Building Your First 72-Hour Bug Out Bag

What Is a Bug Out Bag?

A bug out bag (BOB) is a pre-packed bag that contains everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours if you need to evacuate your home quickly. Think house fire, chemical spill, flooding, or any scenario where staying put isn't safe.

The key word is go. This bag should be ready to grab and walk out the door in under 60 seconds.

The Big Five: What Your BOB Must Cover

1. Water

• 1L water bottle (Nalgene or stainless steel)
• Sawyer Squeeze or Mini filter
• Purification tablets (Aquamira or Katadyn)
• Collapsible water container (Platypus 2L)

2. Food

• 3,600+ calories of non-perishable food
• Energy bars (Clif, KIND, or SOS Rations)
• Trail mix, jerky, peanut butter packets
• Instant coffee/tea packets
• Lightweight cook kit (optional: Esbit stove + fuel tabs)

3. Shelter

• Emergency bivvy or lightweight tarp
• Paracord (50 feet minimum)
• Emergency space blanket
• Lightweight sleeping bag or liner (season-appropriate)

4. Fire

• BIC lighter (2-3, stored in waterproof bag)
• Ferro rod with striker
• Waterproof matches
• Tinder (cotton balls with petroleum jelly in a small tin)

5. First Aid

• Compact trauma kit (tourniquet, Israeli bandage, chest seal)
• Basic supplies (bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain meds)
• Personal medications (72-hour supply)
• Moleskin for blisters

Additional Essentials

• Navigation: Physical map of your area + compass (don't rely on phones)
• Light: Headlamp with extra batteries (hands-free is critical)
• Tools: Fixed-blade knife, multi-tool, duct tape wrapped around a pencil
• Communication: Baofeng radio, emergency whistle, signal mirror
• Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance, medical records in a waterproof bag
• Cash: $200-500 in small bills
• Clothing: Extra socks, underwear, rain poncho, bandana
• Hygiene: Travel toothbrush, soap sheets, hand sanitizer, toilet paper

Choosing the Right Bag

Your pack matters. Look for:

• 40-65 liters — big enough for 72 hours, small enough to move fast
• Hip belt — transfers weight to your hips, saves your shoulders
• MOLLE webbing — lets you attach pouches externally
• Muted colors — gray, coyote tan, or OD green (avoid bright colors and tactical black that screams "I have supplies")

Budget picks: Kelty Redwing 50, Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault, or 5.11 Rush 72.

Weight Target

Keep your packed BOB under 20% of your body weight. A 180-lb person should aim for 36 lbs or less. Heavier than that and you'll burn out fast during an actual bug out.

Weigh your bag after packing. Then put it on and walk 3 miles. If you're dying, cut weight.

Common Mistakes

• Packing too much — you're surviving 72 hours, not living off-grid for a year
• Never testing it — take your BOB on a day hike at minimum
• Forgetting to rotate — check food, batteries, and meds every 6 months
• Ignoring fitness — the best gear in the world can't carry itself
• One bag for the whole family — every able-bodied member needs their own

Where to Store It

• By your front door, coat closet, or in your vehicle
• Anywhere you can grab it in 60 seconds or less
• NOT locked in a safe or buried in the garage

Your bug out bag is insurance you hope to never use. But if you need it, you'll be glad it's packed, tested, and ready to go.