Bug-out Bag - Typical Contents

Typical Contents

The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary, but most of the following are usually included:

• Enough food and water to last for 72 hours. This includes:
  • Water for washing, drinking and cooking. Canada recommends 2 litres per person per day for drinking plus an additional 2 litres per person per day for cleaning and hygiene. New Zealand recommends 3 litres per person per day for drinking. US recommends 1 gallon (3.78 litres) per person per day.
  • Non-perishable food
  • Water purification supplies
  • Cooking supplies
• A first aid kit
• Fire starting tool (e.g., matches, ferrocerium rod, lighter, etc.)
• A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes, etc.
• Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference
• Maps and travel information
• Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies
• Weather appropriate clothing (e.g., poncho, headwear, gloves, etc.)
• Bedding items such as sleeping bags and blankets
• Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period
• Medical records
• Pet, child, and elderly care needs
• Battery or crank-operated radio
• Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks)
• Firearms and appropriate ammunition
• Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation
• Positive identification, such as drivers license, state I.D. card, or social security card
• Birth certificate and/or passport
• Fixed-blade and folding knife
• Duct tape and rope/paracord
• Plastic tarps for shelter and water collection
• Slingshot, pellet gun, blowgun or other small game hunting equipment
• Wire for binding and animal traps
• Compass