Sample Bug Out Bag Checklist

Note: This checklist includes the items I would take in a bug-out situation in which I had to head out into the wilds of the Lower 48 States on foot. Using a vehicle, boat, or other means of carrying gear would allow much more flexibility. This list will need to be adjusted for high elevations or northern winters.

BUG OUT BAG AND CLOTHING:

Kelty internal frame backpack
Jansport fanny pack (for critical survival items)
Lightweight mesh bag (for wild food gathering, carrying)
Leather and Goretex waterproof hiking boots (will be wearing)
Neoprene river shoes with heavy-duty hiking soles
Moisture-wicking inner socks (2-pair) (will be wearing additional pair)
Wool outer socks (2-pair) (will be wearing additional pair)
Wool watch cap
Boonie hat or Tilley sun hat (will be wearing)
Bandanas (3)
Ripstop BDU pants (2 pair) (will be wearing one pair)
Synthetic long underwear (2 pair)
Goretex rain pants
Heavy-duty belt
T-shirts (2) (will be wearing one under outer shirt)
Long underwear shirt (1)
Polar fleece long-sleeve (1)
Cotton-canvas long-sleeve (2) (will be wearing one)
Goretex parka
Camouflage poncho (doubles as small tarp, and useful to hide unattended gear)


SHELTER AND FIRE

Hennessey camping hammock
550 paracord (100-feet)
Synthetic sleeping bag rated for the climate and season
Bic disposable butane lighters (6 or more)
Fire Steel Scout (2)
Fire Sticks (12-pack)
Small back of cotton balls soaked in Vaseline (tinder)


FOOD AND WATER

3-day supply of Mainstay or Datrex lifeboat rations, or MREs.
1 gallon Ziplock bag of high-energy trail mix (dried fruits, nuts and seeds)
Power bars (half dozen)
Beef Jerky (several small packages)
1 gallon Ziplock bag of whole-grain oatmeal
Small quantity of Zatarains or Tony’s Cajun seasoning (renders anything edible)
One quart Nalgene bottles, pre-filled with drinking water (2 minimum)
Polar Pure Water Disinfectant (2 bottles)
Aquamira Frontier filter straw (1)


HUNTING AND FISHING:

Take-down .22 rifle
.22 ammo (200 rounds minimum)
Ruger GP 100 .357 Magnum revolver (4-inch barrel)
Holster for revolver to carry in accessible location
Speed loaders for revolver
Winchester Trapper .357 Magnum carbine (optional, depending on situation)
.357 Magnum ammo (100 rounds)
Selection of assorted fishhooks for bream up to large catfish
Spool of monofilament line
Spool of trot line for drop hooks
Pre-made wire snares for small game


TOOLS:

Quality 18 to 24-inch machete with sheath
Cold Steel XL Voyager (5-inch folding Bowie)
Leatherman Wave multitool
Small mill file
Diamond sharpener
Hand-bearing compass
Casio Pathfinder PAW 1500 watch with electronic compass
Topo-map enabled GPS receiver
Stainless steel 4-quart cooking pot (with lid, handle removed)
Stainless steel spoon
Sewing needles


MISCELLANEOUS:

Map of bug out location and alternatives, laminated or sealed in Ziplock bag
Insect repellant with DEET
Small tube of SPF 50 sunblock
Sunglasses with retainer and case (if traveling by water or open country)
Heavy duty Dacron sailmaker’s thread (for sewing repairs)
Basic First Aid supplies, bandages and antibiotic ointment
Extractor Snakebite Kit
Cortisone cream (for poison ivy, etc.)
Benadryll (for bee and wasp stings)
Epipen (for severe allergic reactions to stings)
Imodium (Anti-diarrhea)
Ibuprofen pain capsules
Field guide to edible plants (region-specific)
Passport/driver’s license
Cash plus gold or silver coins
Toothbrush
Small bottle of concentrated anti-bacterial soap
Small amount of tightly-packed toilet paper
Comb
L.E.D. version of the Mini Maglight, with extra AA batteries
(Or small L.E.D. headlamp that runs on AA or AAA batteries)
Small quantity of duct tape
Small bottle of gun oil/multipurpose oil