Bug-Out Bags

Here is a list of basic supplies we made for our three-day emergency packs in 2011 when our kiddos were ages four through 15, and we lived in the States. The “littles” obviously could not carry all their items themselves, so their “big buddies” carried some for them, and some items with an asterisk were found in only one or two of the adult packs.

 

  • Water bottles with filters such as Berkey Sport Bottles (alternative: regular water bottles and purification tablets when clean water is not available)
  • Chlorine or iodine water purification tablets (to purify water for drinking or washing)
  • Energy bars (high calorie)
  • Dried foods
  • MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat): purchased, or homemade
  • Multitool (the Leatherman Wave Multitool is used by survival experts, and is what we use)
  • Rain poncho (avoiding hypothermia is critical)
  • Emergency blanket (extremely light-weight, aluminized, polyester blanket which reflects body heat back to body)
  • *First aid kit (more details another post)
  • *Hand crank radio
  • Heavy duty trash bag (can be used to make a one-man shelter, and other uses)
  • Paracord
  • Mess kit (spoon, fork, plate, cup)
  • Cloth napkin
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Kleenex, toilet paper
  • Wet wipes
  • Personal hygiene (comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary supplies)
  • Soap & washcloth
  • Sunscreen, lip balm
  • *Tarp
  • Emergency candles (Dollar Tree has the best price)
  • Whistle
  • Glo sticks (for children in the dark – also cheapest at Dollar Tree)
  • Small Bible or NT
  • Small paper pad & pen, pencil
  • Leather gloves
  • Coffee can with lid (to collect & boil water in)
  • Hard candy or gum
  • Vitamins (& medications, if any)
  • Change of clothes
  • Wool socks (for cold weather)
  • Cash, silver, or other currency
  • *Survival knife (I LOVE my 11″ Full Tang Hunting Knife W/flint! It is one piece stainless steel knife & handle wrapped in paracord for a better grip.)
  • *Folding shovel (entrenching tool)
  • *Sterno Folding Stove & fuel (wonderful for boiling water or heating/cooking food when no fire is possible)
  • Swiss army sleeping bags (very small, compact, and warm)
  • Small toys or activities for the “littles

Our list continues to be revised, and of course each family will be unique. This is not intended to be comprehensive, but a guide.

*Found only in one or two adult packs.