You never know when disaster will strike. In these times, bug-out bags can enable you to survive in a range of situations. As a result, it cannot hurt to prepare a bug-out bag in the event of a disaster.
If you’re unsure of what items you should include, we have a simple checklist for you to print off. Therefore, you can check that you have everything that you need.
What Is A Bug-Out Bag?
“Bug-out bag” is essentially another term for a survival kit. This bag will contain items that are vital for survival. A bug-out bag is prepared ahead of time so that users can retrieve it whenever they need to rapidly vacate the area.
The reason these survival kits are also known as bug bags is because of their military history. In the United States, soldiers were made to “bug-out” when overwhelmed by enemies.
This is also known as a “tactical retreat.” The term is not only used in the US but has also been adapted across the world. This technique allows soldiers to survive in the event of a disaster.
Hence, this phrase has been adopted by survivalists.
What Should Your Checklist Contain?
There is a wide range of items that can be useful in a bug-out bag. While some items can be useful in several disaster situations, other objects are more limited to specific events.
Here are some of the essential pieces of equipment that should be found in a bug-out bag:
Water
This is vital for satisfaction. Moreover, a bottle of water ensures that you always have something to drink. You will require a gallon of water for every person per day. Therefore, if you wish to prepare for a long time, you should opt for a larger water bottle.
Food
Non-perishable food is designed to last for a long time. You should include food that not only appeals to you, but that also has a long use-by date and can be easily prepared. You will need enough food for at least a few days.
Examples of popular non-perishable foods for survival kits include peanut butter, canned beans, dried fruits, jelly, canned meat or fish, nuts, meat jerky, fruit juice, and cans of soup. These foods should fill you up and ensure that you have a good supply of food.
First-Aid Kit
Medical emergencies happen, especially if you’re living through a disaster. To protect yourself, you should pack a first-aid kit. This will allow you to treat more minor injuries, such as cuts and small burns. First aid kits usually contain bandages, plasters, and gauze dressings.
Flashlight
If the power goes down, a flashlight will allow you to see in the dark. Moreover, if you have to traverse the outside world in the dark, a flashlight is an essential tool.
Therefore, we recommend including a flashlight, which will be useful for a wide range of situations. You may also want to include additional flashlights for the other people that you live with.
Batteries
Electronic devices don’t last forever. As a result, you should consider bringing some spare batteries. It is particularly important to bring extra batteries for your flashlight as these objects are often essential for survival.
Maps And A Compass
Maps of your local area are a must-have for bug-out bags. Even if you are very familiar with your surrounding areas, maps can help you if you walk into unknown territory. A compass will allow you to see what direction you are traveling and so should also be included.
Personal Hygiene Products And Medication
Just because it’s the end of the world, it doesn’t mean that you have to smell bad. Therefore, we advise packing items for sanitation and hygiene. This can be anything from hand sanitizer to deodorant.
Additionally, if you require specific medication, you should also ensure that you have a supply of it.
Phone Charger
Phones allow you to contact other people during disasters, whether that be family, friends, or emergency services. To guarantee that your phone does not die, add a phone charger to your bug-out bag.
Cooking Equipment
As mentioned, packing non-perishable food is an excellent idea for preppers and survivalists. Though many of these foods can be consumed cold, you might want to heat them.
Thus, cooking equipment, such as pots, pans, and knives, can also be included.
If you bring cooking equipment, just make sure that it is small and lightweight. After all, you will have to carry this bag so you won’t want heavy cooking utensils.
Plus, large cooking equipment will take up a lot of space in your bug-out bag, meaning that you may be unable to include other essentials.
If you have a lot of canned food, a tin opener is recommended.
Clothes
If you need to survive for a long period of time away from your house, one pair of clothes will not be sufficient. Therefore, you may want to store extra clothes. These clothes don’t have to be nice, they just need to be something that you can wear.
Ensure that you have a range of clothing items so that you can survive in different seasons. It is particularly important to pack clothes for winters, such as raincoats and gloves, as the cold can be deadly. Remember to pack extra underwear for hygiene reasons.
Personal Documentation
Lastly, we also suggest that you retain copies of your personal documents. This can include passports, driver’s licenses, medical information, and proof of address. You never know when these documents will come in handy.
Furthermore, you don’t want them to fall into untrustworthy hands, which could believably happen during a disaster.
Simple Printable Bug-Out Bag Checklist
Essential Equipment
Batteries
Compass
Cooking Equipment
Clothes
First-Aid Kit
Flashlights
Maps
Non-Perishable Food
Personal Documentation
Personal Hygiene Products
Personal Medication
Phone Charger
Water
Additional Extras
Blankets
Cash
Entertainment
Masks
Sewing Kits
Sleeping Bag
Winter Clothes
Whistles
The essential items are things that will be needed to survive. Meanwhile, the additional extras section is for things that can improve your experience but might not be necessary. You can judge whether or not they are needed.
For instance, entertainment is not needed to survive. Yet, if you want to fend off boredom, bringing items such as books or a pack of playing cards can keep you entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Survival Kits a Good Idea?
Survival kits are excellent ideas. They ensure that you have a set of supplies on hand whenever you need them. After all, you never know when a disaster will occur. Just ensure that you choose the right objects, which the above list can help you with.
What Foods Don’t Tend To Expire?
Foods with long expiration dates are preferable for bug-out bags. Otherwise, you will need to swap out these foods all the time whenever they expire.
You will also need foods that do not need to be refrigerated or frozen. Instead, they should be at room temperature.
Some of the foods with the longest expiration dates are honey, salt, white rice, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch.
Final Thoughts
A bug-out bag is a great way of preparing for various natural disasters. With this simple checklist, you can ensure that you pack all of the required essentials. That way, your chances of survival increase massively!
Hello, my name is Tim Roth and I have lived in Texas all of my life. I have seen it all - tornadoes, flash floods, and other natural disasters that have come our way.
I have kept a survival kit for all my family members in my basement since I was in my 20s. Every time a new member comes along, I make them a new kit. No one in my family will be caught out in a disaster - I make sure of it.
I teach a survival class at the local hall as well. It’s free for anyone who wants to learn about keeping themselves and their family safe, should the worst happen. We cover how to help children and the elderly, make your own evacuation and survival kits, and much more.
