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Proper survival gear and training can make all the difference in a disaster. A bug out bag is the ideal preparation for a wide number of emergencies, from natural disasters to blackouts.
We'll cover bug out bag essentials and how to prepare and maintain a bag for any scenario.
What is a Bug Out Bag and Why Do You Need One?
A bug out bag has the essentials you need for 72 hours of survival. While most people have some sort of first kit in their car or home, a bug out bag should hold all essential gear you need for human survival for three days.
Understanding the Purpose of a Bug-Out Bag
Survivalists generally group disaster response into two broad categories: bug out or bug in.
Bug-in: hunkering down in your home with essential supplies to wait out a disaster. Common for short-term emergencies like power outages, severe storms, or disease outbreaks.
Bug-out: evacuating to a safe location. This is the solution when one's home is unsafe due to storm damage, civil unrest, encroaching wildfires, or other severe situations. When bugging out, it's usually assumed that it will be some time before you can return home.
Your bug out bag is, therefore, the basic supplies that you need to take with you when leaving your home for an undefined period. A standard bug out bag includes useful items for self-sufficiency for three days - food, shelter, water, light, and defense.
Bugout can be intensely stressful. That's why preparation of supplies ahead of time is essential, along with practicing emergency mindset calming techniques to make sure you can use your supplies in a rational manner when the disaster hits.
Differences Between Bug Out Bags, Go Bags, and Grab Bags
You'll often hear these three terms used interchangeably, but there are some significant differences between bug out bags, go bags, and grab bags.
Bug-out bag: A full, 72-hour bug out bag emergency kit for self-sufficiency during an evacuation. You need to have a full set of bug out bag essentials for it to be useful.
Go bag: Lighter basic kit for 24-48 hours; most keep one at home, work, and in the car
Grab bag: A quick "grab" for unplanned quick departures from home - like taking someone to the ER - with the assumption that you'll be coming back home within 24 hours.
For example, a grab bag might contain protein bars, a phone charger, OTC painkillers, and a basic toiletry kit. You can grab it quickly and head out the door if you get the call to pick up a friend or take your child to the ER.
A go-bag can help you get home if your car breaks down or if there's an emergency and you can't get home. It has more survival gear than a go bag, and is good for short-term emergencies like severe storm damage or local emergencies.
A bug-out bag is a more complete solution for serious situations, like civic breakdown or massive storm flooding that overwhelming a city or region.
How you configure these or what you call them doesn't really matter. The crucial thing is that you identify what items you want to have already packed for different sorts of emergencies, then make sure your setup does what you need it to.
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Preparing for 72 Hours of Survival in Emergency Situations
So, what do you absolutely need for 72 hours of survival during an evacuation?
When packing your bag, emphasize the crucial human needs and assume it will take at least three days to reach a stable location where there are additional supplies and help:
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Hydration - plan on one gallon of water per person, per day. Water is heavy, so it should be a central consideration of your packing plan.
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Food - Non-perishable food items should provide at least 2,000 calories per day, per person
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Shelter: - This should include safety, warmth, and comfort. Assume that you won't be able to use existing buildings. Evacuees should make sure everything can be packed back in the bag when they leave. This protects private property where you might be forced to camp during an evacuation.
Whether you’re prepping to brave the effects of a nuclear fallout or just need to sustain yourself for a while, it’s imperative that you put all the essentials in your bag. Don't underestimate mental preparedness too. Be sure that you have the knowledge and resilience to use each item in your pack to its greatest advantage, including repurposing items to reduce overall pack weight.
How to Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag Checklist
A comprehensive checklist is great, but the best bug out bag is the one customized to your needs.
We'll outline the important categories for your bag and how to choose the best items for each category.
Essential Categories for Your Bug Out Bag List
It's best to think about what it takes to survive three days. Envision yourself going throughout a day as you evacuate your town. Imagine you must hike. Now, go through each of these categories below and think about what items you need from each category to keep yourself fed, hydrated, and safe during a 72-hour evacuation hike to a neighboring town.
Here are the main categories:
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Shelter & protection
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Clothing & weather gear
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Tools & fire starters
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Power & lighting
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Water & purification
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Food & emergency rations
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First aid & medical
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Hygiene & sanitation
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Navigation & communication
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Personal security & self-defense
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Important documents & cash
Remember, the goal is not to pack as many items as possible for each category. Rather, you want to choose the most effective, and ideally lightweight, items that will serve your purpose from each category.
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Customizing Your Bug Out Bag Based on Geography and Personal Needs
While the main categories are listed above, your geographic location and particular needs will influence what you choose to pack.
For example, almost 40% of the United States population lives in a coastal city. This greatly increases their risk of overwhelming flooding and hurricane damage. On the other hand, if you live in mountainous terrain you will need to deal with terrain challenges during any evacuation. Your supplies should reflect that you might have to deal with rocky, dry landscapes.
