Every prepper and survivalist needs a bug out bag list to stay prepared for any SHTF scenario.
The idea is to only what you absolutely need for survival. So what exactly should you include in a bug out bag checklist?
Bug Out Bag List
What Should You Have In Your Bug Out Bag?
Bug Out Bag Essentials
Knowing which essentials to prioritize in your bug out bag list to survive an unexpected disaster situation is a must.
Building your own customized bug out bag is not so hard or complicated.
You only have to make sure your bug out bag list includes items to address the following needs:
- Water Tools
- Food Supplies
- Warmth Supplies
- Shelter and Bedding Options
- Fire Starting Tools
- First Aid Supplies
- Core Survival Tools
- Lighting Tools
- Communication Devices
- Self-Defense Tools
And now let’s begin with a rookie mistake…
Make Sure Your Bug Out Bag Is Not Too Heavy
I think it’s human nature (and especially prepper nature) to add more essentials “just in case”.
Still, you don’t want too heavy a backpack you can’t even carry.
To ensure you only bring the absolute minimum here are some tips for you:
- Plan your B.O.B. for 72hours or enough time to get to a safe place.
- You are able to carry your bug out bag with ease (no need for an 100lbs bag here)
- Keep it lean.
- When you can, only pack multi-tools instead of one-use-only-items.
We’ll cover some of the best items you can add to your bug out bag…
Before we jump in, make sure to bookmark this page right now so you can come back to this free bug out bag checklist to build out your bag over time.
Go ahead, before you forget.
Let’s start with …
Bug Out Bag List 1: Bug-Out-Bag
Before you begin filling your bug out bag with all your survival gear and supplies, you need a high-quality bug out bag.
Starting your bug out bag build with a low quality pack is a terrible idea.
So make sure you get one with the following qualities:
- Made with thick, tough fabrics
- Has a chest strap
- Has padded hip support straps
- Water resistant
- High-quality zippers and clips
- Includes a lot of compartments
1 – Bug Out Bag
The EVATAC™ Combat Bag is a badass bug out bag and an ideal pack for anyone serious about putting together a legit bug out bag.
It’s the bug out bag that I personally use by the way.
It’s constructed of 600D Polyester which makes it tough as nails.
The Combat Bag’s zipper and clips are heavy duty and long lasting.
The padded shoulder straps make carrying this bug out bag very comfortable and there is a chest strap that can sinch this bag down tight to keep it in place if/when you need to run.
There are a total of 10 compartments that can help keep you and your survival gear organized. By the way, these compartments are waterproofed to keep your gear dry.
There’s even a padded compartment that can fit a laptop or other sensitive gear.
The best news is that, at the time of writing, this bug out bag sells for a fraction of the price of similar bags.
The EVATAC™ Combat Bag
- It’s constructed of 600D Polyester which makes it tough as nails.
- The Combat Bag’s zipper and clips are heavy duty and long lasting.
Once you’ve got your bug out bag, it’s time start building your bag with survival gear.
Related Post: 5 Best Survival Backpacks To Carry All Your Gear
Bug Out Bag List 2: Water Tools
For SHTF, you’re going to want have at least three separate ways to your water sources.
Drinking contaminated water can make you severely sick and can even kill you.
Why not just carry several water jugs?
Because after a couple hours walking you’ll feel every pound of your water jugs.
That’s why you’ll need key purification tools to filter and treat the water you find.
2 – Portable Water Filter
If SHTF dirty water will become your #1 problem… in about 60 minutes.
If a major crisis hits access to clean drinking sources are almost guaranteed to be wiped out.
Beware – 10,000 people die every single day because of drinking dirty water.
So you can imagine how many more people dirty water will kill in a crisis.
A good water filter will remove all the particulates from your water such as dirt or soot, but a great one will also remove most harmful bacterias as well.
So you should pack a small portable water filter to clean your water and purify it too.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Water Filter Straw by Frog & CO
- Will remove all the particulates from your water such as dirt or soot
- It will also remove most harmful bacteria as well
Bug Out Bag List 3: Food Supplies
Normally you want to avoid excess calories, but in a survival scenario they quickly become your best friends.
A few essential food sources stashed in your bug out bag to keep you healthy and maintain your stamina.
But you should also try to take advantage of what the land can provide.
