A well-rounded bugout bag is essential for surviving during emergency situations. This kit includes first aid supplies and survival nutrition bars to keep you and your family hydrated and fed.
A multipurpose tool like this Leatherman Rebar is a versatile addition to your go bag. It comes with pliers, knife blades, saws, screwdrivers, and more—and takes up minimal space in your backpack.
1. Water
When constructing your bugout bag, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your specific environment and situation will dictate what you need to bring with you.
Food is critical for survival. Aim to pack enough food for three days, preferably non-perishable items. This includes ready-to-eat meals, dehydrated foods, jerky and energy bars.
Light-weight emergency thermal blankets and rain ponchos can provide shelter from the elements and help regulate body temperature. Pepper spray or a taser can be used as a less-lethal weapon to de-escalate a potential conflict with hostile people.
2. Shelter
A bug out bag is a survival backpack designed to hold all the gear you might need in an emergency evacuation situation. Traditionally they are referred to as 72-hour bags, although they can be much smaller.
Your shelter needs will vary depending on your location and the environment in which you are likely to find yourself. A tarp can help protect you from the elements, as will a blanket or poncho. If you have the space, include a sleeping bag as well. A focusing mirror is another great addition that takes up little space and can be used to signal for help.
3. First-Aid
It is important to what should be in your bugout bag. This can be everything from bandages and medical tape to a first aid kit with tweezers and scissors.
A whistle and a signal mirror are also helpful items for bugout bags. These are easy to use and can help you stay oriented or signal for help.
Having pepper spray and/or a taser may be useful in certain situations as well. Be sure to practice using them before an actual emergency occurs. These items can de-escalate conflict and prevent deadly confrontations.
4. Knives
Prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions can be dangerous, especially if it causes hypothermia. So, it’s important to include warm clothing and accessories like a wool winter cap, balaclava or sunglasses in your bug out bag.
Knives are also essential for preparing food and building shelter. They’re also handy for cutting rope and other items. Ensure that the knife you choose is small, light and reliable. It’s worth considering a pocket-sized knife that’s versatile, such as a Benchmade Mini Bugout. A multi tool with knives is another good choice.
5. Compass
A compass is important for providing navigational guidance after a disaster. It can help you find your way out of a dangerous situation or to an evacuation shelter.
Be careful not to over-pack a survival kit. Some people end up with a bag too heavy because they overestimate their physical fitness or can’t resist packing the kitchen sink. Keeping your gear organized can also make it easier to get to what you need. The RUSH24 2.0 backpack 37L offers generous MOLLE attachment points to accommodate extra pouches.
6. Radio
In an emergency situation, communication can be difficult. Including a hand-crank or battery-powered radio in your bug out bag can help you stay informed about evacuation alerts and news updates. Also consider adding walkie talkies to your kit so you can keep in contact with other members of your survival group.
Water filtration is important to include in your bug out bag. A Sawyer filter is a good choice, as it’s portable and lightweight. You can also add a tarp to your bag, which can be used for shelter or as a waterproof bag for essential documents like passports, insurance cards, house deeds, and irreplaceable family photos.
7. Shelter Materials
The second most important group of items to include in your bug out bag is shelter materials. These include personal clothing, a sleeping bag and even a tent.
A bug out bag is a must for emergencies that require evacuation. However, it is also an excellent tool to help prepare for disasters that can affect your home. This includes natural disaster displacement events such as wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes. Some other items to consider are a compass, a signal mirror and a fire starting kit. All of these are more specific and take up more space, but could be invaluable in an emergency situation.
8. Flashlight
A flashlight is a must-have for bugging out. They come in all shapes and sizes, but make sure you pick a good quality model that will last.
Glow sticks are another great option as they are low-intensity and are useful for signaling without giving away your location to others.
Some people may prefer to include a gas mask or rebreather in their bugout bags, but this is largely dependent on the environmental conditions they are expecting to encounter. It is important to have multiple methods of starting a fire, and so it is worth including a ferro rod.
9. Multipurpose Tool
A bug-out bag is a survival kit that contains essential supplies that help you evacuate your home during a natural disaster or other emergency. It should contain everything you need to survive for 72 hours or more outside your home.
Remember to stay organized when packing your bag. This will make it easier for you to find items in a hurry and will also help create better load distribution while carrying. You may also want to consider getting a RUSH backpack to protect your gear from moisture and dirt.
10. Pepper Spray
Having self-defense tools like pepper spray or Mace can help protect you and your family during an emergency. However, it is important to know the pros and cons of these types of protection items before using them.
These non-lethal weapons are compact and easy to carry around. Many products have a keychain attachment, so you can hook them onto your purse or bag without others knowing. They can also be a good deterrent against attackers. Plus, they’re very affordable. You can afford to stock up on a few of these in case of an emergency.
