Your BOB is the first line of defense in a survival situation. It’s important to build it with your specific needs in mind, especially when the climate and terrain are different.
For instance, water is vital, but a Bugout Bag full of 5 gallons will only weigh you down on your bugout journey. A Sawyer water filter will solve this problem, allowing you to carry enough water for the trip without adding too much weight.
1. Shelter
It’s no secret that a bugout bag is one of the most important pieces of gear for any prepper. A bugout bag is a lightweight pack filled with supplies you’ll need to get from point A to point B in the event of an emergency or disaster.
The most critical elements to include in any bug out bag are water, food, first aid supplies, protection from the elements, tools, and communication equipment. It’s also crucial to test your bag regularly, especially if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters.
The most important thing to remember when designing your bugout bag is that it should be as light as possible while still having enough supplies to last you for a few days in the event of an emergency or disaster. It’s best to follow the priority cascade when deciding which items to include in your bag.
2. Water
While there are a lot of pre-stocked bug out bags on the market, those one-size-fits-all kits often don’t take into account climate, terrain and other important factors. Plus, they usually contain too much gear and weigh you down.
A good bugout bag for sale should be able to keep you alive for 72 hours or more in an emergency. This means that it needs to include redundant systems for water purification, food, shelter, fire starting, First Aid and communication.
Having enough clothing is another important factor that a lot of preppers forget about when they are building their bugout bags. Being cold and wet is the quickest route to hypothermia, so make sure your bugout bag includes at least two changes of clothes. And don’t forget a Shemagh, which can be worn in multiple ways and offers great protection from the sun, wind and cold. A Shemagh also helps to cut down on the amount of moisture that your body absorbs, which can help prevent bacterial infections. Lastly, don’t forget to include some insulated hiking boots and a pair of merino wool gloves in your bugout bag.
3. Food
A bugout bag is a vital part of any modern prepper’s preparedness plan. It is a portable survival kit that contains everything you need to survive in a disaster or emergency situation, and it should be packed with essential supplies for at least 72 hours.
When putting together your bugout bag, it is important to consider the type of emergency you may encounter and the environment in which you might find yourself. This will help you determine the necessary supplies and equipment for your bag.
To keep you fueled during your bugout journey, your bag should include some food. The best option is freeze-dried meals such as Mountain House pouches. They are light, nutritious, and can be eaten cold or hot. You should also include some protein in the form of peanut butter or jerky, as this will help you stay energized during your trip.
It’s also a good idea to pack a means of starting a fire. A lighter, waterproof matches or a fire steel will give you the flame you need to keep going.
4. First Aid
A well-rounded first aid kit is a vital part of any bug out bag. This includes medical items such as antiseptic ointment, pain killers and bandages as well as personal hygiene items such as wipes and sunscreen. You should also include some tools like a multi-tool and a flashlight, and it is a good idea to have eye protection on hand in case of an emergency situation.
Water is essential for survival and a bug out bag should contain a means of obtaining, treating and purifying water in an emergency. This could be as simple as including a hydration bladder and water filter or as complex as a water filtration system.
A bug out bag should only contain items that are necessary to survive a disaster, so it is important to test your bug out bag on short trips. This will help you discover any issues with the weight or contents of your bag that need to be addressed before a disaster strikes. A properly equipped bug out bag can be the difference between life and death in a disaster situation.
5. Communication
If you want to bug out with your family or friends, it’s a good idea to have a way for everyone to communicate. A two-way radio is a simple solution. Other items like door wedges (viral hack), fire starter, and gas siphons aren’t worth the space and weight for most people unless you have specific survival scenarios in mind that they would be useful in.
The most important thing to remember is that your bug out bag should be something you can carry if you need to bug out on foot. You’ll also have to consider any restrictions on the size of the bag you can carry in your vehicle.
Using a premade bugout bag can save time researching gear, testing it, buying and stowing it in your own kit. However, make sure the gear in the bag you choose is quality, tested, and reliable. Choosing a cheap, flimsy bug out bag that’s filled with junk won’t help you when the day comes. It may even slow you down. Especially since your physical fitness level will play a huge role in how far you can go in a survival situation.
