What To Put In Your Bug Out Bag

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In a scenario where you need to bug out because shiz has hit the fan (SHTF), you’ll want to make sure you have a bug out bag packed with all the right things. This post is going to show you exactly what to put in your bug out bag.

Bug Out Bag Essential #1 - Your Bug Out Bag

My first bug out back was just a simple JanSport backpack. Since then, I’ve since learned better. The ideal most bug out bag is going to be one that is sturdy so that it can withstand heavy use, versatile, and weather resistant. Make sure that it is water repellant as well.

A great beginner bug out bag is this one sold by LA Police Gear. 

2. Water

As far as water goes, you’ll want to have something to store water in, a way to purify, and a way to filter water. 

Water storage

I recommend using a Nalgene stainless steel water bottle. It can go directly on a fire and can be used as a pot. 

Water purification

I recommend using Aquatabs. Once used, these tablets will disinfect the water and make it safe for drinking within 30 minutes. in as little as 30 minutes. 

Water filtration

I recommend using a LifeStraw. This is a personal water filter that filters 99.99% of both waterborne bacteria and parasites. 

3. Power Bank

In a bug out situation, you’ll most likely lose all access to electricity. This is where a power bank shines. It will allow you to keep your essential electronics, like your cell phone, charged so you can use them.

The one I use and recommend is from Taoxiwave. It’s compatible with all smartphones, tablets, and USB devices. It has a compass and is shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof. 

4. First Aid Kit

If you or someone you run into is injured, you’ll want to administer first aid to avoid infection and/or death. The one I use and recommend is OHSA compliant, contains 57 pieces, is 5 x 3 x 8 inches, and weighs only .8 lbs. 

When picking a kit to pack, make sure that it has Advil, Tylenol, a tourniquet (tight bands used to completely stop the blood flow to a wound), Amoxicillin, caffeine pills, and Imodium (for diarrhea). If your first aid kit doesn’t contain these, consider adding them in by sealing them in a Mylar bag. 

5. Compass

The last thing you want to do in a survival situation is get lost. Having a good compass will help you find your way. Cammenga is known for making excellent compasses. 

In fact, they’re used by the U.S. military and made in the U.S. as well. I recommend picking up a Cammenga compass. It will last you a lifetime if you take good care of it. 

6. Maps

Realistically, it would be nice to have maps of all kinds in your bag. The issue is that you need to be conscious of how much everything you’re packing weighs. 

The most important maps to have are ones of your local area, a regional topographic map, and a state map. If your bug out plan consists of you leaving the country or leaving the state, consider adding additional maps to fit your needs. 

The maps you pack should help you identify water sources, alternate routes to take, areas to avoid, roads, an area’s geography, and more! 

7. Shelter

There’s a good chance you’ll be sleeping outside. In this case, you’ll want to make sure you can protect yourself from the elements, such as wind, rain, and snow.

I recommend having an emergency blanket, a change of clothes, a tarp, a tent and/or an emergency bivvy. 

8. AM/FM Radio & 2 Way Radio

The American Red Cross lists a battery powered or hand crank radio that can access the NOAA Weather Radio network and two way radios in their list of survival kit recommendations.

This AM/FM radio that’s in my bug out bag fits these qualifications. It also comes with an LED flashlight and emergency power bank that you can use to charge your phone. It is powered by a crank and with a solar panel. 

In a disaster situation traditional communication channels may not be available. There are two primary reasons for having two way radios in your bag. You’ll be able to communicate with others and request help with. 

I recommend this set of radios from Midland. Some of the biggest perks are that they work up to 38 miles, have rechargeable batteries via USB, are license free, come with lots of channel options, and more!

9. Tools

Survival will require work and it won’t be easy. You’ll be constructing shelters, hunting, preparing food, and chopping firewood. You’ll want to make sure you have all the tools necessary for the jobs that lie ahead.

These tools include a knife, knife sharpener, and folding saw. It would also be wise to pack a back up knife in case your primary one gives out. An excellent knife to have is the Mora Companion because it’s cost effective and reliable.

10. Fire Tools

You’re going to be building a lot of fires. Fires are used to cook food, keep you warm, send help messages, and provide light.

I recommend that you have multiple ways of starting fires. You can do this by packing waterproof matches, a lighter, and a fire starter. It would also be wise to include some Ultimate Fire Tinder for starting fires in extreme weather conditions. 

11. Food

Until you can hunt or gather food, you’ll need instant access to food. I recommend having two different types - freeze dried and meals ready to eat (MREs) and having at least 10,000 calories worth of food to last you a few days. 

The reason for both is because you might be in a situation where you don’t have water. In this case, you’ll eat your MREs. If you have water, you’ll boil it and add it to your freeze dried food. 

The Mountain House brand is considered to be the gold standard. It has a great selection of freeze dried food, it’s easy to pack, and is lightweight. 

Meals Ready To Eat, also known as MREs, are used by the U.S. military and contain approximately 1250 calories per meal. When they are stored properly at room temperature, these can be good for approximately 5 or more years.

12. Ways to provide for yourself

If you’re out of food, you’re going to need to start hunting. Fishing will probably be your best bet. I would include a fishing kit in your bag. 

When you need to make a campfire, boil water, or cook food, you’ll want a stove. I recommend a stainless steel Firebox wood burning stove. This stove will keep you warm, requires no assembly, packs flat, is portable, weighs 2.7 lbs, and has multiple cooking configurations.

In addition to your stove, you’ll want to make sure you have utensils to eat food with. A titanium spork is perfect for your bug out bag. It’s a lightweight and sturdy material. 

13. 90% Wool Blanket

The blanket material of choice for the military is wool. Wool breathes better than polyester and is highly durable. A wool blanket will help you stay warm. It can be used to put out a fire and to make a quick shelter. 

It’s not necessary to spend the extra money to get a 100% wool blanket. If you opt for a 90% wool blanket, you’ll not only save money but you’ll get a much tougher blanket. 

In addition to a wool blanket, your bag should also have an emergency blanket, also known as a space blanket. They have a variety of uses. 

First, they retain body heat well and are often used in a hypothermia situation. Second, they can help an injured person to minimize shock. Third, they can be used as a temporary shelter. If you get a camo one, you can use it to hide your bug out bag. Lastly, they can be used to line your sleeping bag. 

14. Ways to protect yourself

Insects are enough to drive one insane. To protect yourself against insects, like mosquitos, I would make sure your bag has a mosquito net and some bug spray. 

Depending on where you bug out to, you may run into bears. Using a flare gun will deter a bear and may save your life. Having a flare gun will give you an additional way to signal for help and start a fire.

15. Way to get help

If you’re lost, you’ll want to use one of the most effective signaling techniques. A signal mirror can help you get rescued, but only if it’s used properly. Essentially it is used to aim reflected light at whose attention you’re trying to get. 

Another way to get help is via a whistle. Ready.gov recommends that every survival kit have an emergency whistle in it to signal for help. 

What’s in your bug out bag? If I have missed anything, let me know and I’ll add it to the post. 

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