What is a Bug Out Bag?

In general terms, it is a portable kit designed to be prepacked and grabbed in event of an emergency. A general rule of thumb is that they are considered a "3 day pack" or "72 hour kit" for packing a combination of personal necessities and short term survival gear.

I found one reference reporting that the origin of these bags came from the military aviator's "bail out bag", which is carried in case the pilot has to eject from their aircraft and survive on the ground till rescued. "Bug Out" is a military term where once this order is given, everything in camp must be packed up to move - immediately!

Today, Law Enforcement, Military and Civilian Survivalists use the term "Bug Out Bag" to describe this kit. Although there are hundreds of variables to these, each is packed by the individual with what gear THAT INDIVIDUAL DEEMS ARE THEIR NECESSITIES based on their own individual skills, needs or how much weight they can carry. For some, this is basically an overnight bag of extra clothes, medications and hygienic items, but for others its an emergency evacuation kit including food & water supplies for up to 3 days of survival.

There are NO RIGHT OR WRONG things to put in your bag as they are too personal for any one bag to work for everyone - that's why there are so many opinions and a constant "hobby" of tweaking what is in them. It would be like saying that everyone can carry the same amount of weight or have the same skills.

BOB's are a CONSTANT WORK IN PROGRESS as they are based on items that individual has learned how to use. Since learning is constant, so is the tweaking.


Try this Test:

If you really THINK you're ready or are not sure, take the 1 Minute to Run test and find out.




Building your own BOB:

Building the "Perfect Bug Out Bag" - Categories to consider when selecting your gear by JeffCee

Weight of your Gear - Little help guide to the ACTUAL weight of common things in a BOB.

Types of Bug Out Bags - Examples of different bags

Bug Out Bag Template - Make your own BOB for your profile page. This template helps you organize and plan.

Scramble Bag - smaller than a BOB and made in case you have to bail out of your vehicle.

Scramble Bag "Deuce" - by Freelancer47 - Dual bags for scrambling.


User BOBs:
Ironhand's BugOutBag - In depth look at designing a BOB. From weight ratios to what items to take and why. This is page is for reference to help you put together your own by Ironhand

Jahadaz's Bag - Round three

LJ126's EDC/BOB Kit - Article completed, but an updated version is coming soon...