How to Build a Bug-Out Bag
In this guide, we are going to cover how to set up and build a bug-out bag.
We will touch on everything you need to complete your bug-out bag and have it ready to go whenever disaster strikes:
Primary Reasons for Bug-Out Bag Use: The top three reasons individuals use their bug-out bags are natural disasters (45%), power outages (22%), and civil unrest (15%).
With the current state of our country and world affairs, there has never been a better time to build a bug-out bag and prepare for the unexpected. Having the peace of mind that you and your family are squared away is priceless.
Let’s get into it!
Understanding the concept of Bug-Out Bags
Purpose of a Bug-Out Bag
In the crazy world we live in today, being prepared can make all the difference to survival.
A bug-out bag, often referred to as a 72-hour kit or go-bag, is a meticulously thought-out collection of essential items designed to sustain you or your group in the face of an unexpected emergency.
It can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to mitigating your emergency, a must have.
The Difference Between Bug-Out Bags and Other Emergency Kits
What makes a bug-out bag stand out is its all-encompassing design. It goes beyond the basics—a first aid kit or standard emergency supplies. Built specifically to meet all your personal needs, it serves as a versatile survival kit, giving you a feeling of self-confidence during times when other emergency resources are unavailable.
The Importance of Bug-Out Bags in an Urban Environment
Are you ready for the next disaster? The last thing anyone wants is to be caught in the middle of a worst case scenario with no plan, resources, or way out. Enter the bugout bag; it will handle your basic needs in pretty much any environment but is exceptional in urban environments.
Living in an urban landscape can be especially challenging in a complete city emergency. Thinking ahead to what it could be like will give you the best chance at thriving in any unforeseen event. Here are some things to consider when planning your urban bug-out bag:
Natural Disasters:
From wildfires to floods, earthquakes, etc., there is a significant need for a bug-out bag. Whether you are sheltering in place or on the move, keeping a bug-out bag close by will give you a significant advantage.
Power Outages:
As our power grid is becoming more and more taxed due to the popularity of electric vehicles, preparing for widespread power outages for significant amounts of time has become necessary.
Civil Unrest:
Not too long ago, I would have laughed at someone for adding this. However, recently, we have seen how quickly things can get out of control. Whether a political stunt or resources being cut off, civil unrest is a major issue that you will be left to deal with on your own.
Resource Failure:
As a nation, we have seen this a few times already with gasoline shortages and toilet paper 😉 These situations could get much worse if you turn the water off, power off, gas off, etc. When people are backed into a corner, they will do whatever it takes to survive.
The Rural Bug-Out Bag Subtleties
Natural Disasters:
Similar to the Urban bags be mindful of tornadoes, blizzards, or even dust storms living in rural areas. Often neglected storm drains filled with debris can cause street flooding to the point of making the road impassable.
Delayed or Limited Emergency Services:
If you live in a rural setting, this is something you are familiar with. Often, response times can be over an hour for EMS crews. I know this from working in many different EMS systems. Be prepared to hold down the fort until paramedics arrive.
Communications:Being able to communicate with your loved ones, emergency services, news updates, or other people in need of rescue are all things to plan for in your rural bug-out bag.
Wildlife Encounters:In rural areas, contact with wildlife is much more common. Making it an area of concern when planning your bug-out bag.
Assessing Your Personal Risks and Needs
It is important to stop and take inventory of what your and your family’s personal needs are, as well as any abnormal risks you or your family have. Tailoring your bug-out bag to accommodate these concerns assures you and your family that you will be taken care of. Let’s not forget to make this about you.
Here’s how to go about it:
Geographical Considerations:
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are prone to your geographical location. For example, do you live on a floodplain or a fault line? Do you live in an area susceptible to frequent extreme weather?
Health and Medical Concerns:
Your health and safety are the most important things in life, and it’s no different when building a bug-out bag. Make sure to address any specific concerns, medically or physically, and add any items necessary to meet your and your family’s requirements. Be sure to also add a basic first aid kit. See the 10 Best First Aid Kits for more information.
