Bug-Out Bag Guide

Preparation Steps

• Pack your bag now — not during an emergency; an unpacked or disorganized bag is nearly useless when seconds matter.
• Keep the total bag weight under 15–20 kg and ideally no more than 25% of your body weight — a bag that exhausts you quickly defeats its purpose.
• Store the bag in an immediately accessible location such as a bedroom closet or near the main exit — not in a storage room or attic.
• Review and update all contents every 6 months: rotate food and medications for freshness, update seasonal clothing, check battery charge levels.
• Ensure every adult household member knows where the bag is and how to use its contents.

Immediate Actions

• Grab the bag and go — do not begin packing during an emergency; every additional minute in a dangerous area increases risk.
• Your bag should contain at a minimum:
  • Water: at least 1 liter per person plus a portable water filter (LifeStraw or Sawyer Squeeze) or purification tablets for additional sourcing.
  • Food: 3 days of calorie-dense, lightweight food — energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, jerky, instant meal packets.
  • First aid kit — compact but complete, including wound care and any personal medications.
  • Copies of important documents (ID, passport, insurance cards, bank information) stored in a waterproof bag or on a USB drive.
  • Cash in small denominations — electronic payments may be unavailable.
  • Phone charger and fully charged portable battery pack.
  • Multi-tool or folding knife.
  • Flashlight with spare batteries or a headlamp.
  • N95 mask (at least 2 per person).
  • Emergency thermal (mylar) blanket.
  • One change of weather-appropriate clothing.
  • 30-day supply of all prescription medications.
  • Whistle for signaling.

What to Avoid

• Do not overpack — a bag that is too heavy will slow your evacuation and cause injury over distance; prioritize ruthlessly.
• Do not fill the bag with comfort items or luxury electronics at the expense of core survival supplies.
• Avoid making the bag look like a military or tactical pack in civilian or non-conflict scenarios — it attracts unnecessary attention.
• Do not forget household-specific needs: infant formula, diapers, pet food, glasses, hearing aid batteries.
• Do not store the bag where it requires significant effort to reach — under heavy boxes, in a locked storage unit, etc.

Supplies Needed

• Durable waterproof backpack (30–45 liters capacity) with padded shoulder straps.
• Waterproof dry bags or stuff sacks to protect contents inside.
• Portable water filter (LifeStraw or Sawyer Squeeze).
• Emergency mylar blanket (compact, one per person).
• Waterproof fire starter (lighter, waterproof matches, or ferrocerium rod).

Recovery Steps

• Replenish any consumed or used bag contents immediately after the emergency — while supply chains are accessible.
• Review what you actually needed and used versus what remained untouched; adjust the bag contents accordingly.
• Inspect the bag itself for damage, and replace it if the waterproofing, zippers, or straps are compromised.
• Check and replace all food items and medications that are approaching their expiry dates.
• Debrief with household members on what worked, what was missing, and what changes to make for next time.