Bug Out Bag List
There isn't a one size fits all solution to bug out bags! The good thing is that it's still possible to put together a list of bug out bag items that you need to have followed by a list of items that are situational so you can tailor the list to your needs.
If you're reading this, then you've probably already decided that you need to build a bug out bag. If you're still on the fence about putting together a bug out bag, these are aa few reasons that you should build one:
- It forms the basic loadout for any emergency that requires you to leave your home.
- If you ever have to leave your home in just a few munites, then a bug out bag will make it much easier and you'll know that you have at least the minimum amount of things to survive.
- All of the items in a bug out bag can just as easily be used during a bug in situation as they can while bugging out.
In case you still haven't made up your mind, I'm just going to very clearly spell it out...you need to have a bug out bag!
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The Purpose of a Bug Out Bag
When you're adding items to your bug out bag list, you need to keep in mind what the purpose of that bag is.
This is probably the most important part of this article. If you understand what a bug out bag is for, you don't even need a list made by someone else, you can logically approach the subject and come up with what you need all by yourself.
Always try to understand a problem and then learn how to fix that problem! Know why you're doing what you're doing. Don't just blindly follow checklists.
In this case, a bug out bag is supposed to be the kit that you grab when you are forced out of your home. It should contain everything that you need to safely get to your bug out location so if you need to leave at a moment's notice, then you can just grab it and go.
Pack it as if you have to walk from your home to your bug out location. Keep it light and keep it minimal!
It also forms the base of any other bug out plan loadout that you may have.
Bare Minimum That Needs to be on Every Bug Out Bag List
These are the things that must be on a bug out bag list at a minimum:
- The backpack itself
- Water and a water filter
- Food to keep you going
- Shelter to protect you from the environment
- Personal first aid kit
This doesn't make the ideal bug out bag, but it does make it capable of doing what we need a bug out bag to do.
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You can get our downloadable bug out bag list PDF here.
Backpack
The backpack that you choose should be big enough to hold everything that you need without being overly large. We have a tendency to keep adding items until we fill whatever bag that we have.
Just think about a backpack that you carry on a regular basis. How much is just in there that you never use and have no intention of ever using, but you still carry it with you every day...
- The Teton Sports Scout 3400 is a good overall backpack that gives you 55 liters of storage. It's especially good if you live in a more rural environment.
Water
We need to drink several liters of water every day to stay hydrated. Without water, we can die in just a couple of days.
I like having 2 liters of water in bug out bags and then adding in a light water filter like a LifeStraw so I can just grab more water on the go. This keeps the weight of my bug out bag down and still gives me a way to have clean drinking water while I'm bugging out.
If you live in an area that doesn't have natural water sources around, then you're going to need to carry a lot more water! You should plan your bug out route to take you past any water sources that you know of.
If this isn't an option, then you're going to have to bring a lot of water and just deal with the weight, or bring less water and be aware of the fact that you're going to be dehydrated. I suggest always carrying more water and dealing with the weight.
Food
Food is much less important than water. I put one or two ER Bars in my bug out bag and add a couple of PowerBars or Clif Bars and that's about it. I understand that I'm going to be hungry if I only have time to grab my bug out bag and hit the road. I'm okay with that.
Like I said before, your bug out bag should keep you alive from your home to your bug out location. It isn't there to keep you full and comfortable. Comfort items belong in an add on kit that you can throw in your car if you have time and can drive, not on your bug out bag list.
Shelter
The amount of shelter that you need is going to heavily depend on where you live and the current season. When it's cold out you're going to need to add a lot more than if you're in a warm area.
Keep in mind the clothing you're wearing is part of your shelter as well.
First Aid Kit
You need to have a first aid kit with you to treat any cuts, scrapes or wounds you may pick up while you're bugging out. Small cuts can easily get infected and any wound that is bleeding obviously needs immediate attention.
My preferred loadout for when I want a good all-around first aid kit and the ability to treat trauma is the Adventure Medical .5 Kit, the Adventure Medical Trauma Pak, and the SWAT-T Tourniquet.
Make sure that you add any prescription drugs that you need as well.
Other Items to add to Your Bug Out Bag List
You need to be careful as you start looking at other items to put on your bug out bag list. This is where we can add a lot of weight if we're not very selective in the gear we choose.
Just because something is discussed below, doesn't mean that you should add it to your list. These are ideas and thoughts to get you thinking so you can create a list that works for you.
Only add things that you absolutely need. If it doesn't make getting from point A to point B faster, easier or safer it doesn't belong!
Extra Clothing
The amount of clothing that you need to put in your bug out bag is minimal. When you’re determining what to pack, try to keep it light and non-bulky. You really only need enough to protect you from the weather.
Pack a couple of pairs of extra socks so you can keep your feet dry, a couple of changes of underwear and a multi-function piece of headgear, like a shemagh, is always helpful.