Family Composition:
Who is in your group? Considering everyone in your group and their needs, that may be unique and not part of our normal thinking when we think of building survival kits. Do you have kids? Pets? Think about adding baby formula, diapers, pet supplies, etc.
Physical Abilities:
It is important to be honest with yourself here. What are your capabilities, and what are the capabilities of everyone in your group? Are there any mobility issues? Are there very young or very old people you need to care for? These considerations when building your bag prepare you exactly for what your group needs.
How Long Will Your Bag Last?
Most bags will take care of two people’s needs for about 72 hours. Adjusting to your specific needs, space available, size of bag, and type of bag will cover all your bases. You will want to make sure to provide ample water, food, and other essentials.
Understanding the basics in the very least of these areas can help prepare you and your mindset when building your bug-out bag. Trust me, you will never have enough space to bring everything you want. However, understanding all of the areas we have outlined will help you prioritize items appropriately.
Essential Components of a Bug-Out Bag
When you put together your bug-out bag, you will want to play out some scenarios in your head and think about the items you would need to successfully manage them. There is a pretty wide variety of items you can put in your bug-out bag. Here are some must haves:
Jump to Section:
1. Shelter and Warmth
You never know when you are going to have to provide temporary shelter and warmth for yourself and your team. Preparing and including the right items will ensure you are protected from the elements. Here’s a look at some of the most important:
Weather-Resistant Shelter:
Include a compact tent, tarp, or emergency space blanket to get. out of the elements.
Choose lightweight yet durable materials suitable for the climate in your area.
Sleeping Bag:
Opt for a high-quality, insulated sleeping bag; goose down is the best, in my humble opinion, but synthetic materials also do the trick and are much cheaper.
Consider small, lightweight options.
Clothing:
Pack extra layers, including a waterproof jacket, thermal wear, and durable footwear. See 10 Best Hiking Boots for more information.
Include underwear, socks, gloves, and a hat to address varying weather conditions.
Fire-Starting Tools:
Carry waterproof matches, lighters, or a flint fire starter to aid in cooking. Some people like to have a cooking stove in their bug-out kit. See the Complete Propane Camping Stove Guide for more information.
Learn basic fire-building techniques to make it second nature.
Emergency Heat Sources:
Portable heaters or heat packs can provide additional warmth in extreme conditions.
Ensure proper ventilation when using heat sources in confined spaces.
Insulating Materials:
Use your sleeping pad as insulation from the ground, if you are still cold, keep adding layers on top and below you to create that barrier to keep your warmth in.
Shelter Location:
If you need to deploy your shelter, look for a spot close to the water and consider the wind direction and potential hazards around it.
Prioritize elevated spots to avoid flooding and look for natural barriers to use as an anchor point.
Shelter and warmth are critical. Make sure to plan out what you and each person in your group will do and account for all the items needed to adequately warm and shelter your entire group for 72 hours or more if needed.
2. Food and Water
In an emergency situation, securing the essentials—a reliable source of food and drinking water is what will keep you going amid danger. Here’s how to ensure you have the bag essentials in the food and water department:
Water Supply:
Pack a portable water filtration device or purification tablets to purify water for drinking.
Include a durable water bottle and a collapsible water container for efficient storage.
Non-Perishable Food Items:
Choose lightweight, energy-dense foods such as your favorite granola bars, dehydrated meals, and trail mix.
Rotate your food out periodically to maintain freshness.
Compact Cooking Tools:
A portable propane stove with fuel canisters allows you to prepare hot meals on the go.
Include a cooking pot, a cup, and utensils.
Essential Nutrients:
Multivitamins can compensate for potential nutritional gaps in emergency food supplies.
Make sure your food choices are as nutrient-dense and varied as possible to maximize your strength.
High-Energy Snacks:
Keep a supply of quick, high-energy, and high-calorie snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and jerky for instant boosts.
