The contents of your Bug Out Bag are one of the most important things you need for disaster preparedness. We’ve talked about this a lot before at Primal Survivor.
But, as we’ve said many times, each person has different needs. A BOB for a fit young man, for example, will look a lot different than those of a family.
To give you an idea of how different Bug Out Bags can be, check out these 4 examples of Bug Out Bag essentials.
Not all of these Bug Out Bag contents are perfect, but looking at what they include and don’t include should help you decide what to put in your pack.
See here for an in-depth post about making a BOB checklist.
BUG OUT BAG CHECKLIST
Get organized fast with our completely free checklist.
Example 1: The Military Bug Out Bag
A female military veteran created this Bug Out Bag. She’s done a good job choosing her BOB items, including a few things you don’t often see – like the collapsible washbowl.
She’s chosen a great survival knife (a khukuri), which would be much more useful in the wilderness than your standard folding knife. The basha pole (see here for more types of fighting stick) is excellent, but I wouldn’t recommend it to preppers unless you know how to use it in combat.
It was also really smart for her to add waterproof pants to her BOB in addition to the standard waterproof jacket/poncho. If you’ve ever gone backpacking in the rain, you know what I am talking about!
Bug Out Bag Contents
- Sleeping bag
- Poncho liner/blanket
- Roll matt
- Survival Tarp
- Bungee and paracord
- Basha pole
- Khukuri knife
- Spare clothes rolled into pant leg
- Waterproof trousers and jacket
- Shemagh (aka tactical scarf)
- Boonie hat
- First aid plus trauma first aid kit
- Wash kit and washbowl
- Towel
- Pot, gas, and gas stove
- Rations
- Water bottle – see survival canteens
- GPS and Batts in pelican case
- Hexi stove
- Cable tape
- Leatherman Wave and Swiss army knife
- Wind up flashlight
- Mini survival kit
*Not pictured:
- Gloves
- Mylar bivvy bag
- Footwear
Example 2: Backdoor Survival Bug Out Bag
This Bug Out Bag was made by the good people over at Backdoor Survival. I want to point out that this is the only Bug Out Bag here that includes COPIES OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS.
As I talk about in this post about emergency binders, you must have copies of documents like your ID, passport, health insurance, etc., in case rescue workers need them. Not every disaster will bring about TEOTWAWKI, so you’ll want these for semi-SHTF scenarios!
They also included some other really practical items – like TOILET PAPER. It isn’t necessary and does take up a lot of space, but you’ll probably be happy to have some TP around when SHTF. See toilet paper alternatives and toilet paper tablets.
Note that Bug Out Bags are supposed to be the minimum supplies you need for survival immediately after disaster strikes. So, a knife sharpener isn’t strictly necessary. It is small and lightweight, though, so why not bring it along?
I would have included a more durable flashlight, preferably a winding one, in case the batteries go out.
Bug Out Bag Contents
- Medications and first aid items
- Survival blankets
- Toilet paper
- Berkey water bottle
- Sanitizing wipes
- Mini flashlights
- Chemical light sticks
- Batteries
- Toiletries
- Essential documents (aka Bug Out Binder)
- Paracord plus paracord bracelet
- Firestarter
- Swiss army knife
- Kershaw OSO Sweet knife
- Compass
- Knife sharpener
- Storm whistle
- Cash in small bills
- Multi-tool
- Energy bars
- Survival poncho
- Flash drive
Example 3: The Budget Bug Out Bag
This is an excellent example of building a Bug Out Bag on a budget. There are some higher-quality items in this BOB (like the knives), but they are older and passed down. While this Bug Out Bag is a pretty good start (more than the average person has!), there are quite a few flaws here.
Instead of including 4 knives in the kit (yes, there are 4 knives here!), I would have opted for one really good quality survival knife with a fixed blade. Fixed blades are much stronger than folding knives, and a quality blade will allow you to do things like cutting wood. Or, he could have packed 1 fixed blade and 1 folding knife. Read how to select a good survival knife.
I would have also opted for a wind-up flashlight instead of carrying all those spare batteries.
And there should be some sort of tarp or tent in this Bug Out Bag. A wool blanket isn’t much good when you don’t have a roof over your head!
Bug Out Bag Contents
- Timbuk2 waterproof bag
- Spare clothes
- Smartwool socks
- Hat and wool gloves
- Wool blanket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Collapsible water bottle
- Mountain Hardware gloves
- Paracord
- First aid and sewing kit in Tupperware
- Camera
- Small power strip with USB
- Knives: Smith & Wesson SWAT knife, Fox Knives Voyager, and KA-BAR TDI knife
- Gerber multi-tool with metal tether cable
- Small flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Granola bars
- Zebra Sharbo-X multi-pen and notebook
- Scout knife
- Leatherman Blast
- LED flashlight
- Spare charging cables
- Lighter
- Waterproof container with matches and meds
- Collapsible chopsticks
Example 4: Secondary Bug Out Bag
This is a SECONDARY Bug Out Bag – meaning it contains the gear which isn’t used as often, so the main Bug Out Bag can be free.
There are some nice additional items here – like the zinc oxide tape and mini fishing kit.
The addition of gloves is nice, too, especially for urban survival situations where you might have a lot of broken glass or rubble.
Bug Out Bag Contents
- Northface jacket
- Towel
- Hat, thermal top, socks, underwear
- Large ziplock bag
- Ortlieb drybag
- Coleman gas burner with cartridge
- Katadyn water filter
- Spoon, pot, and lid
- Lighter and matches
- LED light and 2 12-hour chemical lights
- Gloves
- Mini fishing kit
- Latex gloves and zinc oxide tape
- Bandage, safety pins, and scalpel in tin
- Gerber survival knife
- Ration pack meals – find out how to buy cheap MREs online
- Sleeping bag
How does your Bug Out Bag compare to these?
Again, a Great article!
The one (Glaring) thing I noticeably saw Missing from All these BOB’s was a Firearm!
Especially the first one….it’s called a “Military Bug Out Bag” (with no firearm)?
In my opinion, some sort of firearm is absolutely necessary in a BOB.
At least a pistol! And if not that, a folding .22 rifle like the Henry .22 Survival Rifle that fits easily into even a small BOB.
We have a post coming soon about this! Sign up to our email list to get notified when we publish new articles.
Yes!!!!
And a small mirror for signaling and magnifying glass as well a solar charger with battery(to keep devices charged)
All very well thought of items. Ive found rolling up garbage bags n foil is on my list. Pepper spray n i will purchase wasp spray. Im not thinking of moving from home but still you never know. I found buying special clips to hang on the bags allow extra items included.no guns here in Aust its illegal without a permit
Howdy Sue!
Aust is Australia or Austria? Your accent doesn’t fit either, lol.
Thanks!
OH!…the clips are a GREAT idea!
mirror
Magnifying glass
Solar charging battery for devices
We live in the desert. Most bug out bags are not designed to meet the particular requirements of a 40 degree difference in daytime and nighttime temps, with daytime temps 100 degrees (F) or greater. There’s also a distinct lack of trees, fishing opportunities, and most common foragable (is that a word?) foods. I’ve taken a shot at it, but know I’ve missed something. Any good references you can suggest?
You’d definitely need more gear and food. But, in this case, you really need to learn some desert survival skills. Also, the best solution to any SHTF situation is to get out early. The earlier you are out, the less likely you are to have issues with fleeing that would get you stuck in the desert. Have a good bug out plan in place in addition to your bag.