The term bugging out is a term survivalist preppers and some military use when talking about getting out of a certain situation. A bugout bag is a handy set of ready to go items that you can just grab and go. Some people prefer the term “B.O.B.”(Bug Out Bag) or “Go Bag.” The general rule of thumb is to have enough supplies in your bug out bag to survive at least 3 days, although sometimes bug out bags are made to last 7 – 21 days, and even indefinitely.
Depending on your skillset and how much survival training or knowledge your posses it is possible to survive with a knife alone. Even the most skilled survivalists would rather have more tools with them than just a knife. I mean why would you want to make surviving harder on yourself.
We have compiled a list of must-have items that our Instructor’s recommend, as well as a list of items to put inside your bug out bags. These items could vary depending on the climate you live in but for the most part, they will stay the same.
3 Day Bugout Bag Checklist – 3 Days is the bare minimum amount you will want to have enough supplies for. Having enough water and food can easily be packed into a small bag. The 3 day kit is designed to meet your initial needs. It provides for the key components to any short-term survival situation. Shelter, Fire, Water, Food, and Security. It is designed to get you by for the first 72 hours until you can resupply or relocate to a safer, more plentiful location. Other than food and water your 3 Day B.O.B. should contain :
- Durable Clothing
TRU-SPEC 24/7 Tactical Pants
Fjallraven Vida Pro Pants
Fjallraven Shirt
Shemagh
WeatherWool Anorak
- Shelter System
Aqua Quest Defender Tarp
Warbonnet Hammock System & Superfly Tarp - Water Purifier
Sawyer Water Filter
Sigma 3 Water Kit - Fire Starter
Exotac TitanLIGHT
Sigma 3 Fire Kit - Cordage
Fire Cord
Paracord - Tools
Leatherman – Surge Multitool
Sigmora - Security
Firearm (If Trained Properly)
CRKT Obake Titanium Knife
21 Day Bugout Bag Checklist – Beyond those primary needs you will need to extend your kit. When building out your bug out bag consider keeping it modular. You should be able to simply attach your 3 Day Bag right on to your 21 Day Bag. This prevents you from having to pack all the same items into two separate bags. In addition to your 3 Day Bag, your 21 Day Bug Out Bag should include:
- Sleep System
Snugpak Tactical Sleeping Bag
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Mattress Regular
Military U.S. G.I. Modular Sleeping Bag System (4-Piece) - Lighting
Nitecore Headlamp
Classic Lantern
Food Procurement (What To Use When Your Food Storage Runs Out)
Emmrod Fishing Pole
Body Grip Traps - Cook Kit
NDur 9 Piece Cook Kit
MSR Pocket Rocket Stove Kit
- First Aid
Coleman Mini First Aid Tin
Pro Guide First Aid Kit
Medications - Hygiene
Toilet Paper
Deodorant
Dove Soap
Mirror - Added Protection
Pulse Taser with 2 Cartridges and Holster
SABRE Red Pepper Gel – Police Strength - Communications
Baofeng Radio Plus (USA Warranty)
Cell Phone and Charger
Burner Phone
Emergency Phone
Escape and Evasion
Urban Escape and Evasion Kit
Map and Compass
Bogota Lock Picks
Forced Entry Tool (Crowbar, hammer, etc.) - Power
Batteries
Alternate Power Supplies (Battery Bank) - Miscellanious
Knife Sharpener – WorkSharp
Duct Tape
Climbing Rope
55 Gallon Contractor Trashbag
Sunglasses Binoculars
Ziplock Bags
Notepad and Pencil
Comfort Items
INCH Bag “I’m Never Coming Home”Checklist – You can’t possibly carry enough supplies to last forever, but with some training, you could survive for a very long time and possibly indefinitely. The INCH Bag contains all the items in your 3 and 21 Day Bug Out Bags, but also includes everything you feel like you can’t live without. In the event your home becomes uninhabitable due to disaster or hostile environments you will want to secure invaluable items. This could include everything from photos, family heirlooms, and items that bring you joy and fulfillment. The list of INCH Bag items is only limited by your ability to transport those items.
This list is provided to give you some options. You may not need to carry every item on it. Just things to consider.
Preparedness is key, and having a quick bugout bag ready to go at a moments notice could be the difference between survival and worst case scenario. In closing, the items recommended in this list have been tested in the field by experienced survival instructors. Show your support, share and shop the links provided in this blog post.
Thanks for Reading!
Justin “Sage” Williams
Director Sigma 3
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