Bug out Bag Packing Checklist. For those of you who have never heard the term bug out bag, it is a transportable kit that is used in emergencies and contains the items that a person will need to have to survive for about 72 hours. In order for it to be effective, you must stock your bug out bag with the essential supplies well ahead of a disaster. The first 72 hours of any disaster situation are considered to be the most dangerous, which is why the supplies contained are meant to get someone through that time period. There are certain items that are a must for all survival packs to have.
Water is the main item your bug out bag will need to contain. A good safety plan dictates that a minimum of 3 liters for each person be included. Safe water for drinking is one of the first items to become limited during an emergency situation. For this reason, it will be necessary to consider having a filter and purification tablets. Every pack/kit must have at least 2 different methods of purification. A metal container for storing water and at least two bottles also need to be included.
The next item you will need to have in your kit is food. It is best to use dehydrated foods or MREs if you can find them. Otherwise, canned foods with plenty of calories will do the job. The addition of high calorie foods such as energy bars will also serve you well. A portable cooking element will also allow you to cook any foods you may find. Make sure to pack fuel for your cooking element, a medium sized metal cooking pot, a couple of metal drinking cups and some eating utensils.
In many survival situations, people may need to leave their homes for a day or days. In those situations you will need to pack a tent, tarp, survival blanket, heavy duty poncho or rain coat, sleeping bag, para-cord and 3 large heavy duty garbage bags. Almost any combination of these items can be used to shelter yourself against the elements in the event more reliable refuge is unavailable. Warm clothing to protect you from cold weather and waterproof clothing to protect you from the rain will be needed as well.
Your bag needs to contain at least three different methods of creating fire. A fire steel, butane lighter and water proof matches will do fine. To be even surer that you will be able to start a fire no matter what, include tinder such as dried branches, cloth, or cotton balls covered with petroleum jelly. Light is also an essential element. Plan to have 2 different sources of light. A flashlight is a must.
The ability to communicate is very important. Include a charged mobile phone with an extra battery and a small AM/FM radio to make sure you will always know what’s going on. Be sure to have copies of important documents and phone numbers.
Unfortunately, it may be necessary to carry protection from other people with you in your bug out bag. A small gun and ammo, knife or Taser can be used to protect yourself or hunt in extreme cases.
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seems like alot although we would need all these things. what about the little people in our life, they need as much as us if not more? thanks for all the advice i will definitly use the ideas as i am packing bug out bags for me and my family.
Thanks for reading Carol. You are right it is important to remember children when you are doing an kind of emergency preparedness kit.
Tx jacob, your list was very helpful in getting my familys bags together. Natalie
Tx jacob, your list was very helpful in getting my familys bags together. Natalie