In recent years, natural disasters like wildfires in California and hurricanes along the coast have made the idea of being prepared to “grab and go” in an emergency, more relevant than ever. I used to associate bug-out bags with “doomsday preppers” and extreme survivalists. These preppers are crazy and overreacting, I used to think. But now, given the state of natural disasters and unexpected crises, it no longer seems out of the question. Everyone could stand to have a go bag ready just in case.
What is a bug-out bag?
A bug-out bag, or “go bag”, is a survival kit designed for emergencies requiring quick evacuation. It’s meant to provide essential supplies for survival for at least 72 hours (3 days) in an emergency situation. The goal is to allow you to be self-sufficient until help arrives or until you can reach safety.
The planned contents of our bug-out bag
While we haven’t finalized the contents of our bag, we have started an outline below. Mr. Nacho and I would each have a bag. I expect that my bag will be my 32 liter hiking backpack.
Water and hydration
- 3 liter containers of water + a gallon of water (a little more than a liter per day; but this gets heavy so we might decide on just 2-3 liters instead)
- Water purification tablets or a LifeStraw/filter
Food and cooking
- Energy bars, trail mix peanut butter, potentially dehydrated meals
- Lightweight utensils, small cups, bowls, or plates
- Instant coffee
- Manual can opener
- Fire-starting tools
- Cat food and water bowl
- TBD compact stove
Shelter and warmth
- Emergency blanket
- TBD tarp and paracord
Clothing
- Seasonal clothing (3 shirts, 2 pants)
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes
- Socks
- Undergarments
- Hat
- Travel towel
- Poncho (though maybe don’t need this if we have garbage bags)
Tools and navigation
- Multi-tool (knife, screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
- Compass and map of the area
- Duct tape (endless uses)
- Small crowbar for entry/access in urban scenarios
- Scissors
- Flashlight
- Headlamp
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
First aid and hygiene
- Comprehensive first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tourniquet)
- Basic hygiene: toothbrush, floss, wet wipes, soap, feminine hygiene
- Tweezers (in case of ticks!)
- Toilet paper
- Alcohol wipes
- Bug spray
Communication and power
- Battery-powered radio
- Backup battery pack or solar charger
- Emergency whistle and small mirror for signaling (If you need rescue, flash your mirror three times. Three is considered a universal distress signal)
- Extra batteries
- Solar panel charger
- Phone charger
- Emergency contact phone numbers (including an out-of-state contact)
- Matches and firestarters
- A “Help/OK sign” to be able to display outwards in a window during a disaster
- Old cell phone in case something happens to your existing one
Etc.
- Cash (for if credit card systems go down)
- Extra credit card (I plan on keeping one in the bag that I don’t typically use)
- Copies of identification
- Garbage bags
- Plastic ziplock bags
- Face/dust masks
- Glow sticks
- Candles
- Bucket with handle
- Pen and paper
- Extra keys to house and/or car
Depending on how much time we have to leave, we could also plan to grab our clothes hampers. A laundry basket with clothes we wear most often can help streamline the process.
Another important thing to do that wouldn’t be part of a go-bag would be to take digital photos of all your identity and important documents (passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, Marriage Certificate, Title, Registration, Deeds, etc.)
Be prepared, not paranoid
The goal for us is practical preparedness, not doomsday prepping. We’ll also have to regularly check and update our bags (as they relate to food expiration, batteries, etc.).
A bug-out bag is only part of our plan. Having an evacuation route and contacts is just as important.
In a crisis, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. The fewer decisions you have to make in the moment, the better. Hopefully we’ll never have a need for a go-bag.