What is a bug out bag? We are living in unprecedented times. Global pandemics, extreme weather changes, economic upheaval, and political unrest have been the order of the day in the past few years. As a result, many people are seeing the benefits of being prepared for emergencies and self-sustainability.
There are many things you can do in your home to be more prepared for the unknown, such as:
- Ensuring you have an emergency supply of clean drinking water
- Having enough food and staples to last a month
- Gaining knowledge of how to perform maintenance and repairs to your property
- Having emergency radios and lighting
- Comprehensive first aid kits and more
However, some circumstances may mean you have to get out of town quickly!
A bug out bag is a backpack or bag with essential survival tools, staples and equipment that you can grab in extreme circumstances such as:
- Hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis
- Earthquakes
- Bush and wildfires
- Civil wars and Riots
- Pandemics and more
A bug out bag allows you to get going when the going gets tough, providing you and those in your care with essential survival tools and supplies, providing you a few days grace to make an immediate survival plan and find adequate essentials and shelter.
However, what makes a good bug out bag? well here we describe what should be at least a simple bug out bag checklist. And what things should you be prioritizing when you have to get out of town? Read on to learn more,
Bug out bag essentials! What Essentials are needed for a good bug out bag list?
A bug out bag can look very different depending on where you live in the world. Your region’s unique climate, landscape, and weather patterns must always be taken into account when selecting your vital bug out gear.
However, there are some standard tools and utilities that all bug out and survival bags will have in common. Read on to find out what the essentials are.
Water
The absolute, no questions asked, number one thing you must have available in any emergency is clean drinking water. No survival expert will disagree with this.
In an emergency, a human being can go as long as three weeks without food. Although people will experience fatigue, reduced function and malnutrition, they will survive.
The same, however, can not be said for water, especially in a stressful emergency bug out or survival situation.
Even though there are some circumstances where people have survived longer, on average, a human can only survive without water for around two to three days, depending on the temperature, environment, and conditions.
The more water you can efficiently carry, the better your chances of survival. However, when choosing how much water you need in a bug-out or survival situation, the rule of thumb is at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for five days.
Field Knife
While you may think food is the next most important thing, this quote may give you an idea of why a good knife is so important; “Give a man a fish, and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime”.
A robust and trustworthy survival knife is the ultimate survival multitool. A good knife offers you:
- A Cutting blade
- An axe
- A survival weapon and hunting tool
- Something you can make tinder with to start a fire, even in wet conditions
- A spearhead
- A medical emergency tool and more
A good knife that can take a beating without losing its edge is a must for a bug out bag. It’s also worth carrying a multitool or swiss army knife to ensure you have more tools and options in your bug out situation.
Dehydrated Food
Even though you can survive without food for quite some time, it is best to keep your energy and brain function up during a crisis or emergency event; you may have to make quick decisions or even make a run for it.
How much pre-prepared food you require will depend on your personal needs and how many people you are preparing for. However, five days worth of emergency food is a good target.
While canned food is a good option, it is weighty and cumbersome. Dehydrated food can be packed flat or between other items, reducing your pack’s weight and size.
First Aid Kit
When in a rush during an emergency, people can often sustain an injury in the initial chaos. When adrenaline is pumping through your veins, you may even hurt yourself without noticing until the initial threat has subsided.
You must have access to first essentials, such as:
- Antiseptic solutions
- Bandages and wraps
- Emergency shock blankets
- Scissors
- Splinter picks
- Flushing saline and more
Emergency blankets can also act as an emergency shelter if you have not found adequate protection by sundown.
Other Essentials
While these basics should be a priority in all bug out bags, there are other essential items that you should consider to make yours the best bug bag out!
Other emergency essentials that you should include in your bug out bag include:
- Antibacterial wet wipes
- Paracord
- Torch and headlamp
- Local map
- Waterproof paper and pen
- USB drive with vital personal information
- Toilet paper
- Emergency shelter or swag
- Emergency heat source
- Emergency waterproof clothing
- An emergency radio and more
Remember, although there are some staples for a bug out bag, you must consider your region and surroundings and assess and cater for your unique situation.
It is also a good idea to regularly check and review your bug out bag to ensure your equipment is in good condition and make any changes or improvements that could mean you are better prepared.
Do you have a bug out or a survival bag? Do you have the knowledge required to survive in the great outdoors in an emergency?
The team here at My Gear Expert like to be prepared for anything, and we love helping other people get ready for a worst-case scenario; so, we are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest survival gear for bug out bags and survival kits.
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