5 Things You Probably Didn’t Think to Include in Your Bug Out Bag
If you are reading this, you probably already have a bug out bag or at least understand what a bug out bag is and why it is important. There are a lot of bug out bag checklist articles all over the internet. There are a few items that a lot of people overlook when assembling or purchasing a bug out bag or survival kit. Obviously, there is a limit to what you can include. By its very nature, a bug out bag or survival kit is small and lightweight so that you can “bug out” quickly with the essentials to keep you safe and alive for the initial dangerous period of a disaster or other type of emergency. This article highlights five items that are commonly overlooked in getting a bug out bag or survival kit together. These are lightweight items that don’t take up much room, but can make your life much better if you have them.
“The Gear” © 2008 by Robin Van Mourik, used under a Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivs license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/deed.en
1.Sewing Supplies
No, not for that sewing hobby you love so dearly. Sewing string and needles can come in very handy for stitching torn clothing, shelter tarps, rain ponchos and your bug out bag itself. You may even need to perform some emergency stitching on a wound if you don’t have proper suture equipment or if you ran out of such. Sewing supplies are lightweight and won’t take up much room in your bug out bag.
2. Dental Hygene Supplies
Obviously, if you are in an emergency situation, you probably aren’t too concerned with how your breath smells. But having toothpaste, a toothbrush and dental floss can make you much more comfortable when you are in a otherwise primarily uncomfortable situation. Also, brushing and flossing your teeth is important to prevent infection or gum disease. The worst thing that can happen while you are trying to survive in the wild is to get sick or get an infection. Again, tooth hygene supplies are lightweight and won’t weigh you down very much.
3. Soap
Similar to number 2 above. Keeping yourself clean is not just about impressing other people. It is about preventing disease and infection. Having some soap to at least wash your hands before eating will greatly increase your chances of not getting sick. You probably don’t need to bath every day, but at least once or twice a week you should give yourself a good washing with soap and water.
4. Survival Guides
We are so used to having all information in the world available to us at all times. However, in a disaster or emergency situation, you probably won’t be able to google a question on your smart phone. Even the most experienced preppers don’t have everything memorized. A few good survival reference guides are good to have so you can fall back on them if you don’t remember something about a certain skill. Navigation, edible plants, knots, etc… are just a few things that are easy to forget even after you have learned it once before.
5. Money
This is one that is commonly overlooked because most preppers are thinking in terms of a complete societal meltdown where money becomes worthless. At least in a localized disaster or short term emergency, paper and coin currency will probably still be worth something. No matter how well you prepare, there is always something you will forget. Having some money to purchase supplies or barter with other people will help fill in where you may have neglected.
These are just a few items that are commonly overlooked in bug out bag and survival kit preparation. There are a lot of other very important items to include.
Buying A Pre-Made Bug Out Bag
If you are going to buy a pre-made bug out bag, I recommend that you look at either the “Executive 72-hour Kit” or the “Executive 72-hour Kit with Solar Upgrade,” both sold by Nitro-Pak Preparedness Center, Inc. These are my recommendation for the following reasons:
- A very comprehensive list of supplies are included.
- You will save a lot of money compared to if you were to buy all of these items individually.
- The bag is extremely high quality.
- It is designed to take care of two people if needed.
- There is a 120-day 100% money back guarantee. So if you think it is crappy, you can always return it. 🙂
You can find both of these products by following these links:
Executive 72-hour Kit with Solar Upgrade
Executive 72-hour Kit – As seen on CNN!
If you are thinking more in terms of being able to support several people, I would recommend the 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit for 10 People sold by Survivor Industries.
