Bugout Bag Essentials – Building Your Ultimate Survival Kit
Bugout bags are essential pieces of prep gear, whether we are fighting zombies or simply planning for natural disaster. Also referred to as go bags, INCH bags, 72 hour kits or emergency survival kits, they contain essential supplies needed for survival for up to 24 hours until help arrives.
1. Water
No matter where you live or prepare for, be it zombie apocalypse, earthquake, tornado etc, having tools to treat water is absolutely critical to survival and should be an essential item for every survivalist. A Sawyer water filter should be one of your top priority items!
A whistle can also be an essential survival tool, serving to call for assistance without using vocal cords – it also takes up minimal space in your emergency kit!
Frostbite can be a real danger in harsh winter climates. Hiking boots designed for wet conditions are also essential, while wool winter cap or balaclava will keep your head warm while providing additional sun protection. Don’t forget a boonie hat or bandana for additional sun protection as well.
2. Shelter
Shelter is essential when trapped in an emergency situation; experts advise including one in your bug out bag.
While a shelter kit’s contents may differ in terms of size, complexity, and weight, its basic components should include an emergency blanket that folds into a compact package; an emergency whistle (three blows is an international distress signal); duct tape; or multi-tool for repairs on clothing or creating makeshift repairs are among those essential components.
A Sawyer water filter is another essential item to include in any bug out bag. Convenient and light in weight, this compact lifesaver quickly filters bacteria from contaminated sources of drinking water.
3. Food
Your body needs food in order to function, so storing non-perishable, high protein survival foods like nuts, granola bars, power bars and dried fruit in your bugout bag is vital to staying alive in an emergency situation.
Before your vocal cords tire out and run out of energy, pack an emergency whistle. This easy-to-find device won’t take up much room in your bag and could save your voice in times of emergency.
Bug out bags (also referred to as go bags or INCH bags) are an integral component of modern prepper plans. Don’t put off starting one now; it could save your life! Make sure yours contains supplies to last at least 72 hours including backpack, water bottle and first aid kit.
4. First Aid
First aid supplies are essential in any emergency preparedness plan and every bug out bag checklist should include some basic medical supplies. A medical kit should also include several other items which could save lives in different circumstances.
An extinguisher can stop housefires while a compass helps navigate to your destination. Finally, in an emergency situation a whistle will alert people of your presence.
Items like a survival knife, multi-tool and fire-starting tools are invaluable tools in many circumstances. Ponchos may come in handy during rainy conditions. Paracord is an essential item, serving multiple functions from shoemaking or tieing something together to creating shelter or hanging tarps; plus its lightweight nature takes up minimal space compared to alternatives and can be purchased from online retailers at reasonable rates.
5. Tools
Have the appropriate tools on hand can make a big difference during emergency situations. A multi-tool, flashlight, pocket knife, Bic lighter and extra cash are essential items that should not occupy too much room in your bug out bag.
Your emergency kit should also contain some emergency rations and a survival blanket to reduce heat loss and help you remain warm, as well as an emergency whistle for signaling for help – although remember that your vocal chords have only so much stamina before they give out and become inoperable.
Finally, don’t forget to pack an air filtration mask and bandana to protect you from inhaling pollutants and smoke while keeping sweat at bay and keeping chafing at bay – both features will also help ward off bugs and critters away from you. If possible, bring along a rain poncho too.
6. Blankets
An emergency blanket should be an essential component of your bug out bag. It can help protect you against hypothermia if exposed to wet environments, provide insulation from colder environments and alert rescuers with its reflective properties.
Bedding can also provide essential protection in times of injury, stranding or being forced to bivouac – providing shelter against wind and rain as well as protecting you from other environmental threats such as heat.
Space blankets, mylar blankets or emergency blankets are lightweight and cost-effective solutions for your bugout bag. Just be sure to purchase quality ones made of aluminum-free mylar; otherwise they could start a fire or collapse while in use in the field. Also make sure they can withstand temperatures in your area.
7. Flashlight
An effective flashlight in your bugout bag could make all the difference in seeing an approaching predator or not. Flashlights also serve as signals, keep animals away, and generate heat – three important functions when survival situations arise.
Other items necessary include a small medical kit with bandages and essential health essentials; duct tape for making makeshift devices and temporary casts; compass to determine direction; as well as lighters and matches in case of emergencies.
When selecting the ideal flashlight for your survival kit or bugout bag, look for one with both brightness and battery life in mind. Some models even allow for easy charging to ensure there will never be an emergency power shortage! Plus they are compact and lightweight for convenient carry.
8. Warm Clothing
Survivalists and prepper have their own wish lists when it comes to building the ideal emergency kit bag, but to create one with lasting power for emergencies it’s essential to be selective when choosing what goes into it – otherwise it could weigh too much to carry!
Space blankets can be invaluable items in your survival kit, serving multiple functions including reducing body heat loss, providing shelter or signalling for assistance. Plus they’re lightweight so won’t add much extra weight.
Wool socks and merino base layers, both of which provide excellent breathability and insulation even in wet conditions, should also be included as essential items. A pair of Zippo hand warmers is also useful, since they can quickly provide heat in an emergency situation.
9. Shelter from the Sun
Nothing dampens morale like exposure to direct sunlight, so be sure to bring along an effective hat and sunglasses as well as a survival blanket – both will reduce heat loss while packing down into a much smaller size than you might expect.
An emergency whistle is an invaluable asset, since three blows is the international signal for assistance. A whistle is much more efficient than shouting to get help as yelling can strain vocal cords.
Keep your bugout bag dry by placing it in a waterproof container with compartments to easily locate items quickly and efficiently. Rotating their bugout bags every few months helps ensure the appropriate gear for their particular climate is always at hand, saving space and money – as you might find you don’t need certain items after all!
10. Shelter from the Wind
Your bug out bag must provide sufficient shelter from the elements. Extended exposure to cold temperatures can result in frostbite or other serious injuries that require medical treatment, so ensure it has enough supplies.
Warm yourself by including gloves and hand warmers in your bugout bag. These lightweight items can help avoid frostbite in case of freezing conditions if you become trapped stranded.
Add a survival whistle to your bugout bag for emergency situations, like the UST Jet Scream series survival whistle. This device provides an effective means of signaling for help, with its 112-decibel signal and convenient lanyard hole, making it simple and quick to attach it to backpacks or personal flotation devices.