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A bug out bag list is an essential precaution in this day and age. It’s no secret that day by day the world around us seems to be becoming a more violent and dangerous place. The tenuous ties between nations are becoming strained, and with more nations getting nuclear technology everyday the danger is only getting worse.
It won’t take a weapon of mass destruction to take out western society however. We as a society are increasingly addicted to technology and how easy it makes our lives. The largest mistake you can make is to think in an emergency “I’ll just Google it”. What happens to you when the search engine is gone? What happens when the electric grid fails, and you’re left in the dark?
In the uneasy times we face preparedness and a little knowledge means the difference between you and your family surviving a catastrophe or not. Whether it’s a world war, civil unrest, the total breakdown of society or the ever popular zombie apocalypse the first few hours and how you respond to them will be the most crucial. This is why it is very important to pay special attention to your bug out bag list of contents.
Survivalists put heavy thought into the best bug out bag and more specifically it’s contents. The bug out bag is to contain enough supplies for you to survive 72 hours, the average amount of time for help to arrive after a disaster. Even so, a quality bug out bag list is capable of making sure your pack contains the items needed for you to survive in the short and long term.
Starting Your Bug out Bag List
Generally speaking the ultimate bug out bag is designed to keep you safe and prepared for the first 72 hours of an emergency. Your bug out bag list should not include any luxury items, the name of the game is survival not comfort. In fact that comfort leads to what’s known as the “passive outlook” which is your own worst enemy and will put you and those around you in serious danger.
Your needs, and what your bug out bag list should contain, can mostly be broken down into the following categories:
- Fire
- Water
- Food
- Shelter
- Medicine
- Clothing
- Tools
If an item fits into one of those categories you can be sure it is one of the bug out bag essentials. A word of caution on the last one though we are not talking about adding a mechanics tool set to your bug out bag contents. We are speaking about tools to build temporary and possibly even long term shelter, procuring food and water, and fire starting. Note that the tools we are talking about directly impact four of the other requirements of our bug out bag list.
Use caution as making a quality bug out bag list is a game of give and take. Yes you can take a foresters axe, a rifle, a fishing poll, a tomahawk, two or three knives for different uses, extra clothing… the list can go on. However, the problem is all of that is very cumbersome and difficult to carry, you will tire quickly and burn more calories taking all of that.
Instead think hyper-light and multiple function. Find things that can be used for a variety of uses. One example is paracord it’s uses are nearly endless, it can be used for structure, medical emergencies, lanyards, fire starter and much more! Be sure to check out our full write up on paracord and other often overlooked but always needed items you should be sure to get here.
Best Bug out Bag Checklist
This section focuses on what is almost mandatory for any bug out bag list. It focuses on those items which can be considered the pillars of a bug out bag packing list.
1. A Good Bag
First of all, which can often be overlooked, is the necessity for a quality bag. A bug out bag can be a grocery store plastic bag. Although it pays to invest in a qualitypack so that you can be more mobile (and less noisy) than carrying a plastic bag. When looking at a pack you can go a few different ways, you can find a good back pack, or the best option is a quality internal frame hiking pack. A good internal frame pack has many advantages over a standard back pack. 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack is a great choice for us.
Our Rating: 
(4.8 / 5)
The Rush 72 Backpack is a great backpack. It’s rugged, reliable and water repellent with its1000D nylon construction that keeps gear dry in any environment.The Rush 72 has ample storage with dual zippered front and main compartments, an admin organizer pocket, an internal hydration compartment, an easily accessible shove-it pocket, and a fleece-lined sunglass pocket. If you’re looking to make a bugout bag, the Rush 72 is a very good option.
2. A Survival Knife
Secondly, a good knife. Be it in a city or the back country you will find thousands of uses for a knife and the last thing you want to do is buy a cheap blade made of poor quality materials. When looking at knives you should inevitably come a crossed the SOG Seal Team Elite. This knife is a full tang, meaning the metal of the blade metal extends all the way through the handle in one solid piece. The metal is of the highest quality with SOG’s own cryogenic tempering method adding unbelievable strength and edge retention to the blade. If somehow that doesn’t convince you it is also the blade chosen by the Navy Seals, for use in covert ops missions a crossed the world. If one of if not the most elite military unit in the United States armed forces chose this blade you can certainly trust it in your bug out bag list.
