Bug out bag - a complete list of equipment for a crisis
Natural disasters, wars and conflicts or other unforeseen events may force us to leave our place of residence immediately. In the event of such a situation, it is advisable to stock up in advance with a suitably equipped evacuation bag or backpack, which will be helpful in the event that you need to flee your residence quickly.
From the guide below, you will learn what an escape backpack is and what items should be in it.
What is an escape backpack and what elements should it contain?
An escape backpack, also known as an evacuation backpack or BOB (Bug-Out Bag), is a properly prepared backpack (or bag) containing essential items and supplies in case of an emergency. This type of backpack comes in handy in the event of an evacuation caused by a natural disaster, riot, war or during a widespread electrical grid failure (known as a blackout).
It is worth noting that the Government Security Centre (RCB) recommends being prepared for times of crisis and war. According to these recommendations, everyone should have an evacuation backpack at home.
The contents of an escape backpack will vary depending on the specific individuals and their needs, but certain items are universal and should be included in any such kit. An escape backpack should certainly not lack items such as:
When assembling your BOB, it is worth bearing in mind the well-known among preppers the 72-hour rule, which assumes that an evacuation backpack should contain enough equipment for three days. This assumption was born in the United States, which assumes that in most situations the services will be able to arrive with assistance within 72 hours of an emergency.
In the following section of this guide we list the most important things that should be in an escape backpack. This is only a guideline as everyone may need different items.
Water supply and long-term food
Water is a staple in an escape backpack. Even short-term dehydration can seriously damage your health. It is best to pack about 3 litres of water in your escape backpack to start with. In addition, it is a good idea to stock up on filter or water treatment tablets. In this way, you will be able to easily obtain water from natural reservoirs when supplies run out.
You cannot, of course, forget about foodstuffs. Avoid food items that spoil quickly. It's a good idea to pack long-lasting food and food that doesn't weigh too much but provides plenty of energy:
- freeze-dried meals,
- chocolate and nut bars,
- dried beef, e.g. beef jerky,
- cans and canned food,
- nuts, dried fruits,
- coffee or chocolate with caffeine,
- Seven Oceans type rescue rations,
- military rations.
First aid kit - necessary medical supplies
Medical supplies are an essential element of any escape backpack. Prepare your first aid kit to include:
- bandages,
- bandaging plasters,
- disinfectants,
- painkillers and anti-inflammatory pills
- drugs taken on a daily basis,
- anti-diarrhea agents,
- electrolytes,
- disposable gloves,
- glue,
- thermal foil,
- scissors and tweezers,
- tourniquet
- respiratory mask.
Only the basic items are listed above, but of course you may need others, so it all depends on your needs. There are first aid kits available on the market with or without equipment that you can refill yourself.
It is important to regularly check the expiration dates of the products in the medicine cabinet, especially medicines. Expired funds must be replaced with new ones if necessary.
Radiocommunication and navigation devices
In an emergency situation, it is unlikely that you will have constant access to a source of electricity. Then typical electronic devices, such as phones or tablets, will quickly become useless.
For this reason, it is worth packing radio communication devices in your backpack. It will be useful radiotelephone and a battery-powered or hand-crank FM/AM radio. These devices will allow you to communicate with others and provide constant access to information about the current situation, warnings and instructions from emergency services.
Also remember to take a map and compass. In the event of a navigation system failure or power outage, the map and compass will help you orient yourself, find your way and reach your destination.
Source of light
A flashlight should also be included in your escape backpack. It will be useful when moving around in the field after dark, as well as in situations when you find yourself indoors without access to light.
You can opt for a headlamp because then you will have your hands free to do other activities. You can also choose from regular handheld and angled flashlights, which combine the features of both types of flashlights. No matter what type of flashlight you choose, pay attention to whether it is durable, waterproof and what its range is.
Be sure to take spare power sources compatible with your devices. These may be batteries, accumulators or power bank.
Necessary documents and cash
Your escape backpack should contain copies of your most important documents. During a crisis, your home may be devastated or robbed, and you will lose access to valuable documentation. Prepare the documents in paper form and additionally scan them and upload them to a pendrive. Documents that are worth having with you include:
- ID card,
- property deeds,
- passport,
- driving license,
- insurance policies (car, home, health).
