What Items Should Be in an Emergency Survival Bag (A Bug Out Bag)?
I asked this question on a popular survival forum and not surprising I got a lot of different answers as to what should be in an emergency go bag. I agreed with a lot of it and some less so but I think it’s the good basis for this post.
Here are some of the most popular survival items that made many of the lists:
- Flashlight – Some opted for Battery Powered, others opted for the wind up flashlights or rechargeable
- Survival Food – All but one person had some sort of food whether that be survival food bars or dehydrated food. Kudos to the one person that put twinkies!
- Multi-Tool – This made several survival lists also as they are versatile and can be used in a variety of survival situations and yet be small and compact.
- 550 Paracord – Also included on many pepper checklists. It’s cheap and has lots of uses.
- Mylar Blankets – This was a popular item but others put ponchos, rain gear or jackets. All of these might serve the same purpose
- Water Purification Tablets, Straws or food preppers Filters – Every survival list included one of these type survival items and/or datrex water packets.
- First Aid Kit – A must have for any survival go backpack
- Heavy Duty Tarp or other Ground Cover – Shower curtain was mentioned by one, pretty innovative and takes little space
- Local Maps and a Good Survival Compass – It’s always good to know where you are and where you are going in any survival situation
- Canteen or Pot – This would allow you to boil water or cook items, everyone mentioned a metal container
- Hand Crank Radio – Popular but only on a few lists
- Fire starters and Tinder – This included matches, fire strikers and road flares (which will pretty much start anything on fire quickly)
Overall most of these items can be found for a relatively inexpensive price but very good items to build up your own personal survival kit. As with all items make sure they include items that you need such as personal hygiene, medications etc. I personally think that these are great choices but I’d also include things like toilet paper, fire starters and items like that.
I think any emergency bug out kit should include items that you need to survive for a minimum of a couple of days. Items like water filtration straws, items that can be used to help build shelters, hand crank items are good, candles as they make light, heat and can be used to help start fires. A whistle or other signaling devices.
