Bug-out bags (BOB) have grown in popularity over the years. On the other hand, some folks take very little time to consider what they need to pack in their bug-out bag. A couple of granola bars and a flashlight will not be enough. When putting together a bug-out bag, you must consider various scenarios and the items you may require.
When people often prepare their bug-out bags, they overlook some necessities, which could lead to severe pain, sickness, or worse. The following are seven items you should always keep in your bug-out bag. They are specific items, yet not everyone recalls them.
1. Water Filtration Straw – It is very lightweight, weighing only less than an ounce, and can be easily placed in the inside pocket of your bug-out bag. I’d have a couple of them and make sure each family member has at least two each.
Water is the substance of life, and the human body is 70% water. We must replenish our bodies with water to keep them properly hydrated. In an actual SHTF situation, you must know you can safely drink the water. Carrying around bottles of water can be troublesome.
2. A Good Knife – A good knife is important. A good survival knife is not one you pull from your pocket. You’ll need a knife with a “full tang.” This indicates that the blade is fixed and that the knife’s metal piece is one solid piece that does not fold up.
Full-tang knives are more robust than pocket knives and may be utilized for various applications. You can baton wood, manufacture spears, and so on with a full tang knife. If you don’t have a full-tang survival knife in your bug-out kit, I recommend getting one. Also, acquire a decent one.
3. Fire/Matches/Lighter – How will you warm up or cook if you are stuck on the side of the road in the cold or if your house’s heat goes out due to a large storm? You should include three techniques to ignite a fire in your bug-out pack. You should also be able to start a fire with moist tinder. It’s not difficult and could save your life.
4. Sun protection – Imagine hiking for miles in the sun to obtain your water or safety. What if you’re hiking in the sweltering heat? Are you ready? Is there sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat in your bug-out bag? A bad sunburn can be uncomfortable and dangerous for some people. I recommend bringing a high-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face. Long-sleeved shirts and neck bandanas are also excellent choices.
5. Cash – This one is quite straightforward; keep cash in your bag. I’d say a couple of thousand dollars. I’d also suggest putting some tiny bills in there. People may not always have the ability to adjust during a crisis.
6. Maps – You think you know your neighborhood well, but what if you get trapped 30 miles outside town? Do you know where you could go to find water if you needed to? How will you know where to look for neighboring roads, for example? You won’t be able to unless you have a map. So, for two dollars, go out and get yourself a map.
7. Bug spray – This one doesn’t seem significant. Consider it again. How will you feel if you have to walk for kilometers while bitten by bugs—or if you have to walk even more miles with scores of itching bug bites on your arms and legs?
8. Socks – Finally, and perhaps most importantly, having the appropriate socks may make a tremendous impact. Make sure you have a pair of hiking socks made of wool-blend. Cotton socks trap moisture, whereas wool-blend socks wick it away from the skin. This results in painful blisters.
I’d recommend mentally running through various SHTF or disaster scenarios requiring you to bug out pronto. Check if you have everything you need in your bug-out bag to deal with those scenarios.
Also, I’d recommend going over your bag every few months to make sure prescriptions haven’t expired, you haven’t left anything out, and your batteries are still in good condition.