If you have mobility restrictions or take medications, you should absolutely figure that into your plan. Many people train themselves to leave their glasses in the exact same spot by the bed every night. That way, if there's a fire, tornado, or other emergency, they won't be hunting around for their glasses in the dark.
Balancing Weight vs. Preparedness in Your Backpack
Bug out bags must be wearable. Don't assume you will have access to a vehicle during a major emergency. The general rule is that your pack should be less than 20% of your total body weight.
The best way to determine how much you can carry in a packed backpack is to test it. Pack everything you think you might want to bring in a sturdy pack, then try to backpack with it for a day hike. This will give you a good benchmark for what feels like too much weight during physical exertion. You'll find that when repacking, you're a lot more ruthless about what "needs" to come along with you.
If you need to cut the weight of the backpack, try to preserve the three necessities - water, food, and shelter - as much as possible. See what items you can make do double-duty or replace with lighter alternatives - like switching out rope for paracord.
Essential Bug Out Bag Items for Shelter and Protection
You may not be able to find indoor shelter when bugging out. Your pack should include the basics for simple outdoor camping.
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Sleeping Bag and Shelter Options (Tarp and Cordage)
Most bug out bag kits make provision for sleeping in cold weather. The vast majority of environments get cold at night, even if they are warm during the day.
Four-season sleeping bags are for extreme cold conditions - picture evacuating during a snowstorm or at very high altitudes.
Three-season sleeping bags are a good compromise between warmth and packability. These are the best choice for most people, as they provide enough insulation for most weather conditions in most geographic regions.
Tarps, Cord, and Guy lines keep you and your gear dry. A sleeping bag alone won't do you much good if the rain is pouring down on your exposed head and you're lying directly on the ground. Know how to quickly rig up a quick water shelter with a tarp, cords, and guy lines (nylon ropes) to stay dry and warm.
There are various options in the market. We personally like Bivvy tents for a quick solution that doesn't take up too much space in a pack.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing and Protection
A bug out bag packing list often includes a change of clothes. After all, you don't want to be stuck in the same set of hiking clothes for three days, especially if you had to bug out when wearing a less-than-sturdy outfit.
Focus on packing weather-versatile clothing. Long pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt keep you warm and protected from UV rays. A plastic poncho is a good addition as it doesn't take up a lot of room and is lightweight. The same applies to a sunhat - lightweight but worth having.
Tools for Survival Situations and Emergency Preparedness
Consider that you might encounter unusual hazards, like smoke, wild animals, human violence, or mudslides. Providing additional physical protection can be a valuable use of space in your bag.
A gas mask can protect you from a wide number of manmade and natural hazards. If you want defense from wildfire smoke, chemical warfare, pollutants, or toxic chemicals, then consider a high-quality charcoal gas mask filter mask that can be easily packed in your bag or worn for added protection.
Similarly, an emergency radio or walkie-talkies can be another good addition if you have room for the extra weight. A radio can keep you apprised of developing emergencies so you can alter your route on the go. Walkie-talkies are a low-tech way to stay in contact with members of your party if cell towers go down or you're in a remote area.
When adding extra personal items like these, always remember to balance the benefit you'll receive from each item with the amount of weight you can safely carry for three days.
Food and Water Essentials for Your Bug Out Bag
Consider the Rule of 3- most humans can go three minutes without air, three hours without shelter (in bad weather), three days without water, and three weeks without food. Of course, debilitating symptoms set in long before these thresholds are met, so it's much better not to get close to them in the first place.
We'll consider how to meet your survival needs for food and water in an evac situation.
Water Purification Methods (Filter, Tablets, and Storage)
Water is very heavy, which is why people try to prioritize ways of purifying found water sources rather than packing one gallon per person, per day.
Portable water filters like LifeStraw are increasingly popular. They're lightweight, have a long shelf life, and allow you to drink right from your water bottle when it's filled with dubious water.
Water tablets dissolve chemicals like iodine and chlorine into water, making it safe to drink. It might not taste the best, but these tablets are easy to pack and they keep you from contracting bacterial infections or parasites in a pinch.
Storage of course a large-capacity food-grade plastic water bottle is non-negotiable. We recommend one that clips to your bag or belt with a lavalier clip to keep your hands free.
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Emergency Food and Ration Planning
Plan at least 2,000 calories per day. Keep in mind that if you are exerting yourself by hiking or navigating demanding conditions like smoke or crowds, you will be using up more energy.
The food here should be packed for efficiency and longevity, not taste.
Food Supplies That Maximize Nutrition and Shelf Life
High-protein foods will give you steadier energy. When trying to keep your bag lightweight, consider including rations that strike a good balance between high-calorie and nutrition and low added weight. So, canned soup or beans are probably not your best bets here, thanks to the weight of the metal cans.
