If this is the first time you are hearing “Bug Out Bag”, (also known as a B.O.B) then you should know it is basically a portable kit that contains everything someone would require to survive for up to 72 hours or 3 days. There are kits out there that are designed to last longer and there are short term bug out bags for 24 and 48 hours respectively.
What is a bug out bag?
Bug Out Bags are very handy when evacuating from a disaster, but the term was coined by the emergency kits military aviators would carry and continue to carry. Some have a theory that the “Bug Out” portion originated from the US Army when they would use the term “Bug Out” to retreat rather than be overrun. These bags became popular in the last few years thanks to the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our ultimate bug out bag
Either way, for the purpose of this kit we will focus on a 72 hour kit. Many relief organizations have concluded that in cases of disasters it can take aid groups up to 72 hours to reach people affected or needing assistance. For some situations like say a simple power blackout, this kit might be overkill. But in other situations, such as a tornado or hurricane, this kit might save your life.
We are going to focus on the key posts of survival and bug out bags which includes: air filtration, water and food, first aid, shelter, clothing and warmth, tools and navigation and defense. All of the products will be what we consider the best of the best as this is the “ultimate” list. Without further ado, here is what we would recommend.
- Eberlestock F4 Terminator Pack – Military Green – $390-420
- Camelbak 100 Ounce Mil-Spec Antidote Reservoir – $40
- Sawyer Mini Water Filter – $20
- GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier and Filter – $50
- Polar Pure Iodine Water Filter – $20
- Hilleberg Tarra 2 Person Tent – $1000-1100
- Hilleberg Tarra Footprint – $80
- Western Mountaineering Alpinlite Sleeping Bag – $530-550
- Streamlight Siege AA Lantern, Coyote – $20-25
- Ultimate Survival Technologies SplashFlash LED Light – $10
- Fenix PD-35 Flashlight 1000 Lumens – $70-75
- Fenix ARB-L18-2600 rechargeable battery – $15
- Streamlight 14514 Sidewinder Military Head Flashlight – $75
- Streamlight CR123A Lithium Batteries, 6-Pack – $15
- Eneloop AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries (Pack of 8) – $20
- Everstryke Match Pro Lighter – $10
- UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit – $10
- Überleben Zünden Traditional Bushcraft Fire Steel – $15
- Ultimate Survival Technologies Wetfire Tinder 12pc – $10
- CRKT M16-10KZ 3″ Black Folding Knife – $20-25
- ESEE Knives 5P Black Plain Edge Knife – $150
- Smith & Wesson Full Tang Tomahawk – $60
- Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool Black – $90-110
- Lansky BladeMedic – $10
- Cammenga Phosphorescent Clam Pack Lensatic Compass – $50
- Suunto M-3 G Compass – $60
- Adventurer Series Military Grade Signal Mirror – $25
- Signal Mirror Pouch – $10
- Titanium Keychain Emergency Survival Whistle – $15
- UST Jet Scream Whistle – $5
- Backpacker’s Pantry Potatoes with Gravy and Beef Pouch – $8
- Backpacker’s Pantry Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken – $10
- Mountain House Breakfast Skillet – $7
- Clif Energy Bar Chocolate Chip (6 Count) – $7
- TOAKS Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set – $20
- TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon – $10
- TOAKS Titanium 1100ml Pot with Pan – $55
- TOAKS Titanium 550ml Pot – $25
- 2 Pack Survival Kit Can Opener P-51 Model – $5
- Campsuds – $8
- GSI Outdoors Spice Missile – $10
- MSR Alpine Dish Brush / Scraper – $5
- MSR PocketRocket Stove – $40
- MSR Universal Canister Stand – $14
- Isopro Canister Fuel 4 Oz – $16
- MyMedic First Aid Kit – RED – $100
- iOSAT Potassium Iodide Tablets 14 Tablets – $8
- Rolling Fox Tarp 12′ x 9′ – $35
- US Waterproof Ripstop Hooded Nylon Poncho with Grommets – $25
- Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack – $45
- Tactical Gear Clip Multipurpose Fasteners – $44326
- Aloksak Waterproof Rugged Plastic Bags – Multi-Pack – $15
- Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Solar Recharging Kit – $100
- Vanguard Dm-6250 Monocular – $60
- Tough-Grid 750lb Paracord Camo Green 200′ – $25
- Scrubba Portable Laundry System Wash Bag – $50
- STS Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack 2L Orange – $15
- STS Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack 4L Lime – $15
- STS Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack 8L Pacific Blue – $20
- STS eVent Compression Dry Sack Small – $35
Total cost: $3700 approximately
Enjoy!