Our Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
More tools:
- a good multi-tool
- a pocket knife
- pry bar
- a hand-powered chainsaw
- small hammer and nails
- folding shovel
3. Fire starting
If your caught outside in an emergency a fire is a must have. For cooking, water sterilization and warmth come from fire as well as warding off predators. A fire can also help with morale, high spirits and a positive attitude help you be more productive and think clearer. For starting a fire there are quite a few options each with a few pros and cons. SurvivalSPARK Emergency Magnesium Fire Starter is a great fire starter. It’s light, compact and reliable. The SurvivalSPARK Emergency Magnesium Fire Starter is a simple and effective tool and a great addition to a bugout bag.
Our Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
More related items:
- waterproof matches
- 4-5 bic lighters
- fire sticks
- vaseline cotton balls
- magnesium fire starter
- tinder
- aluminum foil
- fresnel lens
4. Cutting/Procuring Fire Wood
A good hatchet is also a necessity when bugging out. You will need to collect firewood, also in very grave emergencies it is your better choice to brake windows when scavenging for useful materials and food. As well as building shelter. MTech USA Camping Axe is a good choice.
Our Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
5. First Aid
A good first aid kit is a necessary component of any bugout bag. When SHTF, there’s isn’t going to be any hospitals you can go to. And you’re gonna hurt some time down the road. You’ll need to be able to bandage yourself up if you want to keep going. The Complete First Aid Kit is fully stocked with all the things you’ll need to be prepared for most situations and injuries. The Kit even has a product called ‘Save-A-Tooth’ which help save knocked out teeth. The Complete First Aid Kit is a great tool to have for any situation you might encounter.
Our Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
More related items:
- suturing kit
- CPR mask
- pain killers
- styptic powder
- arm sling
- thermometer
- neosporine
- anti leg cramp pills
- hand and body warmers
- baby powder
- laxative
- gauge pads
- tourniquet
- knee brace
- aspirin
- medical tape
- scissors
- respirators
- benadryl
- medical gloves
- trauma shears
- antibiotics
- aspercreme
- abdominal pads
- iodine tablets
- suture kit
- Tylenol
- tweezers
- band-aids
- triangular bandages
6. Water and Food
Water and food are what keep us going. In an emergency it is easy to consume more than we normally would. A rule of thumb is one and a half times what you normally eat.
About 2500 calories a day for a man and 2000 a day for a female is the ball park for someone NOT in heavy physical stress. For water, the bare minimum is 1 liter per day with pacing yourself properly. If you followed our advice the camelback in you hiking pack can hold 3 liters, which off the bat gives you a bare minimum amount for three days. Even though you can actually get almost 3 days out of 3 liters if you’re sure to pace yourself you shouldn’t count on it when building your bug out bag list. Your first goal should be to find a source of water that you can disinfect to replenish your pack.
Secondly bring items with you to both cook and procure more food and water. You should put a pot in your bug out bag list to boil water to disinfect it to replenish your supply if you should need more. As well that pot can be used to cook any fish or small game you may catch. To gather food a small fishing kit can be no bigger than an Altoids can and it incredibly effective for fishing in streams and rivers. As well we will bring it up again later too, but paracord for snares to catch small game.
You need food and water in your bugout bag, and the Rothco 3 piece Canteen kit fulfills that need with ease. The Rothco kit consists of a plastic one quart canteen, canteen cover and an Aluminum cup with wing handle.The kit is simple, reliable and easy to use. Can’t ask for much more.
Our Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Having no water in a survival situation is very bad, but having contaminated/ dirty water could be just as dangerous. Being able to clean water is vital to survival and with the Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System, you can do just that. Weighing just 2 ounces and fitting in the palm of your hand, it’s extremely light and compact. The system’s high performance filter can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water. With the Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System in your bugout bag, you’ll never have to worry about getting sick from drinking unsafe water.