Meal Planning:
Make a simple meal plan to ration your food.
Factor in nutritional needs and adapt the plan based on the duration of your emergency situation.
Emergency Rations:
Ready-to-eat meals are nutrient-dense, high-calorie meals perfect for emergency rations as they come complete with everything you need for the meal.
Ensure these rations have a long shelf life and can withstand varying temperatures.
By prioritizing water purification, selecting nutrient-dense foods, and finding ways to cook them, you’ve covered the basics of a survival kit. Being adaptable is key, so customize your food and water provisions to suit your specific needs and potential emergencies.
3. Clothing and personal items
What is covering your body can be the most important matter to resolve. Understanding proper layering and what clothing materials should be in each layer. Understanding your climate and the potential changes that could happen must all be taken into account when preparing your clothing and personal items. When you do this part, think in terms of the fact that you have to be squared away before you can help anyone else. Make yourself the priority. As a medic, they teach us personal, then partner, then patient safety. You cant help anyone if you go down.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing:
Know your current and future weather and pack accordingly.
Think layers when it comes to cold climates. Polyester 1st layer, wool 2nd layer, waterproof 3rd layer.
Sturdy Footwear:
Choose comfortable, well supported boots that fit the form of your foot.
Make sure to get a mid- or high-top for ankle support and Gortex for waterproofing. 10 Best Hiking Boots
Weather Protection:
Get a waterproof shell jacket to carry with you; in the case of any rain, you can quickly put this over any current clothes. For a more budget-friendly option, a trash bag works perfectly, and you can easily pop your head and arms out.
Include a durable hat and gloves.
Personal Hygiene Items:
Maintain personal hygiene with items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and biodegradable soap.
Pack a towel, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
First Aid Kit:
Put together a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic products, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.
Identification and Important Documents:
If you are bringing your iPhone, update all the health and emergency information on it. Make sure to bring picture ID with you, any permits or insurance, etc.
Keep these documents in a waterproof, sealable bag.
Multi-Tool and Repair Kit:
It’s definitely a must to get a multi-tool device and a basic repair kit. You can find these for super cheap or spend some money if you are so inclined. I personally have a leatherman; I bought it once, 8 years ago, and it’s still working great.
Personal Comfort Items:
Consider personal comfort items like a small book or a notepad.
Even a physical photo or letter from someone back home. You never know when you will need a morale booster; prepare.
Spare Clothing:
On every deployment, I can get away with skimping on everything but underwear and socks. Make sure you have a enough to change out regularly and while you’re washing dirty laundry.
Prioritize moisture-wicking fabrics, and do your best to always keep your feet dry.
4. Tools and Equipment
A well-equipped bug-out bag goes beyond the basic compact survival kit; incorporating tools and equipment takes your bag to the next level.
Here’s a breakdown of essential tools and equipment to include:
Portable Shelter:
Carry a compact, lightweight shelter, such as a tent.
Make sure what you pack is rated for what you will be dealing with. I.e., don’t pack a hammock to sleep in if your area is prone to hurricanes.
Illumination:
Flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, a home-made torch, and scene lighting—take your pick; meet your needs. Consider solar-powered options or batteries.
Communication Devices:
Carry a charged and rugged mobile phone with emergency contact numbers stored.
Consider a two-way radio or satellite phone if communication is a must.
Cordage and Repair Kit:
Paracord is your best friend in securing shelter or gear.
Include a basic repair kit with items like duct tape and zip ties.
Water Purification:
Carry water purification tablets or a compact filter.
Wate is so crucial; this is something to over-prepare for. Think about the scenarios you will be in, how you will get to a water source, and then how you will make it drinkable. If you can answer those questions, you’ve got this covered.
Self-Defense Tools:
We can go with a whistle, pepper spray, a small self-defense tool, or all the way to a firearm.
This all depends on your needs, what you are comfortable with, and what is legal in your area of operation.
