I’ve gathered my bug out bag list for you to check out. You never know when you’ll need the things in this bag. I use my bag more often than I ever thought. I thought this would strictly be used in a bug out situation, however, I find myself digging into it for other reasons. Like minor emergencies, or even everyday mishaps.
Hopefully, I’ll never have to fully use my bag and actually bug out, but you really just never know. Whether it’s the end of the world, or just a hurricane emergency. I want to be ready. We’ve had to evacuate before. I’ve always taken our bug out bags with us when we evacuate “just in case” we need them.
Between the threat of heavy traffic, and low gas supplies, you never know if you’ll get stuck someplace. You want to make sure you’re prepared for just about anything.
When you’re building a bug out bag, think about the basics. Water, food, and fire. Without these, life will be short lived. Among those three important topics we also need to remember hygiene, shelter, and clothing.
I’ve included a couple of options in each category. You have to weigh the options. Weight, quality, convenience, effectiveness, and bang for your buck. Speaking of money, if you are on a budget, you might want to hop on over and check out the frugal bug out bag. I compiled a list of cheap supplies you can throw in a bug out bag while sticking to a budget!
Grab this Bug Out Bag Printable Checklist.
Bug Out Bag List – B.O.B.
Notice: Some people may need medication or other items not listed here.
Backpacks
First things first. You'll need a backpack. Some of these come with supplies. It's a great way to get start building a bug out bag. Some of them are empty and need to be filled. Choose wisely.
This bag includes many quality supplies. Everything from first aid to hygiene. This is a great bug out bag with all the bells and whistles!
This bag includes a few supplies and has the molle system great for adding additional gear. It has a hydration pack which is a great way to carry water since it's evenly distributed across the load.
Comes in several different colors. I bought one in black. I love this bag. It's HUGE! It has 3 detachable molle packs with room to grow! Plus, it has pockets for days.
Don't forget to cover your pack to protect it from the rain!
Bug Out Bag: Water
Here are some choices that you have for filtering and carrying water for an emergency.
Aquatabs are effervescent tablets that kill micro-organisms in water to prevent Cholera, Typhoid, Dysentery, and other waterborne diseases. This 250 pack treats up to 500 quarts of water. This product is recommended for disinfecting raw or pre-treated water. The source of water to be treated may be collected rain, rivers, lakes, wells, cisterns, or similar sources.
Drinking Water Germicidal Tablets to make water bacteriologically suitable to drink, and PA Plus tablets to neutralize the after-taste and color in the water.
It only takes two germicidal water purification tablets and two PA plus tablets to disinfect one quart (one liter) of water. These portable water treatment tablets are effective against bacteria and Giardia lamblia.
- Award-winning LifeStraw water filter is a must-carry tool for hiking, camping, travel, and emergencies; no disaster kit is complete without it
- Filters up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals; does not require batteries and has no moving parts
- Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns; surpasses EPA filter standards
- Insulated sleeve - To keep water in the straw cooler
- BPA free
- Food grade
- Leakproof
- Bite valve
Bug Out Bag Food Options
Remember that you want, nutritiously dense food. Even better if you can buy lightweight food that doesn't weigh your pack down. Choose wisely.
- Tons of flavors to choose from
- NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS OR FLAVORS
- The benefit of eating a REAL HOT MEAL!
- SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT
- Tasty coconut flavor
- Heavy
- US Coast Guard approved for 5-year shelf life under all climatic conditions
- 9 delicious bars providing 410 calories per bar totaling over 3600 calories per package
- Expensive: 3 bars per person per day.
- Not individually packaged
- Nitrate and Nitrite Free Low-fat Protein Snack
- 4 Count
- All Natural and Grass-Fed
- Lightweight
- Morale booster
- Expensive
- Complete meal
- Easy to Store
- No Refrigeration Required
- Includes Flameless heaters and accessory packs in each meal.
- Waterproof Packaging
- 12 different meals with an average of 1250 calories per meal.
Fire Starters
Fire means food in your belly, warmth for your body, and a boost for morale during tough times. I like to have multiple means of fire-making. Flint and steel and a couple of lighters. They are both lightweight, and don't take up much room so why not?
