No one ever plans for an emergency that requires them to pack up and depart immediately. Yet, with today’s rising worries, many choose to go equipped. While most people are not too paranoid, it is still a good idea to take an honest look at the world and learn how to take some precautions, such as knowing what to include in your bug-out bag checklist.
What Makes a Good Bug-Out Bag?
If you don’t want to spend time carefully curating your emergency kit, you may choose from a variety of premade bug-out bags available online. Yet, since they are for the masses and market to the vast majority, they seldom include customized choices tailored to you and your area.
For instance, if you settle in a desert instead of a heavily wooded area, you won’t have access to the same resources. If you are carrying materials for more than yourself, the contents in a premade bug-out bag may not be sufficient. However, if you want a proper customized bag for yourself, you should take advantage of what a small tactical backpack offers.
Tips for Curating the Bug-Out Bag
Despite many unknowns, you should follow a few basic guidelines while packing your bug-out bag. First, there’s no reason to overcomplicate things, considering you’re not constructing a portable dwelling. Adding unnecessary materials takes up valuable space and adds more weight to an already loaded pack. While having the essentials is paramount, you don’t want to feel like you’re carrying around cinder blocks. Long-distance hiking and a heavy pack don’t mix well, so keep it light.
Ideally, if things go awry, you want enough supplies to last three days. Hopefully, you never encounter a scenario where you’re in the wild for more than 72 hours, but at least your bug-out bag can aid you.
Another great tip to follow is to bring items that have multiple purposes—a backpack full of goods is akin to a Swiss Army knife. After all, the goal is to survive; thus, packing for comfort isn’t the best solution.
Essentials for the Bag
Now that you know what makes a good bug-out bag and some tips on packing one, here’s a general list of things you should have:
- A map and a compass to ensure your whereabouts.
- Water and high-calorie snacks and MREs.
- Extra socks for those cold nights, which could be a lifesaver in the winter.
- Fire starting tools to avoid rubbing two sticks together.
- Emergency radio to keep abreast of the news.
- Tarp for a makeshift tent.
- Multi-purpose tools to handle your basic tasks.
Learning what to include in your bug-out bag checklist is crucial for the avid outdoors person. Things could get bad in a hurry without the appropriate materials; however, tailoring your bug-out bag to your needs helps minimize a potentially catastrophic event.