Bug-Out Bag Must Haves (2025)
Your BOB is a grab-and-go kit for the first 72 hours of an emergency. Keep it light, reliable, and tested. Below is a clean checklist plus my field-tested gear picks.
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Quick Picks (Essentials)
- Pack: 30–40L backpack with hip belt
- Water: Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw Peak Squeeze
- Power & Light: Anker 20,000 mAh, headlamp + spare batteries
- First Aid: Adventure Medical Ultralight/Watertight
- Tools: Leatherman Wave+ + Morakniv Companion
- Fire: ferro rod + waterproof matches
- Shelter: compact tarp/bivvy + paracord
- Food: 2–3 days compact calories (freeze-dried + high-cal bars)
- Comms: NOAA emergency radio + whistle
- Clothing: season-appropriate layers + thermal blanket
Checklist (Print & Pack)
Water & Food
- Water filter + tabs
- 1L bottle or soft flask
- 2–3 days food (freeze-dried + bars)
- Titanium spork, compact stove (optional)
Power & Light
- Power bank (20,000 mAh)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Mini lantern (optional)
- Charging cables (USB-C/Lightning)
Medical & Hygiene
- Compact first-aid kit + meds
- Trauma supplies (gloves, gauze, tape)
- Hand sanitizer, wipes, toothbrush
- Sunscreen, lip balm
Shelter & Clothing
- Tarp or bivvy + paracord
- Lightweight rain layer
- Extra socks & base layer
- Emergency blanket
Tools & Navigation
- Multi-tool + fixed-blade knife
- Ferro rod + waterproof matches
- Compass + local map
- Duct tape (flat-packed), zip ties
Comms & Documents
- NOAA/hand-crank radio
- Whistle, notepad, Sharpie
- ID copies, cash, emergency contacts
- Phone numbers written on paper
Recommended Picks
Water & Filtration
- Sawyer Mini / LifeStraw Peak Squeeze — fast, tiny, proven.
- Backup: water purification tablets.
Power & Light
- Anker 20,000 mAh power bank + braided cables.
- Headlamp with lockout + spare AAA/18650.
Tools
- Leatherman Wave+ multi-tool.
- Morakniv Companion fixed-blade.
Shelter
- 8x10 tarp or bivvy, 50 ft paracord, 6 stakes.
FAQ
How heavy should my bug-out bag be? Aim for no more than 20–25% of your body weight. If it’s heavier, remove non-essentials.
How often should I update it? Rotate food/meds every 6–12 months. Check batteries quarterly. Adjust clothing seasonally.
Where should I store it? Near your main exit with shoes and a light. Keep a second bag in your vehicle if possible.