So make sure to pack a few survival tools to help hunt or gather additional foods on your bug out route.
3 – Calorie Dense Food
Honestly, any calorie-dense energy bar will do the trick. Just read the label and look for the ones that provide the most calories per bar.
These ER Emergency Food Ration Bars pack 2400 calories per bar, which is exactly what you need.
These food bars will provide your primary energy needs on your journey since they are easy to consume on the go, and you can pack quite a lot of them without adding much weight.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
ER Emergency Ration
- Each packet contains six individual, ready-to-eat 410 calorie rations; requires no preparation
- Contain no cholesterol, coconut, or nuts which may cause dangerous allergic reactions when medical aid is scarce
4 – Freeze Dried Meals
They take a few minutes to prepare so wait until you find a safe spot to rest.
Just add the pouch contents to boiling water, stir, and eat up.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Mountain House Biscuits & Gravy
- Will remove all the particulates from your water such as dirt or soot
- It will also remove most harmful bacteria as well
5 – Military Meals (MRE – Meal, Ready to Eat)
If MRE meals are good enough for soldiers, then they are good enough for me.
But some people think they are horrible and theirs a long-standing and ongoing debate about MRE’s for survival.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
MRE Meals
- 18 pouches of MRE Beef, Chicken & Pork Entrees
- All pouches are 8 oz, except for Chicken Chunks (5.0 oz) and Maple Pork Patty (3.6 oz)
6 – Eating Utensils
Unless you prefer eating with dirty hands, you’ll want something small and light to move your food from pouch to mouth.
Try getting some high quality titanium spork; it’s both a spoon and a fork.
At only 20 grams you won’t mind the additional weight.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Fire Titanium Spork
- 100% Titanium spork, spoon-fork-knife combo with serrated edge on side of fork
- Durable, lightweight, Heat resistant
7 – Small Collapsible Cup/Bowl
You’ll want an easy way to keep your prepared food contained for serving and eating.
So get one of these collapsible cups, that can double as a bowl, and they work great.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Collapsible Cup Outdoor Shot Glass
- Foldable cup suitable for traveler
- Collapsible design
- Versatile portable cup
8 – Bug-Out-Bag Pocket Stove
You can learn how to use a slingshot quickly with some dedicated practice.
Like most survival skills, it will take some practice, but this lightweight hunting slingshot is a decent option for sourcing some protein.
Wisdoman Outdoor Professional Slingshot Kit
- Magnet Design
- High tension triple rubber bands
- Used for outdoor competition , fitness catapult and hunting, also for boutique collection
Bug Out Bag List 4: Warmth Supplies
Remember, if you’re bugging out, it’s because of a survival event forced you to leave, so multiple changes of clothes is not a luxury you can afford.
10 – Fresh Socks
Your feet are just too important during a bugout. You can’t afford to get trench foot or severe blisters.
So rotate a fresh pair of socks daily.
Like most survival skills, it will take some practice, but this lightweight hunting slingshot is a decent option for sourcing some protein.
12 – Sewing Kit
A sewing kit allows you to mend your clothes should they rip or tear on the trail.
13 – Emergency Survival Blanket
Made from a lightweight reflective material, they help you retain as much as 90% of your body heat, keeping you warm in a variety of conditions.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
14 – Rain Poncho with Hood
Your choice of bug out survival shelter comes down to a personal preference. Personally, I don’t pack a full-fledged tent. The tent poles and anchors are too heavy.
Coghlan’s Emergency Poncho
- Plastic
- Made in USA
- Fabric Lining
15 – Hammock Tent
Keep your campsite up off the ground and away from critters by rigging it up between a couple of trees!
Combine a good sleeping bag with a hammock and you’ll be warm, off the ground, and dry.
All you need is a couple of trees and some paracord to tie off.
Everest Double Camping Hammock
- Complete Yosemit Pack
- Ripstop Diamond Weave Nylon
- Heavy Duty Mosquito Mesh
16- Emergency Sleeping Bag
The TACT Bivvy space-age fabric reflects 90% of your body heat back to you.
Once you’re inside the TACT Bivvy, you’re instantly wrapped in a cocoon of warmth. This means when you use the TACT Bivvy in situations where the temperature has plunged to dangerously low levels you’re still warm and protected.
It has multiple light settings including an emergency strobe setting.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
And as you know…
Multi-use items are the backbone of any good survival kit – and that goes double for electronics!
