Bug Out Bag Guide — What to Pack for Emergency Evacuation | Salars

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

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