A bugout bag (BOB) is a backpack or other bag full of emergency supplies meant to sustain you for 48-72 hours in the event of a disaster. The best bug out bags are custom and based on your specific survival needs and risks.
To help you create your ideal bug out bag, 5.11 Tactical has compiled this list of essential items.
Water
It’s important to remember that the human body can only survive a few hours without water. This makes a water filter an essential part of any bug out bag.
The QuenchSea is a revolutionary water filter that desalinates seawater with only manual power. The water it produces is clean and safe to drink.
Having access to clean hands is critical during a disaster, so a pack of hand sanitizer and wet wipes should be included in your bug out bag. Emergency blankets are also good to have for warmth and protection.
Food
Food is a crucial part of any bugout bag. It provides energy and nutrients to keep you going during tough times. Look for foods that are lightweight and easy to prepare. Avoid items that require a lot of water to cook since you may want to reserve your supply for other uses.
Protein-rich foods like tuna or jerky in pouches are good choices. Also consider granola bars, instant oatmeal, or grits for breakfast. Long-term food packets, such as MRE’s or military rations are a great option because they do not need water to cook and can last for a long time.
Shelter
Best bugout bags is a survival kit designed to help you escape your home during a natural disaster or other emergency. It should cover your survival needs for the first few days until help arrives.
It’s important to think about your bug out bag in terms of realistic scenarios. A natural disaster displacement event could happen anywhere, so you need to prepare for all the possible situations.
You should include a few pieces of wearable clothing in your bug out bag for protection from the cold. Also, consider including emergency blankets and hand warmers.
First Aid
A first aid kit is a must for your bugout bag. You should have basic first aid supplies like bandages, ointment, and splints as well as any medications that you or your family members might need.
You should also have water purification tablets in your bugout bag so that you can stay hydrated. Other essentials include hand sanitizer and wet wipes, which can be used to clean yourself when soap isn’t available. Also, a compass can be useful for finding directions as you evacuate and make your way to a safer area.
Tools
A bugout bag is a portable emergency disaster survival kit that you can use if forced to evacuate your home at a moment’s notice. Also known as Go bags, 72-hour kits, and Grab Bags, they are a great way to prepare yourself for unforeseen circumstances.
A bugout bag should contain all of the essentials you will need in a survival situation, including tools like a signal mirror, duct tape, a multi-tool with pliers and a knife, zip ties, and pepper spray for self defense. It should be light enough to feasibly carry while you’re on the move.
Knives
A knife is one of the most important tools in any survival bag. It can be used for everything from gutting fish and skinning animals to slicing food and whittling sticks.
A good bugout bag will contain 2-4 knives and multipurpose cutting tools. This will ensure that you have the right tool for any situation that might arise.
Consider a small, well-balanced fixed blade knife for self defense, a larger fixed blade knife for camping and hunting tasks, as well as a multitool for various uses.
Knife Sharpener
It’s important to maintain a sharp blade on your survival knives. A dull knife is not only difficult to use, it’s also dangerous to carry.
A whetstone is a simple tool for keeping your knives sharp. Just be sure to get one that is small enough to fit in your bugout bag and won’t add too much weight. Alternatively, you can sharpen your blade using the spine of another knife. Just be careful not to break it! Also consider a sheath that’s designed for prepping. It holds the knife securely and doesn’t hold moisture that can rust your blade.
Flashlight
A flashlight is an absolute necessity in any bugout bag. Not only can you use it to see, but you can also signal for help or even generate heat with some models.
The Energizer Weatherready Hand Crank Light is a great choice for a survival flashlight because it is rechargeable and uses AA batteries which are easy to find in most homes. Plus, it has multiple lighting modes and a strobe feature that is useful in emergency situations.
Remember to also pack a fire starter kit and tinder. Classic matches are still helpful, but it’s good to have other options.
Communication Devices
If you’re forced to evacuate your home in the face of a natural disaster, you’ll need a bugout bag. It contains crucial supplies to get you through the first 72 hours while awaiting help.
Defense tools like pepper spray and a taser are a good idea to keep in your bag. You should also have a flashlight and extra batteries as well as a hand-crank power bank.
Waterproof notebooks and pencils are handy for writing notes and preparing maps. A signal mirror is useful to communicate with others, too.
Battery-Operated Radio
A radio is an important item to include in a bugout bag because it allows you to receive emergency updates. Many of these devices are compact and have large battery capacities.
A compass will help you find your way and is a valuable addition to any bugout bag. It will also allow you to signal for help if needed.
A variety of fire starters is essential for a bugout bag, including matches, a lighter and a fire steel. Having several options for making fire will ensure that you can use them in any weather.