17 – Sleeping Pad
Instead of really “roughing it” and ending up with an achy back and very little sleep, use foam pads to make then floor of your tent more comfortable.
POWERLIX Sleeping Pad
- Rejuvenate your body
- Unique everlasting durability
- 100% refund/replacement warranty
18 – Paracord Survival Kit
The Paracord Grenade has so many uses:
- Start a fire outdoors with the fire starter, knife and tinder
- Catch fish for a survival meal with fishing hooks.
- Use tin foil to signal for help, cook food.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Bug Out Bag List 6: Fire Starting Tools
Fire is your lifeblood in a survival emergency.
You need it to:
- Purify water
- Cook food,
- Stway warm
- Safety
19 – Waterproof Survival Matches
Any prepper or backpacker knows that having the right tools to start a fire is an absolute necessity when you’re out in the wild.
If you opt for matches, it’s critical that you have a way to protect them.
Knowing how to waterproof standard matches is a useful skill for the well-prepared and economic outdoorsman.
There are three common methods for protecting your matches against water.
No matter which method you go with it’s best to start with strike-anywhere matches.
They can be lit against any rough surface, whereas strike-on-box matches require the phosphorous strip found on the matchbox to ignite.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
UCO Stormproof Match Kit
- Includes 25 windproof and waterproof matches, 3 strikers and match case that can hold up to 40 matches
- Matches are easy to light
Related Post: How to Make Waterproof Matches – 3 Easy DIY Waterproofing Methods
20 – Everstryke Match
You gotta get one, everybody you show will be amazed, it’s like a magic trick.
- Has it all: Contains the ferro rod and wick in one all-inclusive fire starting kit that fits conveniently in your pocket
- Strikes hot, burns hot: Ferro rod strikes at over 3,000 degrees and flame burns at over 600 degreesFahrenheit
- Long Lasting: Each match is capable of 15,000 long burning strikes. Built in O-Ring keeps fuel from evaporating indefinitely.
- Easy to use: If you can strike a match you can start a fire (and this one won’t burn your fingertips)
- Ultimate survival tool: In a survival situation a fire is life, this tool will make sure that you can start a fire whenever, wherever you need it
21 – Windproof Electrical Lighter
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of windproof lighters and found them all to be more “wind-resistant” than anything. The Tesla Lighter is a different breed – a flame-free, smoke-free, fuel-less lighter.
Try as hard as you want; you can’t blow out the twin plasma arcs.Instead, they produce easy fire starts for all types of natural kindling.
The compact Tesla Lighter is an excellent addition to your everyday carry tools. And a single charge (via USB) is enough to start hundreds of campfires!
Tesla Lighter
- USB Rechargeable
- Safe and easy to use, lights at the click of a button
- A full charge can last up to a week or 100-300 uses
22 – Vaseline
Add a dab of vaseline to tinder and it will help it ignite quickly and easily.
Vaseline
- 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
- Triple-Purified. Purity Guaranteed
- Protects skin from windburn and chapping
Bug Out Bag List 7: First Aid Supplies
When in the wilderness, exposed to the elements, there’s an increased chance of illness or injury.
So add the essential first aid supplies to be able to treat these issues. Remember, a minor cut can kill via infection if not properly treated.
23 – Personal Medications
If you have prescribed medications, then stock up and add them to your bug out bag.
24 – Wound Gauze Roll
Gauze is the ideal dressing for bad cuts or severe burns. It’s light and takes up very little pack space.
25 – Band-Aids / Mole Skin Pads
Band-aids are the best solution for small cuts and lacerations. They help keep open wounds clean and protected, which helps prevent an infection from developing.
You should also add a few moleskin pads for blisters. Band-aids won’t stay in place on your feet while walking, but moleskin will.
Bandaid
- 5 times stronger than ordinary bandages
- Heavy-duty, durable wound protection and first aidLow Cost
26 – Pain Killers
For minor aches and pains, these can help keep you going. For serious injuries, pain killers will take the edge off until you can get more help.
27 – Hydrogen Peroxide
Same idea as the alcohol pads, use it to keep wounds clean and bacteria free.
28 – Q-tips Cotton Swabs
Q-tips are ideal for applying small amounts of medical salves and liquids.
