Pack A Bug-Out Bag Now To Ensure You'll Have What You Need: A Complete Guide

Having a bug-out bag, or BOB, is one of the most talked-about ideas in prep circles. And there's good reason. If your home is fully stocked but, for some reason, you have to evacuate, all those prepper pantry items will do you no good sitting at home. Having a backpack already packed and ready to rock with at least three days worth of supplies for you and your family will absolutely ensure you won't be left hungry and cold. Every member of your family should have their own go bag, if they are old enough to carry one.

Packed and readyPhoto byRichelleg

You have two choices: build your own or buy a BOB already built for you. To buy one, just google Bug Out Bags. The following are the essentials to keep your bug-out bag fully filled and prepared at all times if you're building one, in no particular order:

Cash Reserve

Cash is king.

Tarp or Tent

Choose lightweight, portable shelters that can offer sufficient weather protection. It would be preferable to use a lightweight tarp or tent.

Emergency Blanket

Thermal or reflective blankets provide insulation and help hold onto body heat.

Sleeping Bag

It makes a difference, trust me.

A Sleeping Pad Or A Ground Tarp

It also makes a difference, trust me.

Paracord Or Rope

For improvised shelters, use lightweight rope or sturdy paracord.

Mosquito Net Or Spray

A mosquito net will provide you with insect protection.

Back-up meds

Extra OTC and prescription medications for you, anyone in the family, and your pets should be included in your go bag.

Copies of Important Paperwork

Keep important copies of paperwork you may need hidden in your bag as well.

Protection

Enough said.

Different bags for different peoplePhoto byRichelleg

Weather-Related Clothes

Add a nice coat or jacket and several sets of gloves, socks, jeans, and shirts.

Fire Starters

Items for lighting fires are made to give you light, warmth, and the capacity to boil water or cook food

Dryer Lint

To start those fires quicker

Matches As Backup

Weather-resistant matches are made to ignite flames in wet environments.

Water

Enough to keep you going until you can find or make safe water.

Canteen or Water Bottle

Any sturdy, lightweight container that can be used to transport and store water will do.

Water Purification Tablets

These little tablets are intended to purify water in an emergency by removing harmful bacteria and viruses.

Water Filter

Choose a portable one.

Cup Made of Stainless Steel

It is essential to have a stainless steel cup on hand in order to cook and boil water.

Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil has other uses in cooking than just boiling water and preparing food. It may also be used as a reflective surface.

Food, water, and survivalPhoto byRichelleg

Non-Perishable Food

Choose high-calorie, lightweight items that can be eaten on-the-go, like energy bars, trail mix, and canned products.

Pet Food

Don't forget them too!

Quick, Dehydrated Dinners

They take little water to prepare and are lightweight.

Small Camp Stove

A stove makes it possible to cook in the field with fuel canisters or other alternative heat sources. Don't forget to include fuel containers that are small enough for portable stoves.

Multi-Utensil Set

Seek out a gadget that resembles a Swiss Army knife, spoon, and fork.

Small Fishing Kit

Using light-weight fishing equipment can enable you to add fresh protein to your diet.

Can Opener

Yes, you can use a good knife, but they make small, light can openers that make it a bit safer.

Personal Hygiene Supplies

Take into account all family members and what they may need, depending on age and gender.

Compact Toothpaste and Toothbrush

A toothbrush and toothpaste that are portable will do the trick without adding much to the weight of your pack.

Bar of Soap

Choose a basic bar of soap in a tiny plastic container or Ziploc bag.

Pack it all upPhoto byRichelleg

Hand Sanitizer

Because hand sanitizer is extremely flammable, you can use it to start a fire in addition to cleaning your hands.

Extras

Finally, but just as importantly, it would be well to include the following extra instruments and supplies:

Axe

No explanation is needed.

Duct Tape

Add a whole roll so you can use it to mend your clothing, bug-out pack, or assist in building a shelter.

Compass

Choose a high-quality compass rather than one of the inexpensive ones you can get anywhere.

Long-Term Wilderness Survival Guide

The Wilderness Long-Term Survival Guide is the first manual ever created that assists individuals in learning how to LIVE in the wild, not simply survive it. Any good survival book will do, but the one mentioned above is my absolute favorite.

So there you have it! Do you have a bug-out bag ready to go already? Let me know in the comments below if I missed anything!

Ready to roll!Photo byRichelleg

Citations:

Admin. (2016, October 7). Bug Out Bag List & Essential Items. Bug Out Bag Builder. https://www.bugoutbagbuilder.com/learning-tutorials/bug-out-bag

Hitchcock, K. (2024, July 3). Bug Out Bag List - 111 Practical Do's And Don'ts For 2024. Survival Stoic. https://survivalstoic.com/bug-out-bag-list/