Our Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
More related items:
- cans or foil pouches of tuna
- pop tarts
- canned food (could be heavy)
- energy bars
- cooking stove
- jerky
- can opener
- freeze-dried
- boullion cubes
- spam
- pot scrubber
- vitamins
- protein powder
- water purification tablets
- water canteens
- bleach
- water bladder
7. Shelter
The key to a good shelter is strength. You need one that can stand up to rain, sleet, hail and high winds. With that in mind a good tent can hold up to almost all of that with ease. A tent is the smallest most compact form of shelter you can have, but a tent can also be large and heavy. For that reason it’s good to try and by the smallest tent possible. Generally speaking a the smaller the shelter you have to carry with you the better. Smaller is lighter and takes up less space, and you will find out quickly that it doesn’t take much to fill up you bug out bag list. Backpacking tents are best, as they are made of lighter weight materials, you will find that most things that are good for a bug out bag list are originally intended for hikers and backpackers.
Our Rating: 
(4.9 / 5)
8. Clothing
This one depends on your area. A person up north will likely try to pack warmer waterproof clothing. Someone more towards the south would want a hat and other lightweight clothing to protect their skin from the sun. Someone in another climate may want to have bug netting to protect themselves more permanently from mosquito’s. Think of your area, what do you need in your bug out bag list? One universal requirement is warm clothes and rain gear. No matter where you are it will rain and it will get colder at night, its not a bad idea to put something warm and waterproof in your bag.
More related items:
- poncho
- tent
- tarp
- sleeping bag
- a pair of long pants
- a pair of shorts
- thick wool socks
- (thermal) underwear
- blanket
- gloves
- a change of footwear
- t-shirts
- bandanna
- sunglasses
- a jacket
- an extra pair of reading glasses
- a pair of hiking boots
9. Cordage
Here is where we get to 550 paracord. Cordage has millions of different uses including but not limited to: building traps, a sling for an injured body part, shelter building, a net for fishing and repairs on other equipment. Also in this category is duct tape, we have all heard that if duct tape can’t fix it, it isn’t broken. For that reason duct tape and paracord are both in my pack.
Our Rating: (4.7 / 5)
10. Navigation
A compass and a GPS are not a bad idea, now a lot of people will shy away from a GPS because they are electronics and there is a grave fear of being overly reliant on them. For that reason you should be well versed with a map and compass, and how to get to where your going with them. Nevertheless with the right planning you can have the convenience of a electronic GPS which segways us to our next item.
Our Rating: 
(4 / 5)
More related items:
- ear buds
- whistle
- signaling mirror
- topographic maps
- a walkie talkie
- universal USB solar charger
- paper and a pencil (or a pen)
- pencil sharpener
- hand-crank AM/FM radio
- cell-phone with pre-paid calling card
- extra cell-phone battery
11. Emergency Radio
The emergency radio I have and recommend to everyone is a wind up and solar powered model that you can charge USB devices from. This is how we are able to take our electronic GPS units with us to navigate with. You will need to get rechargeable AA batteries and charger too. The other benefit with the emergency radio I chose is that it also has a flashlight built into it, as well as a bottle opener.
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
12. Flashlight
Flashlights are also a must-have for bugout bags. Flashlight can light the way in a dark place. They can signal for help or rescue in an emergency. They can even be used for self-defense purposes if needed. The Vizeri VZ230 LED Flashlight is light and compact. It’s waterproof, made of aircraft-grade aluminum and has a hardened anodized finish. With an optional gun mount, the flashlight can be placed on weapons. The Vizeri VZ230 LED Flashlight is a superb option for your bugout bag.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
More related items:
- headlamp
- battery-powered flashlight
- hand-crank flashlight
- phone charger
- candles
13. Hunting and Fishing
- gun
- gun cleaning kit
- ammo
- body armor
- pepper or wasp spray
- slingshot
- machete
- fishing/hunting vest
- bow and arrow
- dog/bear whistle
- fishing rod/reel
- fishing hooks
14. Comfort Items
- a small bottle of whisky
- cigarettes
- wine
- chocolate
- coffee
15. Smalls
This is the section where I will list all other items that don’t really need explanation.
