I’m going to keep this short and sweet.
Everyone knows what this is and why we’re all here. To make the best Bug out Bag possible, giving ourselves the best chance of survival in an emergency situation.
Below is my personal bug out bag checklist…
Water
Metal Canteen (non-coated)
3 Liters of Water (1 per day – per person)
Water Purification Tablets
Portable Water Filter
Collapsible Water Bottle
Backpacking/Folding Bucket
Metal Canteen
3L of Water
Water Purification Tablets
Water Filter
Collapsible Water Bottle
Folding Bucket
Quite possibly the most important section on this list! The 3 Liters of Water you carry in your bug out bag should be considered the bare minimum.
I also highly recommend planning out a few possible “escape routes” using a local area map. When doing so, you’ll want to make sure that your path will intersect with some renewable water supplies (lakes, streams, rivers, etc). Your 3 day supply of water won’t last forever and it’s imperative that you find additional resources out in the wild. You should also consider learning a few alternative methods for finding water without the luxury of being near a lake or river.
For example: Learning how to create a solar still, knowing which cacti have drinkable water, etc.
Food & Preperation:
TrailMix
Dehydrated Meals
Energy Bars
Small Cooking Pot
Utensils
TrailMix
Dehydrated Meals
Energy Bar
Small Cooking Set
Utensils
This section is pretty self explanatory – The key here is to pack calorie dense foods that are easy to prepare.
If you aren’t sure where your next meal is coming from out in the wild, It’s a good idea to ration your food accordingly. It may take a awhile before you can identify edible plant life or have any luck catching your next meal.
Fire & Light
3+ Bic Lighters
2+ Dependable LED Flashlights
Magnesuim Fire Starter
BackPacking/Portable Stove
Stove Fuel
WaterProof Matches
Magnifying Glass
3 Bic Lighters
LED Flashlight
Magnesuim Fire Starter
Portable Stove
WaterProof Matches
Magnyfing Glass
As one of the only species on earth to cook our meals, It is now believed that early man kind and their ability to create fire and cook food had a profound impact on our evolution. It’s been theorized that our ability to cook our meals allowed for more efficient digestion of food – which in turn, helped our species to focus more energy on developing our brains.
Agree with the theory or not – There is no arguing that fire is still very much one of our greatest advantages in surviving out in the wild. And although it’s easy to overlook the importance & impact of this very basic skill in our modern day society – It is absolutely critical out in the wilderness.
Fire not only provides us with warmth, but sterile water, deters predators and cooks our meals. Fire & Shelter should be your first priority when making camp at night – Then you can focus on food & water.
Tools
Survival Knife
Hatchet
Multi-Tool
Wire Snares
Fishing Yo-Yo
Small Fishing Kit
Hand Chain Saw
Survival Shovel
Survival Knife
Hatchet
Multi-Tool
Wire Snares
Fishing-Yo-Yo
Fishing-Kit
Hand Chain Saw
Survival Shovel
Another vital skill set that separates us from our animal brethren, The ability to create and use tools.
While it can be easy to get caught up in all the cool survival gadgets on the market today, It’s important that you don’t get carried away here. The key here is finding tools that serve multiple purposes. For instance, I wouldn’t carry any plain ol’ survival shovel with me out into the wilderness, but there are dozens of awesome models out there that act as a shovel, crow bar, additional storage (in handle) , etc.
While there are some exceptions to this rule (I personally love the fishing yo-yo’s), Generally speaking the rule of thumb here is to…
Make sure every tool – Is a multi-tool.
Navigation & Communication
Local Map
Cell Phone
Solar/Hand-Crank radio
Compass
Family Contact Information
Local Map
Cell Phone
Solar Handcrank Radio
Compass
Contacts
As I mentioned earlier in this post, You should have multiple routes planned out on your local map. If possible, you should also have a final destination mapped out so that you can plan and supply your B.O.B accordingly. While some may disagree with the inclusion of the cell phone – In case the grid is still up when SHTF, you’ll definitely want to have a means to reach out to family & friends to set a rendezvous point.
Even without the ability to be online, your phone can be a crucial life line that serves a ton of different purposes if you’re truly prepared. To name a few:
Pre-loaded maps
Contact information
Survival Guides & Apps (that work offline)
Lifeline for when the grid comes back up
Pre-load numbers for CDC / Local police stations / etc…
The ability to reach the outside world while on the move can be a huge asset, don’t over look it’s importance!
Shelter & Bedding
x1 Tarp
Sleeping Bag
Hammock
Bedroll
Tent
Mylar Survival Blanket (Depending on Climate)
Tarp
Sleeping Bag
Hammock
Bedroll
Tent
Mylar Survival Blanket
The ability to stay warm and get a good nights sleep while on the move shouldn’t be underestimated. Like it or not – Humans don’t operate at 100% without a decent nights sleep. If you are unsure in your ability to create or find a proper shelter out in the wilderness, consider adding a small tent and foregoing some of the other luxuries in your bag.
