Bug Out Bag Gear
Interactive Checklist

72-Hour Bug Out Bag Checklist

The complete guide to building your emergency evacuation kit. Track your progress, get gear recommendations, and be ready for anything.

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Water & Hydration

Stay hydrated with filtration and storage solutions

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Water Filter

essential3 oz

Portable filtration system for purifying water from any source

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

(1,243)

Water Purification Tablets

essential1 oz

Backup chemical treatment for water purification

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets

Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets

(1,876)

Water Bottles/Containers

essential6 oz

Durable containers for carrying filtered water (2-3 liters capacity)

Collapsible Water Bladder

important2 oz

Lightweight expandable water storage for base camp

Food & Nutrition

72 hours of calorie-dense, lightweight food

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Freeze-Dried Meals

essential24 oz

3-day supply of lightweight, calorie-dense meals

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Mountain House Freeze-Dried Food Kit

Mountain House Freeze-Dried Food Kit

(892)

Energy Bars

essential12 oz

High-calorie bars for quick energy on the move

Trail Mix & Nuts

important8 oz

Calorie-dense snacks with protein and healthy fats

Cooking Stove

important9 oz

Compact stove for heating water and cooking meals

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Solo Stove Lite Backpacking Stove

Solo Stove Lite Backpacking Stove

(2,567)

Mess Kit & Utensils

important6 oz

Lightweight pot, cup, and spork for meal preparation

Shelter & Sleep

Protection from the elements and rest essentials

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Bug Out Bag/Backpack

essential48 oz

45-65L tactical backpack with MOLLE webbing

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Tactical Backpack 72-Hour Bug Out Bag

Tactical Backpack 72-Hour Bug Out Bag

(423)

Emergency Bivvy

essential4 oz

Compact emergency sleeping bag that reflects body heat

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
SOL Emergency Bivvy Sleeping Bag

SOL Emergency Bivvy Sleeping Bag

(678)

Tarp/Shelter

essential16 oz

Waterproof tarp for overhead protection and ground cover

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Heavy Duty Tarp 10x12

Heavy Duty Tarp 10x12

(923)

Paracord (50-100ft)

essential8 oz

Multi-purpose cordage for shelter building and repairs

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Titan SurvivorCord Paracord 100ft

Titan SurvivorCord Paracord 100ft

(1,987)

Sleeping Pad

important14 oz

Insulated pad for ground insulation and comfort

Fire & Warmth

Multiple fire-starting methods for any condition

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Ferro Rod Fire Starter

essential3 oz

Primary fire starting tool - works in any weather

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Ferro Rod Fire Starter Kit

Ferro Rod Fire Starter Kit

(567)

Stormproof Matches

essential2 oz

Waterproof matches that burn even when wet

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
UCO Stormproof Match Kit

UCO Stormproof Match Kit

(456)

Lighter (Windproof)

essential1 oz

Backup fire source - butane or plasma lighter

Tinder (Fatwood/Cotton)

important4 oz

Fire-starting material for wet conditions

Emergency Blanket

essential2 oz

Mylar blanket for heat retention and signaling

Tools & Equipment

Essential tools for survival tasks

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Fixed Blade Knife

essential10 oz

Full-tang survival knife for batoning, cutting, and processing

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

(1,567)

Multi-Tool

essential9 oz

Versatile tool with pliers, screwdrivers, and more

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool

Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool

(2,134)

Headlamp

essential3 oz

Hands-free lighting with multiple modes

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Petzl ACTIK CORE Rechargeable Headlamp

Petzl ACTIK CORE Rechargeable Headlamp

(3,214)

Duct Tape

important2 oz

Wrapped around water bottle or lighter for repairs

Work Gloves

important4 oz

Durable gloves for handling rough materials

Communications & Navigation

Stay informed and find your way

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Emergency Radio

essential12 oz

Hand-crank/solar radio with NOAA weather alerts

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Emergency Hand Crank Radio

Emergency Hand Crank Radio

(289)

Two-Way Radios

important16 oz

FRS/GMRS radios for group communication

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Midland X-Talker Two-Way Radios

Midland X-Talker Two-Way Radios

(2,345)

Compass

essential2 oz

Reliable baseplate compass for navigation

Local Maps

essential4 oz

Waterproof topographic maps of your area

Signal Mirror & Whistle

important2 oz

Emergency signaling devices for rescue

Medical & First Aid

Treat injuries and manage health emergencies

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First Aid Kit

essential24 oz

Comprehensive kit with trauma supplies and medications

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
First Aid Only 299-Piece Emergency Kit

First Aid Only 299-Piece Emergency Kit

(3,421)

Prescription Medications

essentialVaries

7-day supply of any required medications

Tourniquet

essential3 oz

CAT or SOFT-T tourniquet for severe bleeding

Israeli Bandage

essential4 oz

Emergency trauma dressing for wounds

Pain Relievers & Medications

important4 oz

Ibuprofen, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal

Power & Electronics

Keep devices charged and operational

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Solar Charger/Power Bank

important12 oz

Portable power for charging devices

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
Goal Zero Venture 30 Solar Charger

Goal Zero Venture 30 Solar Charger

(734)

Extra Batteries

important4 oz

Spare batteries for headlamp and devices

USB Cables

important2 oz

Charging cables for your devices

Documents & Cash

Essential documents and emergency funds

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ID Copies

essential1 oz

Copies of driver's license, passport, insurance cards

Emergency Cash

essential1 oz

$200-500 in small bills for emergencies

Emergency Contact List

essential0.5 oz

Written list of important phone numbers

Waterproof Document Bag

important2 oz

Protection for important papers

Hygiene & Sanitation

Stay clean and prevent illness

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Biodegradable Soap

important2 oz

Multi-use soap for body, dishes, and clothes

Wet Wipes

important4 oz

Body wipes for waterless cleaning

Toilet Paper

important4 oz

Compressed or regular TP in waterproof bag

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

optional2 oz

Travel-size dental hygiene essentials

Hand Sanitizer

important3 oz

Alcohol-based sanitizer for hand hygiene

Bug Out Bag Tips

Expert advice for building and maintaining your emergency kit

Weight Matters

Keep your total pack weight under 25% of your body weight. A 150lb person should aim for under 37.5 lbs.

Rotate Supplies

Check expiration dates every 6 months. Rotate food, water, batteries, and medications regularly.

Test Your Gear

Practice using every item in your bag. A tool you can't use is dead weight in an emergency.

Personalize It

Add items specific to your needs: medications, glasses, pet supplies, baby items, etc.

Know Your Routes

Plan multiple evacuation routes and practice them. Know where you're going before disaster strikes.

Family Plan

Each family member should have their own bag. Distribute weight and ensure everyone can carry their load.

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