Additionallymake a paper list of contacts for your loved ones - useful when you don't have access to your phone.
Bring some cash with you too. Preferably in both coins and banknotes. You may not be able to use ATMs, in which case you will be left without cash.
Fire source and accessories for preparing a meal outdoors
The escape backpack should also include matches, a lighter and a fire starter. With their help, you will be able, for example, to light a fire in the place where you have set up your temporary shelter. This, in turn, will allow you to keep warm, prepare a hot meal or scare away wild animals. The flames can also serve as a signal to rescuers or simply illuminate the area you are in when it gets dark.
For the purpose of preparing meals in the field, it is worth taking a small foldable camping stove with a supply of fuel or a gas cartridge. You will also need: a canteen, a spork or a set of tourist cutlery and a mug.
Keep fire sources, kindling and fuel tightly closed, e.g. in a string bag to protect them from getting wet.
Accommodation accessories - sleeping bag and others
Be sure to bring basic accommodation accessories, as you will most likely have to spend the night in the field. Although the situation may be stressful and conditions may be less than ideal, ensuring that you get enough rest is essential to keep going.
In your escape backpack you can pack: sleeping bag, camping cloth and mat. It is important to always pay attention to the weight of these products so as not to burden your equipment unnecessarily.
Rainwear and a change of clothes
Assuming you'll be in this predicament for 72 hours, you don't need to take too many clothes with you. These are not essential elements for survival.However, it is worth taking at least one spare pair of underwear and a change of T-shirt with you.
It's always a good idea to take some raincoat or poncho - rainfall can occur regardless of the season. This is also a recommendation in the RCB's Crisis and War Situations Guide.
Personal hygiene accessories
Since an escape backpack is supposed to contain everything you need to survive for 3 days, there is no need to take a whole set of toiletries with you.
The assumption is that these are to be the absolute basics that will at least keep your body in better condition and improve your well-being. What personal hygiene accessories are worth taking with you? Mainly products such as:
- hygienic tissues,
- wet wipes,
- disinfectant gel,
- quick-drying towel,
- soap,
- travel hygiene kit consisting of toothpaste and toothbrush,
- toilet paper,
- feminine hygiene products as needed.
Universal tool set - multitool, knife and others
It's a good idea to take some basic tools with you in your escape backpack. We recommend choosing a light and handy model multitool. What distinguishes this type of product is, above all, its multifunctionality. Depending on the model you have, the multitool may be equipped with, among others: with pliers, knife blade, saw, wire cutter, scissors, screwdriver, file and many others.
What else is worth packing in an evacuation backpack?
The above list contains essential items that should be included in every escape backpack. However, it is also worth taking other things. According to the guide prepared by the Government Center for Security, it is also worth including items such as:
- pencil and notebook,
- garbage bags,
- whistle,
- rubbers, strings, tape, clamp.
Is it possible to buy a ready-made escape backpack with equipment?
Currently, you can buy ready-made escape backpacks on the market, which already contain the necessary items to survive a crisis. Not everyone wants to create their own set, so many stores simply make it easier for customers. These types of backpacks are very diverse, but their common feature is that they contain basic elements that will help you survive this difficult time.
Some models of evacuation backpacks with equipment contain up to 100 accessories, which are divided into modules such as: food, first aid, emergency communication and others. This makes it easier to find each item in such a backpack.
Evacuation backpacks offer at MILITARY.PL
If you want to prepare in advance for a crisis situation and purchase an escape backpack, we encourage you to check out the offer of this type of backpacks at MILITARY.PL.
We offer fully equipped evacuation backpacks with various capacities, depending on the equipment inside. They contain everything necessary to ensure safety and self-sufficiency in difficult conditions. All these backpacks have numerous pockets and compartments and are made of durable materials that are resistant to abrasion and tearing.
We also have backpacks without equipment for people who want to complete their own set. Models available with capacities include: 25 l, 30 l, 40 l and more. Noteworthy are, for example, backpacks that can be unfolded and used as a sleeping mat. Many of them are made of 100% waterproof nylon, so you can be sure that the equipment will not be damaged by rain.