10 Things To Put In A Bug Out Bag
Natural disasters can strike at any time and anywhere. The question you must ask yourself is, “I’m I ready?” If you answered with a resounding, NO! Now is a good time to get prepared. Some folks live their day-to-day lives with a false sense of security.
That security could come in the form of living in a gated community, security systems, or places that rarely experience harsh weather conditions or natural disasters.
But you know what?
There’s always the chance of a first time.
Which means it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you're new to the survivalist mindset, the term "bug-out bag" might seem strange to you.
The term simply refers to a bag that can be used to survive for 72-hours. Bug-out bags is useful in the event of natural disasters, or any situation where you need to suddenly evacuate your home.
Many of the contents of the bag will depend on your specific circumstances, such as prepping for a natural disaster or other situations.
Some contents, however, are universal.
Survival in an urban environment is a little different than in a rural one. For starters, urban environments provide ample opportunities to scavenge and potentially survive inside of an abandoned structure.
Therefore, shelter is less of a concern for an urban survival kit than a true bug-out bag.
Your urban survival kit may contain different items than a bug-out bag.
Note that you will still want to pack basic items such as bedding, a first aid kit, food and eating utensils, and a knife.
Here are 10 Things To Put In A Bug Out Bag…
1)) Mace
Unfortunately, if you're in a survival situation it's possible that there will be people out there who want your stuff and who will hurt you to get it.
I’m pretty sure you’ve seen those doomsday movies that do an excellent job of illustrating that type of environment.
Having a canister of mace handy may buy you the time needed to get at one of your weapons in an emergency.
2)) Crowbar
Whether you need to smash through a window or pry open a door, a crowbar is a necessary survival item in an urban environment.
Versatile and easy to stash in your backpack, this is one item definitely worth bringing.
3)) Can Opener
If you are surviving in an urban environment, you may find yourself eating a lot of canned goods, either one you had stored at home or ones you found.
Either way, a can opener will come in handy, and if you don’t believe me, try to open a can without one.
It’s amazing how a simple tool that we take for granted can help save your life in emergency situations.
4)) Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are useful for obtaining access to a fenced-in area. While trespassing is not recommended, all bets may be off in a true survival situation.
Wire cutters may also be used to cut rope or other thin material for bushcrafting.
Bushcraft Defined By Merriam-Webster: The skill gained by or necessary for living in bush country.
5)) Water Purification Tablets
Water purification tablets may be useful when you find a water source but you aren't sure if it's safe to drink.
Simply add tablets according to the directions on the packaging and you'll have clean drinking water.
6)) Face Mask or Gas Mask
If you're in a situation where toxic debris is in the air, a face mask can help protect your lungs.
A gas mask may be the best option, although that does take up more room in your survival kit.
It's worth it to have one, though, in case you need it.
7)) Water Keys
Water keys help you gain access to commercial or residential water in an emergency situation.
This may help in the days after a natural disaster or another emergency when drinking water is scarce.
8)) Portable Solar Panel
A portable solar panel can be used to charge your phone, flashlights, and any other rechargeable electronics you may need.
Solar panels are lightweight and thin, making them easy to pack and transport.
Do forget, solar is eco-friendly and great for reducing your carbon footprint.
9)) Emergency Radio
If communications haven't been knocked out or restored, a radio can help keep you updated in the event of an emergency.
It's a good idea to have one that is battery-operated or solar-charged.
10)) Ax
An ax is useful for so many things in a survival situation. Chopping wood, cutting down doors, or as a weapon, an ax is worth packing in your urban survival kit.
It doesn't need to be full-size, either.
A small backpacker's ax is sufficient.
Conclusion
These ten items alone aren't enough for an urban survival kit, because you still need the basics.
However, they’re a great start.
Other items that you could include are Water, Food, First Aid Kit, Water Filter, Tarp, Knife, Fire Starter, Compass, etc.
I highly encourage you to put together a well-stocked survival kit, because living life with a false sense of security can potentially put you and your loved ones at risk, by not being prepared for any emergency situation.
Start putting your bug-out bag and survival kits together immediately!