No one expects to be in a situation where they have to drop everything and walk away in an emergency, but given the growing concerns in today’s modern world, many smart people choose to prepare for the unexpected.

Most of these people (myself included) are not fear-mongering paranoids, but ordinary citizens who have looked rationally at the world around them and have taken simple, basic steps to protect themselves by building a Bug Out Bag for themselves and their families. .

Sometimes people do it out of fear that some big, dramatic event will start the end of the cataclysm of civilization, but there are many more common events that happen all the time that would make a well-prepared person feel gratified for having prepared. a Bug Out bag:

• Terrorism
• flood
• earthquake
• Hurricane
• Twister
• mass shooting
• home fire
• tsunami
• home invasion
• unrest
• …or just looking for peace of mind

What makes a good Bug Out bag?

This can be answered in many ways. There is a wide selection of Bug Out bags available in the market that are sold online and if you are not interested in individually choosing your Bug Out bag essentials, they can be a good option. However, because they are mass produced and sold to the general public, they often do not take into account the variables that can make a difference in your locality. For example, you wouldn’t have the same Bug Out Bag essentials if you lived in a desert region instead of living on the coast. The same goes if you’re packing a Bug Out bag for yourself or a family.

Regardless of these variables, there are a few simple rules to follow when deciding the contents of your Bug Out Bag:

1. Make sure you can carry your Bug Out Bag comfortably; you may have to walk a long distance to reach safety. If your bag doesn’t fit you well or is too heavy, you had better risk sheltering in place.
2. Keep it SIMPLE – You’re not trying to build a mobile home that you’ll take with you. Many sites list dozens and dozens of items to buy and bring, adding to the cost and weight. Remember that electronics need power and are prone to breaking. Pack simple and reliable things to cover basic needs.
3. Pack things that make you self-sufficient: If you’re thinking of an item you’ll need to pair with something you’ll need to get down the road, forget it. If you’re moving to a safe place, the last thing you want to do is worry about searching for trash. Pack complementary items that can be used both individually and together to save space.
4. Plan your packing with a defined period of time in mind. 72 hours is a good place to start, as this is about how long a person can live without water. Once you start planning weeks, you’ll have added too many complications to your list of Bug Out Bag essentials.
5. Remember that the goal here is survival, not luxury. If you don’t need it to survive, leave it behind.

OK, I’m ready to get started, what are some Bug Out Bag essentials?

I’m not going to list everything here, but here are some essentials that should be included in any Bug Out Bag list:

1. Map and compass: how you will know where to go
2. Multitool – endless uses
3. Tarp or emergency shelter – can be used for shelter and signage
4. Paracord – Can be used to build shelter and about a million other things.
5. Magnesium Lighter – This is better than matches as it will work when wet and you won’t have to worry about the flavor blowing out your last match.
6. Spare socks: Taking care of your feet is one of the most important things you can do when you go out. Dry socks will keep your feet free from blisters and allow you to move longer. Wool socks or synthetic blend socks are superior to cotton.
7. Survival blanket: lighter and smaller than a sleeping bag
8. LED flashlight: LEDs consume less energy than old light bulbs
9. Crank radio: to get information about the situation as it develops
10. Water and high-energy/low-weight foods, such as energy bars

This is a very basic list of Bug Out Bag essentials, it should be tailored to an individual’s circumstances based on geography, duration and number of people expected to travel with. The contents of your personal Bug Out Bag may vary from your neighbor’s depending on what you deem essential, but it’s a good start for anyone with enough foresight to plan for the unforeseen.

Will I ever really need a Bug Out bag?

Hopefully, no one will ever face a situation where they are forced to flee their home, but as you can see, with some basic planning, you can take steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.