Lightweight raingear is another good thing to have. I like to go super cheap and bring a couple of heavy-duty trash bags. They can keep your gear dry and keep you dry by tearing a hole for your arms and head.
Well broken-in boots or sneakers are the final piece of clothing that I'd recommend.
Light
A flashlight or headlamp is practically a necessity. A headlamp allows you to use your light source with both hands-free.
Adding a hands-free light of some kind makes a lot of sense.
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The PETZL - TACTIKKA + Headlamp gives you 350 lumens in a super small package.
Hygiene
Hygiene is important and adding some toothpaste, a toothbrush, baby wipes, and any feminine hygiene products you may need won't add a lot of weight.
- Adding a female urination device like this one from GoGirl can make going to the bathroom during a bug out a lot easier on women.
Weapons
Weapons are often a pretty big point of contention when putting together a bug out bag list. I personally believe that you should either have an AR-15 or AK-47 for every adult that's bugging out.
Certain laws and the area that you're in can make this tough. I completely get that. Make sure that you're armed as well as you can be in those cases.
Protective Gear
Don't completely overlook extra protective gear. Glasses, glove, and a dust mask can all make sense depending on where you are.
Should you add a plate carrier or body armor to your list? That really depends on what kind of threat you feel you'll be facing. If you're not sure if you need them, make sure you read our body armor guide here.
Fire Starting
You're probably not going to stop to build a fire while bugging out. It just doesn't make sense in most cases. You can add some Bic lighters to your list but there really isn't a reason to go overboard here.
Cordage
550 cord is pretty much the standard for cordage in a bug out bag. You should be good with 25 or 50 feet if you decide to add it.
- I prefer SurvivorCord XT over traditional 550 cord.
Knife / Axe
If you always carry a knife, then you're probably fine not having one in your bug out bag. If you don't, then I'd suggest adding a multitool of some kind.
I like having a small hatchet because they're lightweight and offer a lot of utility if you're forced into a situation where you need to stop before you get to your bug out area.
Navigation
Maps of the areas that you expect to travel through should be in your bug out bag. I'd suggest marking your primary and secondary driving routes, walking route, and marking potential areas of interest and danger on your map at a minimum.
A compass and GPS can also make your life a lot easier.
Money
Keep several denominations of small bills in your bug out bag. It'll let you make purchases when change isn't available.
Identification
Adding some kind of photo ID doesn't add a lot of weight and it could save you in the event that you need to interact with police or even try to get into some kind of government aid camp if it came down to that.
Electronics
Packing your bug out bag full of electronics can make it extremely heavy.
At a minimum, you should probably have your cell phone with you and a way to recharge it. For me, that means a small solar panel and a battery pack.
- The Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Solar Recharging Kit is one of my favorite ways to be able to recharge batteries and cell phones.
Signaling Device
A signal mirror is one of the best ways to show someone where you are when you're in a wide-open area or signaling aircraft. It's not great in areas without a long line of sight.
Emergency whistles have the advantage of being able to be used in just about any area, but they can't be used at the same distances as a signal mirror. I personally like to have one of each.
Special Considerations for an Urban Bug Out Bag List
Urban bug out bag lists should be built around a backpack that won't draw attention to you while you're walking through the streets. Drawing attention to yourself can cause you to be the target of rioters or other people feeling the stress of the event that caused you to bug out.
Keep in mind that you're more likely to have to interact with law enforcement and government officials than if you live in the countryside. Picture IDs can make those types of interactions go a lot more smoothly.
Choose knives and any firearms based on the current laws in your area. When things go bad, law enforcement is likely to be more restrictive not less. Don't plan on being able to carry anything you want just because some kind of disaster has happened to make you bug out.
Special Considerations for a Rural Bug Out Bag List
Rural bug out bag lists should focus on items that will let you stay out of sight if you need to and are more focused on wilderness survival. A camo pattern backpack that works in your area is a good idea.
Unless there's a really good reason not to carry a rifle, you should have one with you when you bug out. This is especially true for rural bug outs!
How heavy should a bug out bag be?
Try to keep the items on your bug out bag list as close to a total of 25 lbs as possible.
I find that to be the weight that most people are still relatively comfortable with. When you add more weight it will wear on you if you're forced to walk for several days in a row.
If you can handle 25 lbs without a problem then feel free to add as much weight as you can take. I highly suggest that you actually carry it around for a weekend and see how it goes. Even if you find the weight to be okay, you'll end up finding other things to change to make it more comfortable to carry.
Conclusion
Think of bugging out like a military patrol. You're going from point A to point B...it isn't a camping trip. The only reason that you should be stopping for any significant amount of time is to sleep just long enough to rest a little or if something bad prevents you from continuing on.
Make sure you check out our bug out bag article for more related information and a more in-depth look at some things.
The previous post Bug Out Bag List – 2020 Guide and Downloadable Checklist is available on: https://readylifestyle.com
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