Instead, consider:
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Protein bars
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MREs
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Protein or electrolyte powdered mixes
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Jerky
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Dried fruit
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Trailmix
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Nuts
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Shelf-stable peanut butter packets in plastic
You can also include comfort items like candy if they don't weigh too much and will give you an energy boost.
First Aid Kit and Medical Supplies Checklist
Most people have a first aid kit of some sort. While a bug out bag goes far beyond first aid, you certainly need those supplies as well.
Don't pack the kitchen sink - remember, you're trying to keep weight down - but also prioritize items that are essential and/or versatile.
Essential First Aid Supplies for Your Bug Out Bag
Medical needs vary widely, so take your household's particular situation into account. Here are the essentials you don't want to leave home without:
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OTC painkillers
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RX medication (7-day supply)
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Bandages
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Antibiotic ointment
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Disinfectant wipes
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Compress dressings
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Non-latex gloves
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Tweezers
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Roll of gauze
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Burn ointment
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Instant cold compresses
Purchasing ready-made first aid or packing a compact bag can ensure that these items don't take up much space in your bug out pack.
Hygiene Items and Sanitation Essentials
No one expects you to maintain normal standards of personal grooming while evacuating, but a bit of personal hygiene can keep you healthy. Consider including a few of the basics:
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toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Wet wipes
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Hand sanitizer
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Soap
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Quick-dry towel
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Plastic baggies with ties (for disposing of human waste)
Nature calls, even in the middle of an emergency.
Navigation and Communication Tools for Survival
Evacuation isn't just about getting out -it's also about getting somewhere safe. Navigation and communication with others are crucial considerations for an escape bag.
A map of your region, including major highways, is a crucial element. Don't forget about a compass! If the sky is overcast or covered with foliage or smoke, then the sun won't be as helpful a navigation tool.
Thanks to the invention of super-small GPS devices that run on battery or solar, we think this is a good addition too.
Remember you may need to talk to others too. Low-tech options like signal mirrors and walkie-talkies can help if you're not traveling solo. A hand-crank radio ensures you can get emergency updates without relying on electricity or even batteries.
Essential Documentation and Emergency Information
Once you get where you're going, you need to prove who you are. If emergency shelters are full, you may need to pay to stay in a motel. Your bug-out bag should have copies of your major forms of ID:
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Social security card
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Drivers license
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Passport
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Medical info
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Emergency contacts
It should also have a backup credit or debit card along with cash in small bills. Everything should be in a waterproof pouch.
How to Pack and Maintain Your Bug Out Bag
Whatever you do, DON'T just throw a bunch of clothes, MREs, and tools in your bug out bag and call it a day. You'll never be able to find what you need and might be missing out on important essentials.
A good bag should be organized, maintained, and rotated regularly to ensure optimal performance.
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Organizing Your Bag for Quick Access to Essential Items
You can fit more in a bag that's efficiently packed. You can also find what you need faster.
MOLLEE pouches are a good option for this kind of organization. These military-use pouches come in a huge variety of sizes, close with heavy-duty Velcro, and are a great way to micro-organize inside of your bag.
Some people use a label maker or color-coding to keep each item in their bag ready for quick use. This can be helpful if you have a variety of bags stashed in different locations or for different party members to grab. For example, a fire-starting kit that's stored in one plastic bag and clearly labeled can be easy for anyone to spot and know exactly what to do with, without dumping out the entire bag.
Regular Maintenance and Rotation of Bug Out Bag Supplies
Just like a first-aid kit or emergency food supply, a Bug Out Bag isn't something you can just assemble one time and then have ready to use for decades. Items expire or spoil, and regular maintenance and rotation ensures that you'll always know your bag is ready to go.
At minimum, you should perform gear audits twice per year.
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check batteries
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Replace worn or damaged gear
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check flashlights/lanterns
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Ensure chargers/battery packs are still compatible with your current phone
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check for expired provisions and hygiene supplies
It makes sense to do these checks in Spring and Fall, because you can swap out warm and cold weather gear as needed.
Testing Your Bug Out Bag in Practice Scenarios
Now it's time to test your pack. While you can do a simple dry-run hike, it's even better if you can simulate a real emergency.
Consider setting timers to see how quickly you can grab your pack, access the most important supplies inside, and make it out to a predetermined location. This is a great way to practice fire and tornado drills.
For three-day evacuations, try your best to simulate a long evacuation, even if you can only spare one day and one night to practice. See how well your basic tools and food rations meet your needs. Afterward, perform an audit of your gear. What did you wish you had? What was packed, but ultimately unnecessary? A real-world test is the best way to answer these questions.
The Best Bag is the One you Have
Remember, it's not about being able to construct the most pristine campsite or having every state-of-the-art gadget in your emergency backpack. You're looking for the essential items that help you follow a bug out plan and get you from Dangerous Location A to Safe Location B with minimal injury or discomfort.
By assembling a bug out pack with 72 hours worth of essential survival supplies, you're already far ahead of the curve in ensuring your physical safety.