- Bonus: Comes with a paracord bracelet
- Over 15,000 strikes
- Built-in hex wrench
- Toothed edge for scraping
- Ruler
- Bottle opener
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT
- 3 pack
- Bonus paracord bracelet
- Work in many weather conditions
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
I don't know how I feel about these. They have to be filled with lighter fluid or kerosene. First off, the force it takes to light a match might spill the flammable contents and simultaneously light on fire.
Secondly, if I have to carry around something with fuel, I might as well carry a Zippo lighter. Much better quality and can safely hold more fuel.
Alternatively, just carry a Bic lighter. It needs no accessories.
It just sounds like a disaster. I've included this on the list, just in case you are thinking of buying something like this.
- Windproof
- Refillable
- Fuel: Burns cleaner and faster than other fuels
- Fast ignition and produces less odor
- Child-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Quality Inspected
Cooking Supplies
While you're building your bug out bag one of the things you need to think about is how you'll boil water, and cook food. There are plenty of options. Choose wisely.
I have a solo stove and I LOVE IT. I've used it after a hurricane. It works well. It's easy to grab some sticks, get a small fire going, and boil some water. And DANG, if it isn't nice to have a cup of joe during a disaster!
Multi-fuel: Can use twigs, leaves, pinecones, and wood as fuel. Eliminates the need to carry heavy, polluting, and expensive canister fuels.
Boils water in 2-4 minutes.
Stackable/Compact
Less smoke, more flame.
Stuff sacks included
If you want to skip hauling around the heavy stove parts, just pack a stainless steel cup. This cup can go right on the fire. It has handy foldable handles. It's one of the less expensive ways to boil water, and cook food.
Canteens are nice to have. This one is a canteen and a stove. Which is pretty neat.
Made of food-grade stainless steel
Includes: Canteen, cup, vented lid, stove, molle pouch with shoulder strap
This is a full cookware kit that is completely compact and fairly lightweight.
- Includes: Bowls, plates, spoons, pans, ladle, kettle, and sponge
- Compact and lightweight
- Heat-resistant collapsible handles
- Bowls and plates are BPA free
Blades/Sharps
Every good bug out bag has a few good blades. Don't be caught without one. There are many forms of blades to choose from. Pocket knives to hatchets make good choices.
Kershaw makes quality blades. This one is also a multitool.
1/4-in hex drive, 2 flathead bits, 2 crosshead bits, liner lock, pocket clip and manual opening with thumb stud
- Folding design
- Safety lock
- The saw can be used on both green & dry wood as well as plastic and bones
Don't forget to put a sharpener in your bug out bag. This one is great for a variety of blade types.
- Ceramic (fine) sharpening slot, Carbide (coarse) sharpening slot
- Lanyard hole for easy carry
- Diamond-coated sharpening rod
- Nylon sheath
- Sharpener
- Firestarter
- Improved edge retention and rust resistance
- Molded sheath protects during storage with velcro to attach to a molle system.
- 10" carbon steel blade
- Great for clearing brush, stripping bark, removing tough vines and small tree removal
- Full tang handle wrapped in a non-slip rubber overmold - features secure contoured grip, built-in handguard, and front and back lanyard holes
Another important blade you might need is a can opener.
Made In the USA
Let There Be Light!
Solar power has come a long way. However, that technology hasn't been adapted to flashlights and other lighting gear very well. At least from my experience. I've tried a couple of solar power flashlights and they end up failing terribly.
It's been a few years since I've tried any new solar flashlight on the market. I've found a couple I believe are worth trying.
Another note, flashlights really aren't a necessity in a bug out bag. In my opinion, the only reason you might want to have them is when you are relieving yourself at night, or God forbid you have to travel at night.
Alternatively, If you're keeping a bug out bag in your vehicle, it's a good idea to always have a flashlight for vehicle emergencies.
- 500 lumens
- High, low, medium, and strobe lights. Also has lights on the side for warning/emergency signal lights.
- Adjustable focus flashlight
- Hammer for breaking glass
- Cutter for cutting a seatbelt
- Recharge using solar or USB
- Ear-piercing alarm at the touch of a button
I love this brand. I have one of these penlights. I keep one on my bug out bag at all times. It's great for using for small jobs, like unlocking a door.
