Bug Out Bag Guide — What to Pack When You Have to Leave
A bug out bag should sustain you for 72 hours with water filtration, food, shelter, first aid, fire-starting tools, navigation, and documents. The goal is mobility with self-sufficiency — you need enough to survive without external support, but light enough to move quickly. This works well for evacuation scenarios, but fails when people overpack — weight kills mobility.
Your bug out bag should complement your emergency preparedness checklist for shelter-in-place scenarios and your survival gear selection for long-term readiness.
The Weight Rule
Your bag should weigh no more than 20% of your body weight — ideally under 30 lbs. A heavier pack slows you down, exhausts you faster, and increases injury risk. Every ounce must justify its inclusion.
Ultra-Light
Experienced only. Requires high skill level to compensate.
Recommended
Best balance of preparedness and mobility.
Heavy
Only if vehicle-assisted or short distance.
Core Contents — Priority Order
Pack in reverse priority — things you need first go on top or in outside pockets. Water and shelter are more important than food for the first 72 hours.
🔴 Critical (Must Have)
- ☐ Water filter + water container (1L minimum)
- ☐ Emergency shelter (tarp + paracord OR bivvy)
- ☐ Fire kit (ferro rod + tinder + lighter)
- ☐ First aid kit (trauma-focused)
- ☐ Fixed-blade knife
- ☐ Headlamp + extra batteries
🟡 Important (Should Have)
- ☐ 72-hour food supply (freeze-dried, bars)
- ☐ Compass + local maps
- ☐ Multi-tool
- ☐ Duct tape
- ☐ Extra socks + base layer
- ☐ Cash in small bills
🟢 Nice to Have
- ☐ Solar charger
- ☐ Radio (hand-crank)
- ☐ Signaling mirror
- ☐ Fishing kit
- ☐ Small pot or cup
📋 Documents (Waterproof)
- ☐ Photo IDs
- ☐ Insurance info
- ☐ Emergency contacts
- ☐ Medical records + prescriptions
- ☐ USB drive with digital copies
Urban vs. Wilderness Bug Out Bags
Urban BOB Additions
Urban survival prioritizes blending in and mobility through developed areas.
- • Low-profile bag (not military/tactical)
- • N95 masks + safety goggles
- • Crowbar or pry tool
- • Extra phone battery
- • Transit/subway map
Wilderness BOB Additions
Wilderness survival requires more self-sufficiency over longer durations.
- • Hatchet or saw
- • Sleeping bag (season-appropriate)
- • Bear spray (if applicable)
- • Snare wire + fishing kit
- • Topographic maps
Ready When You Need to Move
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