A Bug Out Bag is a bag containing all the essential items you might need in the event of an emergency - packed and ready to go for almost immediate departure in a crisis.
The clear limitation will be what can you fit in the bag, bearing in mind you won't want to overburden yourself with heavyweight items, unless they are absolutely essential.
The elements that you'll need to prepare for will be shelter, heating & lighting, food & water, clothing & comfort, safety, first aid & hygiene, navigation, tools & practical items, documentation and financial.
Shelter
Heating & Lighting
- Fire lighters
- Matches
- Torch
- Gas stove
- Fuel
Food & Water
- Energy dense foods
- Freeze dried meals
- Energy bars
- Water purifier / tablets
Clothing & Comfort
- Waterproof Jacket
- Hat
- Thermal Gloves
- Additional clothing
- Towel
- Emergency blanket
- Sleeping bag
First Aid & Hygiene
- Personal toiletries
- Vinyl gloves
- Medicines
- Plasters & Bandages
- Air-filtration mask
- Thermometer
Navigation
Tools & Practical Items
- Manual can opener
- Fishing equipment
- Rope / Cord
- Duct tape
- Tactical knife
- Whistle
- Axe
- Batteries
Financial & Documentation
- Passport/driving licence
- Waterproof box/bag
- Bank cards
- Cash
Note that all items will need to be packed well into a convenient, robust and waterproof backpack for easy travel.
We also have a full
list of survival equipment here that you might want to consider, however it the premise of a Bug Out Bag is that you need to leave all other possessions and depart/evacuate and hence there are specific limitations and restrictions on what you can carry.
