Bug Out Bag Checklist – Master List
The idea behind the following Bug Out Bag checklist was to create a comprehensive master list. From which you can select the items you want to include in your own 72 Hour kit. Some items in this list are normally included in all Bug Out Bags. Other items would be included depending on personal preferences and your geographical location.
What Is A Bug Out Bag?
Bug Out Bags or 72 Hour Bags are packed with essential items needed to survive a minimum of three days. A Bug Out Bag is usually stored at home in case you have to leave due to an emergency or disaster. Your Bug Out Bag needs to be stored in a convenient place so it is ready to grab and go at a moments notice.
Bug Out Bag – Master Check List
In most cases, it would not be practical to include all of the items listed below in your Bug Out Bag. This is because your bag needs to be lightweight and portable. Your Kit will be of no use to you if the bag is too heavy. Many of the items in the Bug Out Bag checklist below will have multiple uses. When choosing items for your kit, prioritize essential items like food and water first.
| WATER & HYDRATION | FOOD & FOOD PREP | FIRST AID |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking Water | Food Rations | Antibiotics |
| Water Container | Can Opener | Gauze |
| Hydration Bladder | Energy Bars | Moleskin |
| Water Filter | Dehydrated Meals | Suture Kit |
| Purification Tablets | Portable Stove | Super Glue |
| Collapsible Water Bottle | Stove Fuel | Tourniquet |
| Hard Water Bottle | Spork | Quick Clot |
| Metal Water Bottle | Metal Cup | Triangle Bandage |
| Chlorine Bleach | Metal Cooking Pot | Prescription Medications |
| Condom (non lubricated) | Fishing Kit | N95 Face Mask |
| Iodine Tablets | Snare Wire | Basic First Aid Kit |
| Latex Tubing | Aluminum Foil | Bug Repellent |
| Coffee | Chocolate | Medical Gloves |
| Purifying Straw | Beef Jerky | Q-Tips |
| Electrolyte Tablets | Salt / Pepepr | Instant Ice Pack |
| Trail Mix | Bee Sting Kit | |
| Multi Vitamins | Aspirin, Ibuprofen | |
| Sunscreen |
| SHELTER | PERSONAL HYGIENE | NAVIGATION & COMMUNICATION |
|---|---|---|
| Survival Blanket | Wet Napkins | Map Of Your Local Area |
| Sleeping Bag | Small Pack Towel | Compass |
| Hammock | Hand Sanitizer | Signal Mirror |
| Paracord | Travel Toilet Paper | Emergency Radio (hand cranked) |
| Tarp | Toothbrush | Whistle |
| Tent | Toothpaste | Signal Flares |
| Blanket | Garbage Bags | Smartphone |
| Ground Pad | Resealable Bags | Solar Battery Charger |
| Tent Stakes | Deodorant | CB Radio |
| Razor | Walkie Talkie | |
| Feminine Products | Solar Charged Radio | |
| Foot Powder | Watch | |
| Comb / Brush | Marking Chalk | |
| Shaving Cream | ||
| Dental Floss | ||
| Diapers |
| CLOTHING | TOOLS | INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| Foul Weather Gear | Hatchet / Axe | Identification |
| Underwear | Gas Main Tool | Passport |
| Hammock | Hydrant Wrench | Waterproof Pen & Paper |
| Wool Hiking Socks | Pry Tool / Crowbar | USB Drive |
| Working Gloves | Shovel | Knots Guide |
| Rain Poncho | Saw | Wild Edibles Guide |
| Shemagh | Screw Drivers | First Aid Guide |
| Fleece | Multi-Tool | Contact Book |
| Convertible (Zip-Off) Pants | Filet Knife | Survival Guide |
| Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt | Hunting/Skinning Knife | Insurance Documentation |
| Bandana | Pliers | Pet Documents |
| Sunglasses | Waterproof Marker | |
| Shoes / Boots | ||
| Hat / Scarf | ||
| Jacket |
| FIRE & LIGHT | SELF DEFENSE | MISC |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium Firestarter | Handgun | Batteries |
| Tinder | Can Opener | Extra Cash |
| Candles | Rifle | Playing Cards |
| Water filter | Ammunition | Duct Tape |
| Mini LED Light | Slingshot & Ammo | Electrical Tape |
| Headlamp | Pepper Spray | 550 Parachute Cord |
| LED Flashlight | Survival Knife | Dry Bag |
| Light Glow Stick | Trekking Pole | Binoculars |
| Mini LED Key Chain | Machete | Sewing Kit |
| Waterproof Matches | Pocket Knife | Zip Ties |
| Magnifying Glass | Knife Sharpener | Safety Pins |
| Lighter | Pet Food | |
| Petroleum Cotton Balls | ||
| Steel Wool |
Bug Out Bag Books
There are quite a few helpful Bug Out Bag Books available on Amazon. Here are some examples:
Bug Out Bag Checklist – Master List Summary
The idea behind this article was to create a Bug Out Bag checklist that would act as a comprehensive master list. Instead of creating another Bug Out Bag checklist in the future we plan to keep this post up to date. If we have missed anything, let us know in the comments section and we will add it to the list.
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Because I take transit 2 hours to work (and 2 hours back) my EDC bag is a light weight GHB. (If I’m starting from the office I have a few extra supplies there.) I have a 15 hour walk or a 6 hour bike ride (assuming i were to “acquire a bike”) so I don’t plan on sleeping anywhere along the way but I do carry extra supplies in the winter.
Essential WATER WATER WATER and then a knife, lighter, and a flashlight.. what does all the above weigh ? btw thanks
Excellent list. I,m sure many things can be taken off the list by folk that keep up with their survival skills. On the other side there are people who need just about everything they can get there hands on. No list is going to have what everyone agrees on. You just have to know how healthy you are, what your limitations are. Because of some physical or health needs there are people who may need to take a small camper.
Hi George, thanks for your comments. Your spot on, a list is just that. It contains items that some will benefit from and others will not. It will be down to individual circumstances and preferences.
Except for food and water none of the other items are essential. Essential means absolutely necessary all the other items are conveniences not necessities. People have and do live without them.
Hi Dusty thanks for adding your comments. I can see where you’re coming From with regards to food and water. Personally I would consider it essential to also have items like first aid, my medication and clothing. As I said though it is a matter of personal preference. Thanks again 👍