To save space in your pack, I also highly recommend looking into a compression sack to reduce the space your sleeping bag takes up.
Clothing
2-3 Pairs of Socks
Rain Poncho
Sunglasses / Brimmed Hat
Zip-Off Pants
T-shirt
Long sleeved Shirt
Sweatshirt
underwear
Pair of working gloves
Socks
Poncho
Brimmed Hat
Zip-Off Pants
T-Shirt
Gloves
Remember how I mentioned how we had the edge in survival situations with the ability to create fire and use tools? Well this is one place we as humans kind of suck. Our pink, flabby bodies are easily subject to sun burn & freezing temperatures. Not to worry though – with the proper clothing, We are survival ninjas.
All joking aside, The key here is to remain dry and warm. Nothing saps heat out of your body quicker than wet clothes, so take care to watch your perspiration when on the move and rotate into dry clothing when you have the chance.
Self Defense / Hunting
Pepper Spray
Taser
CrossBow
Handgun
.22 Caliber Rifle
Ammunition / Arrows
Pepper Spray
Taser
CrossBow
HandGun
Ammunition
This is a very hotly debated area among survivalists, and for good reason. The implications of carrying a fire arm aren’t to be taken lightly.
That being said – A .22 caliber handgun / rifle is great for self defense and catching small game. If you are more comfortable using a Bow / Compound bow, then by all means feel free to substitute these items as alternatives to the firearms. Since I feel that this section is widely regarded as a very personal choice among preppers – I’ll leave it to you to make the final decision.
First Aid
Bandages
Peroxide / Neosporin
Sewing Kit
Benedryl Tablets
Pain Killers (Excedrin Specifically)
Snake Bite Kit (Depending on Location)
First Aid Kit
It’s important to also consider any medical conditions you or your family members may have. Specifically, medical conditions that require regular medication – stock pile whatever you can and try to find homeopathic (IE Long term) alternatives where possible.
Hygiene
Travel ToothBrush & ToothPaste
Travel Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes
Small Towel
Dental Floss (Can also be used for suture)
Feminine Products (If applicable)
Travel Tooth Brush
In the short term, It will probably be forgivable if you haven’t bushed your teeth in a few days when the world is going to shit. But long term? Well It’s awfully hard to eat without any teeth in your head. Maintaining good hygiene will not only help you get a hot date post SHTF, but it can help fend off bacterial infections and is important for your long term health.
Miscellaneous
x1 Black Hefty Garbage bag
100ft+ of paracord
Book on local edible vegetation
Survival Skills Handbook
Small Signal Mirror
Hand Warmers (Depending on Climate)
Solar Charging Unit
Duct Tape
Mosquito Nets
Insect Repellent
Spare Batteries
Pen & Pad
Spare Pair of Glasses (If applicable)
Sunscreen
Re-sealable Bags (Ziploc Bags)
Final Words:
I just wanted to take this opportunity to re-iterate some of the crucial take-aways from this check list:
1.) One Size Does Not Fit All: This list isn’t meant to include everything you should bring with you in your Bug Out Bag – Merely everything you should at least consider. Some selections may not be appropriate for you personally based on your skill set, other gear, climate, etc. Use your best judgement here and remember that no one know’s what items will be the most valuable to you – but yourself.
2.) Work In Progress: It’s perfectly normal to second guess the contents of your Bug Out Bag. It’s a process. The important thing is that you start now, so that you have time to make adjustments.
3.) How Much Is Too Much?: Well… Just how tough do you really think you are? That 50lb bug out bag might not seem like much walking around in your living room, but how many miles of rough terrain do you think you could manage with all that extra weight in a real do or die situation? The best way to test your metal is to grab your B.OB. and find a decent hiking trail, plan on spending at least a day in the area. This will allow you to test the weight of your bag, your equipment and most importantly your stamina. If You can’t hike a few miles with your bloated bag in perfect conditions – It may be time to start thinking about….
4.) Packing Smarter: The old Survivalist addage is true – “Every Ounce Counts”. The smart prepper may not have all the gadgets and gizmos that the next guys has, but I bet he gets the hell out of dodge quicker. It’s important to be honest with yourself and your level of fitness here. Try to find items & tools that serve multiple purposes.
5.) The Best Survivalist Tool: Strangely enough, there seems to be this mindset among certain survivalists that the more gear you have, the better your odds. BZZZ – Wrong anwser. One of your greatest assets is yourself, what you personally bring to the table. Knowing how to start a fire without any resources, or navigating by the stars – These types of traits not only give you the critical edge of adaptability, but more importantly = confidence. Mindset is half the battle, the more ammunition you bring to your survival situation(IE – knowledge), the better off you are in the long run.
That’s why it’s critical that you bring references with you to help you point out edible plant life, help bolster your survival skill set and most importantly help you bridge any gaps in your survival skill set.
Don’t Agree? I’d love to hear from you!
I’m a firm believer that without criticism – We all become complacent. There are always places to improve – period.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions & personal bug out bag inventory.