- Personal Hygiene Items
- A roll of quarters among other cash (quarters for pay phones)
- A whistle and a mirror for signaling for rescueFlashlight (also with rechargeable batteries)
- Comfortable (broken in!) foot wear
- Personal Identification
- toilet paper
- hand sanitizer
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- floss
- comb
- shampoo
- fingernail clippers
- feminine hygiene products
- tripwire
- a bar of soap
16. Other
- small elastic bands
- duct tape
- paracord
- brass wire
- sunscreen
- paper clips
- extra-large trash bags
- copies of your most important papers and IDs
- money
- sunscreen
- ziploc bags
- condoms
- an extra set of keys
- mosquito net
- coins
- bug-spray
- compressed sponge
- inflatable canoe and a small pump
Bug Out Bag Levels
When you talk of prepping, you have to take into significant consideration several specific scenarios of disasters and other emergency situations you might get yourself into. These specific situations you create in your mind will be the starting point of your preparation. There have to be bases why you need to include particular items in your bug out bag list. Of course, you cannot bring everything you think you need when the situation calls for evacuation. After all, the goal of prepping is to come up with a lightweight and compact bug out bag or survival pack, or whatever name you want to call it that will allow you to survive self-contained for at least three days.
However, the magnitude of disasters differ from one to another. And depending on the severity of the situation, the stuff that you need to pack up would also vary. For example, you do not have to carry with you a bug out bag containing advanced gear such as a night vision device, rifle, and a lot of ammo when the situation only calls for you to evacuate to a friend or a relative’s house just a mile away using a car on a daytime. There are minor and severe calamities and each calls for a different preparation.
So your bug out bag has different levels depending on the seriousness of the situation you are preparing for. And of course, you also have to bear in mind your specific location, its climate and weather conditions, and its terrain. These are also relevant factors when you build up your bug out bag. These factors might require some content modification for your bug out bag.
Level I
Bug out bag level 1 is termed as Every Day Carry or EDC. This bug out bag comprises of items and other stuff that you carry with you every single day. These are the most essential items without which you do want to leave home. As EDC items, these form as bases for the rest of the higher bug out bag levels.
Bug out bag level 1 items include a butane lighter, a knife, and a paracord. In any survival situation, there are three abilities you always need: the ability to make fire, the ability to cut things, and the ability to tie things together. EDC items would help you make all these three essential abilities a lot easier and quicker. Survival is basically founded on these abilities which you can easily acquire with these 3 simple and small items.
So, once again, your bug out bag level 1 items should always be at your side wherever you go. Regardless of your trip’s duration or every time you leave your house, see to it that you have all these items with you. These stuff will prove to be of much help.
Level II
The situation you put in mind when you try to make up a level 2 bug out bag is like this: you are on your way home on foot and it may take you a couple of days to arrive. There is a need for you to walk because the circumstances render any help in doing so unavailable. You are in a civilized area though and although the situation is not business-as-usual, some items and services are still available. You are not worn out; there is water available but needs filtering to make it potable. The weather is not that bad. There is minimum civil disorder or nothing at all. And you do not need any medical attention.
Bug out bag level 2 is termed Core and it supposes that you already have with you the 3 basic EDC items. As additional items to your level 1 bug out bag items, the Core level bug out bag includes the following:
- small first aid kit
- $150 cash
- a map of the area
- a quart sized ziploc bag
- 10 coffee maker filters
- a poncho
- a cell phone, with charger or extra battery
- 1 pair of socks
- a filter straw
- a lawn & garden trash bag
- a compass
- a bandana
- jacket or windbreaker
- gloves and a hat
- 3 energy or candy bars
- shoes
- a packet of tissues, or toilet paper
The Core items can easily be accommodated in a small bag or pack. For women, these items can be contained in their hand bag.
Level III
Level 3 bug out bag is called Evacuation. Obvious enough from the name itself, this level requires you to evacuate from where you are. The level of emergency is quite higher than when you only need an EDC or Core level bug out bag. In this situation, you may find yourself in your office, in your home, or in any public places. You are on foot but you are still in a civilized area where stores are not anymore open for business. To where you are heading, the stores may still be open. You have no major injuries and the weather is not severe, but you may be on your own for 7 days at most.
The Evacuation level bug out bag assumes that you already have with you all the items included in EDC and Core bug out bags. All of the following items listed below are additional items to what you already have. Evacuation items include:
- a weapon and about 40-50 rounds of ammo
- ID & essential papers (driver’s license, insurance information, telephone numbers, credit cards, etc.)
