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Bug Out Bag Guide: How to Build Your 72 Hours Survival Kit

You must always be ready for all types of natural and manmade disruptions. Most people experience actual risks such as catastrophic forest fires, massive floods, paralyzing winter storms and power outages for long durations without hope of getting immediate help. This is where a bug out bag is essential. 

It isn’t overkill, rather, it’s smart, proactive self-reliance. In its simplest form, a bug out bag is a pre-prepared survival kit of sorts, containing supplies and gear you can live on and with for a minimum of 72 hours in the event of an evacuation or having to take shelter without utilities. 

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How Long A Bug Out Bag Should Last

Common bug out bags should last for at least 72 hours. This time period is important because, in a major disaster, it is actually not unreasonable to take anywhere from one to three days for emergency services to arrive. Your kit is a brilliant solution to this problem. This 72-hour timeframe is also what government preparedness agencies suggest you should be able to fend for yourself for. 

If you live in a rural area or an area known for certain high risks, planning for enough supplies to last 96 hours or more is a good precautionary measure until you’ve established that you can get out of dodge in plenty of time.

What to Pack

These are specific items that would provide for the core needs of survival for 3 days in a natural disaster or other emergency scenarios. Here, you must consider what you would want if you had to evacuate your home or shelter in place with no access to utilities or stores. Grouping your gear into categories that work for you will keep your packing decisions coherent and can help prevent you from leaving something vital back home.

Water & Food

Having access to clean water is a necessity since dehydration can disable you fast. Try to carry 2 to 4 liters of water per person, per day. However, how much you’ll really need depends on your climate and anticipated exertion. Carrying three days worth of water can be hectic, so you must know how to purify water on the go. Add portable water filters or water purification tablets to turn unsafe water sources into fresh, clean drinking water. 

As for food, put lightweight, non-perishable and high-energy foods first. Shelf-stable food such as protein bars, trail mix, nuts and freeze-dried meals are great options. These take little to no preparation, and can cover your calories while you trek. Bring with you enough for everyone for at least three days.

Clothing, Shelter & Warmth

You can always expect erratic and unpredictable weather, so proper clothing and shelter are crucial. Include at least one complete outfit, including socks and underwear, in a watertight bag. Don’t forget to pack some layerable options that work for the climate you live in. Depending on the weather, you need base layers, insulating mid-layers and a waterproof/windproof top layer. 

Don’t forget to protect your extremities. Throw some gloves and a warm hat in your bag as well as a poncho for rain or wind. For short term shelter and warmth along with an emergency blanket, add a lightweight emergency sleeping bag and a versatile and lightweight tarp which you can use as an overhead shelter, ground cover or for collecting water.

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Health & Hygiene

Being clean and healthy is essential when you're stressed because you can't afford to be sick. You should have a good first aid kit. Make sure you have bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, allergy medication and any common personal medications or prescriptions for you and your family. 

Carry hygiene essentials such as a mask for dust, smoke or pathogen protection, hand sanitizer, a toothbrush and essential feminine hygiene products. A compact towel, a roll of toilet paper as well as wet wipes, can also make a difference in terms of personal hygiene.

Tools, Light & Power

An efficient headlamp or flashlight is so important for finding your way in the dark without needing your hands. Either carry spare batteries, or use a rechargeable battery. The ability to make fire is indispensable for heating, signaling, and boiling water. Pack lightweight lighters or matches in a waterproof case, and a backup fire starter such as ferrocerium rod. 

A quality multitool or utility knife goes a long way in all kinds of circumstances. GPS is not foolproof, so bring a map and compass, especially if you are in a more rural or off-grid location. When the grid is down, you may have a challenge remaining connected and powered. If this happens a portable power station can be a lifesaver. 

The BLUETTI AC50B Portable Power Station is a great option for your bug out bag because it offers a good combination of capacity and portability. At around 6.0 kg (13.2 lbs) it’s light enough to carry and it’s collapsible enough to fit most standard pack sizes. It has a 500Wh capacity and different kinds of output charging ports like AC, DC, USB, which can power your smartphone, tablet, laptop and more. 

That way, you can charge a smartphone, a must for communication and information, as well as portable radios and headlamps, and possibly small medical devices. It is compatible with multiple recharging modes, such as power adapters, car chargers and solar panels, providing you comfortable power support in any conditions or places. It is a bit weighty compared to other power stations but it is more robust and suitable for running AC electronics devices from some time for phone communication and lighting when the primary grid is inoperative and there is no more traditional charging available.

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Documents & Cash

Vital personal documents and some cash are needed for identification, obtaining resources and purchases if electronic systems are not working. Keep duplicate copies of any important paperwork in a waterproof folder. This list should include photocopies of your IDs such as a driver’s license, passport, insurance policies, birth certificates and a list of crucial emergency contacts. 

Print a list of emergency numbers and potential rendezvous points. Also bring $100 to $300 in small denominations. In an emergency, ATMs and credit card machines might not be working, and physical cash could be necessary for purchasing gas, food or other required items, where they are available.

Picking the Right Bug Out Bag

Let’s look at what you need to consider when choosing a bug out bag. 

