Pack The Essentials
Food, water, and shelter. Prioritize core needs for everyday living rather than chasing every survival gadget available.
A Bugout Bag (BOB) is a compact survival kit designed for quick evacuation in an emergency. It’s packed with essentials like food, water, shelter, and first aid supplies, ensuring you can stay safe and self-sufficient for 72 hours.
Bag
▢ Hiking Backpack
▢ Tactical Backpack
▢ Duffle Bag
Electronics
▢ Charger
▢ Battery Pack
▢ Watch
Flashlight
▢ Headlamp
▢ Flashlight
Food & Water
▢ Food Supply
▢ Gas Stove
▢ Metal Pot
▢ Water Bottle
▢ Water Purification
▢ Metal Spoon
▢ Gas Canister
▢ Water Pouches
Knife
▢ Knife
▢ Multi-tool
Clothing
▢ Shirt
▢ Pants
▢ Puffer Jacket
▢ Rain Jacket
▢ Beanie
▢ Gloves
▢ Shoes
▢ Socks
Sleeping
▢ Sleeping Bag
Self Defense
▢ Firearm
▢ Pepper spray
Other Gear
▢ First-Aid Kit
▢ Hygiene Kit
▢ Parachord
▢ Tarp
▢ Lighter
▢ Emergency Blanket
The core of emergency survival lies not in gadgets or food-hoards, but in you—your experiences, social connections, tenacity, and intelligence.
Noah didn’t wait for the rain to build the ark—preparation before an emergency is not just wise, it’s essential.
Food, water, and shelter. Prioritize core needs for everyday living rather than chasing every survival gadget available.
Common sense should guide every decision during an emergency evacuation—stay smart, wise, and calm.
Not surprising that you need a BAG to begin building your Bug Out Bag.
Bag Sizing
• Measured in liters: measure of the volume of the bag
• 15–30L: Compact. For 12–24 hours, minimalist essentials.
• 30–50L: Standard. For 24–72 hours, most common size.
• 50+L: Extended. For 3+ days, long-term or group gear.
Recommended Bag Size
• 30–50L suits most scenarios
Hiking Backpack
• Best for carrying large amounts of heavy gear
• Preferred but most expensive option
Regular Backpack
• Best for compact Bug Out Bags
• Budget choice
Duffle Bag• Best to contain large amounts of gear
• Provides quick accessibility to gear
• Best if you don't anticipate carrying gear long distances
65 Liters
4.81 lb | 2.18 kg
58 Liters
2.94 lb | 1.33 kg
50+10 Liters
3.70 lb | 1.68 kg
24 Liters
3.15 lb | 1.43 kg
40 Liters
2.9 lb | 1.32 kg
40-120 Liters
2.51-8.14 lb | 1.14-3.70 kg
60 Liters
2 lb | 0.91 kg
While not essential for human survival, cell phones, computers, and power access are vital in modern evacuations, providing communication, internet access, document storage, and more.
Copies of Important Document
• Keep digital copies of important documents
• Cloud storage: Data storage companies (Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive) save digital copies for you
• Essential documents: Birth certificate, SSN card, passports, drivers license, immigration information.
• Other documents: Bank information, tax records, passwords, bank statements, insurance policies, and photos/videos
Solar Charging
• Complex and costly: Provides unlimited power but relies on direct sunlight.
• Unreliable in varied conditions: Often impractical.
• Battery packs are still needed.
USB-C
118W
8.11 oz | 230 g
USB-C/Lightning/Micro USB
5.61 oz | 159 g
19,200mAh
1.27 lb | 0.58 kg
10,000mAh
0.54 lb | 0.24 kg
Access to reliable light is crucial for a Bug Out situation.
Batteries
• Removable external batteries: Allow easy replacement and flexibility.
• Common sizes (AA, AAA): Widely available and versatile.
• Remove batteries when not in use: Prevents leaks, extends lifespan.
• Replace batteries every year to prevent corrosion
Size & Headlamps
• Compact flashlights: Prioritize for portability; weight and size are key.
• Headlamps: Preferred for practical, hands-free convenience.
3-AAA Battery
300 Lumen Output
2.65 oz | 75 g
Rechargeable Battery
300 Lumen Output
2 oz | 57 g
2-AA Battery
332 Lumen Output
4.15 oz | 118 g
Water Resistant
180 Lumens
0.7 oz | 20 g
We can survive 3-days without water and 2-weeks without food. Access to food and water in an evacuation scenario is more crucial than any survival gadget you might have.
Good Food Options
• Choose calorie-dense, protein-rich, and carbohydrate-heavy foods that require minimal preparation.
• Good options include peanut butter, tortillas, tuna and chicken packets, nuts, protein powder, crackers, cheese, trail mix, oatmeal, dehydrated pasta, sandwiches, ramen, protein bars, dried fruit, hot cocoa, instant mashed potatoes, and Snickers.
