A bug out bag is a portable kit that contains the essential items you would need to survive for a short period of time in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. The importance of having a bug out bag cannot be overstated, as it can mean the difference between life and death in a crisis.
One of the main benefits of a bug out bag is that it allows you to be prepared for the unexpected. Emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s important to be ready to evacuate or shelter in place if necessary. A bug out bag ensures that you have the essential supplies you need to survive, such as water, food, and first aid supplies.
Another important aspect of a bug out bag is its portability. In a disaster scenario, you may need to evacuate quickly and may not have the luxury of packing up all your belongings. A bug out bag allows you to grab and go, with everything you need already packed and ready to go.
Having a bug out bag also gives you a sense of control in a potentially chaotic situation. It allows you to take charge of your own survival and feel more confident in your ability to handle the crisis.
Overall, a bug out bag is a crucial tool for any individual or family to have in their emergency preparedness kit. It provides peace of mind and a sense of control and can be the difference between life and death in a crisis.
Here’s a list of 20 things you might consider including in a bug out bag, along with some example brands:
- Water bottle or hydration system: Hydro Flask, Nalgene, CamelBak
- Non-perishable food: Mountain House, Wise Company, Augason Farms
- First aid kit: Adventure Medical Kits, Johnson & Johnson, RED CROSS
- Multi-tool: Leatherman, Gerber, Swiss Army Knife
- Flashlight: SureFire, Streamlight, Fenix
- Headlamp: Petzl, Black Diamond, Princeton Tec
- Emergency whistle: Acme, Fox 40, UST
- Fire starter: Zippo, UST, Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter
- Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitiser
- Cash and important documents: driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate, insurance documents
- Clothing appropriate for the climate: hats, gloves, jackets, rain gear
- Sleeping bag or blanket: Marmot, North Face, Coleman
- Shelter: tent, tarp, space blanket
- Compass and map: Suunto, Silva, Garmin
- Water purification tablets: Potable Aqua, Aquamira, MSR SweetWater
- Knife: Spyderco, Kershaw, SOG
- Personal defence weapon: pepper spray, walking stick
- Duct tape: Gorilla, 3M, Nashua
- Paracord: UST, Grizzly, SGT KNOTS
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: Kaito, Eton, Midland
This is just a starting point, and you should tailor your bug out bag to your specific needs and location. It’s also important to regularly check and update the items in your bag to ensure they are in good condition and haven’t expired.
Here are some frequently asked questions about building a bug out bag, along with answers:
What should I include in my bug out bag?
Essential items to include in your bug out bag are: water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, multi-tool, flashlight, headlamp, emergency whistle, fire starter, personal hygiene items, cash and important documents, clothing appropriate for the climate, sleeping bag or blanket, shelter, compass and map, water purification tablets, knife, personal defence weapon, duct tape, paracord, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
How much should my bug out bag weigh?
The weight of your bug out bag will depend on your individual needs and the length of your anticipated survival period. As a rule, aim for a bag that weighs no more than 25-30% of your body weight.
How big should my bug out bag be?
Again, the size of your bug out bag will depend on your needs and the length of your survival period. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a bag that is large enough to hold all your essential supplies, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy or difficult to carry.
How often should I update my bug out bag?
It’s a good idea to regularly check and update the items in your bug out bag to ensure they are in good condition and haven’t expired. It’s also a good idea to periodically review your survival plan and make any necessary updates to your bug out bag accordingly.
How much will it cost to build a bug out bag?
The cost of building a bug out bag will vary depending on the quality and quantity of the supplies you choose. It’s possible to put together a basic bug out bag for a few hundred pounds, but more comprehensive kits can cost upwards of £1,000 or more.
Further reading: The Best UK Bug Out Bags and Your Kit: The Basics
Summary
A bug out bag is a portable kit that contains essential items you would need to survive for a short period of time in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. It is portable, allows you to be prepared for the unexpected, and gives you a sense of control in a potentially chaotic situation. Essential items to include in a bug out bag are water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and more.