Without your tools and equipment, you’re a warm body and some hands. You become much more effective at something you are trying to do with the right tools for the job.
5. Navigation and communication
If you had to leave home and leave quickly, if you know what I mean, would you be able to act immediately?
Don’t worry, planning the details now will add to your whole surival kit, allowing you confidence when confronted with the next disaster or unforseen event.
Compass and Map:
A high-quality compass and detailed map can be very helpful, but make sure you know how to use these tools; they can be tricky at first.
It would be wise to get good at identifying cardinal directions, even without a compass.
GPS Device:
Consider a portable GPS device, and make sure to add spare batteries to your bag.
Make sure it has pre-loaded maps or can connect to satellites in your region. Many people elect to use an iPad for mapping, and there are plenty of apps that you can use offline.
6. First Aid and Medical Supplies
If there were any section that I was most qualified to talk about, it would be this section. Make sure to cover your bases here. You need to be able to manage an emergency until help arrives.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential items to include:
Basic First Aid Kit:
Include bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, and sterile gauze for treating minor injuries.
Pack pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications you may need.
Trauma Supplies:
For more severe injuries, use trauma supplies like sterile dressings, a tourniquet, and bandages for wound management.
Get comfortable with basic first aid and the procedures. You may need to practice a few times.
Emergency Medications:
Consider including medications for pain, fever, and diarrhea.
Include any necessary medical items specific to your health needs.
Medical Tools:
Include a thermometer, tweezers, needles, threads, and scissors for various medical situations.
A compact medical manual can provide guidance in emergencies.
Hygiene and Sanitation Items:
Include personal hygiene items like soap and hand sanitizer.
Pack a small towel or plan on using wet wipes.
Prescription Glasses or Contacts:
If you wear glasses or contacts, include an extra pair in your bug-out bag.
Nitrile Gloves:
Ensure you have a pair of durable nitrile gloves for personal protection during medical procedures.
If it’s wet, sticky, and not yours…dont touch it. Something we live by in the EMS world.
Emergency Blanket:
You can get those space blankets at the very least; otherwise, I would suggest a wool blanket from an army surplus store.
CPR Mask:
Keep a CPR face mask in your bag.
Learn the basics of CPR, it doesn’t take long and could save a life.
Personal Medical Information:
Include a document with all your important medical information and allergies.
Specialize this to what you and each person in your group need; there is no wrong way to do this. But you will want to cover as much of the spectrum as you can. Prepare as well as you can, and that is all you can do.
7. Personal Protection
When the crap hits the fan, personal protection is a must. You should include items that can be used for personal protection.
Here’s a guide to what to consider:
Self-Defense Tools:
It’s a good idea to include some pepper spray, a taser, and some people have a personal alarm device.
Protective Clothing:
Pack a durable pair of work gloves, but make sure your fingers are still agile enough to hold a weapon if needed.
N95 Masks:
We are all well aware of the need for proper respiratory protection. Keep an N95 mask handy.
Regular disposable masks work too.
Firearm:
If legally permitted and properly trained, a firearm is a great addition to any bug-out bag.
Protective Eyewear:
Safety glasses, sunglasses, or goggles can protect your eyes in any situation.
Choose shatter-proof options for added protection. Oakley is one brand that is rated to have workplace-approved eyewear.
Duct Tape:
The universal fix-it-all item. I don’t go anywhere without some of this stuff.
Wrap a small amount around a compact, sturdy item for easy storage.
Headlamp:
Having your hands free and still having a light on is a big deal.
Include spare batteries.
Make sure you know how to handle yourself and have the right tools to act and protect your family if the situation calls for it. This may be different for every person. You need to find what you are comfortable with so that you will actually use it when the time comes.
Selecting the Right Bag
When you are selecting your bag, it’s a critical choice. There are so many factors that need to go into this decision.
Consider these ones to get you started:
1. Bag Size:
The main idea here is that you want to go as big as you can to get as many items in your bug-out bag, but you also need to be able to carry this thing around and easily get into it and find what you need quickly.
