There is much debate among preppers and survivalists about what exactly should be taken with you if you need to leave a disaster zone in a hurry. While most bug-out-bag lists are unrealistically large and impossible to carry the supplies listed are usually necessary.
The list on this post is no exception. There are a lot of things to carry but hopefully, we can root out those things that you don’t need and concentrate on the supplies that will ensure your continued survival over the next few days.
Supplies
Whatever watch you bring make sure it is a wind-up type. Battery operated watches will let you down. It is most likely that when it’s time to go on the run it will be the one time that they battery in the watch will fail. As long as the compass you pack is designed for hard knocks it should stand up to the pressures of bugging-out.
- Large torch
- Headlamp
- Wind-up torch
- Batteries x10
- Anglers’ glow-sticks
Bringing several torches is important because if you just rely on one it may fail at the most inappropriate time. Ensure that you have enough batteries for each torch. Anglers’ glow-sticks can provide suitable light for several hours with the main disadvantage being that you cannot shut them off.
- Drinking water x6 liters (12.7 pints)
- Water purification tablets x10
- Water filter
- Collapsible water bottle [20 liters (42.3 pints) capacity]
- Condoms x4
Use water purification tablets on any water source you find along the way. Regardless of how fresh it looks, it can contain microorganisms that will make you very sick. Condoms can hold up to 3.8 liters (1 gallon) of water.
- Tinned food x5
- MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) x5
- Small fishing kit
- Snare wire
- Can opener (P-38)
- Camping stove
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
Packing food is a great idea, but it is also important to bring equipment for catching your own food, such as the fishing kit or the snare wire (for trapping animals). It is important to thoroughly clean your cooking utensils once you are finished eating, as old food can grow fungus that can make you sick.
- Local ordinance survey map
- Compact survival guide
- Compact first aid book
It is very important to know exactly where you’re going or you will just end up walking around in circles. Learn how to read a map properly and how to use this in conjunction with your compass to get around safely.
- Survival knife
- Multi-tool
- Entrenching tool
- Small axe
- Machete
Having the correct tools for constructing shelters or even digging a latrine is very important, but more important is to be able to use these tools effectively. Just having them at hand is not enough; you should take the time to learn what to do.
- Butane lighters x3
- Matches x5 packs
- Permanent match lighter
- Flint lighter
- Lighter fluid x2
- Magnifying glass
Being able to light a fire is useful for cooking and getting warm on cold nights. You can never have enough fire lighting devices but be warned; lighter fluid containers should be attached to the outside of your backpack with a quick-release attachment such as a carabiner in case they catch fire. Such a fire could quickly destroy all of your emergency supplies if the containers are packed into your backpack.
- First aid kit
- Scissors
- Medical gauze
- Extra bandages
A good prepper’s first aid kit can help get you out of a painful bind. The cheap household types are pretty much useless and it is best if you invest some money on getting a kit that is up to the job.
- Journal
- Several pens and pencils
- Non-fragrant soap
- Deck of playing cards
- Book
- Small towel
- Travel size toothbrush
- Toothpaste
Your mental health will be tested like never before if you are on the run from a catastrophe without the company of family or friends. Solitude can eat away at your survivalist mindset so be sure to cultivate routines that will keep you from getting bored. Read a good book or play a lot of solitaire. Use the journal to document your current mood or if you come across sources of food or water. If these are documented well you can always return to these areas at a later stage.
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Warm blanket
- Large tarp
- Ground mat
For this one, never ever neglect the ground mat. Without it, you will be left in contact with the ground and subjecting yourself to frequent colds and flu as a result. You don’t need that when you’re on the run. A large tarp can be used for extending your tent during rainy conditions so that you can comfortably cook or dry clothes.
- Wind-up AM/FM radio
- Mobile phone
- Wind-up charger
- Solar charger
Social connections or even just news updates will give you vital information while you are on the run. You may hear that the area you are traveling to is dangerous and alter your course or destination as needed. The mobile phone you choose should not be a modern smartphone but an old brick as these maintain their battery life.
- Gas mask
- Compact binoculars
- Paracord x15 meters (50 feet)
- Safety goggles
- Sunglasses
- Work gloves
- Rain poncho
- Toilet paper
- Candles x5
- Clothing
Most people, believe it or not, neglect to account for toilet paper in their bug-out-bag! So… are you prepared to bug-out? Do you have the necessary supplies at hand if you need to head for the hills right now?
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