What Should Be in A Bug Out Bag?
No one likes to think about what they will do in the event of a natural disaster. However, if you live in an area prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, or potential urban chaos, you will need to not only think about it but be prepared for it at all times. Even if your home is not directly impacted by it, you could still end up without power for a while. That is why most people choose to have a bug out bag available. There are a lot of lists available that tell you what you may need to put inside of your bag, but very few actually take into consideration your specific needs. That is where we come in. We are here to help you figure out what should be in a bug out bag.
Jump To > Bug Out Bag Essentials
What Is a Bug Out Bag?
A bug out bag is a bag that you put supplies into. It should include everything that you feel is necessary to ensure your survival during a disastrous situation for at least 72 hours. This includes medications, a first aid kit, protein bars, and most importantly, water. You should have a bag available for each member of your family and the items inside of it should be based on their particular needs. For instance, an infant may need a can of formula in their bag as well as diapers and other necessities. With that, you should also consider the type of disaster that you are preparing for. If you are preparing for a flood where you may not be able to drive home from work, you may want to pack a bag that will enable you to walk home once it is safe to do so.
Prepare Your Bag
The best go bag available is going to include what gets you through troubled times, you should prepare it ahead of time so that you are always ready for whatever life throws your way. You should keep water, food, medications, and other necessities you will need for survival, but you may also want to carry along a change of clothes, shoes, or other comfort items. You may want to carry along tools that you may need such as a knife, a saw, and scissors or needles. However, most tools will make your bug out bag very heavy, so many people prefer to stick with multi-tools instead. The multi-tool is designed to be an all in one toolkit, much the same as the bug out bag essentials supply list is designed to be. When you are preparing for a worst-case scenario, your tools matter. Therefore, we have decided to throw in a few ideas for you to choose from in regards to finding the perfect gear so you can create the best bug out bag backpack for your family. This will ensure that you will have the best bug out bag gear for your situation.
SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack
When preparing for any type of emergency you want something that is reliable in a pinch. This tactical bag by SOG is the perfect bug out bag that you can have on the ready for when a crisis hits. This is a fully modular pack that is water repellent, designed with padded straps and an adjustable sternum slider for comfort on long hauls, tubing port for a hydration bladder pocket, access points to connect a sleeping bag or a bivy sack, and numerous zippered and stretchy pockets to fit your emergency essentials. It is available is a variety of colors and backed by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
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Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter
This fire starting kit contains a ferrocerium rod and a metal striker. It has a lanyard to keep it where you are able to find it along with an emergency whistle so you can call out to others. The tinder has a waterproof storage compartment and it is great to have during any kind of emergency.
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Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool with Nylon Sheath
This is a survivalist’s dream tool. It is designed to provide you with everything you need, including pliers, knives, wire cutters, files, bit drivers and more. There is even a can/bottle opener on this multi-tool. Most of it is created to be easy to open with one hand and all blades lock securely into place. We have a full Leatherman Wave Review on our site.
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Survival Personal Water Filter
After a disaster, the water you come into contact with may not always be suitable for drinking because of bacteria. This water filtration system removes up to 99% of bacteria. The filter can clean approximately 1500 liters of water safe for drinking. It is lightweight, small and very portable making ideal for camping, hiking, and backpacking. This kit also includes a foldable water pouch to collect water, a loner straw to attach to the filter, and a syringe for cleaning.
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Emergency Zone Urban Survival Bug Out Bag
If you do not want to deal with setting up your own bag, you can choose this bag for your family. It is a pre-made survival bag that gives you food and water that is approved for a 5-year shelf life. Inside, it gives you playing cards, gloves, hand warmers, scissors, tape, first aid supplies, ponchos, ropes, a tent, shampoos, and much more.
