When putting together a bug out bag, it can be difficult to keep yourself from packing up the entire house in the name of preparedness.But loading up a bag with 100 different survival items is a surefire way to wind up with a bag that's too heavy to carry or at least, too heavy to carry at a decent pace without exhausting yourself.Preserving energy during an evacuation is of the utmost importance, so you the last thing you want is to be lugging around a 50-pound bag that's packed so full that you can't find anything you need easily. This is why you need to pack smart and pack light, and it's why we've come up with this comprehensive list of all the essentials.In today's world, you never know when a catastrophe can occur. We face a constant threat of natural and man-made disasters and in order to protect yourself and those you care about, you must not be ill-prepared.Use this list of 30 must-have essentials to create the ultimate bug out bag and ensure your safety in the event of a catastrophe.
THE OBVIOUS
Identification
Bring at least two different forms of ID for yourself, as well as one for each dependent person you're traveling with (if you're evacuating with your family).To be safe, bring your driver's license, passport, and social security card. You need identification to access bank accounts or claim any assets, and of course, to be identified by anyone trying to help you.
Cash
Pack at least $300 in small bills (and don't forget some coinage). This is a rule of thumb when you're traveling for leisure, and it applies when you're evacuating just the same.Money in your bank account may be inaccessible for a number of reasons, so pack some cash to stay on the safe side.
A Small Weapon
In the event that your food supply runs out, you're going to need to hunt. Additionally, self defense is a top priority so pack a small handgun with ammunition (but not more than a few rounds) or a fixed-blade knife that'll be effective without taking up too much space.
Fire Starters
You should pack at least three different methods of sparking a flame. Make sure that they're small, reliable, and easy to use (and that you're well-versed in doing so). Read a full list of different fire-starting essentials here.
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First Aid Kit
Whether it's homemade or store bought, make sure that your first aid kit is compact and contains all the essentials, and none of the non-essentials. Read a list of bug out bag first aid kit necessities here.
Whistles
Whether you're signaling for help, you've lost track of the people you're traveling with, or you've come across an unwelcome four-legged guest, a whistle is a small, effortless way to make a lot of loud noise when necessary.
Buy: Shoreline Marine Emergency Survival Whistle
Duct Tape
This one's a no-brainer. Duct tape is a strong, sturdy, and sticky essential that you'll use for everything.
MULTI-PURPOSE ITEMS
A Multi-Tool
A couple of popular examples are a Leatherman or a Swiss army knife. They're called multi-tools for a reason, and you'll find that they come in handy constantly. These all-in-one pocket tool kits are utterly essential.
Buy on Amazon: Victorinox Swiss Army Folding Camping Knives
Paperclips
A box of 100 paperclips is only about 3x2x1, and there are dozens of survival uses for them. They're small, light, and malleable, and they can definitely fit in your bug out bag. Here's a list of 28 survival uses for paperclips.
Bandanas
Bandanas are small and thin, and you only need to pack a couple. You can use them as a wash cloth, a tourniquet, a water filter, a sling, or a handful of other things.
Buy on Amazon: Paisley One Dozen Cowboy Bandanas
Glow Sticks
They don't need batteries or electricity, and they last for hours. You can use them to mark things, as a light source, or even as a signal for help.
Buy on Amazon: Lumistick Glowsticks
Paracord Bracelet
Otherwise known as Paracord or 550 Cord, this is a strong and practical item that has a ton of uses. And the best part is that you can tie or clip it to the outside of your bag or even wear it as a bracelet. Here's a list of 25 fantastic uses of Paracord for prepping and survival.
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Zip Ties
Another small, light item with multiple uses, zip ties can save the day in many different ways even if you only pack a few. Read a list of 15 survival uses for zip ties here.
SUSTENANCE
High-Calorie Food
Evacuation is exhausting and space is limited, so packing small, nutrient-dense items is a must. Dried meats and fruits, nuts, and freeze-dried items are smart because they're lightweight, yet high in protein and fiber to keep you full and energized.
Water Purification Tablets
It's best to purify your water by boiling it, so as to avoid wasting resources, but if you can't start a fire for some reason or you don't have the time to spend on that process, these tablets will be a life saver.
Buy on Amazon: Portable Aqua Water Purification Tablets
Skivvy Roll
Avoid wasting space and weight by packing heavy or unnecessary clothing items, and opt for a skivvy roll instead. It's compact and lightweight with just the essentials.
Thermal Blankets
It's thin, easy to compress, and it'll keep you warm and dry. It's like having a sleeping bag with a fraction of the size and weight.
Buy on Amazon: Mylar Men's Emergency Thermal Blankets
Spork
This item is pretty self-explanatory; most of them combine a spoon, a fork, and a knife in one small, durable utensil.
Buy on Amazon: Light My Fire Titanium Spork
Collapsible Bowls
Another item that speaks for itself. A collapsible bowl takes up very little space and you can use it to eat and drink from, to cook in, and to collect things to eat.
Buy on Amazon: Collapsible Silicone Bowl for Camping
Baby Wipes
Hygiene is essential in avoiding illness and infection, both of which can drain your energy and escalate quickly. Packing baby wipes is a simple, convenient way to stay relatively clean while evacuating.
Buy on Amazon: Amazon Elements Baby Wipes
Camp Soap
Especially if you're traveling with other people or staying in a compact space, personal hygiene matters. When baby wipes aren't doing the trick and you've got the resources to bathe, having a bar of camp soap on hand will be useful and this way, you won't waste space packing individual toiletries.
Buy on Amazon: Campsuds in Nalgene
Tarp
Or another variation of durable, waterproof material. You can use a tarp to build a shelter, make a trap, collect and drag large or heavy items, or do a variety of other tasks.
Buy on Amazon: Super Heavy Duty Brown Tarp
TECHNOLOGY
Solar-Powered or Hand-Crank AM/FM Radio
Staying connected to the rest of the world, particularly during a disaster, is important. These types of radios are small and don't need batteries or electricity, so you can stay updated on what's going on around you and potentially seek help or detect threats.
Buy on Amazon: Epica Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Digital Radio
eReader
These devices are small, lightweight, and they operate on extremely low energy, so their batteries last for days or even weeks. Load your eReader up with survival books and helpful pamphlets so that you can refer to them for tips and tricks when necessary.
Buy on Amazon: Kindle Paperwhite E-reader
Universal USB Solar Charger
No matter which electronics you decide to pack, you'll need an electricity-free way to charge them. Whether it's a phone, a GPS, and eReader, or something else, this small item will come in handy.
Buy on Amazon: Solar Charger for Emergency
