Bug out Bag – Get home bag – Go Bag
A bug out bag can go by many names (bug out bag, go bag, get home bag, etc.). These bags can be tailored to suite multiple purposes or different bags used for each situation where they are needed but they share a common goal. They serve as a bag small enough to take with you or grab in a hurry but large enough to carry the most essential items. In this article we plan to cover only a couple but there are many possibilities to best suit your needs, prepping situation, and even style. Also in this article we will cover the basic items your bug out bag should contain. This will be a basic list of the first items you should put in your bug out bag when getting started. Your list will grow larger over time but this is geared toward getting started.
Bug out Bag options:
First, although small, we love the Rush Moab 6 by 5.11. This is a great pack that is small enough to carry with you anywhere but has great storage options. It has a great admin pouch in the front to carry knives, paper, pens, keys, and smaller items. It then has two larger sections with a padded back. A great feature is that there is also a dedicated concealed carry pouch with velcro access for easy and fast retrieval of your weapon.
==> Get yours here <==
The 5.11 Rush Moab 6 does come with a drawback that is also a feature. Its size. It is a small pack great for everyday carry but due to its smaller size it might not fit all of your essentials so bare that in mind.
If you are looking for a larger pack we recommend another bag from 5.11. The Rush Moab 12.
==> Get yours here <==
Now this is a backpack and features a lot more space for storing your bug out items. This backpack features 6 total compartments provide a wide range of storage options, each one sized for a specific use and use self-repairing YKK zippers. It also includes an internal admin panel for organizing, a 60 oz. hydration pocket, and a fleece-lined sunglass pocket that protects your eyewear as well as a wrap-around web platform that is MOLLE and 5.11 SlickStick System compatible, allowing you to customize your storage to suit your needs. The RUSH backpack offers external compression straps, adjustable shoulder straps, and a centered sternum strap to ensure stability. A great choice!
Finally another pack could be the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack which you can get HERE.
Basic prepping bug out bag checklist:
- A fixed blade knife – Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife
- A personal water filter – LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- Fire Starter and Waterproof matches – Survival Fire Starter and Stormproof Match Kit
- Cordage – 550 Paracord
- A survival handbook – SAS Survival Handbook
- Tarp – Ultimate Survival Base Hex Tarp
- A stainless container for boiling water and cooking – Stanley Camp 24oz. Cook Set
- First Aid Kit
- Portable crank radio – Hand Crank NOAA Weather Channel Radio
- And finally, a change of clothes kept in a dry sack (waterproof) – Waterproof Floating Dry Gear Bags
Above is a basic prepper items list with links to each item. We hope this list helps gets you started with preparing your bug out bag. Also be sure to check out some other posts related to emergency food prepping and our blog.