Several years ago around Y2K, I began to wonder what if something did happen? How would I take care of my family if resources became scarce? Being in the military at the time, I had several resources that I could use to begin a bugout bag that I knew was top notch because they were made for our military men and women. I started out by laying out a footprint of my area and thought about weather conditions, locations to bug out too what would I need to survive for 72 hours?
Well, I created the perfect bugout bag for myself and my family so at a moment’s notice I could bug out and have several items that could keep us alive as well as protect us in the time of need. I went to pick up my bugout bad and nearly pulled my shoulder out of the socket because it was damn near the weight of a kitchen sink. Like most survivalists, we want everything we’ve purchased from camping gear to hiking in this bag to help our survival during a bugout, natural disaster, or emergency. I had to figure out what was important because I couldn’t bring this much stuff and bugout with a broken back.
If you reading this you will need to ask yourself this basic question. “what do I need really?” Most of us want to bring family pictures because they are important to us and the thought of not ever having those family heirlooms again can bring tears to your eyes or great sadness but in an emergency, you have to think about life over everything else.
“emergency means life over everything else”
When you are first starting out it can be overwhelming as to think ” this is it what do I really need?” My father was an avid hunter and outdoorsman he would tell me to pack a bag NOW take three items out of that bag that you can do without because we tend to always overpack.
What I found best is to start head-to-toe and make a list of items that build on the basic wilderness essentials of survival. These four essentials items are a must in order to survive. 1. Shelter 2.Water 3. Fire and 4. Food. I want you to get into a mindset of thinking and remembering the rule of threes you can live three minutes without air, three hours in a cold or hot environment before the elements will break you down, three days without water, three weeks without food. When you begin think of the basic survival needs you will begin to think of the minimal items you need to survive.
“REMEMBER THE RULE OF 3’s”
The following items are basics for you to beginning to build your bugout bag. Does this mean you can’t change something that you thought you needed at first to something that weighs less later? HELL NO, as you start to learn how to use items in multiple ways you can eliminate one item for something that can be used in several different ways. Let me give you an example: let us say you pack a sleeping bag and a tent in your first bugout bag to later find a bivy sack and tarp as a replacement because these two items can be used in several ways and weightless then a sleeping bag and tent.
My inspiration for this post is to get you to think of your survival needs over personal items you really don’t need to survive. I teach my military students that a good survivalist learns how to use fewer items and becomes creative with what’s available. Does this mean you should do the same with your first bugout bag? Heck no, I want you to do the first important thing that 70% of Americans haven’t done “START.” Don’t wait until a disaster hits before you plan your bugout bag. It’s not IF it will happen but WHEN.
Here is a basic list of items to purchase and remember you don’t have to run out to REI and purchase the most expensive items to build your bugout bag.
HEAD- Some form of a hat to shield your head from the elements and a beanie to keep your warm at night
NECK- bandana which can be used in several ways that I mention in my book and class.
Chest- Think layers thin to thick (polypro T-shirt, thermos, base layer, waterproof coat.
Upper extremities-Gloves
Waist-Strong belt
Lower extremities – Thin to thick (thermos, water-resistant pants)
Feet-Socks(wool blend) extra sock at least four pair there is a method why then can be used to cover hands. Waterproof boots.
Now I know what your thinking what about a change of underwear? If you can’t go 72 hours without changing your underwear pack a change of underwear. Now that you’ve taken care of number one YOU. Let’s discuss your bugout out essentials. You want to have a backpack that is a minimal 25-35L backpack. 
“Don’t pick a bag that you can’t carry for a long time”
Your bugout bag should have sturdy zippers with multiple pockets with a few compartments.
Let’s start with the basics:
Shelter- small tent or Tarp Water container 1g Fire- three methods Food- 1 Gallon bag nonperishable
Headlight-extra Batteries Knife-full blade. Ax/Saw. Hand crank radio(small)
Water filter system Multi-tool Leather Gloves Small First Aid Kit, splint, tourniquet
Personal Meds/hand sanitizer Teabags/hard candy. 550 cord (250ft) Compass
Baby wipes/Toilet paper. Washcloth/Soap. Sleeping bag &(pad) Pencil/pen notepad/duct tape
Small fishing kit Gun-bullets Sunglasses Tylenol/aspirin
Dry foods/soups/protein bars. Peanuts/protein Fanny pack Cooking kit/spork
CUP(metal) Backup power supply Small pry bar. Garbage bags to waterproof
This is a great list to start with and grow from based on your needs (Feminine products etc). These times can be picked up at Walmart, Target, most sporting good stores and Amazon. Don’t go crazy on the most expensive items BUT certain items you don’t want to go to cheap like a sleeping bag and boots and a good backpack. I built my first BOB (bug out bag) for less than $150.00 but get creative. I seen articles from great survivalists that got items from the dollar store.
STAY TUNED FOR OUR BOOK OR STOP BY OUR WILDERNESS SURVIVAL WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION.
