I’ve written about how to assemble a basic survival kit, but if you’re beyond that and looking for a bug out bag list, here’s one to get you started! This is my complete bug out bag packing list, whittled down and adjusted after hiking and camping a couple of times this past fall.
Note: This is the bug out bag list that works for me. You may need to pack different items. A good test is to go camping for yourself, and see what you need.
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Bug Out Bag List: General
Camping Backpack (I don’t carry a “Bug Out” Backpack)
Camelbak Hydration Reservoir (fits in backpack)
Bungee cords
Bug Out Bag List: Shelter
Sleeping pad (strapped outside – for extra warmth)
Lightweight Pup Tent (strapped outside)
Silk sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth)
Tarp
Bug Out Bag List: Kitchenware
Food (enough for 1 week)
2 packs of red beans & rice (only use if water is in abundance..it makes me thirsty)
1 lb trail mix
1 pack of beef jerky
2 single servings of peanut butter
2 packs of 5 minute rice (minimal seasonings = minimal sodium)
1 can of tuna fish
Instant Vanilla Coffee (curse my caffeine addiction!)
Bug Out Bag List: Tools
Folding Pocket Shovel (Walmart sells a cheap one for $5)
Flashlight and Headlamp
Inflatable Solar-Powered Lantern
Emergency Radio w/ Solar-Powered Flashlight
Bug Out Bag List: Clothing
1 thermal long sleeve undershirt
1 thin turtleneck
Leggings
2 pairs underwear
3 pairs of socks (including 1 wool)
Gloves
Bug Out Bag List: Hygiene
1 toothbrush, toothpaste
1 pack pocket-sized tissues
Homemade facewash (witch hazel + pure lavender)
Cotton pads (for using facewash – can also double as tinder)
New Items to my Bug Out Bag List
After going camping, started packing a foldable shovel, packable chainsaw, and sleeping pad. The shovel comes in handy for digging a little spot in the ground where your hips and shoulders will go as you sleep. The pocket chainsaw was good on trees with a diameter of 5″ or less – but a little awkward to use, since you have to keep the log from rotating by putting it between your legs.
The sleeping pad seems like an excessive, “creature comfort” type item, until you spend the whole night freezing because the ground is so cold, even if you’re wearing multiple layers!
Still to Add
This is a pretty good self-sufficient list, in my experience camping. The only thing I’d like to add is a larger pot/kettle to boil a larger quantity of water.
I just read an article about adding an old school pencil sharpener to your bug out kit – for when you’re out of tinder or firestarters, just sharpen some sticks and use the shavings. Genius.
And….I’m still undecided on the Sterno. It’s convenient and fantastic – but you do have to haul around fuel for it, which adds considerable weight pretty quickly. Throwing a grill on the fire is just as easy.
Room for Improvement
I’m still seeking foods that aren’t so sodium-heavy, since I might not always be near a rushing stream. However, salt is a great natural preservative, allowing food to keep longer.
What do you think of my bug out bag packing list? What survival gear would you add?
My 2 cents. I am a male prepper looking to put together a kit for my girlfriend. This is a good kit list to start some things can be added and removed and in my experience these are things i would add: bandanas preferrably 2, many uses look them up, remove the pocket chainsaw and get a Ka-Bar, it is lighter and has many more functions while still being able to cut down 5″ logs, remove the sterno stove and replace it with an esbit, much lighter and more efficient at boiling, and lastly get some type of canteen to carry water whether its mil surplus, klean kanteen or nalgene (my preference) with a nesting cup. Also, big for hygiene wouldnt you want feminine care products tamps or pads? And toilet paper, I dont think i seen it listed. And one more big ticket item is a first aid kit of some kind usually self built. As for your listed foods i think they’re good, but reliant on water and high in sodium as you noted, but since this is a bug out bag high sodium isn’t necessarily a bad thing because you will mostly be on the move and losing lots of electrolytes and sodium is needed to replenish them. Just make sure you have water and are able to carry it. Now little things such 55 gallon drum
Liners rolled up make excellent additions as well as some ziploc baggies. This is a great list and no BoB is ever near perfect, and is why sharing lists and experiences is key. Again thanks for the list the pencil sharpener is a great idea!