A good bugout bag is an essential part of any prepper’s plans. It can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation like a tornado, hurricane, flood or wildfire.
A well-designed bag should allow you to carry 72 hours of supplies comfortably on your back. The goal is to have the best survival kit without weighing you down.
Water
The human body can only survive a few days without water, so it’s vital that your bug out bag includes some form of hydration. Clean drinking water is essential for preventing disease, treating injuries, and keeping the mind sharp during an emergency.
But it’s important not to go overboard – packing too much water will weigh down your bag, making it more difficult to carry and use. It’s also not practical to carry around gallons of water in case your bug out location is far from home, so try to focus on a day’s worth of hydration, or maybe a little more if you’re expecting to be in the wilderness for a while.
The other key thing to remember about water is that it’s important for cooking and sanitation. Having a way to purify water will save you time and energy, and make your bug out bag more versatile. Just be sure to choose a high-quality water filter and test it out before an emergency situation arises so you know it works properly. Also, consider adding a few survival food ration bars that only require water to prepare.
Food
A key element of what should be in your bugout bag. Without enough calories and nutrients, the rest of your survival supplies are pretty useless. Be sure to include at least one gallon of water per day (or more if you live in a hot climate), as well as food that will keep you going, like jerky, trail mix, MREs or emergency survival bars.
It’s easy to get carried away and want to pack as much as you can into your bugout bag, but this can lead to a backpack that is too heavy for you to comfortably carry for any extended period of time. Instead, focus on preparing for the most likely scenarios first and improvise when necessary.
Check out the full bugout bag used by Jeff Bridges in FX’s The Old Man and the Gun below. And, for a chance to win your own luxury escape to Joshua Tree and a custom prize kit inspired by the show, sign up to receive our free preparedness newsletter here! Then tune into FX Thursdays at 10/9c to watch The Old Man.
Shelter
It’s important to remember that survival situations vary from person to person. One-size-fits-all bugout bags often leave a lot to be desired, since they’re not tailored to the unique needs of the individual.
For example, the shelter you need during a muggy Florida summer differs significantly from that needed in a snow storm in the Midwest. You’ll also want to consider whether you have any specific health concerns, such as an asthma condition that requires additional medication or food allergies that require a special Epi-pen.
Finally, it’s crucial to have the tools you need to stay clean and safe in an emergency situation. A good multi-tool, such as a Leatherman or Gerber, is a must-have. You should also have a light source, such as a flashlight or a headlamp, to help you navigate and see at night. In addition, having a way to start a fire is essential for both protection and morale. Make sure to include a few fire-starting methods in your bugout bag, like matches or lighters, as well as a reliable ferro rod to generate sparks.
Fire
Having reliable fire-starting tools in your bug out bag is critical. This includes items like matches, lighters, and ferro rods. It’s also important to practice starting fires regularly to keep your skills sharp. Fire offers many benefits in a survival situation, including deterring wild animals and providing light after dark. It can also boost morale and provide comfort and warmth.
Lastly, be sure to include enough food in your bug out bag. This may include jerky, energy bars, canned foods, or survival food packs. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to plan accordingly.
Building a bugout bag (also known as a go bag, INCH bag, 72 hour kit, or emergency kit) is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for disaster. It will help ensure your family’s safety and give you peace of mind knowing you are prepared to evacuate in a moment’s notice. It’s essential to practice with your bugout bag so you know how to use each item. Be sure to review it periodically to make any necessary adjustments.
Communication
A good bugout bag should be able to provide all the basic survival needs for at least 72 hours, including food, water, shelter, fire, First Aid and communication. A well-prepared bugout bag can make all the difference if you need to leave your home in an emergency situation, like when a tornado hits or you are forced from your home due to riots.
A bugout bag should contain extra clothing to wear and a sleeping system such as a hammock or a bivy sack. The most comfortable sleep systems are also lightweight, which makes them easier to carry and will not add too much bulk to your bag.
While it’s important to have a bugout bag ready in the event of an emergency, it’s even more essential to have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate. That’s why it is so important to have a hardcopy of your PACE plans, including maps and notes, somewhere safe. It’s also a good idea to have a map of your bugout location so you can mark it with landmarks and important locations.
