‘Bug out’ is a term with its roots in US military history from as far back as WWII and the Korean War. It seems likely that it comes from the idea of bugs fleeing in a panicked, disorderly way when fleeing a boot, or if their nest is discovered under a rock. It is where we get the expression ‘bugging out’ when someone is freaking out or panicked.
So, it’s logical that a bug out bag (BOB), also known as a ‘go bag’, ‘survival bag’ or ‘Get Out Of Dodge’ (GOOD) bag should contain everything you would need to survive for 24, 48 or 72 hours in an evacuation situation.
Whether you’re anticipating a potential disaster, power cuts or just want to head out for a wild adventure, a well-prepared bug out bag is a great investment to have at the ready as part of your prepping efforts.
What should I have in my bug out bag?
Ideally, your bug out bag shouldn’t weigh more than 25% of your body weight as you’ve potentially got to carry it for hours at a time, and you don’t want to put your back out. If you’re heading off with others for a family or group adventure, then you can spread the load between you. You can view our pre-made bug out bags here for more inspiration.
Your bug out bag should contain some essentials, such as:
- Cutting - knife or multi-purpose tool which can be used for creating fires and even digging holes.
- Fire – equipment to create a fire for warmth or cooking, preferably a portable stove and lighters.
- Cord – paracord is recommended as it’s a strong, nylon, lightweight cord of several strands that is often used on parachutes and can serve many purposes when looking to set up camp – from carrying items to hanging hammocks.
- Containers – a clean container to carry food or water. Collapsible water bottles are ideal.
- Shelter – you need protection from the weather so a lightweight, but strong tent is vital. You also need a suitable sleeping or bivvy bag, light enough to carry but also warm to help you sleep like a baby.
- Water purification – you might find a natural source of water, but it should be purified to make sure there isn’t any bacteria in it that would make you ill.
- Appropriate clothing – you need clothing to keep you comfortable and well even if the weather turns nasty.
Mistakes to avoid making
You need to make sure you’ve packed enough food and water for yourself for the whole trip. The idea behind the 72-hour BOB is that 72 hours is as long as a human can survive without water. However, your trip might last longer if you’re having fun or get stuck and can’t return as quickly as planned, so you can take some extra precautions to make sure you’re ready for whatever mother nature might throw your way.
- Too little food or water – recommended amounts of water are about three to four litres of water per day and 3500 calories for an average-sized adult using moderate levels of energy. Ideally pack energy bars and survival food packs as they are lightweight but filling. If you know you will find a source of water on your way, then you can carry less water but should definitely pack water purification tablets or a filter.
- Fire starting – with the damp English weather you might find that a simple box of matches isn’t enough to get a fire started when you need to eat or want a cup of tea to warm you up. Fire starters or even a fire lighter won’t weigh a lot but will be definitely worth carrying for starting a fire with efficiency.
- First aid – No one should head out without a first aid kit, and ideally you ought to have a small one in your car and in your house also. They are cheap and lightweight and could save a life. And whilst you’re packing your first aid kit, throw in a survival blanket or poncho. If you get caught in extreme weather, it could be the difference between life and death.
- Warm bedding and clothing are another essential to get right. If you’re not warm at night, you won’t sleep, and having warm clothes when you’re out hiking in winter is vital to stop you getting ill or just not enjoying the adventure to the max. No one likes feeling cold.
Although bug out bags have connotations of alien invasions or an end-of-the-world apocalypse, but here at Preppers shop we prefer to think of it as preparing for anything: a power outage or just going for a wild adventure with friends.
We stock a wide range of supplies to help you customise your own BOB and even have some ready-to-go basic or ultimate bug out bags to take the headache out of trying to sort the essentials out.
If you have already begun to put your own BOB together and are just looking for those final essentials: a tent, bivvy bag, survival blanket or military food packs, we’re confident we can help you find what you’re looking for.
Check out our comprehensive range at Preppers shop or get in touch with one of our experts for advice to help you create the perfect Bug Out Bag for your next adventure.