A bug out bag is a backpack / rucksack that you have prepared for each member of your family, that if an emergency happens you could survive for 3 days and nights. The event would have to be bad enough for you and your family to leave your home. This also includes the family pets. The size of the bag is going to be determined by the size and strength of the individual.
This article is to give you an idea of what goes into the Bug Out Bag:
1. Water
1 Liter per day per person is really the bare minimum. So your 3 day Bug Out Bag should have at least 3 liters of water.
2. Food
For a 3 day Bug Out Bag, backpack meals, energency bars, and protein shake mix can be sufficient. Backpack meals are freeze-dried meals that you just add boiling water to. They are lightweight and last a long time. The protein shake mix works great because it’s dense-packed with nutrients and just needs water.
3. Clothing
Your bug out bag clothes should be similar to what you would pack for a weekend backpacking trip. It is important that your clothing is updated every season change.
4. Shelter
If you are going to survive for 3 days you are going to need protection from the elements and a warm dry place to sleep. You need at least:
1. Some type of tent or tarp and a way to set it up. Depending on the type of emergency in your area that has forced you from your home, a bright coloured tent is not recommended.
2. A ground tarp for underneath your shelter to stay dry or a sleeping pad. Never underestimate the importance of not sleeping on the ground. The ground can still your body heat.
3. Good wool blankets of a sleeping bag.
5. The ability to make a fire
A bare minimum of 3 different ways to make fire (use water proof fire starters). With that, you can get a flame but you will have to actually build the fire up too (use fire tinder).
6. First Aid Kit
The ideal thing to do is to build your own First Aid Kit instead of buying one of those prepackaged first aid kits that claim to have 1001 things to get you through any emergency. While some are OK, these types of kits are usually filled with a lot of stuff you are unlikely to need and not enough of the things you will probably need a lot of. The key to this is a little research.
7. Common since items
Rain gear, survival saw, bush craft knife, cooking, eating gear, flash lights.
These are not all the items you will need but I believe you would be able to survive a 3 day trip to your destination. The key to survival is being stealthy and being able to move quickly. Take what you need but don’t weigh yourself down.
If you find yourself in this situation, the LORD be with you and protect you.
God Bless
~ Larry