A bug-out-bag is a gear consisting of a set of articles and tools one would need to survive for seventy-two hours when evacuating from a catastrophe, some kits are made to last longer than 3 days. The point here is evacuating, so make a difference between a bug-out-bag and a survival kit.
This bag has other names like BOB, Grab bag, Battle Box, 72-Hour Kit, Go Bag, Good Bags, INCH BAG or Quick Run Bag (QRB)
What the experts say
A BOB list helps you to be prepared for the unpredictable, this will ensure your quick departure from an area of chaos and danger to a safe one. We don’t live in a time where you could rely on others helping you, you have to take the time to be prepared to be able to rescue yourself and your beloved ones when the times come.
Adapt your bag to you
You may find many items list ideas, but the one who will be using this bag is you, so you need to adapt to yourself that list you are making. Some items are important to be there, but be smart and adapt your bag to your needs
Choose the right color
Think about picking a low profile color for your Good Bag, because if the worst scenario happens, you will have to keep a low profile so think about a black or earth tone colors, again it depends on the place you are living in, adapt.
What should you put in your bug out bag?
This will be your way out of any disaster that would occur in your area, it consists of a detailed map with the locations you would need in an emergency case. Mark the roads you would need in that case of scenarios to be prepared in advance. Don’t forget to put in your cash, Id’s, SIM cards and all the important documents for you.
Water & Purification:
In order to keep the water you are drinking safe, keep a steel canteen cup in your bag, you will need it to boil the water. But boiling your water could be a difficult task on survival mode, so it’s wise to have a water filtering device too. I got a good experience using the Katadyn Pocket Water Filter. Take in count the filter micron rating before purchasing it, the smallest contaminants are Viruses with .004 – .1 Microns.
Fire & Cooking:
Keep three different tools to start a fire, for that you will need waterproof matches, a solid lighter and magnesium sticks to scratch. You will also need to keep with you a camp stove if you want to avoid all the messes to start a fire.
Keep with you a hunting and a fishing kit, remember that you should be used to catch animals with these tools beforehand.
Take with you a few days worth of food and energy bars, a plan for three days will be enough before you find a secure place.
Shelter:
Your shelter should resist all types of weather, and the waterproof sleeping bags should be comfortable to optimize your resting time.
Bring a tent, cordage, duct tape and ponchos to keep the rain away. A beginner trying to build a tent could stay there for hours or days without a good result, so practice again is the key here.
Hygiene:
Bring your daily hygiene kit with you to keep yourself clean and avoid any kind of disease and infections.
Bring two pieces of all types of clothes you need, so you will be able to wash the dirty one while you are still wearing the other pair.
Bring a bandana (very important), a hat and a mosquito net.
Medical Kit:
Build your own medical kit and adapt it to your needs, don’t forget your medication if you have any type of allergy and disease because the doctors and hospitals may disappear in the case of a disaster.