While it’s true that everyone’s bugout bag will differ slightly, certain things should be universally included. Keeping this in mind will help you keep your bag balanced and avoid packing too many unnecessary items that could weigh down the backpack and lead to an uncomfortable experience.
Creature comforts should take a backseat in bug out bags. They’re meant for emergency situations that require you to survive on your own until help can arrive.
1. Peace of Mind
If you find yourself in a situation where your home or other structures are destroyed or otherwise rendered uninhabitable, a bugout bag can give you the peace of mind that you will have essential items to live on until help arrives. It can also reduce your anxiety and allow you to focus on locating a safer place for yourself and loved ones to stay.
You should always think about the kinds of emergency situations that could occur in your area when packing your bugout bag. You will want to consider things like earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. This will help you determine the types of survival gear to pack.
Experts say that shelter is one of the most important items to include in your bugout bag. That’s because you will need something to sleep in, protect you from the elements, and keep your core body temperature stable. You can include a variety of items to provide shelter, including sleeping bags/quilts, ponchos, and even tarps.
Other essentials that you should include in your best bugout bags are a compass, flashlight, and emergency first aid kit. You should also pack a water bottle and filtration system to have clean drinking water. Finally, a headlamp will be helpful to have because it frees up your hands while providing illumination. You can get some that are also waterproof and rechargeable.
2. Preparing for the Unexpected
In the event of a disaster, things can change quickly. You may not be able to prepare for everything, but having the most essential items will help you stay a step ahead of others and improve your odds of survival.
Having a bug out bag will ensure that you have what you need to survive in the aftermath of a disaster. Depending on the situation, you could have to leave your home for several days or more. That means that you’ll need a way to keep warm, feed yourself and protect yourself from the elements.
To prevent dehydration, you should include a water purification tablet or bottle in your bugout bag. You should also include a first aid kit with enough supplies to treat common problems like burns, cuts and bruises, scrapes, headaches and upset stomachs. You should also have a compass in your bag as well as a map to help you find your way back home. In addition, you’ll want to include a trowel so that you can dig a hole and bury any solid waste.
Another important thing to remember is that you should only pack what you need. Too much gear will weigh you down and make it difficult to carry. After you’ve packed your bugout bag, test it by carrying it for a few miles around the neighborhood to see how well it carries. If you have to stop and rest often, it’s probably too heavy.
3. Buy Time to Evaluate the Situation
When something unexpected happens and you have to leave your home quickly, having a bug out bag will give you the time and space you need to evaluate the situation and find safe refuge. You can then re-evaluate your priorities in order to decide how far you should go and where you should stay until things settle down.
One of the most important things to have in your bug out bag is water. You can only survive without drinking water for three days, and after that, your body will start to shut down. You should also consider bringing extra water containers and supplies to treat drinking water in case you are forced to evacuate without any warning.
Other essentials include a way to make fire and an emergency blanket. A tarp can provide shelter and a place to sleep, while an emergency blanket will help you retain your body heat. A portable sewing kit can also come in handy if you need to patch up any clothing or other gear that gets ripped while you’re on the move. A whistle is an excellent tool to have, as it can signal for help or attract attention if you’re in danger.
When creating a bug out bag, it’s important to adhere to the recommended items and filter out any extras that may be unnecessary or take up valuable space. In addition, it’s a good idea to test out your bag by carrying it around at the store and walking around with it. This will allow you to see how comfortable it is and ensure it’s stocked with everything you need.
4. Preparing for the Future
Having a bug out bag is a great way to prepare for the future. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it will also help you stay calm and prepared in the event of an emergency situation.
A bug out bag is a small bag that contains everything you need to survive for 72 hours in the event of an emergency. It is usually carried in a backpack or suitcase and is meant to be easily accessible.
The most important items in a bug out bag are water, food, and first aid supplies. You should also include a sleeping bag and blankets, as well as some personal hygiene products such as toothpaste and soap. It is also a good idea to include some communication tools such as two-way radios and cell phones.
It is also a good idea to include a few changes of clothes in your bug out bag, especially if you live in an area that gets cold or wet weather often. You should also pack some basic medical supplies such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids, throat lozenges, and bismuth tabs. Finally, you should include a trowel in your bug out bag so that you can dig a hole and bury any solid waste. You should also include a fire starter such as a lighter or waterproof matches.
