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Writer's pictureIan Jones

Bug-Out Bags: Your Essential Guide to Preparedness

Updated: Oct 29

bug out bags

In times of crisis, relying on luck alone might not be the wisest choice. Whether it's a sudden disaster or the need to evacuate swiftly, having a well-equipped bug-out bag can be your key to survival. Let's delve into the essentials of bug-out bags, what to look for in one, and what items you should pack to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation.


Why Bug-Out Bags Matter

Bugging out, or escaping a disaster zone, is a crucial aspect of modern prepping. While some may manage without a dedicated survival kit, proper preparation significantly increases your chances of overcoming unforeseen challenges. Here's why having a bug-out bag matters:

  • Swift Evacuation: Preparing an emergency bag ensures you can grab and go, speeding up your evacuation time.

  • Supplies for the Journey: A well-packed bag guarantees you have the necessary supplies to last the journey, reducing vulnerability.

  • Tactical Flexibility: With a bug-out bag, you gain the flexibility to adapt to whatever challenges the journey throws at you.


Choosing the Right Bug-Out Bag

When selecting a bug-out bag, certain features are paramount for its effectiveness. Consider the following factors:

Size Matters

  • Aim for a 35L-55L backpack with hip straps. Smaller bags suit those with excellent survival skills or group travel, while larger bags (65L or more) can lead to overpacking.

The Importance of Hip Straps

  • Ensure the bag has hip straps. Carrying weight on your hips is more efficient and less exhausting than relying solely on shoulder straps.

Interior Frame or Exterior Frame?

  • Personal preference plays a role here. Interior frame backpacks are often more comfortable, but some with military experience might prefer exterior frames.

Tactical vs. Technical Debate

  • The choice between a tactical and a technical pack boils down to personal preference. Tactical bags offer utility and toughness, while technical bags blend well in ordinary life and tend to be more comfortable.

Affordability Matters

  • An inexpensive bag that may not last indefinitely is acceptable for a bug-out bag. It's better to have a budget-friendly option readily available than be caught unprepared.


What Goes Inside Your Bug-Out Bag

While a comprehensive Bug-Out Bag Guide is in the works, here are the essentials you should pack:

  1. Navigation Solution: Include a map and compass to ensure you stay on the right path.

  2. Important Documents: Carry your passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, insurance documents, and a digital backup of essential files.

  3. Shelter: Pack a sleeping bag suitable for extreme temperatures and a tent, tarp, or bivvy bag based on your needs.

  4. Water: Have a reliable water-carrying solution and a purification method like a Sawyer mini filter.

  5. Food: Bring enough calories for three days, considering the physical exertion during the journey.

  6. Medications: Ensure you have an adequate supply for the journey, and if possible, get a month’s worth.

  7. First Aid Kit: Include items to treat injuries, especially those related to walking, like severe blisters and hurt ankles.

  8. Fire: Carry tools for starting a fire for cooking, purifying water, warmth, and morale.

  9. Security Measures: Include items to dissuade potential threats, such as a sturdy walking stick or a multipurpose bushcraft knife.


Remember, these basics are crucial for your primary mission: escape to safety. Additional items like a headlamp, multi-tool, radio, and protective gear can enhance your preparedness but may add weight and expense.

In life's unpredictable journey, today's choices shape tomorrow's possibilities. Preparedness isn't just caution; it's a strategic decision, empowering resilience in the face of disasters.


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