- Take 2 AAA batteries
- 100 lumens
- Small - about the size of a pen
- Pen clip attaches easily to gear
I love this brand. We have several of the bigger flashlights. Those are a bit heavy. I really like this one, because it's pretty small but is very bright. The only downside is that you'll need electricity to recharge this bad boy.
- 500 lumens
- Compact
- Pen clip attaches easily onto gear
- USB rechargeable
These really aren't necessary. However, if you have to use the bathroom at night it might give you a small piece of mind.
- 50-75 lumens
- Lightweight
- Collapsible
Fishing & Hunting Gear
If you run out of food supplies or rations, you'll want some other means of eating. Make sure you have a few good lightweight choices on fishing and hunting for your bug out bag.
This is a pretty neat little contraption that's been around for many years. It lures, catches, and hold all automatically!
- Stainless Steel (Rust Proof) Spring & Galvanized Steel Frame
- 60# Test Nylon Line
- Made In The USA
- OTHER USES: Retractable pet leash, gate closure, and suspension device.
- Assembled in the U.S.A.
- Durable
- Water-resistant tin container that includes a rubber seal on the interior and silica gel desiccant for moisture absorption - this isn't an Altoids tin with hinges
- Includes a variety of jigs, flies, hooks, leaders, salmon eggs, split shot, fishing line, and bobbers
If you don't know much about fishing or you have kids, these are handy little kits that come with waterproof information cards. Kids can learn more about survival fishing using the cards and gear.
- 3 locking snares
- All-weather
- For small game under 25 lbs.
- Lightweight
- Made of high-grade aircraft cable and metal components
Hygiene
Keeping yourself clean can be the difference between being comfortable and healthy and the opposite of that. Even during a survival situation cleanliness is still next to Godliness.
These have plenty of uses, and they are small, reusable, lightweight, and compact!
- 200 PCS
- Reusable - Each towel is individually wrapped and easy to carry
- Easy to use -The portable towels can be used with a glass of water. Both cold and hot water.
- Many Uses - Toilet paper, face wipe, wash dishes, etc...
- Premium quality
- Made of cotton
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Soft
- Biodegradable toilet tissue rolls
- Coreless rolls take up less space in your pack
- 140 single-ply sheets per roll
- Infused with active charcoal
- Portable
- Foldable
This handy pack also comes with toothpaste.
Grab some travel lotion. Whatever kind you like. I like this stuff. I have sensitive skin so I have to use what my skin likes. My skin loves Gold Bond. The old recipe was better, but hey what can you do?!
Not only applicable to women for their menstrual cycle but can also be used for first aid.
For women there's really no way to carry enough menstrual product to cover them for long period of time.
The best way to proactively prepare to survive is to have something that is reusable.
Keep your teeth clean plus dental floss can be used in several other ways. Like tying up gear or as fishing line in a pinch.
- High absorbency
- Drys fast
- Handy snaps & hang loops
- Reusable
- Biodegradable
- Lightweight
- 50 soaps
Hand sanitizer can be used in many situation to clean your hands of germs. It does not however, clean has of dirt, grim, or oil.
First Aid
A must-have for your bugging out kit. It can be difficult to get everything you need in a first aid kit. You may have to buy a few extra supplies here and there.
This has way more than just first aid! It also has a flashlight, poncho, whistle, snares, carabiner, compass, paracord bracelet, pocket knife, fire starter, and a multi-tool. Not to mention it also comes with a molle pack!
275 Pcs First Aid Supplies
1x Metal Medical Scissors, 1x Plastic 10x Safety, 1x Blue Tourniquet, 70x Adhesive
25x Mini Bandages, 10x Knuckle, 10x Cleansing Wipes, 20x Alcohol Prep
20x Antiseptic Cleansing, 100x Cotton Sticks, 1x Triangulaire, 1x Non-Woven Surgical
1x Disposable CPR Mask, 2x PBT Bandage, 2x Disposable PVC Gloves
Do you know how to sew someone up? I have a practice suture kit, and yes I'm actually practicing with it. I'm getting better despite the fact that I'm a lefty in a righty's world!
