Bug Out Bag List 2023 (Printable): Essentials For Surviving The Next Disaster

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Whether it’s a natural disaster, a war, zombie apocalypse, or some other dangerous situation, bug out gear can be essential for survival. We’ve come up with 12 key categories you’ll want to consider to make sure you have all the bug out bag essentials. That way you also know what to put into your bug out bag.

Choosing A Bug Out Bag

You can choose your bag before or after you’ve purchased your survival gear. It’s up to you but there are 4 things you’ll want to consider when choosing a survival bag.

Choose a bag that is made of sturdy material (a plastic bag won’t work for this).
A bag with many pockets can be handy because you can have quick access to smaller items.
A bag with two straps you can put over your back makes it easiest to carry around instead of a duffel bag (but it’s completely up to you what your preference is).
If you know what is going into your bag, it may help you choose the best bag to fit your items.

All In One Bug Out Bag

You are going to learn all you need to know about bug out bags below, but if you don’t have time to put this bag together yourself, you can buy an all-in-one solution like the Emergency Zone Stealth Tactical Bug-Out Bag.

Bug Out Bag List: 12 Must-Haves

Start with the items listed in this article and build on to customize it for your needs. Remember, the best bug out bags are filled with the necessities. So keep in mind that every items counts towards the weight you will carry but also may determine your survival.

Here’s a bug out back checklist to make your own and ensure you have all the basics to survive.

1. Water & Containers For Water

A person can’t go longer than 3 days without water making it essential for your bug out backpack.

We suggest no less than 1 liter of water per person per day. You may also consider drink mixes like tea or Gatorade to provide you with additional energy. Be cautious though, some teas have caffeine which may dehydrate you. Below are some items we recommend for your hydration needs.

Water
Water Filters/Water Purification Tablets
Canteen

2. Food & Utensils

A person can go more than 3 weeks without food, making it not as necessary as water but that doesn’t mean you want to go 3 weeks without food. We suggest planning your survival food with the idea in mind that you’ll have no resources to prepare it (meaning water).

That’s why we aren’t recommending any dehydrated food that needs water in this section, although you can include it if you’d like. We also recommend choosing foods that last long, aka no fresh produce, meats, etc. You want to choose your emergency food supply so that you don’t have to be replacing it every week in your bug out bag.

Metal Pot
Metal Cup
Spork
Protein Bars
Can Opener
Portable Stove
Stove Fuel
Canned Foods
Dried Fruit
GORP (Good Old Raisins & Peanuts) aka Trail Mix
Peanut Butter
Fishing Kit

3. Fire Essentials

The ability to start a fire is extremely important. Not only does it help with sterilizing water but it also helps keep you warm. We suggest having multiple forms of starting a fire, below are five. You never know when one might fail.

Lighter
Flint & Steel (practice with this ahead of time — it can be tricky)
Matches
Tinder
Waterproof Storage (to hold these supplies)

4. First Aid

You can buy pre-made first-aid kits or you can create your own. For our survival bag, we have a pre-made first aid kit which includes things like gauze, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, mylar survival blanket, and more. Below are four more things you’ll want to include.

Insect Repellent
Anti-Diarrhea Medicine
Prescriptions
Bandana

5. Clothes

Depending on your location and the climate you may need different clothes. We suggest re-evaluating your bug out bag every season to make sure it’s filled with the proper clothing. Consider having a group of clothing for each season set aside for you to easily replace in your bag.

We also recommend having 2 sets of clothing in case one gets wet you’ll have another that is dry. (Hypothermia is the last thing you want!)

When choosing your clothing, we suggest going with pieces that will blend into the environment so you do not stand out, camouflage is always a good option.

Underwear
Zip-Off Pants
Long Sleeve Shirt (Lightweight)
Wool Hiking Socks
Fleece (Medium Weight)
Hat
Gloves
Rain Coat/Poncho
Sunglasses
Shemagh (like the Survivor Buff)
Sewing Kit

6. Bedding

When choosing the items listed in this category you want them to be more compact. So things aimed towards backpackers are good because they’re typically more lightweight and can be compacted down.

Tent or Tarp (For Shelter)
Sleeping Bag or Wool Blanket
Sleeping Mat

7. Hygiene

You may think that hygiene isn’t necessary when you’re in a life-threatening situation but bacterial infections can be lethal. Be sure to include these eight items in your bug out bag.

Hand Sanitizer
All-Purpose Soap
Toilet Paper
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Small Towel
Wet Napkins
Mirror (Not only for hygiene but to use for signaling someone as well.)
Condoms

8. Tools

Survival tools are a fun area to cover but remember that every ounce counts. So try not to overdo it here. We recommend these five tools.

9. Lighting Source

Being able to see in the dark is important no matter what type of survival situation you are in.

Headlamp
Glowsticks
Candles
Batteries
Mini LED Keychain

10. Communication

If the scenario calls for these items you’ll find them to be critical.

Cell Phone
Hand Crank Power Charger & Radio

11. Navigation

These are five items you’ll want to carry you whenever you travel or for more dangerous scenarios.

Emergency Whistle
Pencil & Note Pad
Compass
Map/Atlas
Cash in Small Bills (We recommend at least $500.)

12. Protection Equipment

Different bug out situations can mean different levels of safety. You may need to defend yourselves against other people or animals or you may need equipment for hunting. Weapons are a category many people are passionate about. Be sure to choose your self-defense equipment wisely. Only choose items that you are comfortable with handling.

Pepper Spray

Bug Out Bag Checklist (Infographic) (Printable)

We’ve created a survival gear list for you to print off and shop online or take to the store so you make sure to purchase all of the necessary survival equipment and get them stored in your pack for a quick getaway.

How To Survive Zombie Apocalypse

Are you planning your bug out bag for a zombie apocalypse? There are other things you should consider besides the contents of your bag. Ever heard of the quote by Jim Butcher?

You don’t have to run faster than the ~~bear~~ zombie to get away. You just have to run faster than the guy next to you.

Ok, so this quote is in regards to bears, but it fits perfectly for zombies too. During a zombie apocalypse you’ll probably find yourself in a race. So get your running shoes on and do your cardio!

How Many Days Should I Plan For?

We suggest planning your bug out bag contents for three days. Within three days, we hope that you can find other sources of water, food, shelter, and other necessities to keep you alive. Keep in mind that everything listed in this article may not fit into your bug out bag. That’s why it’s important to only pack what you think is necessary.

Other ideas are to get clips and straps to tie or attach things to the outside of your bag but remember, every extra item adds weight. If you’re looking for a bag that can hold all of this, we suggest looking at backpacking bags. They make for some of the best bug out bag backpacks.

Are You Prepared?

Want to make sure you’re extra prepared? Be sure to check out our emergency kit recommendations and survival food kit options.

Tagged With: Emergency Preparedness