Bug Out Bag 101 - Must-Haves

The concept of the Bug Out Bag (or Boogie bag or 'GOOD' - Get Out of Dodge bag) is based on the idea that you'll need to leave your home fast to escape from some form of disaster.

Basically, you need a bag you can grab fast and go. There's no time to pack - the bag should have everything you need to survive for at least 3 days. The bag is a temporary survival tool to get you to your next safe location.

Why 3 days? Well, technically because that's how long FEMA estimates that it will take to get to you in a disaster (that's assuming all goes well - which we know for Hurricane Katrina - usually doesn't happen).

That's why you'll see a lot of stores offering a '72 hour survival kit'. These are similar to a bug out bag but not always the best option and may require some 'tweaking' by you.

For example, you may want to have a boogie bag that gives you more than 3 days survival gear. It's really up to you what you decide but there are some essentials you need to include:

•Large Capacity Backpack - Strong and well constructed
•Water
•Non-perishable food (I prefer freeze dried food or MREs)
•First Aid Kit
•Heat Source (Blankets, matches, sleeping bag)
•Shelter - Tent
•Light Source - Flashlight and/or glow sticks
•Batteries
•Any Personal Medication

•Water purification supplies (tablets or filtration system)
•Cooking supplies (if needed)
•Eating utensils
•Fire starting kit (matches, flint & steel, etc)
•Good Survival manual
•Maps
•Emergency Radio (hand crank or solar power)
•Emergency Plan (with contact info, meeting locations)
•Cash (in Small bills)
•Weather appropriate clothing (against Hypothermia or Hyperthermia, rain, bugs, etc)
•Rain Poncho
•Comfortable footwear (I like hiking or tactical boots myself)
•Crowbar/Folding Shovel
•Whistle
•Multi-Use Tool or Knife

The big thing to consider when putting together your Bug Out Bag, is that you have to be able to carry it. So look for a lightweight bag with reinforced straps.

Remember too that your backpack should be of hiking or camping quality. Not the cheap backpacks you pick up for a few dollars to hold school supplies.

If you want to save yourself some time and trouble, you may want to find a good pre-made BOB.

I personally like the Executive Survival Kit from Nitropak because it is sturdy, has practically everything you need, is lightweight and also includes a solar flashlight/radio. It's also a lot cheaper than if you bought everything included yourself.

If you have family there's also a 4-person getaway kit that covers a family of 4 and is lightweight enough to carry.

If you want a bag that will last you a big longer, you can get a 2 week survival bag from Wise Foods with 2 weeks worth of water and freeze-dried meals.

No matter what you choose to do, make sure your BOB is ready to go, kept up to date and you know exactly where it is should the worst happen.

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