One of the key tools to any survival plan is a bug out bag. They are called by many names, but the meaning is the same. Every person needs a bag they can live off of for a minimum of three days. Even our government has asked us to have one of these bags on hand. The bag will be filled with some key tools and supplies that will aid in your survival. In fact, your bug out bag could mean the difference between surviving a disaster or succumbing to the elements. Anybody who is interested in learning about survival or prepping needs to know about bug out bags. They are often the most crucial part of any prepping plan.
There are plenty of bags filled with some really cool gadgets and gear on the market. They are sold as one stop shopping and ensure you everything you need to survive is within the bag. These can be a convenient way to get started (find some here). Unfortunately, some of those bags can cost a small fortune and might not be tailored to your needs.
Fortunately, you don’t have to pay a lot of money to stock your bug out bag. All it takes is a little creativity, ingenuity and a willingness to look for the best deals possible.
Picking the Right Bag
A bug out bag requires a bag, obviously. Experts will often suggest high-quality bags that can cost upwards of $100 or more. Framed backpacks are the best choice, but they can be expensive. The reason framed packs are best is because of their ability to hold a great deal of gear without putting a lot of stress on your back. In a survival situation, there is a strong possibility you will be walking great distances. You may not think this is a big deal until you have been carrying a 40-pound pack over rough terrain. The framed packs also allow you to stock more supplies.
If you cannot swing the cost of a framed pack, no worries. A sturdy, affordable backpack can be found. You can go to your local department store or sporting goods store and buy a new pack (or get one from us of course). If you don’t want to even spend that kind of money, hit up your local thrift stores and yard sales. You would be amazed at the steals you can find at these places. It can take some time before you find the perfect bag. It would be a good idea to buy one that will work, while keeping your eyes open for the bag you really want.
The bag you choose should have several pockets on the outside. This is where you would store the items you would need in a hurry like your flashlight, whistle and fire starting materials. Zippered pockets are ideal. This ensures your gear will not bounce out while you are walking. However, zippers can become problematic in wet weather. A pouch for a water bottle is also a major bonus.
Look for MOLLE clips to attach to the rings of the straps. The clips can typically be purchased for under a dollar. Use the clips to carry a flashlight, compass or whistle on the outside of your pack for quick access. In an emergency, you could waste precious seconds rummaging around in your bag trying to find your flashlight.
Contents
Now that you have a bag in mind, it is time to discuss what you need to keep in the bag. Every person will have their own idea about what should be in a bug out bag, but there are some key components that really are not optional. Do not get carried away and pack everything except for the kitchen sink. Don’t forget you will be carrying this bag in a stressful situation. Gear that isn’t necessary for survival should be added to your bag with caution. It does you no good to have a bag full of awesome gear that you will never get the chance to use because you can’t get out of dodge quick enough. You have to factor in the calorie expenditure an overweight pack will use. Every calorie counts in a survival situation.
Without the following list, a bug out bag will not serve its purpose. These are the most crucial elements to you 72-hour bag.
- Survival knife
- 2 different ways to start a fire
- Water purification methods
- Survival blanket—2 is ideal
- Whistle
- Flashlight
- Compass
- Poncho
- Energy bars/freeze dried food/jerky
- Paracord/cordage
- Basic first aid kit
- Cup
- Prescription meds
Those are the basics, but every bug out bag could benefit from a few extra perks. By perks, we are referring to some little things you can put together around the house that will aid in your survival. Every little bit helps and when you find yourself fighting for every little thing like, food, water and shelter, any advantage helps.
The rule of thumb in a survival situation is fire, water and shelter are your priorities. Your bug out bag will have a fire starting method like a lighter or matches, but as you probably know, you can’t walk up to a log, strike a match and expect a fire to happen. You can make your job a little easier by carrying material for starting your fire in your bug out bag.
Tip 1-Each time you clean out the lint screen of your dryer, put the lint into a sealable sandwich bag. Lint is an excellent fire starting material. It weighs virtually nothing and you can stash it in you bug out bag without worrying about it taking up any valuable space.
Tip 2-Dip cotton balls into Vaseline and store them in an old pill bottle. These are quick and easy fire starters. They will burn for about a minute, which gives you plenty of time to get a nice fire going.
Tip 3-Clear kitchen garbage bags are multi-functional tools that weigh nothing and can be stuffed into a pocket in your bag. The uses for garbage bags are truly endless; ponchos, water transport, water aspiration, ground barrier and so on.
Tip 4-Head to your local dollar store and buy the little extras that will make your bug out bag complete. First aid supplies, candles, flashlights, glow sticks, duct tape and anything else you think you will want or need for survival. (Naturally we carry many of these items too)
Some of the little extras that make survival a little more comfortable and easier can certainly be added to your bag. Keep in mind; you may decide shampoo and toothpaste are the extra essentials you need while your spouse decides hand sanitizer and bug spray are necessary. To help round out your bag, add the following items to suit your individual needs. Your bag will also reflect the area where you live. If you live in the desert, you are going to need to tweak your bag to accommodate the terrain.
- Toilet paper
- Fishing line and hooks
- Duct tape
- Alcohol swabs
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Brightly colored bandana
- Water filtering straw or bottle
- Pepper spray or another weapon for self-defense
- Binoculars
- Wool socks
- Rain gear
- Feminine hygiene products
- Baby wipes
Before you look at this list and get a little panicky about how much all of this will cost, relax. You can find many of these items at secondhand stores and yard sales. You have to be willing to put in the time and energy to build up your bug out bag without blowing the bank. Another point to make is the fact you do not have to run out and buy everything on this list in one shot. Get the basics out of the way and then add a little each week or paycheck.
You can dedicate $10 a week to stocking your bug out bag and have a nicely equipped bag in a month or two. Ideally, you will want to build up your preps to include a bug out bag for at least every adult in your household. You will want to keep your main bag at home, but it is also a very good idea to keep a bag with the basics in your car or at your work. You just never know when disaster will strike.
Take special care packing your bag. You need to be able to access things that are used most often without digging around and pulling things out of your bag. You have to assume you will be getting into the bag at some point in the dark. Get to know your bag so when things get rough you will be able to reach in and grab what you need without a lot of trouble.
Along with knowing where to find your gear, you need to know how to use it. Take the time today to learn how to use a compass as well as how to use your fire stating tools. All of the best gear in the world will not do you any good if you have no idea how it works. Don’t forget to get your family members involved in the process of stocking the bag as well as training them how to use its contents.
