What are essential items for a bug-out bag?

What is a Bug-Out Bag (BOB)?

In today’s world, it is more important than ever to be prepared for the unexpected during natural disasters, power outages, or getting lost while hiking. Having a bug-out bag is one of the best solutions. A bug-out bag is a portable survival kit packed with essential supplies that can be quickly grabbed and used in the event of an emergency or crisis. Because it can take time for help to arrive, we want to ensure we have key items on hand.

Whether you're looking to build your own bug-out bag or update your exisiting one, we’ll walk through the essential bug-out bag items and explain why each of these is important.

What are the essentials?

• Hydration Supplies: You can survive three weeks without food, but only three days without water. Hydration is your top priority.
  
  • Water bottles
    
    • Because these can be heavy, we recommend not overpacking, and making sure you also have:
  • Water purification tablets: these are very small and effective to quickly purify contaminated water. Grab a pack of 10 tablets in this hydration kit       
    
  • Portable water filter: Using a water purification straw is a fast and convenient way to instantly make unsafe water drinkable 

• Food and Utensils: Pack your favorite bars, or if you would prefer a pre-curated solution, go with one of our all-in-one survival kits which include water and food bars with a 5-year shelf life. Also be sure to have the right tools to open any cans and utensils to eat food
  
  • Stainless Steel Utensil Set
    
    • Made out of quality stainless steel, and simple to use.
  • 3-in-1 can opener
    
    • Opens metal cans, opens bottles, and doubles as a spoon.

• Tools & First Aid: Multiply your capabilities - these allow you to adapt and problem-solve more efficiently than with raw effort alone. 
  
  • 5-in-1 Survival Whistle: Takes up little space and comes equipped with a compass, signal mirror, flint starter, waterproof container, and lanyard.
  • 11 Function Credit Card Multitool: Compact is a key when packing a bug-out-bag. This nifty tool is compact enough for any situation, and includes items such as a bottle opener, screwdriver, knife edge, and more.
  • All Purpose First Aid Kit: Reduce medical risk by treating injuries and preventing infections when professional help isn’t immediately available.

• Light and Communication: Having the ability to see, be aware, navigate, and call for help in an emergency is critical. Some studies note that light reduces fear and boosts morale. A small lantern or even glow sticks can help create a sense of normalcy in stressful situations.
  
  • Flashlight: A squeeze powered flashlight provides bright LED lighting and is powered by kinetic energy instead of batteries.
  • AM/FM Radio: Having one of these is enables us to stay informed without having to rely on a phone or internet connection.

• Warmth and Shelter: Did you know that exposure to the elements can kill faster than hunger or even thirst? Being exposed to harsh weather increases stress and physical risk, so it is critical to have these items in your kit
  
  • Emergency Blanket: also known as a mylar or space blanket, this critical item provides rapid protection against heat loss and exposure. It is made of reflective mylar (originally developed by NASA) that reflects up to 90% of your body heat back toward you. It is also waterproof and windproof, and folds into pocket-size.
  • Emergency Poncho: This low-cost, high-impact item is a lightweight protector against rain, wind, and cold. It shields your body and backpack/gear, and doubles as a makeshift tarp or ground cover.
  • Body Warmers: Small and easy to carry, these help keep you comfortable, and reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Warm hands enable you to have a better grip and flexibility, which is important for tasks like handling tools or gear.

A Quick Note on Food and Water: At Savvy Survival, not only do we offer pre-curated survival kits with food and water, but we also offer the essential non-consumables. Because hydration and nutrition are highly personal choices, often based on dietary needs, allergies, and preferred brands, we want you to be able to choose your own preferred food and beverages to complete the perfect bug-out bag.
We highly recommend this best seller Emergency Essentials Kit. It is equipped with many of the above items, and you can also choose to add a backpack of your choice. Our favorite backpack is the Multi-pocket Comfort Backpack.

What personal items should I include?

• In addition to the above items, always make sure you have important personal items such as:
  
  • Prescription medication
  • Important documents and cash: ID, passport, medical records, $ bills
  • Personal hygience: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, sanitizer
  • If applicable, baby and pet items
  • Glasses/contacts
  • Notebook and pen
  • Card games - we offer this Deck of Survival Playing Cards. Educational and enteraining, the cards include tips from what plants are edible to how to build a shelter or signal for help if you get lost in the wild. 

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared Before You Need It

• Because natural disasters and power outages happen unexpectedly, a well-prepared bug-out bag gives you confidence and peace of mind. Start with the essentials listed above, ensure you include your personal items, and keep your kit ready to go.
  
  Try our Emergency Essentials Kit, or go for one of the all-in-one kits if you prefer a kit with food and water already included.

Cheers to being Savvy and Staying Prepared!