Ultimate FREE Bug Out Bag Checklist
At the Bottom of this Article is a FREE Downloadable Essential Items Bug-out Bag Checklist.
What to Pack in a Bugout Bag
I know that packing a bug out bag is a daunting task, where to start? and what to pack? how heavy should the bug out bag be? Get your Ultimate Free Bug Out Bag Checklist Here,
There is a ton of information out there, from experienced people who know what they are talking about, but there is an equal amount of information from people who haven’t got a clue and pack some really silly things.
So here is the a rundown of what you need.. now this list is going to be pretty comprehensive, and while some people think of packing a bug out bag as an arduous task, I actually enjoy it, so if you are like me, buckle up and get ready for a fun ride.
Buy a Bugout Bag First or Buy the Gear First
The first item on the list is a bugout bag, I know there are schools of thought that state, “buy the items first and get a bag to pack em all in”. I prefer getting a solid bag first. (if you are curious, this was my choice for the perfect Bugout Bag). Get the bag, then start packing.
Let’s begin with the very basics.. items that will help with the Rule of 3s.
Basic Gear in a Bugout Bag
Air
N95 Masks – optimally one would pack a gas mask or have an oxygen tank for situations where air was compromised. sadly this is beyond most peoples abilities to carry (oxygen tanks are heavy). An N95 respirator will assist in certain situations.
Shelter
The choice for shelters will depend on your environment, knowledge and skills. If you are an experienced plainsman, chances are good that you will know how to make your own shelter and bedding. But even experienced survivalists who know how to survive in the wilds, carry some form of shelter.
If you stay in cold country, you will need to pack more, eg: 4 season sleeping bag, bivy, tent, tarp. etc. If you stay in or near a jungle or swamp, you might want to pack a hammock, tarp, bug netting, sleeping bag, bivvy, etc.
So for shelters and bedding, I will list down a variety of shelters and You need to pick the ones suited to your environment.
Tent, Tarp, Sleeping bag, Bivvy, Mylar blanket, Ground pad, Hammock, Bug Netting, Blanket wool or fleece.
Water
Water is going to be a problem, the rule of 3 states that a person can go 3 days without water, but that really does depend on how hot it is, how much you exert yourself, your physical condition.
3 days is just an estimate. It would be impractical to carry all the water you need for long term survival. So you need to have ways to purify water on the go.
Sawyer Water Filter, Purification Tablets, Metal containers to boil water in (cups, canteens, flasks, pot, kettle) hydration Bladders.
Food
3 weeks without food is a long time, having some food with you will keep up your energy and morale. If you are bugging out, chances are you will want quick to cook meals, you will want foods that have a long expiration date so you don’t have to rotate stock from your bug out bag.
Energy bars, Trail Mix, Chocolate, Rice, Beans, Pasta, Emergency food rations, Beef jerky, Pemmican, Peanut butter, Oats, MRE’s , Dehydrated foods.
You will also want to know how to forage, trap, hunt and fish, and have the means to do so. Pack some snare wire and a small
fishing kit.
Cooking Kit
Carrying food is great, having a container to prepare the food in is just plain common sense, I recommend stainless steel over other materials as in my opinion, they are more durable.
Metal nesting cup or canteen, pot, bushcraft stove, MSR stove with gas canister.
First Aid and Hygiene
Ifak first, then a Boo Boo kit, and finally some basic hygiene items.
Ifak (individual trauma kit), First aid, any prescription medication that you need, wet wipes, Anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, soap,
toothbrush, any other personal hygiene items that you may need.
Ifak, First Aid Kit and Hygiene Kit
Navigation and Communication
Learning to navigate without any gear is a fantastic skill to have, but having a means of getting your bearing is convenient and a potential lifesaver. As for communication, while people envision themselves bugging out and getting cutoff from family, friends and society. A means of communication is highly recommended.
Compass, Mobile phone, GPS, Radio, Signal mirror, Whistle and map of your area and surrounding areas.
Cutting Tools
Knife (fixed blade), portable saw, Axe, Machete, Pocket knife (folder) and a multitool. Of course you aren’t
going to be carrying all of these cutting tools, but I would highly recommend having at least 3 of them
in your bug out bag. Which three will depend on your environment, skills and ability to carry said tools.(weight is always going to be an issue.
Full tanged knife, saw of your choice, axe, machete, multi-tool
Fire
A lot of survival TV shows, show people using a fire drill or flint and stone to start a fire. That makes great TV, but is not very practical in a real life survival situation. Carry Multiple methods of starting a fire, the more the better, as well as some easy to light tinder.