This is the exact kit that I bought and the tools that came with it are top-notch. They are perfect for placing in a bug out bag once you've mastered the technique.
I like these organized kits because in a real medical emergency you need to find stuff fast.
This kit includes:
50 Adhesive dressings, 1 Pencil, 1 Notepad, 1 Rust Resistant forceps with tip guard
3 Fever scan strip, 10 Disposable splinter probes
1 Survival First Aid Booklet, 1 Bandage shears, 10 Skin cleaning wipes
1 Combine dressing, 3 Conforming cotton bandage, 3 Conforming cotton bandage
15 Cotton gauze swabs, sterile, 1 CPR card, 1 Emergency foil blanket, 4 Eye pads
5 Hydrogel, 1 Hypoallergenic adhesive tape, 1 Ice pack, 5 Nitrile gloves large
6 Non-adherent wound dressing, 3 Non-adherent wound dressing, 1 Non-adherent wound dressing, 3 Plastic bags, 1 Pressure bandage, crepe, heavyweight
1 SMART snake bandage, 1 Resuscitation face mask, 6 Safety pins
8 Saline, 1 Triangular bandage, 3 Wound closures, 1 Wound dressing
This is a serious kit. I can't imagine someone bugging out with all of these supplies. However, depending on the quality of items, it's not a bad price for everything you get in this kit. It would be a great way to build a really great first aid kit, but maybe in a smaller bag...
Miscellaneous Bug Out Bag Gear
Whether it's duct tape, paracord, etc... Some of these survival supplies are a must in a bug out bag.
My suggestion is not to take an entire roll. It would be far too heavy. An easy way to make duct tape travel friendly is to grab an old store card or gift card and wrap the duct tape around it many times.
Multipurpose thread inside - uses may include:
- Fire tender
- Tying up gear or hanging food over a fire to cook
- Snares
- Fishing line
- Sutures - using the fishing line
- 750 paracord
- Reduced noise
- Extra large
- Increased thickness
- Tear resistance
- Reusable
This is one of my favorite paracord companies. They have top quality 550 cord that never disappoints.
- Tons of colors to choose from
- You can buy kits like this one to make paracord bracelets
- 550lb 7 strand cord
- Lightweight and will not rot or mildew
- Strong and durable
- Multi-purpose: camping, fishing, hiking, survival and more
- Made in the USA
- EASE OF USE: Ultralight signal mirror with built-in precision aiming system making it ideal for any survival kit
- VERSATILITY: Features a mirrored surface with vacuum deposition metallization and a targeting star with retro-reflective fabric
- DURABLE: Virtually unbreakable mirror works in overcast conditions or night using moonlight
- CONVENIENT: Includes a lanyard for a secure grip while in use or to ensure a solid grip on a backpack or other outdoor gear
- Quality material
- Made of aluminum alloy with double tube
- Strong and durable
- Practical and portable
- Key chain and lanyard included
- Up to 120 decibels
- Waterproof whistle
Everything you need to repair clothing. Needle, thread, scissors, stitch remover, needle threader, measuring tape, and more.
Sorry guys for the bit of pink, but this was the best set. Tweezerman is a great brand. I know because I used to be a pro.
Yep, that cats out of the bag. Okay, I used to do nails. It's out there, now stuff it!
Those nippers are my favorite for cutting away annoying cuticles. These are quality tools. However, if you need a cheaper set check out the Dollar Tree. They have a set that not too bad considering it's only a dollar.
This one has great reviews, however, in my research, these solar power banks have similar issues as the solar flashlights do. It seems that the awesome technology that we've adapted just hasn't been placed into these things.
I'd love to find one that actually will take a charge via the sun and actually charge a cell phone!
With that said, it's worth a try. Having a power bank would be amazing in a survival situation. You could charge flashlights, cell phones, and other necessities.
I tried to find a nice pack of paper clips, rubber, bands, and safety pins on Amazon, but couldn't seem to find one. So here's this set. I would suggest getting these items at the Dollar Tree.