A well-organized, mid-sized bag would be the best of both worlds. You also want this bag to be somewhat inconspicuous so as not to draw attention from problems like looters.
2. Durability:
Look for durability in material and construction. Look for high-quality, water-resistant fabrics and reinforced stitching.
Ensure zippers, buckles, and straps are well constructed.
3. Comfort:
You will just want to make sure there is a comfortable way to transport this bag over long distances on your back.
Think comfort and support throughout your back and shoulders.
4. Concealability:
Depending on the situation, it might be advantageous for your bug-out bag to be inconspicuous. Choose a design that doesn’t attract unnecessary attention.
Neutral colors and a sleek profile can help maintain a low profile.
5. Customization:
Look for a bag that allows customization to suit your needs. MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) compatible designs enable attaching additional pouches or accessories with carabiners.
6. Weight Distribution:
When you pack your bag, be mindful of the weight distribution. Balance the bag as well as possible.
7. Weather Resistance:
Make sure your bag is at the very least weather resistant. This is super important; otherwise, you will have to cover up your bag every time it rains or you are near water. Some medical items cannot get wet.
Look for water-resistant materials or attachments that cover the bag in times of need.
Choosing the right bug-out bag involves a balance between size, durability, comfort, and functionality. Getting this right will lay the foundation for your complete bug-out bag.
Building a Bug-Out Bag on a Budget
Not being able to afford all the fancy stuff is no excuse to not have a bug-out bag. There are ways to cut corners and do this on a budget while still incorporating life-saving gear. Here are some ideas:
Prioritize Essentials:
Identify the items crucial for survival, such as water purification tablets, a reliable multi-tool, and a compact first aid kit.
DIY Solutions:
Consider do-it-yourself options to keep costs down for certain items. Homemade fire starters, DIY shelters, or even crafting your emergency food rations can significantly cut costs.
Smart Purchases:
Keep an eye out for discounts, sales, and clearance items when acquiring gear. REI has a used gear sale every quarter; you can find screaming deals on top quality products.
Think Outside the Box:
Think outside the box a bit, and double dip with some items. A multi-tool is a great example. Or using scotch guard spray to waterproof your current jacket.
Gradual Acquisition:
A good idea if finances are a barrier is to get some of the priority items and slowly add them to your survival kit over time, making it more affordable.
Another idea is to get the cheap stuff first to get your bases covered, and slowly upgrade items over time to top-quality products.
Regular Maintenance and Updates
As can be expected for anything that needs to perform at peak performance, regular and thorough inspection can change the outcome of a survival situation. Here are some guidelines for regular maintenance and updates:
1. Inspection Routine:
Create a systematic way to check everything in your bag, including the bag itself. Making it systematic will prevent things from getting overlooked accidentally.
2. Inventory Check:
One such system is a checklist of everything that is in your bag, with clear labeling, quantity, expiration dates, etc.
3. Seasonal Adjustments:
A couple of ways of doing this:
You can pack for every season individually if your bag allows space for this.
Or the more likely way is to rotate gear in and out of your bag as the seasons change. This is something you can add to your inspection routine.
4. Equipment Functionality:
Do a good once-over on every tool you have, about once a quarter. Checking for functionality, worn parts, or broken parts.
Check tools for dead batteries, rusted parts, water damage, broken seals, and cracked rubber.
5. Check Expiration Dates:
This is pretty obvious, but be sure not only to check expiration dates on food, but also on medical supplies, tools, and medications, to name a few. Just about everything, whether survival or medical, will have an exp. date.
6. Training and Familiarity:
I would ask anyone you need to count on for help during a survival situation, such as in scenarios where you have to get items out quickly and perform a skill. Check out this FEMA site for more.
Learn where everything is in your bag and all the different combinations you can make with the items you have to solve survival problems.
7. Community Resources:
Stay informed about local city emergency plans and resources. Understand any changes in evacuation routes, emergency shelters, or emergency services.
