I've been thinking about the apocalypse a lot lately. Can't imagine why. Sometimes you gotta get out in a hurry and it's best to have a bag ready to go. Here's my top items for the perfect bugout bag. I have almost all of these in the house, but I really do need to consolidate them all into one place.
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The Bag:
- Sturdy backpack in a neutral tone--you don't want to draw attention to yourself. Loops or hooks on the outside to carry extra stuff. Something lightweight and semi-waterproof if possible. Not too big, but nothing tiny.
- 10k calories in a compact form. Meal replacement bars are best.
- Multi-vitamins in an easily digestible form (gummy or chewable). Lack of potassium or Vitamin C long-term can be a disaster if you get stuck eating dog food for weeks on end.
- One or two bottles of water--good for short term beverages, keep the bottles for holding liquids.
Clothes/Protection:
- Socks & Underwear. Doesn't matter how dirty the rest of your clothes are if you can change these.
- Sunglasses & hat with brim
- An emergency blanket
- Bandanna or two. Can tie back hair, bind wounds, carry things...very useful
- Have a hoodie/jacket with your bag that you can tie around your waist as you leave. I'd go with something u can button or zip so when open it can be used as a blanket. Sturdy waterproof shoes should be kept near it too. Flip-flops will not get you far if you end up hiking out of somewhere.
- Good knife or pocket tool with a knife
- Matches AND lighter in water-proof container
- Solar-powered battery pack with flashlight
- Burner smartphone & data refill card (purchased with cash)
- Power cord for phone + standard micro usb if the phone isn't one
- Metal bowl or cup (metal so you can boil your water in it) & a metal spoon (can be used to eat with or dig)
- Menstrual cup (if you have a uterus prone to bleeding of course)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste. Neglecting one's oral health is never wise.
- Cash money in small bills
- Ziplock bags
- vodka or other potable alcohol (good for sanitizing OR drinking)
- compass (get a knife with one built into the handle)
- First aid kit
- Sewing kit
- Carabiners
- Length of rope/cord/string
- Small handgun and pre-loaded clips
- Spare car key
- Length of tubing in case you need to siphon gas. Also can use to tie things
Stuff to have downloaded on your burner:
- Offline maps of your area, including directions to the nearest border
- edible plant guide/survival guide
- important phone numbers and addresses
- dictionary for the most likely alternate language you may encounter (In the US I'd want a spanish/english one)
If you have the space & its not too heavy, add more food or a change of clothes, fire lighters, maybe some sort of water purification system. Or more vodka. I can understand wanting to go heavy on the vodka these days.
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