What To Pack In A Bug Out Bag & What It Is
Do you have a bug out bag? A bug out bag is fancy words for an emergency to go bag. It is always a good idea to be prepared and you never know when something may pop up out of the blue.
Why have an emergency to go bag? It’s just plain smart thinking. But really what does it need to have? To answer that just think of having to live for 3 days out of a backpack, also keep in mind that you may be living without electricity or running water.
So where do you start?
Bag:
First, pick a bag that that is easy for you to carry, a simple backpack works for most people, while those who are physically fit may prefer a regular hiking pack which can hold so much more. Don’t forget to keep in mind the more you pack the more weight you’ll have to carry.
Medication:
If you have health issues that require daily medication then pack that first, 3-5 days worth. Nothing else you pack is as important as required medications.
Shelter & Clothing:
Next, think shelter, how would you keep dry and warm? In the US hypothermia, can develop in temperatures as high as 50 degrees when your wet and weather is windy. You can buy plastic rain ponchos for about a buck but they can be worth their weight in gold when it’s raining. Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets are another MUST have.
Depending on the bag you are packing and your budget, even a small tent may be a good idea to pack.
When thinking shelter, think about stopping the wind and staying dry! Don’t forget a change of clothing that includes socks, and extra shoes, while not shelter they are just as important to remain warm and dry. A hat and gloves are also essential to staying warm, people lose more heat through their feet, hands and head then through the rest of their body.
I know these can take up a lot of room, however, if you use roll-up space saving bags, it helps a lot.
Water:
Now, think about water. A person can live for a while without food. But when it comes to water, we can only go a few days to a week without it. Many people figure water will always be available, after all, there is always creeks, rivers, and rain. While water may be available it’s most likely not drinkable.
Water is heavy weighing about 8 pounds per gallon. A person needs at least a half gallon of water every day just for drinking, so figure a gallon a day per person. If you carry water that means 3 gallons just for 3 days, do you really want to carry around 24 extra pounds? I sure don’t! The best solution is life straws. They allow you to drink water right from a mud puddle if you need to and are lightweight.
There are cheaper filtering straws on the market, however, make sure that they filter down to 0.2.
Food:
After water, pack food but keep it small, light, simple, long shelf life and no cooking. To go foods need to be fairly high in calories with a good balance of fats, carbs, and proteins. When picking to go foods, keep in mind your personal needs such as diabetes, gluten intolerance, and allergies.
A few good choices might be peanut butter, foil packets of chicken or tuna, beef jerky, meal replacement bars are another good choice. Even Tootsie Rolls or Payday bars both offer a blast of energy.
Other Ideas Of Things To Pack:
Other essentials include a first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries or better yet a small hand crank radio-flashlight combo that has a USB charger point for charging your cell phone.
You will also need waterproof matches, whistle, paper and pens, cash in small denominations. Don’t forget Toilet paper, hand sanitizer and if you’re a young women feminine supplies.
Another item that is important to pack is family documents in waterproof containers such as ziplock bags.
A pack of cards may also be useful, and a small toy or stuffed animal for children makes a nice addition.
Just remember each person needs their own bag, but keep it light. What do you pack in your bug out bag?
If you found this helpful, you here are some other posts you may want to check out.
- How to Prepare For A Natural Disaster
- How To Cold Brew Coffee
- Foraging? Here Are 6 Plants To Look For
- How to Survive Camping In The Heat
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