- MULTIFUNCTION: Floating compass dial with 360° scale, adjustable prism lens, Fold metal lid，Compass with a clinometer, enable to measure height and slopes
- DURABLE METAL ： Durable metal construction，waterproof and shakeproof.allowing it to withstand even the harshest conditions.Activities: Ideal for camping, hiking, adventure, positioning, mapping, etc
- HIGH ACCURACY：Thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule，This model uses a true sighting optic that allows you a direct read of the internal compass card housed in the fluid-filled capsule
- EASY TO READ: Thumb hold and magnifying viewer, Sighting hairline, Liquid filled for fast readability
Not absolutely necessary but a waterproof lightweight tarp is really nice in the rainy season. At the very least you can add it to the shelter you build to keep out the rain and stay dry.
- WATERPROOF & UV PROTECTION
- Puncture-resistant fabric
- Durable
- 19 guy points and 5 grommets
- Waterproof
- Morale booster
- Flexible, hand-washable, and easy to shuffle
- 100% waterproof- perfect to take to the beach, pool, or camping
- Standard playing card size
- Printed on premium clear plastic card stock
Chapstick is nice to have. I make my own so that's a link to the recipe. All you have to do is melt wax and oil to make it and put it in tubes. Seriously, easy stuff!
Bug Out Bag List
- Backpack and waterproof cover
- Water purification tablets, Life Straw, or other means of filtering water
- Food – Rations, Mountain House Meals, Jerky, MREs
- Firestarters, lighters
- Stainless steel cup to boil water and cook food, or compact pan set, and/or solo stove
- Blades/Sharps – pocket knife, can opener, machete, axe, saw, or other handy blades
- Solar flashlight, penlight, etc…
- Travel fishing kit and snare kits
- Toothbrush & toothpaste paste, lotion, toilet paper
- First Aid Kit
- Miscellaneous supplies – Compass, Bible, playing cards, lightweight tarp or rainfly, duct tape, paracord, emergency blanket, signaling mirror, whistle, travel sewing and manicure kits, power bank, rubber bands, safety pins, carabiners, paper clip, homemade chap balm, garbage bags, plastic freezer bags (for foraging or other uses),
- Clothes
Some Other Recommendations…
I found some small sewing kits at the Dollar Tree and of course, they are only $1. Not the best quality, but if you’re like me, cheap is what I can afford, sometimes!
Also, from the Dollar Tree I buy dental floss, hand-sani, antibacterial ointment, playing cards, travel bibles, bandages, gauze, & face masks. If you want you can see more on my Dollar Tree Bug Out Bag.
You might also be interested in the Amazon Bug Out Bag List.
*Clothes- it does depend on what climate you’re living in and plan to retreat to!
- Small Jacket – water-resistant if possible/down jacket that is easily compressed
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Long sleeve shirt
- Pants
- Socks – wool because they will wick the moisture away and you do not want your feet wet!
- Underwear – a couple pair
Thanks for visiting! Is there anything I missed? The list could go on and on and never end!
At some point, you really have to limit yourself and teach yourself to use what you have on hand.
I find that it’s best to make a list, then prioritize that list. If you have any items not necessary for survival remove them! Don’t weigh yourself down too much.
This is how I ultimately made my list. I hope it helps you make a top-notch bag for yourself.
Don’t forget to do a lot of research! Think about health issues your family may have, and don’t forget about prepping for your pets!
Grab this printable Bug Out Bag Checklist.
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I have found some really good buyd on Ebay. I also added a USGI water proff bag to my USGI duffel Truck bag. I have found a few good deals on flash lights that take 18650 rechargeable batteries that can be charged with your car/ truck outlet.
One of these takes the place of 3 AAA.
That’s an idea, I’d love a waterproof bag myself. Having protection from rain or other is super important, just in case! My flashlight is rechargeable also. I’m not quite sure what the battery is called though. I can charge it in anywhere with a usb cable. Quite happy with it. The one I currently use and love is called a powerprobe. It boasts like 800 lumens or something like that. I don’t remember now. I know it is super bright! It cuts through dense woods very well. Thanks for the info Shayne!
love the bug out bag might come in handy.
Thanks Cindy!
Thanks for the info interesting
You are welcome Danny. Have a great week!