A bugout bag is a collection of items you would need in the event of an emergency or natural disaster that forced you to evacuate your home quickly. Generally, these bags are designed to sustain you for 72 hours without access to other supplies or resources.

These bags are typically smaller than backpacks, and they are intended for use on the move. They are not a substitute for your shelter supplies, but rather supplement them.

Water

If you ask any prepper, they'll tell you that a bugout bag (BOB) is one of the most essential survival kits they have. It houses everything they need to survive in case they are forced to evacuate their homes during a disaster.

It is important to have water in your bug out bag, but it should only be enough for a few days. It is a common mistake to pack more than that in a BOB, because carrying all of that water can be dangerous and it will also take up more space than necessary.

It is also important to have a way of purifying water in your bug out bag. Whether it is through water treatment tablets or a Life Straw, you should always have something that can turn random water into drinking water in an emergency situation. Other items you should include in your bug out bag are hand sanitizer and wet wipes, which will be useful for keeping hands clean when soap is not available.

Food

When it comes to bug out bags, food is one of the most important items. You need to have enough food for 72 hours in case you are displaced from your home or lose access to it.

You want your bug out bag to include foods with a long shelf life and that are easy to prepare. Some of the best choices are freeze-dried meals and granola bars. These foods are also nutritious and will help you stay fueled in a crisis.

Nuts are also a great food for bug out bags because they are individually packaged and have a high shelf-life. They also are lightweight and don't take up a lot of space. Other options are meal bars that are packed with calories and protein. Some of these can have up to 2,500 calories and they are convenient and taste good too.

Make sure the foods you choose are nutrient-dense and have protein and fat in them. This will help you sustain your energy levels longer compared to just eating carbohydrates. You should also include a supply of multivitamins in your bug out bag. These won't add much to the weight of your bag and will bridge any nutritional gaps in case you don't have access to normal food.

Shelter

A bug out bag is designed to provide the basics for survival if you need to evacuate your home in the event of an emergency. This includes shelter, warmth and security as well as food and water. Ideally, a bug out bag will also be portable to allow you to move if necessary.

While it is possible to make a bug out bag that lasts for up to 72 hours, most preppers aim to create kits that can last longer than that. The more supplies you include, the heavier your bag will be, which could limit mobility in an emergency situation.

At the very least, your bug out bag should include a sleeping bag/quilt and a sleeping pad to ensure you can sleep comfortably and control your body temperature. A sleeping mask and ear plugs are also recommended as they can block out noise, such as snoring and crying, from other people in your bug out location. Adding a thermal blanket can further reduce heat loss and keep you warm, and hand warmers are small packets of chemicals that generate heat once activated.

First Aid

When you're in a bug out situation, you may not have the resources to treat serious injuries. That's why it's important to have a few first aid items in your bug out bag.

A tourniquet is a great addition to any bug out bag, as it can quickly stop excessive bleeding and save lives. Additionally, having a first-aid kit can help you treat common medical emergencies like fevers and cuts.

You should also pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes to keep your family clean during an emergency. These items are quick and easy to use when soap and water aren't available.

Generally, bug out bags are built for individuals and are carried on one's back using a backpack. This is ideal if you are forced to leave your home, as it leaves your hands free. Make sure you choose a quality backpack that is sturdy and made of durable materials. In addition, a backpack should be lightweight so you can easily carry it for long distances. It should also have quality zippers and seams.

Communication

Bug out bags are portable emergency kits designed to hold all of the supplies you might need for a minimum of 72 hours in the event that you must evacuate at a moment's notice. Also known as 72-hour kits, grab bags, go bags and other names, they're the perfect way to ensure you can quickly and easily escape from danger in an emergency situation.

Your bug out bag should include a three-day supply of food and water for each person in your family. Non-perishable foods like boxed meals, jerky, energy bars, dried fruit and nuts are great options for bug out bag essentials. You should also pack a first aid kit with bandages, ointment, a tourniquet and any prescription medications that you or your loved ones require. A headlamp or flashlight is a valuable addition to your bug out bag because it lets you light up your space without using up valuable battery power or fuel.

A bug out bag must be lightweight so that you can feasibly carry it with ease in an emergency situation. Many people build bug out bags that are too heavy because they overestimate their physical fitness, can't resist packing the kitchen sink or forget to plan carefully for their specific needs.