- a radio (12v, 110v, crank, battery, solar, with AM and FM)
- a N100 dust mask
- $150 cash
- a metal spoon or spork
- at least 25 feet of paracord
- 3 changes of underwear
- goggles
- 3 pairs of socks
- additional food (freeze-dried food, canned goods, tea or coffee, etc)
- advanced first aid kit (can be an augmented pre-made kit)
- water purification tablets
- a canteen with cup & cover
- 2-3 butane lighters
Just like your compass in the previous level, to be able to put your weapon into proper use you need enough training, practice, and knowledge on how to use it, beforehand.
Level IV
We termed level 4 bug out bag as Wilderness. This refers to a situation where you are already removed completely from civilization. Wilderness items are intended to keep you alive and well in an area where there are no houses, stores, and other habitation. The weather is erratic and you are on foot. While you may have no major injuries, the possibility of acquiring one is much greater.
This situation is very much possible especially to motorists who may be stranded in the wilderness or those who are on wilderness excursion. Most people involved in pleasure trips in the wilderness and those who are fond of heading out for long car trips do not prepare thoroughly for such possibilities. It is very much important to prepare Wilderness level bug out bag when making a trip through very remote areas.
This bug out bag level assumes that you already have with you all the items included in EDC, Core, and Evacuation bug out bags. Wilderness bug out bag includes the following items:
- an axe or saw
- a tent
- a rifle with 100 rounds of ammo
- snare
- a sleeping bag
- a wool blanket
- a full fishing kit
- a mess kit
- a fixed blade knife
- sharpening stone
- a firesteel plus tinder
- 2 gallons of water
The survival level of this situation is much more difficult. Expect to live in the open for quite a long time, possibly weeks. And even if you bring with you an ample supply of food and water, there is still a great probability that you will have to look for it somewhere. You have to make your own shelter. This will prove to be extremely difficult especially to those who do not have enough knowledge and practice of the survival techniques needed in the wilderness.
Level V
The level 5 bug out bag is called TEOTWAWKI which stands for The End Of The World As We Know It or SHTF which stands for Schumer Hits The Fan.
A TEOTWAWKI situation may often be construed by most as a result of an asteroid strike or a nuclear war or even by a zombie apocalypse by some. However, situations like these do not have available kits anymore. The reason being is that it is simply impossible to continue living while storing, carrying, and maintaining everything you need to be able to survive, with no assistance of any kind, for the rest of your life. If caused by a pandemic, then most of life would surely be wiped out. If you made it, however, then some other would most probably make it as well.
The reality, however, is that TEOTWAWKI may happen but only locally and with very extreme severity. Think of the tsunami in Indonesia, the hurricane in Haiti, the earthquakes in the Philippines, Turkey, and Mexico. Global TEOTWAWKI is something very far from happening. If indeed it happens, expect no more bug out areas to head to. If there are, they would be very few.
Basically, the items included in the EDC, Core, Evacuation, and Wilderness level bug out bags are already complete for you to be able to survive. However, if indeed there is still a need to prepare a TEOTWAWKI bug out bag, you have to prepare tools and other equipments that are highly reliable for fighting, evasion, and escape.
Of course, a TEOTWAWKI level bug out bag supposes that you already have with you all the items of Level 1 through 4 bug out bags. A TEOTWAWKI includes:
- battle rifle plus ammo
- additional ammo for handgun
- optics for the rifle
- suppressors for handgun and rifle
- night vision device
- tools of a trade
- footwear
- gloves
- BDU
The best thing to do with this kind of extreme situation is to form or join a group of like-minded individuals, the larger the group the better. This will increase your possibility of survival. However, groups formed during TEOTWAWKI would most likely accept additional people only if they have something to contribute to the group and its members. So skills such as the ones related to medication, farming, electronics, construction, and so on are very much important for you to be admitted. Tools and other items worthy of trade would also be of great help for inclusion.
And remember, when this happens, expect no more rules. So the best thing to do is to equip yourself of the necessary tools and devices to be able to defend yourself and fight for your life. Avoid and escape fights. As much as possible, stay out of sight.
So that’s it. The best time to start preparing your bug out bag is not later nor sooner but now. After all, the key to survival is being prepared. And disasters always strike surprisingly. In one way or another, I hope this article gave you a lesson or two about survival.