The Ultimate Bug Out Bag List

The Ultimate Bug Out Bag List

What Are Your Bug Out Bag Must-Haves?

Your bug out bag… a bag you frequently change the contents of due to thoughts such as, “Oh yeah! I forgot to add this item,” or, “Maybe the bag is too heavy,” or, “Do I have enough necessary items?”

The truth is, there are always items you can add to your bug out bag, but making it too heavy can be cumbersome. At the same time, you feel like if you remove an item to lighten the load, it could prove to be a mistake later. So, what is the perfect balance?

I will share with you some examples of lists that you can use as a guide for your own B.O.B. But first, I want to answer the most common question about 2 different types of bug out bags.

Are a 72-hour emergency kit and a bug out bag the same thing?

Yes and no.

A72-hour emergency kit is a “type” of bug out bag. It is purposed exactly the way it was named: it should be constructed to get you through a 72-hour survival situation. The reason why many survivalists pick the 3-day window is because in most cases, you will be rescued and back in civilization by the third day.

The much larger bug out bag is what I call aSustainability Kit— a bag that is constructed to get you through a much longer survival situation. Naturally, this bag will be packed a little differently and will be larger than the 72-hour kit.

I will share examples of lists for both types of bug out bags.

72-Hour Emergency Kit

It’s a great idea to have one kit in your vehicle and a separate 72-hour emergency kit in your home. In my opinion, I think EVERY family member should have two identical kits each: one set of 72-hour emergency kits in your home ready to grab at a second’s notice, and a second set of 72-hour emergency kits to keep in the trunk of your vehicle. I know it may sound like a little much to have two kits ready to go for each person, but when disaster strikes, you and each of your family members need to already have that safety net in place. Whether you’re in your vehicle or in your home, your emergency kits will be there — and what a relief it will be to each of you to have those much needed emergency supplies.

1. Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
2. Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
3. Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
4. Flashlight
5. First aid kit
6. Extra batteries
7. Whistle to signal for help
8. Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
9. Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
10. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
11. Manual can opener for food
12. Local maps
13. Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
14. Prescription Medications
15. Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
16. Glasses and contact lense solution
17. Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
18. Pet food and extra water for your pet
19. Cash or traveler's checks
20. Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
21. Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
22. Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
23. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
24. Matches in a waterproof container
25. Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
26. Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
27. Paper and pencil
28. Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Note: Some of the items on this list can be shared among family members, so you can save a little money and space by sharing items like a can opener, for example. Also, blankets and extra pairs of shoes are a great addition to this list. And finally, any prescribed medications should be added to the first aid kits.

Your Sustainability Kit – The Ultimate Bug Out Bag

1. Sleeper pad
2. Poncho 
3. Hydration Pack
4. 2 LED Flashlights w/ batteries
5. Folding Binoculars
6. Multi Tool
7. Bright Headlamp
8. Space Blanket
9. Topo Map & Case
10. 2 Compasses
11. Folding Bow Saw
12. Bungees
13. E-tool & pouch
14. Paracord survival kit
15. Fire kit
16. Multi function fire starter
17. Med Kit Pouch
18. Medical Kit
19. Camo top/bottoms
20. Cold Weather gloves
21. Baseball Cap
22. Tactical gloves
23. T-shirts
24. Spec Ops Belt
25. Underlay tops fleece & cotton
26. Thermal base layer top & bottom
27. Wool socks – 3 pairs
28. Neck gaiters
29. Camping stove with fuel
30. Lifestraw & water puri tabs
31. Sanitation kit
32. Food kit
33. Gorilla glue & inner tube
34. Dry bag