Bug Out Bags

Off-the-shelf emergency kit.

What is a Bug-Out Bag?  

Generally speaking, it's an easy-access, portable kit that contains the items someone would need to survive for 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster or, you know... a zombie apocalypse.  But in all seriousness, the focus of a bug-out bag is evacuation rather than long-term survival, which distinguishes it from a survival kit or a fixed-site disaster supplies kit.  The goal is to get your bag and get out to your "bug-out location" -- a place where you can hunker down in a relatively permanent manner.

So what do you keep in your bug-out bag?  Well, there is no shortage of checklists on the Internet, but we will try to keep an updated list with links, pictures, video clips, and more.  We will continue to update this list indefinitely, so check back and feel free to make suggestions for improving the list.

You can buy off-the-shelf "emergency preparedness kits" which typically include bandages, tape, a flashlight, an emergency blanket, etc. (see image) but you can get a much better kit by building one to fit individual needs.  

Realistically each person in a household should have their own bug-out bag with their personal necessities and emergency gear. This will be important for both duplication of resources -- if one persons bug-out bag is damaged, destroyed or lost there will be backup resources -- but it also allows those with specific needs (i.e. medication or specialized supplies) their own supply bag.  You can also divide up some of the larger items and balance out the weight for those who aren't as strong.

Wikipedia lists other names for this bag as BOB, 72-hour kit, grab bag, battle box, Personal Emergency Relocation Kit (PERK), GOOD (Get Out of Dodge) bag, and an INCHbag (I'm Never coming Home). But again, the purpose of an "Evac Pack" is to keep you safe and relatively comfortable until you can return to your home or get to a safe location.

"Enough already!  What do I put in my bag?!"  Not so fast.  First we need to decide what bag to use.  According to BugOut Bag Academy, "The best bug out bag there is, is one that is accessible and lightweight and tailored to suit your individual needs."

Ideally you want a bag that:

• Is personalized for you (it has the stuff YOU need in an emergency situation).
• Has a lot of space -- the old adage, "you can never have enough space" is true.
• Does not draw attention to you (i.e. bright colors or obvious "hey I have a bunch of survival supplies and food" packs).
• Is easy to put on and take off and doesn't hinder your movement too much.

Some things that you might consider having in addition to your bugout bag:

• A vest such as a hunting vest, a fishing vest, or a tactical vest.  Something that allows mobility but also allows you to store important items close to you in case something/someone separates you from your BOB.  
• A hat with a flexible brim (for sun or rain).
• A walking/hiking stick.
• A survival knife.
• Depending on the emergency, a firearm may be necessary.

"Okay, okay... so what goes into the bag?!"  We're listing many, many items from various lists and from our personal experience.  Obviously you won't be able to carry every item on this list in one Evac Pack, but the suggestions may give you ideas for dividing up important items or making alternative choices.  You may also want to consider an additional gym bag to carry additional items.  Keep in mind, however, that if you look COMPLETELY prepared, you may be more of a target to looters or marauders.

It should also be noted that it might be a good idea to keep your packs in a metal storage box or a wire cage which would act as a shield [Faraday Cage] for any EMP damage to your electronics.  

❏ Medicines

• A weeks supply of daily medicines.  (Note: If medicine is life-sustaining, try to stockpile a months worth and keep in a safe, dry container.)

❏ Water

• Drinking Water (3 liters)
• Metal Water Bottle / Canteen
• 2 Liter Bladder Bag
• LifeStraw Water Filter
• Water Filter / Purification System
• Water Purification Tablets (Qty 3)

❏ Food & Food Preparation

• Protein & Energy Bars (Qty 6)
• MRE's or Dehydrated Meals (Qty 3)
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Can Opener
• Metal Cooking Pot
• Portable Stove
• Stove Fuel (Qty 8 Tablets)
• Pot Scrubber

❏ Clothing

• Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt
• Pants
• Underwear (Qty 2)
• Wool Hiking Socks (Qty 3 Pair)
• Wool Cap
• Sweater
• Jacket
• Working Gloves
• Rain Poncho
• Shemagh Scarf
• Hiking Boots

❏ Shelter & Bedding

• Tarp
• Tent (2 person)
• Sleeping Bag (20 Degree Synthetic)
• Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad
• Ground Pad
• Wool Blanket

❏ Fire & Fire Starters

• Tinder (Qty 3)
• Waterproof Storage
• Big Lighters (Qty 2)
• Waterproof Matches (Qty 40)

❏ First Aid

• First Aid Kit
• Band-Aids (Assorted)
• Gauze Pads (Assorted)
• Gauze Tape
• Lip Balm (Qty 2)
• Sunscreen
• Constipation Tablets
• Laxative Tablets
• Pink Bismuth Tablets
• Cold/Sinus Tablets
• Antacids
• Hydrocortisone Ointment
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Burn Relief Cream
• Cough Drops
• Tylenol
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Alcohol Prep Pads
• Eye Drops
• Eye Wash
• Ice Pack
• Hot Pack
• Arm Splint
• Nitrile Gloves (Qty 6)
• Safety Pins (Qty 6)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Combat Application Tourniquet
• 4" Israeli Battle Dressing Bandage
• QuickClot Combat Gauze
• Insect Repellent
• Mylar Survival Blanket

❏ Hygeine

• Wet Napkins
• Hand Sanitizer
• All-Purpose Camp Soap
• Hygiene / Signal Mirror
• Small Pack Towel
• Travel Toilet Paper (Qty 2)
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste

❏ Tools

• Multi-Tool / Swiss Army Knife
• Survival Shovel/Pick

❏ Lighting

• LED Headlamp (i.e. Petzl)
• Mini LED Keychain Light
• Mini LED Light
• 9-Hour Emergency Candles (Qty 3)
• Chem Lights (Qty 10)
• Rechargeable Crank Flashlight

❏ Communications

• Cell Phone
• Crank Power Charger
• Emergency Radio With Hand Crank

❏ Survival Document Portfolio
    (Stored in waterproof envelope)

• Local Area Map
• State Map
• Escape Routes to BOL (With Alternates)
• Small Note Pad & Pencil
• Recent Photos of Family Members
• Emergency Contact List (Address Book)
• Identification & Paperwork:
  (Backuped up on a USB as well)
• Driver's Licenses
• Passports
• Concealed Carry Permits
• Social Security Cards
• Birth Certificates
• House Deed
• Car Titles
• Banking / Savings Account Info
• Credit Card Info
• Medical Insurance
• Eye / Vision Prescriptions
• DD 214 (If Applicable)

❏ Protection & Self Defense

• Pepper Spray
• Handgun
• Ammunition (Qty 20-25 rounds)
• Wrist Slingshot

❏ Miscellaneous

• Prescription Glasses
• Compact GPS
• Emergency Whistle
• Compass
• $500-$1000 in Small Bills
• Quarters (Qty 8-12)
• Parachute Cord (50')
• Cotton Bandana
• Duct Tape
• 55 Gal Contractor Garbage Bags (2)
• Resealable Bags (Qty 5, Various Sizes)
• Sunglasses
• Sewing Kit
• Latex Tubing
• Fishing Kit
• Binoculars
• Military Surplus Survival Wire
• Axe / Hatchet