Size

For most adults, the perfect bug out bag size would be between 30 liters and 50 liters. This much space is more than enough for you to stuff in all of your necessary 72 hour supplies without making the bag too bulky or heavy to carry for long periods of time. 

Durability 

Don’t skimp on durability. You’ll want a bag that’s made of rugged, durable, weather-resistant material, such as ripstop nylon or polyester. It should be able to withstand the rigors of the road and those of nature such as rain and snow.

Comfort and Functionality

It must also be comfortable and functional. Look for bags with padded shoulder straps and a strong waist belt or hip belt to transfer the weight to your hips rather than have your shoulders carrying the load, which will make a big difference when you’re hiking 20-30 miles a day. 

Numerous exterior compartments and pockets are also great for keeping your gear organized in a logical manner to easily locate certain items such as a first-aid kit or water filter without having to empty the entire pack. When fully packed, the end weight should be easily manageable, around 15% of your body weight, ideally. A light, organized bag is always easier to tote when you’re under stress.

Does Bag Color Matter?

The contents and quality of your bug out bag is the most important thing you put in it. The bug out bag color is one of the last things to even consider. Neutrals such as gray, olive, or tan are the favored colors, giving you the ability to pass into the forest comfortably. 

Black is a popular and useful choice as well. Although it does absorb more heat from direct sunlight which may be affected by the temperature outside. If you must prioritize visibility and signaling above anything else, try bright colors. Alternatively, inconspicuous colors are generally opted for keeping out of sight.

Where to Store It & When to Refresh

A fully packed bug out bag will be of no use if you can’t access it quickly under emergency. The best place to keep it if you think you may have to leave quickly, is close to your main exit. This may be a closet by your door, so you can grab it quickly as you leave. 

Also, you'll want to fill a separate, smaller bag that you keep in your car with emergency supplies for travel. For those with a family, think about having some smaller age-appropriate versions for children to also carry some essentials, and don't forget to bring all the stuff your pets will need, including food, water, leash and any needed medication. 

Refresh the bag and check its contents every 6 months. That means rotating out expired food and medications, swapping out clothing for the new season, and checking changes or changing batteries, and recharging power banks or portable power stations like the BLUETTI AC50B to make sure all are ready to go and fully charged. 

Creating an Emergency Plan

Yes, it’s important to have a bug out bag packed and ready to go, but it’s only one piece of being prepared. Your bag is full of tools and supplies but you also need a clear strategy for when and how to use it. This is where having a family emergency plan is critical. Talk to your family members and brainstorm possible emergencies that can happen around your area and agree on what to do.

Determine specific meeting points close to your home, when you have to leave in a hurry. Choose some farther away too, if you can’t come back to your home or if the whole neighborhood has to be evacuated. Develop a communication plan and Identify an out-of-area contact person who everyone can call to check in when local communication services are out. Determine how messages will be left for one another. 

Plan primary and alternate routes out of your home as well as possible end locations where you can seek refuge. Everyone should know where bug out bags are and what they are. Speaking of these steps in advance lessens the confusion and panic in a true disaster. When the time comes, you can grab your go-bag and go to a safe place. Your bug out bag is one of the most important tools in this overall game plan.

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Testing Your Gear & Practicing Your Emergency Plan

Once you’ve carefully assembled your bug out bag and crafted a plan in case of an emergency, you need to practice before the disaster happens so you are truly prepared. Start by wearing your packed bag and trying it for size. Check if the weight is manageable or if the straps are comfortable. Wearing it on a brief walk or around the block, can help you to find any potential fit or weight distribution problems before you have to move quickly and efficiently in an emergency.

Next, test your gear. You don’t want to be fumbling around with your water filter, or emergency fire starter, for the first time in an emergency situation. Practice purifying water, starting a fire, using your emergency blanket or sleeping bag and operating your headlamp in total darkness. Lastly, rehearse your emergency plan. Most importantly, walk or drive through evacuation routes, Identify and establish several meetup points and practice simple communications exercises with your family. 

Start Small, Stay Ready

Assembling a complete bug out bag may seem overwhelming but you don’t need to have everything all at once. Even a half-kit is infinitely more useful than a completely unprepared nothing when disaster strikes. The biggest step is just to start the process. Start with the basics: food, water, light and power. In the end, the point of the exercise of building your bug out bag is about protecting your time during a crisis, bolstering your safety, and knowing you have made the ultimate smart move to be prepared for potential disaster. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I tend to my bug out bag? 

Ideally your bug out bag should be assessed and updated every 6 months. Rotate expired food and medicines, refresh clothing for the season and charge your electronics such as power banks or portable power stations such as the BLUETTI AC50B.

Is it possible that a single bug out bag will be enough for my family? 

A main bug out bag has its uses, but ideally, every family member should have their own specific bag. Prepare smaller kits for children with essentials and a separate bag for pets.

Why is 72 hours the recommended timeline?

In an extreme event, it may take 1-3 days for emergency services to reach everyone or restore services. The 72-hour kit contains what you need to survive for 72 hours.

Where do I store my bug out bag?

Keep it in an accessible place, preferably near the main exit of your home. It’s even a good idea to have a second, maybe smaller bag in your car, in case of emergencies on the road. 

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