Lastly, you can tear off the cotton ends and use them as tinder to start a fire.
They are extremely light and useful, so feel free to pack a couple hundred of them.
Organic Paper Cotton Swabs
- Made of natural cotton and recyclable paper
- Multipurpose Swabs
- Will not break or bend easily
29 – Insect Repellent
Mosquitos are a nuisance and can transmit diseases so if they are abundant in your region you’ll want to pack a repellent spray with high amounts of DEET.
Sage works as a natural deterrent to keep those pesky bugs away, and it smells nice, too.
Repel 100 Insect Repellent
- Create a barrier for mosquitos
- Formulated for severe insect conditions
- Protects for up to 10 hours
Related Post: 19 Camping Hacks and Tips
Bug Out Bag List 8: Core Survival Tools
These are traditional survival tools that didn’t fit into our other but out bag checklist categories. However, they are essential to your bug out’s success.
30 – Compass
If you’re into survival, then you should own a high-quality compass and learn how to use it.
Navigation is too critical. Getting lost is too dangerous.
Know where you are and the best way to get to your final destination. Learn how to use a compass (and keep it with you) and you’ll never get lost again.
Eyeskey Military Compass
- Waterproof and Shockproof
- Easy and accurate readings
- Taking bearings easily
31 – Tough Compact Folding Shovel
If you’ve buried some survival caches along your bug out route, then you’ll want a compact shovel to dig them up.
It also allows you to improve your shelter area by clearing and leveling the ground.
A tactical shovel allows you to complete even more survival tasks such as digging, chopping, sawing, pickaxe, trenching, opening, etc.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Tactical Shovel
- Portable and easy to store
- High carbon steel body
- Strong enough to endure the toughest conditions.
This one does all that and more.
Related post: The Ultimate Tactical Shovel REVIEW
32 – Survival Knife
When it comes to speed and stealth, CRKT Xolotl is unrivaled with its lightning fast release. The sleek silver blade is a testament to its history as the choice of blades of the Assassin – a fact that both entices and intrigues knife collectors the world-round.
But the Survival Huntsman is the balanced Goliath of the Steel River Lineup. Featuring a titanium coating that prevents any sort of rust or corrosion to the blade and handle.
Integrated into the handle of the Sentinel are two lifesaving tools the prepared individual needs to have in case of an emergency – a Steel Glass Breaking Tip and a Razor Sharp Seatbelt Cutter
Spend some quality time researching good survival knives. Find one that meets your needs best because a good survival knife has so many critical survival uses.
Then once you’ve settled on “the one”, make sure you learn how to use it in the wild with lots of practice.
I couldn’t possibly list all the uses of a knife around the campground. It’s one of those tools you’ll use every single day for a variety of tasks.
Know where you are and the best way to get to your final destination. Learn how to use a compass (and keep it with you) and you’ll never get lost again.
33 – 12 IN 1 Multi-Tool TRADEMATE
The Multi-Tool Knife by Frog & Co has 14 tools crafted into 1 top-notch piece of gear that you will never want to leave home without.
Know where you are and the best way to get to your final destination. Learn how to use a compass (and keep it with you) and you’ll never get lost again.
34 – Portable Solar Charger
Without power, a lot of our favorite survival tools will stop functioning.
Radios, GPS, flashlights – you NEED a backup plan to keep them charged and working.
A good solar charger can provide you with a steady stream of power. And a battery pack can allow you to store that power for when you need it most.
Whether you’re in need of some extra power to call for rescue or you just want to post a picture of a gorgeous view, we believe you should be able to harness the power of the sun.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Tranmix Portable Solar Charger
- 25000mAh High Capacity
- 4 Foldable Solar Panels3
- 2.1A Fast Charging Outputs
35 – Survival Hatchet
Survival hatchets are awesome.
They are helpful to accomplish tasks quickly that using your survival knife alone would take hours.
A good survival hatchet makes batoning branches for firewood a breeze. It makes chopping down trees a whole lot faster too.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Know where you are and the best way to get to your final destination. Learn how to use a compass (and keep it with you) and you’ll never get lost again.
Know where you are and the best way to get to your final destination. Learn how to use a compass (and keep it with you) and you’ll never get lost again.
Bug Out Bag List 9: Lighting Tools
You’ll need good light to work under the darkness of night. And if forced to move in the middle of the night you’ll need it to see where you’re going.
