In the aftermath of an ongoing emergency, there are two viable options that are placed before people. One, you can bug in and hope that you have enough stored in your house to wait out the emergency. Or two, you can bug out. This is where a bug-out bag comes in.
A bug-out bag, also known as a 72-hour kit, is a simple bag that is usually under 25 pounds and can help someone survive for 72 hours or longer with the gear inside. A bug-out bag has four essentials that need to be in the bag, with the possibility of adding more.
Water: Water is the most important thing to have in a bug-out bag. Unfortunately, water is extremely heavy and carrying 3 gallons (which is the recommended allotment for one person in an emergency) would equal 24 pounds. There are options you can add to your bag to help alleviate the weight. Water is most important because a person can only survive 72 hours without water, whereas someone can go three weeks without food.
- Water Bottle:
- Any type of water bottle will do. A collapsible one will help with saving room in your bag, but a Nalgene or other hard plastic bottle is recommended to have on hand.
- Water Purification:
- There are water purification tablets that come in tiny bottles. They are very handy but when you run out, you must start boiling the water before drinking.
- Water Purification method (recommended):
- The Sawyer Mini Water Filter ($20 at any sporting goods store) is the best for size and purification needs. It filters 100,000 gallons of water and doesn’t take up much space at all.
Food/food prep: Even though someone can last three weeks without food, it is not recommended in a crisis. Pack durable foodstuffs that have a high caloric content and are non-perishable.
There are some non-perishables that require water, so take it into consideration when packing your bags.
- MRE (Meals Ready to Eat):
- These are a staple of military personnel and emergency preppers. The reason is because they have high caloric content and are vacuum-packed. They usually have all the necessary items for a meal, though some need water, too.
- Protein Energy Bars:
- Even though some taste nasty, they are great for keeping energy (because you will be hiking away from a stable environment — likely over 5 miles). Recommended protein pack is 10 to 15 grams per bar.
- Portable stove:
- If you are looking for a hot meal a portable stove is recommended. I recommend Solo Stove ($60) because it creates a hot cooking area by using found materials (like leaves and sticks). It cools quickly and takes up little room. It doesn’t require any fuel tabs or gas.
- Utensils/Pots:
- There are durable cooking mess kits ($20 to $80) that are extremely useful. It is not recommended to have plastic utensils because they tend to break easily. Metal is best, even though you do need to clean it.
Warmth/Fire Starting: It doesn’t matter what time of year or where you will be bugging out to, the cold has a way of creeping up on people. Being able to maintain a fire and stay warm with clothes will help you maintain a better mood as well as keep animals away.
- Fire Starter:
- This can be anything from waterproof matches, a magnesium fire starter, a lighter, etc. I highly recommend having more than one method of starting a fire. Sometimes in the hike, there are things that get wet or broken, and if you have more than one option to start a fire, the stress is alleviated.
- Cotton Balls soaked in Petroleum Jelly or a tube of carpet glue:
- This is an odd assortment of items to have in a bag, but both of these items are wind-resistant and can help start a fire even if the materials are wet. Make sure both are sealed in baggies so they don’t leak over everything in your bag.
- Clothing:
- A recommended assortment is more than five pairs of socks, two to three pairs of pants, two to three underwear, a long-sleeved shirt, hat, gloves, bandana, and a medium-weight jacket or fleece. Having an assortment helps keep you dry and comfortable.
Shelter: Even with a simple tarp, there are many options to creating a suitable shelter. Some people swear by having their own tent, sleeping bag and ground mat. This is OK as long as you are capable of carrying the weight over long distances. A tarp and rope is all one really needs.
- First Aid Kit:
- Assortment of pain meds, Band-Aids, muslin or an all-in-one kit. You will be the doctor so be prepared with what tools you may need.
- Hygiene:
- Toilet tissue, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, sanitary pads, wash cloth, soaps and hair cleaning products. These help in a crisis and help elevate mood.
- Tools:
- Shovel (small and durable), weapons, survival tool and machete.
- Lighting:
- Flashlights (with batteries), solar-powered items and candles.
- Radio:
- I have this in my bag because I feel it is essential. There are options of hand crank, solar-powered, charging, etc.
I highly recommend packing up your bag and starting to go on walks with it. You may be surprised at how heavy it can be after a few minutes. Try a few days camping with just your pack to see what items you may need to add or take away. It is a surprisingly simple item that can save your life.
Emily Thornton is currently working on her masters in communication at Idaho State University. She enjoys writing, racing after her son and playing games with her husband.
