50 Survival Items You Forgot To Buy
Nobody wishes to be in a situation that calls for an emergency, however, the increasing concerns in today’s modern world is making many smart people choose to prepare themselves for unforeseen events.
In short, when a major crisis hits (earthquake, pandemic, massive blackout – EMP, terrorism, flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.) you may, for your safety, be faced with having to leave (bug out) in a matter of minutes from wherever you find yourself.
One of the simplest and most necessary steps to prepare ahead for such disasters is to have an organized bug out bag. This will guarantee you have the right equipment needed to make your departure from areas affected a safe one.
Building your customized bug out bag doesn’t have to be difficult. Instead, it should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Moreover, having a solid bug out plan, and knowing that you’re planning well-in-advance should help put your mind at ease.
What makes a good Bug Out Bag?
Well, this question has many answers. There is a wide selection of off the shelf Bug Out Bags sold online and they can be a good alternative for people who are not interested in picking out their Bug Out Bag essentials,
However, because these Bug Out Bag are produced in mass and sold to the general public they usually do not account for items that may make the difference for your locality, making you forget other essential survival items you ought to have bought.
For example, you would not have the same Bug Out Bag essentials if you lived in a desert region versus living on the coast. The same goes for if you are packing a Bug Out Bag for yourself or a family.
Highlighted below are the 50 survival items that should not be found missing in your bug out bag:
- Water filter – Lifestraw is a good brand and cheap
- Water purification tablets
- Durable water bottle
- Food items: make them light weight, calorie dense and suitable for long-term storage. Trail mix, beef jerky, dried fruit
- Portable stove
- Metal cooking pot
- Pot Scrubber
- Metal cup
- Eating utensils: collapsible dish, fork, spoon and knife.
- Tools: Glock shovel, fire starter, durable flashlight, at least two knives, one for pocket the other for the belt, clips to hang stuff on the side of your bug out bag
- Bug out first aid kit: check online Amazon or REI
- Small solar crank AM/FM radio the size of a dollar bill. The handheld police scanner is also useful
- Tying, binding, snaring tools… Learn how to use these first, you can search online for tips & books
- Compass, camo compact, and map of your current state/ location
- Personal hygiene items: TP, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
- Convertible (zip-off) pants
- Working gloves
- Wool Hiking socks
- Shelter and Bedding
- Ground pad
- Tarp
- Sleeping bag
- Heat source
- Wool blanket proof storage
- First Aid Kit
- Hand sanitizers
- Wet Napkins
- Hygiene/ signal mirror
- Machete and survival knife
- Water
- Sewing kit – this is essential
- Marine style camo hat, lightweight work gloves, extra socks, 8×10 tarp
- Guns: I like a.22 cal since the pistol, and the long rifle can share the same rounds.. 9mm or a.38 are good backup options and AR-15 with a collapsible stock is outstanding as well. Try to get training and practice at a gun range too
- Antibiotics
- Backpack rain cover
- Bandanas
- Chapstick
- Flash (Thumb) Drive
- Steel wool & 9-volt battery – great fire starter but store apart from each other
- Pen and pencil
- Pocket Chainsaw
- Siphon or clear plastic hose, 5-6 feet long
- Slingshot
- Small solar charging kit
- Cell Phone
- Emergency Radio with Hand Crank
- LED headlamp
- Documentation; Passport, Identification and other important ones
- $500 Minimum in Small Bills
Will I ever need a Bug Out Bag?
Well, no one hopes to face a situation where they are forced to flee their home, but as you can see with some basic planning, you can take steps to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
Lastly, none of this listed survival items is cost prohibitive. It just takes your personal commitment and a modest investment. Take a little time each month to survival planning. It is all about building a base of basic knowledge methodically one piece at a time. Once you stick with it, possibly within a few months, you will have a solid survival skill set, become more confident in your abilities and even reduce stress by worrying less about the day.