I can’t imagine bugging out without illumination devices. Attempting to do so would put you at an extreme disadvantage.
36. Survival Solar Air Lantern
The Solar Air Lantern can provide emergency lighting without relying on batteries, fuel or the need to plug it into the wall for power.
Just lay it in the sun to charge – then inflate the lantern and enjoy hours of bright ambient light.
Keep one in your car, at home, or in your bug out bag – the Solar Air Lantern can provide the backup light that you need.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
HybridLight Solar Lantern
- Extremely long run time
- Compact, Lightweight, and Durable
- Holds a charge for years
37 – LED Tactical Flashlight
What Is The ONE Tool You Always Need?
A flashlight is a tool you just can’t live without and the Ape Survival ProCharge Flashlight is perfect for any situation.
It is ultra bright, uses standard batteries, can fit in your pocket and has a lifetime of durability.
If you’re going to carry any item, it needs to be a flashlight. But you can’t just carry around any old one and expect it to do the job!
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
GearLight TAC LED Flashlight Pack
- The TAC upgraded LED flashlights cast a wide beam that effortlessly illuminates an entire room or backyard
- Compact enough to fit in your pocket, backpack or purse.
Related post: 5 Best Survival Flashlights – Buyer’s Guide
Bug Out Bag List 10: Communication Devices
Gathering information and sharing information during a bug out situation is critical for survival.
Whether it’s a severe weather forecast or knowing the location of potential threats. The more you know, the more you can plan and adapt on the go.
38 – Pocket Radio
Kaito created this “Pocket Radio” so people could finally have an ultra-light and super-powerful radio. The same size as a credit card (and only ⅞ of an inch thick), this is one of the tiniest radios on the market.
With perfectly cut fingernail notches, the tuning dial acts like a heat-seeking missile to find the station you need in a crisis.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
Kaito Pocket Radio
- Frequency coverage: AM: 530 – 1600 KHz, FM: 87 – 108 MHz
- Built-in monophonic earphone jack (earphone not included)
- Antenna System : AM: Built-in Ferrite Bar Antenna; FM: Telescopic Antenna
39 – Two-Way Walkie Talkie Radios
Packing a set of walkie-talkies is a smart idea for a small bug out group.
If your team gets separated, or you split up for strategic reasons, you’ll still be able to keep in touch at short distances.
Recharge your walkie-talkies with your solar charger.
Know where you are and the best way to get to your final destination. Learn how to use a compass (and keep it with you) and you’ll never get lost again.
Motorola Talkabout Radio
- 10-hour alkaline or 8-hour rechargeable battery life
- 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) with alert features
- Pair of two-way radios with up to 23 mile range
40 – Multi-Functional Survival Whistle
A loud whistle is another way to communicate with your bug out team over long distances. Again, it’s light and takes up very little space. It is extremely LOUD.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
TACRAY Titanium Whistl
- Made of high quality stainless steel, durable, waterproof and rust-proof. Will not crack or freeze in harsh conditions.
- This whistle is suitable for various outdoor activities
Bug Out Bag List 11: Self-Defense Tools
In the worst survival conditions, you’re going to be the hunter or be hunted. You need to be prepared to defend yourself and your group from threats.
Threats from wild game and threats from other humans.
41 – Survival Firearm
So which firearm is best for bugging out?
For bugging out, you need a firearm that is designed to break down to fit in a pack and can take a ton of abuse. I also prefer a rifle as opposed to a handgun if you plan on taking just a single firearm.
42 – Firearm Ammunition
Ideally, you want to carry enough ammo to avoid having to ration. But you have to watch your bug out bag weight and ammo is heavy. That’s why I suggest sticking with .22LR.
43 – Pepper Spray
High-quality pepper spray is another solid self-defense tool you should pack. It’s effective against both wild beasts and humans.
Other good light alternatives would be purification tablets.
SABRE Pepper Spray
- SABRE is the #1 Pepper Spray brand trusted by police and consumers worldwide
- 5x more protection
- Faster and easier to access
Conclusion
My final word of advice is to take action today using this free bug out bag checklist. If you don’t already have a bug out bag, invest in one today.
Fellow survivalists know that disasters happen when we least expect them. If you wait; it might be too late.
“Always Be Ready” Max