Water Storage
• Bottle Water: 2-year shelf life due to bacteria growth from sunlight and plastic leaching
• Water Pouches: 5-year shelf life. Protected from sunlight and can be stored in low and high temperatures
MRE (Meals-Ready-To-Eat)
• Complete meal including food, utensils, snacks, desert, food-cooking packs, and drink powders
• Convenient, quick, calorie dense, and protein rich
• Low in nutrients, high in sodium and preservatives
• 5-7 year shelf life (cold storage temperatures are best)
Freeze Dried Foods
• Food that is quickly dehydrated to remove water. Often requires boiling water to rehydrate/cook
• Very healthy, nutrient dense, no preservatives
• Not as convenient as MREs
• 25+ year shelf life (cold storage temperatures are best)
5-7 yr Shelf Life
12 oz | 340 g
25+ yr Shelf Life
3.6 lb | 1.63 kg
25+ yr Shelf Life
10 oz | 283 g
Stove Only
2.9 oz | 82 g
Stove Only
8 oz | 227 g
Stainless Steel
12 oz | 340 g
Titanium
3.6 oz | 102 g
Stainless Steel Insulated
18-64oz Capacity
14-33 oz | 400-936 g
Plastic
32oz Capacity
6.25 oz | 177 g
Plastic
17oz Capacity
0.3 oz | 9 g
3 oz | 85 g
2.24 oz | 63.5 g
0.9 oz | 25.5 g
Titanium
0.7 oz | 19 g
Liquied Petrolium Gas
3.53 oz | 100 g
5 yr Shelf Life
4.227 fl oz
5.00 lb | 2.27 kg
Knives are very useful tools in an evacuation scenario. It has versatile functions from self-defense to cooking and food preperation.
No Single 'Best' Knife
• A chainsaw can’t butter bread—each tool has specific uses.
• Weight, length, design, and features vary by task and purpose.
• A small, compact knife is preferred for your Bug Out bag.
Higher Price ≠ Higher Quality
• Modern blade-making is cheap and simple.
• Diminishing bang-for-your-buck: Quality of blades are not dramatically different for cheap vs expensive options.
• No need to buy the highest-priced blade tobe adaquatly prepared.
4.1 in/10.4 cm Blade
4.1 oz | 117.0 g
2.9 in/7.5 cm Blade
4.12 oz | 117 g
8.5 oz | 241 g
10.9 oz | 310 g
Proper clothing preparation will keep you comfortable, warm, and protected from the elements.
Why Wear Long Shirt/Pants
• Shields skin from harmful UV rays.
• Offers defense against insects and poisonous plants, reducing skin irritation and allergic reactions.
• Provides coverage against thick vegetation.
Avoid Cotton
• Cotton absorbs moisture (sweat and rain).
• Select wool or synthetic material that wicks-away moisture.
Dress For The Season / Climate
• Hot Weather: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing to promote ventilation and keep you cool.
• Cold Weather: Layer with thicker, insulated clothing to retain body heat. Fabrics like wool or synthetic blends work best.
Pack Extra Socks and Undergarments
• You can easily re-wear shirts, and pants in an emergency situation
• Packing multiple pairs of socks and undergarments is not something to forget.
Nylon/Polyester
UPF 30+
8.6 oz | 244 g
Polyester
UPF 50+
6.7 oz | 190 g
Cotton/Nylon/Spandex
UPF 50+
14.9 oz | 422 g
Nylon/Spandex
UPF 50+
13 oz | 369 g
800-Fill Down
14.8 oz | 420 g
580-Fill Down
10.58 oz | 300 g
14.1 oz | 400 g
1.7 oz | 48 g
Merino Wool
3.2 oz | 90.7 g
Acrylic
2 oz | 57 g
Synthetic/Rubber
4 oz | 113 g
Nitrile Dipped
0.37 oz | 10.4 g
2.56 lb | 1.16 kg
0.40 lb | 0.18 kg
Merino Wool
3.4 oz | 96 g
Polyester/Wool/Spandex
4.4 oz | 125 g
Staying warm at night in an emergency evacuation is key. It can turn inconviniences into life-and-death situations for the unprepared.
Duck Down Sleeping Bag Insulation
• High quality insulation made from the fluffy undercoating of ducks and geese
• Extremely lightweight and warm but very expensive
• Involves the harm or death of animals (even ethically sourced down)
Sleeping Bag Liners
• Acts as a "sheet" for your sleeping bag
• Helps keep the bag clean and adds warmth
Storage Tip
• Store loosely packed to preserve long-term quality of the sleeping bag
Blankets
• At minimum pack blankets
• Wool blankets preferred for their warmth
15-30°F Rated
650-Fill Down
2.09-3.09 lb | 0.95-1.4 kg
20°F Rated
550-Fill Down
2.16-2.69 lb | 0.99-1.22 kg
59°F Rated
Synthetic-Fill
1.70 lb | 0.77 kg
Wool
62" x 84"
Foam
0.8 lbs | 0.4 kg
Events requiring emergency evacuations are often coupled with civil unrest and chaos. Defense from marauders, attackers, and other perpetrators is essential.
Hunting and Gathering
• Hunting and gathering is impractical except for the most remote locations
• Carry a firearm for self-defense not for hunting or waging war
Exercise Wisdom and Avoid Danger
• Avoid situations that could endanger yourself or your family.
• Prioritize fleeing, evading, and de-escalating conflicts.
• Use deadly force only as a last resort.
Firearm Safety Around Children
• Firearms should be securely locked away when not on your person.
• Be extremely cautious, as accidental use and self-harm incidents are statistically more common than self-defense.
Local Laws
• Self-defense laws vary widely, governing what can be carried, where, and how it can be used.
• Stay informed about all relevant local regulations.
10+1 Magazine
9mm
1.11 lb | 0.23 kg
10+1 Magazine
22 LR
5 lb | 2.27 kg
18 ft Spray Distance
1.54 fl oz
7.7 oz | 220 g
10 ft Spray Distance
0.54 fl oz
1.4 oz | 39 g
8 oz | 227 g
TSA Approved
10.86 oz | 308 g
100-ft Parachord
8.8 oz | 250 g
8x10-ft
3.53 oz | 100 g
0.4 oz | 11.3 g
8.32 oz | 230 g