87 Bug Out Bag Essentials for Any Emergency

A bug out bag can also be considered a to-go bag as well but generally a bug out bag deals with situations that last longer. In this economy I recommend just making one bag for everything since who has the money for all the different types. 

Now the 87 bug out bag essentials mentioned in this post are not going to fit every persons situation. The more survival knowledge you have, the less items you need to survive. If you're a beginner or someone who likes modern day amenities (like me) do your best with selecting items you can't live without. Focus on food, water & shelter (warmth). Everything else is an add on. 

Alright let's get into the list! Enjoy!

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     1. Backpack - Get a backpack that is comfortable for you to wear. I recommend one that is either blue, gray, or black (avoid camo and tan) and has hip straps to help distribute the weight.

Note: If you use a duffle bag instead make sure it's large enough to hold the essentials while light enough to carry for an extended amount of time. 

     2. Passport (if you don't currently have one, get one)

     3. Drivers License or State I.D.

     4. Social Security Card

     5. Birth Certificate

     6. Visa or Green Card

     7. Marriage License

     8. Insurance Documentation (could be home, auto, renters, or life)

     9. Vaccination Records (other medical records)

     10. Emergency Contact Numbers (paper copy)

     11. Cash (broken up into 1s, 5s, 10s & 20s)

Tip: Place the original & a copy of each document into 1 small yellow packet and place inside a ziplock plastic bag. This way everything is together and is mostly waterproof. If you want extra protection add copies to a flash drive and place in a different plastic bag.

     12. Three Days of Food (Non Perishable)

              - Protein Bars, Jerky, Tuna Pouch, Trail Nut Mix, etc.

              - MRE or Ready Made Food

      13. Water Bottle w/ Filter 

      14. Water Bladder (redundancy)

      15. LifeStraw (redundancy)

      16. Water Purification Tablets (redundancy)

Note: If you're wondering why I have way more water options compared to food it has to do with you needing water more than food. Especially making any water source you come to safe to drink.

     17. Emergency Tube Tent (can use tarp instead)

     18. Sleeping Bag (optional, can use a packable blanket instead)

     19. Emergency Poncho

     20. Emergency Mylar Blanket

     22. Waterproof Tarp (optional) 

     23. Kindling (Make Your Own or Collect On The Way)

     24. Metal Pot w/ Lid
     25. Spork
     26. Dish Soap & Brush
     27. Trash Bags
     28. Ziplock Bags (various sizes)
     29. Hand Sanitizer
     30. Disinfectant Wipes (redundancy)

     31. Waterproof Matches

     32. Magnesium Fire Starter (redundancy)

     33. Headlamp

     34. Flashlight (redundancy)

     35. AAA or AA Batteries (depends on what type your flashlight uses)

     36. An Extra Shirt

     37. Pants (rain pants are a good option)

     38. Underwear & A Bra

     39. Sneakers & Socks (needing these depends on what you usually wear in your home or office)

     40. Packable Rain Jacket

Check out my Etsy shop for emergency preparedness printables. You never know when the next natural disaster, extreme weather, or human error will strike!

     41. Body Bar Soap (lasts longer and won't leak)

     42. Shampoo & Conditioner Bars (you can also get the 2 in 1 variety)

     43. Feminine Hygiene Products (pack enough for your whole period or use a period cup)

     44. Travel Sunscreen 

     45. Mini Deodorant

     46. Chapstick

     47. Bug Spray

     48. Mini Travel Toothpaste & Foldable Toothbrush

     49. Dental Floss

     50. Mini Hair Brush or Comb

     51. Nail Clippers & Tweezers

     52. Razor (if wanted)

     53. Mini Lotion 

Note: Feel free to remove options based on what you're comfortable not having for 3+ days.

     54. Multitool

     55. Fixed Blade Knife (ensure it meets state & federal regulations)

     56. Paracord (at least 100ft)

     57. Rechargeable Battery Pack w/ Cord (so you can charge your phone)

     58. Duct Tape (this can go around a lighter or other tool for less bulk)

     59. Emergency Radio

     60. Whistle

     61. Work Gloves

     62. Notepad & Pencil

     63. 4 Way Sillcock Key (able to turn city water on & off)

     64. Bear Spray (has a longer spray distance & is legal almost everywhere in the U.S.)

     65. Adventure First Aid Kit 

     66. Essential Medications

     67. Pocket Sewing Kit (items always like to break when you least expect it)

     68. Walkie Talkies (these can come in handy if you get separated)

     69. Paper Map w/ Compass (get a local, state, and regional map)

     70. Zip Ties

     71. Toilet Paper 

     72. Foldable Floor Mat 

     73. Inflatable Pillow 

     74. Playing Cards (for easy entertainment)

     75. Packable Towel (make sure its quick drying)

     76. Helmet (live in an area where tornados are common)

     77. Warm Gloves, Hat, Wool Socks, Thermal Underlayer, and Packable Warm Jacket (live in an                  area that gets winter weather)

     78. Gas Mask w/ Filter (best for urban or terrorist situations)

     79. Dust Masks (live in an urban area or where tornados are common)

     80. ThyroSafe (live within 50 miles of a nuclear reactor or worried of terrorist attack)

     81. Hazmat Suit (urban, nuclear fallout, terrorist attack, or pandemic situations)

     82. Safety Googles/Glasses

     83. KN95 Masks (urban or pandemic situations)

     84. Mini Axe or Crowbar (live where hurricanes are common)

     85. Pet Food, Leash, Bowl, and Harness (if you have pets)

     86. Baby Supplies 

     87. Inflatable Lifejacket (good for areas prone to flooding or hurricanes)

There you have it, 87 Bug Out Bag Essentials that can help keep you save in any emergency. Remember, this kit is fully customizable and items can be removed or added based on your survival skills and what you feel comfortable going without. Remember things are replaceable, you and your family are not. Stay safe and prepare a bug out bag before an emergency occurs.

As always, thank you for the read and don't forget to like, comment, and share this post so others can stay prepared too!