Lighters (Bic lighters are good), Storm matches, ferrocerium rods, Magnesium blocks. Tinder, such as cotton soaked in petroleum jelly (Vaseline), char cloth, or you can mash up some of your jute cord.
Cordage
Paracord, Climbing rope, fishing line, dental floss, jute cord. Nature provides many things. Cordage is easy to to make if in dire straits, but to forage the materials, and braid it together to make decent cordage is time consuming. Considering how economical and lightweight cordage is, it would be wise to pack a variety of cords for every occasion.
Paracord, Jute, Dental floss, Rope, Bankline
Clothing
Spare clothing is a luxury in a survival situation, but some spares are essential. For example spare socks and base-layer, are not optional but a must. Optional are a pair of pants and t-shirt.
Socks, Base-layer, Clothing suitable to your environment.
Lighting
Illumination (or a less fancy term, Lighting)
Walking around in the dark is not practical, carrying a blazing fire torch doesn’t really cut it either, A simple solution is to carry a couple of light options. With either spare batteries, a solar charger or a rechargeable power-bank. A headlamp is essential (when walking or working it’s hands free), candles have multiple uses, they can be used for illumination, heat, and to start a fire. Chem-lights have multiple uses and are really handy in certain situations.
LED Torch Light (preferably rechargeable), Head lamp, Glowstick or chem-light sticks, Candles, Spare batteries or a solar power bank.
Repair Kits
Expect the unexpected, things will break down, having a means to repair them would be a smart move. Pack some basic gear repair items. Sewing kit, Duct tape, Superglue, tent repair kits.
Needles, Thread, Duct tape, Superglue, Tent repair kits
Self Defense
When bugging out, avoid conflict. That said, there may be unavoidable situations where you may need to defend yourself. Carry the means and the will to do so. Depending on your location and skills, choose the best self defense method you have available to you.
In your bugout bag, you should have multiple cutting tools that could be used as a self defense tool. Carrying a couple cans of bear spray, and a firearm (if legal in your area) is also a good idea. But the best self defense is staying under the radar.
Pepper spray (preferably bear spray), any self defense tools that are legal in your part of the world
Currency or Barter
Cash is King in a bugout situation, and when cash doesn’t work, barter is Queen, carry some cash (small bills), coins and some barterable items (ammo, spare meds, liquor).
Cash, Gold, Silver, Barterable items in your part of the world
Protective Gear
A survival situation usually means roughing it, protective gear is like your suit of armor, it will protect you from the elements, cuts, scrapes, bugs, etc.
Sunglasses, safety glasses, work gloves, Hat, shemagh or bandanna, head bug net, knee pads, boot gaiters and poncho.
Documents and Data
At some point you will need to prove your identity and proof of legal ownership of properties, assets, bank info, health insurance, etc.
Photocopies of your identity and legal documents. a storage device (USB drive, data card) with copies of the above and some photos of yourself and family members (you will appreciate having those if you lose your photo albums to a natural disaster), a backup of your address book, and contacts would also be a good idea.
Copies of legal documents, contact list, and personal photos (they will bring comfort and hope)
Miscellaneous Items with Multiple Uses
Many if not all of the items in this category have multiple uses, some are difficult if not impossible to fabricate in the wilderness. But all of them are worth carrying if you have the space in your bag.
Heavy duty Garbage bags (pack 2 or 3 of them)
Ziplock bags (half a dozen)
Cable ties of varying lengths
Rubber Tubing surgical grade
Condoms (non-lubricated)
Tick Remover
Nail Clippers (or small scissors)
Small mirror
Small magnifying glass
Spork
Pen and a little notebook
Vaseline
Hand towels (6×6 inch x 3)
Fallkniven DC4 or any small portable sharpening tool
Carabiner (real climbing ones) preferable with a screw lock x3
Tampons
Powerbank to charge electronic device (preferably solar rechargeable)
A Pair of Quick release straps
2 Bag covers, one camo and one plain
Some items are optional (depending on your environment and skillset). Some items are essential. This Free Ultimate Free Bug Out Bag Checklist will help you decide what to pack .
FREE Downloadable Ultimate Free Bug Out Bag Checklist, No Subscription Required
Be Aware that this Ultimate Free Bug Out Bag Checklist is working under the assumption that you are fully dressed and have on a good pair of boots (or shoes if that is your preference).
While I have tried to cover every eventuality, there are just too many variables to consider, what I have done is try to cover as many of them as is possible and packed it all into one bag. If I have missed anything, leave a comment below.
