A bugout bag is a survival kit that contains all the supplies you need to survive for at least 72 hours. It is also commonly referred to as a BOB, 72-hour kit, grab bag, or battle box.
Emergency blankets are critical for retaining body heat and protecting yourself from the elements. You should also include hand sanitizer and wet wipes for cleaning.
What is a Bugout Bag?
A bugout bag (BOB) is an emergency survival kit designed to help you survive for 72 hours in the event of a disaster. It contains basic necessities like water, food, and first aid supplies. It also includes items to protect you from the elements such as clothing, shelter, and a means to get clean and dry.
The key difference between a bug out bag and a regular survival kit is that the BOB is designed to be used on the go. It is typically carried in a backpack and can be easily transported when you need to leave your home quickly. Preppers often have multiple bug out bags so that they can keep one at home, in their vehicle, and at work.
Whether you need to leave your home during a wildfire or you have to flee for safety during a hurricane, a well-equipped bug out bag can make the difference between survival and death. Fortunately, creating the perfect BOB doesn’t require a massive investment of time or money.
If you’re ready to take your survival preparations to the next level, start by creating a list of essential bug out bag items that will help you survive in any situation. A good place to start is with the FEMA survival kit checklist, but be sure to customize it to your unique environment and needs.
Why Should You Have One?
What is a bugout bag? A bugout bag is a portable emergency disaster survival kit, typically housed in a backpack for ease of transport. Also known as a Go Bag, Go Kit, 72-Hour Kit or Grab Bag, it’s designed to house all the essential supplies you may need if you have to leave your home quickly during an emergency like a natural disaster.
While it’s certainly not pleasant to think about, preparing for the possibility of a disaster can give you peace of mind. Knowing you have a well-stocked bugout bag ready to go can provide reassurance if you are forced to evacuate at a moment’s notice, giving you one less thing to worry about in an already stressful situation.
You’ll want to customize your bugout bag to fit your specific needs and environment. For example, you should include a small camping tent in your bugout bag if you live in an area that is at risk for hurricanes. You might also want to include a thermal blanket in your bag to help preserve body heat in cold weather. Hand warmers are another easy-to-store item that can provide a lot of warmth for a relatively low cost.
In addition to a bugout bag, you should have a well-stocked household emergency kit and a car survival kit as backups in case you are forced to evacuate at a moment’s noticed. While it’s not possible to prepare for every emergency scenario, having the right gear can make a huge difference in how quickly you are able to get to safety and start your life over again.
What to Include in a Bugout Bag
If you are going to have a bugout bag, it should contain essential items that will help you get to safety in the event of an emergency. A bugout bag, also known as a get home bag or 72-hour kit, should include first aid supplies, food and water, wearable items for staying warm and dry, and personal care items.
Some people add items that are specific to their local area or climate, such as a pair of hiking boots or extra rain gear. Others rotate the clothing in their bugout bag so they have appropriate seasonal clothes on hand.
You will want to keep the weight of your bug out bag as low as possible, so be sure to include items that are both lightweight and useful. For example, a headlamp is very light and can be used to illuminate your way when you need to move about or use tools in the dark. It also frees up your hands so you can work on other survival tasks if necessary.
Another very helpful wearable item is a thermal blanket that can reduce heat loss and stows very compactly in your bugout bag. You may also want to pack a set of hand warmers, which are small packets of chemicals that produce heat when mixed. These can provide heat for up to eight hours and are very easy to store.
How to Make a Bugout Bag
A bug out bag is a carefully crafted emergency disaster survival kit designed to keep you alive for 72 hours when you need to leave your home quickly in a hurry. It is also known as a go bag, grab bag, 72-hour kit, or GOOD bag (Get Out Of Dodge).
When making your bug out bag, consider the type of disaster you are most likely to encounter in your area. This will help you determine the most important items to include in your bag.
It is important to have at least two sets of clothing in your bug out bag so you can change if needed. If you plan to bug out during cold weather, be sure to pack a pair of work gloves to protect your hands and keep them warm. Packaged hand warmers are another easy way to keep your hands warm for hours in an emergency.
You should also have a few ways to make fire in your bug out bag. Matches and a lighter are obvious choices, but you should also include a small supply of tinder like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly or sawdust. A headlamp is a great option for your bug out bag because it allows you to use both hands while providing you with light.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack personal hygiene supplies such as toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. Getting sick in an emergency situation can make your situation even more difficult, so it is essential to stay as healthy as possible.
