-lightweight, portable, and latch directly onto most backpacks. 



 

Space Blankets

Multiple-use space blankets  in different sizes come in handy during hot and cold weather. Shelters can also be made from space blankets. 

 

 

 

Water Disinfection Method(s)

WATER IS YOUR LIFE'S BLOOD. After a disaster, most water sources will need to be disinfected before safely drinking. *See the "Water" section of the Resources page to find out more on water disinfection methods.

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Water Bottles With Lanyard and Duct Tape

Durable storage containers such as Nalgene bottles will be needed to disinfect and transport water. These bottles can also double as a tape holder. Duct tape wrapped around the bottles can be peeled off and used for a variety of tasks. 



 

Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies

Becoming sick due to improper sanitation can be fatal. Things such as tampons or sanitary napkins can also be used on wounds or fire tinder. Toothbrushes and dental floss take up very little space and floss can also be used to tie items. A towel 

 

 

 

Garbage Bags/Barrel Liners​

Lightweight, cheap, compact nonpermeable barrierers can be used for dozens of survival needs. For example, a barrel liner can be put over yourself or your pack to guard you from nasty downpour. 





Nonperishable, No-cook, High-energy Food​

This includes long-lasting freeze-dried or dehydrated backpacking foods. They should be lightweight and compact. In a pinch, water can be added directly to heated or non-heated foil packets and you can consume the contents with a stick or by squeezing the pouch. Try to avoid canned goods as they are bulky and heavy.



 

Heavy-Duty Zipper-lock Freezer Bags​

Very useful to have. They are tough, collapsible, food-grade plastic, waterproof and can be used for multiple things such as keeping important items dry or storing water or food. Packing multiple sizes will be beneficial to you. 



 

Methods to Light Fire​

This includes fire starters, a lighter, a flint and magnesium strip, or other gross-motor methods used to light a fire. Fire is an important lifeline during a survival situation, not only does it help to raise morale, but it can be used to cook food, disinfect water, make tools, regulate core body temperature, signal for rescue, keep bugs away, consume trash, act as a light source, sterilize first-aid supplies and more. You can easily make your own match holders with pill bottles and a striker taped to the side. Brillo pads and cotton balls covered in petroleum jelly make excellent fire starters. 



 

Knife​

The type of knife you choose to pack is up to you. Your knife should be sharp and good quality. Fixed blade knives or hunting knives made from one solid piece of metal rather than a folding knife are durable and can be used for multiple things. Make sure you practice using your knives beforehand to achieve the greatest number of uses with the safest results under stress. 



 

 

Flashlight with Extra Batteries

A child-friendly light source makes life easier. Multi-use flashlights such as the pictured flashlight/glowstick are also useful. 
 





 

Rope or String​

Useful for many tasks and to tie your gear or found items to your backpack to keep your hands free. Dental floss is incredibly tough and compact. Paracord bracelets are also a compact source for rope. 



 

 

 

First-Aid Kit​

A basic first-aid kit should be included in everyone's bag. Don't pack medical gear that you don't know how to use. 

 

 

 

 

 

Cook Pot with Lid (lid not shown)

Your pot can be a size of  your choosing and can be used for thing  such as storing survival gear, cooking food, disinfecting water, or digging a sanitation trench. 





 

Portable Radio​

Small radios are handy for keeping up with the disaster and following emergency response. 





 

Lightweight Leather Gloves ​

Survival tasks can be rough on your hands and getting blisters can seriously affect your ability to accomplish even the most basic tasks. Open blisters are also an invitation for infections due to decreased sanitation. 



 

Game(s)​

One of your biggest enemies can be boredom. A small game or a deck of cards will help occupy your attention and can do wonders for morale. 





 

Pet Supplies​

Don't forget a leash, pet food, and whatever else you will need if you have to bug-out with your pet. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mirror​

A small mirror is handy should you get a foreign objects from the eye and it allows you to check up on your sense of self. It can also be used as signal for rescue. Any mirror can be used for that purpose, but the sightable military models are the best for hitting targets under stress. 



 

Whistle​

A pea-less whistle can be used to signal or warn others, or to attract attention to rescuers. Shouting is taxing to your vocal cords and uses up water and calories. 

 

 

 

Bandana​

A cotton or sunthetic bandana has hundreds of uses such as a potholder, a headband, a scarf, a hat, a filter worn over the mouth, a wash cloth, a signal flag, a bandage, a sling, a container, cordage, pack-strap padding, a sediment filter for straining water, and many other things. 



 

 

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent​

Sunburns and insect bites can make or break you. Remember to pack proper clothing to help combat both of these things. 





 

Medications and/or Extra Glasses​

Nothing else matters if you're dead before nightfall because you forgot vital medication or you couldn't see the approaching gang of thugs. 







Money in Small Bills​

Sad to say, but don't underestimate the power of greed over altruism. As long as the system still supports the use of paper money, paper money will be useful to you. 



 

Identification and Pertinent Important Papers​

It may be that you will require a passport to get back into the country while visiting other U.S. controlled lands, or while crossing boarders. Don't give the authorities an excuse to hold you up because they are questioning your identity. Take the identification necessary to allow you to flow through roadblocks and other emergency response obstacles. 



 

Cell Phone​

Don't depend on this. There is a good chance your phone will not work after a disaster, but they are too compact, lightweight and valuable to emergency communication to leave behind. Be smart with cell phone use and conserve the battery. 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch or Clock

Knowing the time is important when coordinating with others or cooperating with emergency response personnel. 



 



Crowbar

Your crowbar does not have to be the giant heavy item you're thinking of. They sell small collapsible crowbars that can be highly valuable to prying open jammed doors and can be used as leverage to lift heavier items. 













*Credit for this list goes to one of our favorite survivalists, Cody Lundin.