Your bugout bags (or SHTF bag or go bag) should be able to cover the basics of keeping you alive in an emergency situation. It should include redundant systems for water, food, shelter, fire starting, first aid and self defense.
It should also cover personal hygiene and communication. It should also be catered to your unique situation and physical limitations.
Water
A bugout bag is a survival kit packed with the essentials you would need to get away from home and survive after an emergency situation. Also known as a BOB, or a go bag, these are backpacks designed to help you survive for at least 72 hours in case you need to leave your house due to a natural disaster or other man-made event.
Water is probably the most important thing to include in your bugout bag, and you will need to have a way to make it safe for drinking. This means having a filter. Flooding from any disaster will put all sorts of things in the water – fuel, sewage, fertilizer, chemicals, animal waste and corpses – so you will want to be able to purify water quickly.
You will also want to have a bottle of water to start with, but it is a good idea to add some water-purification tablets in your bag, as well as a pack of Datrex emergency rations. These are calorie-dense and will give you the energy you need to keep going until you find your next source of water.
Food
The items in your bug out bag will vary greatly depending on your environment, situation and personal needs. There is no such thing as the perfect bug out bag for everyone, and trying to create a one-size-fits-all solution will only lead to useless gear and dead weight in your pack.
The best way to build a bug out bag is to think about the situations you would most likely find yourself in, and plan accordingly. This will help you decide what the most important survival tools are, and what you might need to do in order to survive in those specific scenarios.
For example, if you are planning on bugging out to the wilderness for long periods of time, you might need to supplement your food supplies by trapping or hunting. You will also want to have a backup method of getting your daily supply of water, like a collapsible water bottle.
Shelter
A bugout bags, also known as a go bag or SHTF bag, should contain items you’ll need to get from point A to point B in the event of a disaster. It should include redundant systems for water, food, shelter, fire starting and First Aid.
If you have a choice, opt for a backpack bug out bag rather than a messenger-style bag. It’s easy to carry and leaves your hands free if you need to negotiate a fallen tree, mud or other obstacles.
Hiking packs are good but military-style tactical bug out bags are better, as they offer greater durability and often feature MOLLE webbing that’s great for adding a pouch to hold a water bottle or another accessory. Avoid cheap backpacks that may fall apart after a few uses. The quality of zippers is especially important because they’ll be under a lot of stress during a crisis.
First Aid
One of the most important things to keep in mind when packing your bug out bag is to provide first aid. Without this, even a minor injury can quickly turn into a fatal one. Whether this be from a fall, stinging insect, snake bite or other potential hazards that may arise during an emergency situation.
Another area that shouldn’t be overlooked is personal hygiene. This includes items like toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and hairbrush to help maintain proper hygiene. It’s also important to have a good supply of medication. This is especially true if you have any prescription medications that you need to take. You should also have a way to communicate with others if needed. This could be as simple as a signal mirror or something more advanced such as a two-way radio.
Depending on your geographic location and the probability of natural disasters, your bug out bag should be tailored to your specific needs. Don’t rely on pre-packaged kits because they may not be what you need in the long run.
Personal Hygiene
During an emergency situation, you will need to provide first aid for any injuries. Your bug out bag should contain a variety of first aid supplies, such as bandages, medical tape, ibuprofen, and painkillers. You should also include anti-bacterial wipes, as bacteria can turn the smallest cut into a life-threatening wound.
You will need to have tools to create fire in an emergency, so be sure to pack some tinder. You should also include a lighter, waterproof matches, and a fire steel that can generate sparks in any condition. These tools are versatile and can be used for a multitude of purposes in an emergency.
A crowbar is an excellent addition to your bug out bag because it can be used to break into shelters, hammer objects, pry up heavy items from the ground, and even as a self-defense weapon. A compass is also a must-have for staying on course in an unfamiliar area, as well as a flashlight and spare batteries.
Communication
A bug out bag is a bag that contains everything you need in the event of an emergency that requires you to leave your home. It’s also known as a 72-hour bag, get out of dodge bag or survival kit.
Having a good bug out bag can save your life in the event of a disaster caused by nature or man. A hurricane, tornado, black plague or even a zombie apocalypse could force you to evacuate your home and you need a bag that is packed with the essentials.
The best bug out bags are made with durable materials like 1000D Cordura nylon and high quality zippers that won’t rip or catch on things like gloves. They are also lightweight and include features like tuck-away straps to make it easier to carry at airport security. They also have a well-stocked hygiene kit to prevent infection and help you stay clean, comfortable and alert.