Align your bug-out bag with community guidelines for enhanced readiness.
Regular maintenance and updates are key to ensuring your bug-out bag remains a reliable and effective resource. Being as systematic and routine as possible will make this effortless and predictable.
Real-Life Examples
Some people will tell you that by using survival bags, you are paranoid or crazy. So, I wanted to take a minute and look at some real situations that have happened recently. Having a bug-out bag could have dramatically changed the outcome for your family if you were faced with the same situation.
tropical cyclone that struck the southeastern United States in late August 2005. The hurricane and its aftermath claimed more than 1,800 lives, and it ranked as the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
2. California Wildfires (2018):
The 2018 wildfire season was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire season on record in California, with a total of over 7,500 fires burning an area of over 1,670,000 acres, the largest area of burned acreage recorded in a fire season
3. Urban Power Outage (New York, 2012):
Service outages are a fact of life for electric utilities and their customers, and 2012 brought them in spades for everyone affected by Superstorm Sandy.
4. Earthquake Preparedness (Japan, 2011):
On a Richter scale of 9.0, Japan’s earthquake of 2011 created a tsunami that raced out from the epicenter at speeds of 500 miles per hour with waves 10–12 feet high.
5. COVID-19 Pandemic (Global):
The pandemic brought circumstances to the table that we haven’t seen in a long time in our society. Suddenly, toilet paper was a luxury and became incredibly scarce. This is a great example of how quickly something can change. Your only safe bet is yourself, your gear, and your training.
These are just a few examples of large-scale incidents, the kind that I get deployed for, for which having a bug-out bag ready would make a world of difference. Even in the smaller, more frequent emergencies we deal with, having this tool will aid in confidence as well as keeping your family safe.
Additional Resources
Here are some extra resources to help prepare you even more. There is a ton of information and groups and communities out there of people who are preparing themselves. It’s a great idea to find and get involved in groups like that. Here are some ideas:
Emergency Preparedness Websites:
Websites like Ready.gov and FEMA provide comprehensive guides on emergency preparedness, offering insights into various disaster scenarios and practical tips for staying safe.
Survivalist Forums and Communities:
Online forums are some of the best places to get information from seasoned people who have been there, have done it, and are sharing their experience. These can save you a lot of time and money. Platforms like Reddit’s r/preppers is a great one.
Survival Books and Guides:
A couple good books/guides to check out. “The SAS Survival Handbook” by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman and “The Prepper’s Blueprint” by Tess Pennington offer in-depth knowledge on survival strategies.
Outdoor Skills Courses:
Consider enrolling in outdoor skills courses or survival training programs. This keeps your skills sharp and keeps you prepared for the unexpected.
Local Emergency Services:
Connect with your local fire station and either attend workshops or seminars they may offer. Have them point you in the direction of where you can find it. These guys have a ton of great info and resources, plus its good to know the guys who will be saving your butt if it comes to it.
Podcasts and Webinars:
It’s always a good idea to listen to some podcasts. You can find a ton of great information and experience from some of these people. Also, check out Facebook groups and forums to get even more in-depth information.
Product Reviews and Recommendations:
Stay informed about the latest survival gear by reading reviews and recommendations from trusted sources. Platforms like Rugged Solutions and YouTube channels dedicated to survival gear can help you make informed decisions.
Wrapping Up
There are so many different situations when a bug-out bag would come in handy. There are many ways to make these useful tools, and there is no wrong way. The key is to know it well, access it easily, and tailor it to your needs.
Educate yourself about the surrounding area with maps, emergency systems, communications, and even networking with neighbors that can help prepare you.
When things eventually do go bad, and we all know they will,. You will feel so much more confident in dealing with whatever you are faced with.
Make sure to upkeep your bag and the contents of it; a broken or expired product is pretty much worthless.
That will do it for us at Rugged Solutions. We hope you have enjoyed it. Be sure to check out our other articles for a ton more information.
Stay Rugged!