What You Need To Have In Your Bug-Out Bag

March 6, 2019

An unforeseen major catastrophe could be right around the corner.

In the event of a worst-case scenario, it’s vital to be able to be on the move quickly and efficiently.

Here are the essential items needed for an emergency bug-out bag.

A proper bug-out bag should tide you over in the instance of a 72-hour emergency.

Evacuations during tornadoes and forest fires—two natural disasters that don’t offer much, if any, advanced warning—are examples of when it may be necessary to flee in a hurry.

As for the bag itself, it should be durable, water-resistant, airtight, should contain multiple compartments for storage, and it should have padded shoulder straps for easy transport.

In terms of bug-out bag contents, the first thing to remember is the survival rule of three.

A person can survive three minutes without air, three hours without shelter in harsh conditions, three days without water, and three weeks without food.

The proper bug-out bag should tend to this need first.

First, an air filtration mask might be vital in a situation with unsafe air quality.

The mask might allow you to reach an area with breathable oxygen.

Next, shelter is an immediate necessity in an emergency situation.

Your bug-out bag should contain a waterproof tent that can also retain heat in frigid conditions.

The bug-out bag should also contain a space blanket.

Its metal-coated sheet is designed to trap and keep you warmer in harsh elements.

A lightweight sleeping bag is also an important item to pack for the purposes of providing shelter.

Next, your bug-out bag should have a water filtration system to purify water, and a sturdy water bottle to protect against pollutants.

As for food, you should pack calorie-dense rations such as energy bars, peanut butter, and canned meat to tide you over during an emergency.

After those bare essentials, proper clothing is a must.

Cold-weather clothes, a water-resistant jacket, hand warmers, and caps or beanies will help maintain body temperature in a harsh environment.

Hands, feet, and chest are the key areas to keep warm in cold climates.

Make sure to have matches to start fires for warmth and lighting.

A flashlight with reserve batteries and glow sticks are key.

Glow sticks are particularly useful because they’re good for signaling from long distances and staving off animals.

Be sure to pack a full first-aid, duct tape for general use, a map, a compass, and a GPS tracker.

In terms of self-defense, make sure to have a reliable knife, pepper spray, a handgun, and ammunition.

These are the absolute essentials, but you can supplement your bug-out bag with other handy items, such as a small fishing kit, a passport, licenses and registration forms, and prescription drugs if you have a specific medical condition.

It’s also a good idea to have emergency cash on hand.

The bug-out bag can also be adapted for particular climates, such as forests, deserts, plains, and urban sprawls.

Whatever your specific needs may be, start planning now, so you won’t be scrambling if an emergency comes.