Your bug-out bag could be the key to you being able to get to safety in a survival crisis.

Building a sensible bug-out bag, however, is key to making sure you do not end up with a bunch of stuff that you will not use during your “bugging out” as it wastes valuable space.

Create a Bug Out Plan

Map out various routes to your destination, and make sure you avoid bridges, tunnels and elevated highways because you can become trapped in these areas.

Use back roads as much as possible because most people will use the most logical routes, which will result in traffic jams.

Have bug-out-bags at the ready even if you can make your way out of the area by vehicle because you will need a way to carry supplies if your vehicle breaks down or the roads are blocked half way to your destination.

Bug Out Bag

Your bug out bag would be in addition to any supplies you have stockpiled in your home and differs slightly from a get home bag. Individuals and families tend to focus their efforts on stockpiling supplies in their homes and then find they have a problem if they have to evacuate.

You will not have the time to begin packing if the situation in your area becomes hostile or otherwise dangerous.

You cannot depend on motels and hotels because they will fill up quickly. You should have the means in your packs to survive using your vehicle as shelter as well as tents and tarps if you find yourself at a national or state park.

The Bug Out Bag Checklist

1. Each pack needs three days’ supply of H2O, which for hydration only is 1.5 gallons (two quarts daily)
2. Three days’ supply of food
3. Small one person tent or two tarps for shelter
4. Two thermal (Mylar) blankets
5. Rain poncho
6. Whistle/signal mirror
7. Communication device
8. Knife/multi-tool
9. Waterproof matches, lighters and alternative fire starting materials such as a magnesium stick or Ferro rods
10. Lensatic compass and maps of the area, state and country
11. Sleeping bag if room allows, roll tight and secure on the outside of the pack
12. 50 feet of nylon rope
13. Small camp axe/machete or folding wood saw
14. Insect repellent and/or netting
15. Person hygiene items and include hand sanitizer and bath wipes to avoid using liquid for bathing and hand cleaning
16. Hat, work gloves, several bandanas, sun screen, lip balm and sunglasses
17. First aid supplies and common over the counter medications for pain, stomach upset and allergies
18. Water purification tablets
19. Two stainless steel canteens that can be worn on a belt (can also be used to boil water for purification)

Shortly before or during a survival crisis, or perhaps in its aftermath, a bug-out bag could be your life blood – the bag of tools that let you get out of danger and to a safe place.

Given its importance, though, you must make sure your bug-out bag has the materials, supplies, and equipment you need to reach your goal.

This is just one opinion of the “necessary list,” but to see more on the subject, please visit Homestead and Prepper.

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