So the second step of assembling a bug out bag is to begin packing it. Packing your bag is like putting together a puzzle, you need to group "like" items together and place them in your bag according to how much you will use them. Each person's bag will be different, but there is a solid approach to packing.
First is the bottom layer. You will want to pack flat reference materials such as maps, important documents and survival manuals along the back wall of the main compartment. Keep all documents and maps in plastic bags to protect them.
Next is your middle layer of the main compartment. You will need to add the items that you will probably only use at the end of the day. These will be things such as a fire starting kit, emergency blanket, toiletries, possibly a tent and so on.
Now the third layer of the main compartment is the top layer. this is where you should have your bulkier items like your poncho, socks and underwear, tarps and emergency radio. Put these on this layer so that you can reach them without having to unpack the whole bag.
The next step is to pack the top exterior compartment for compact items you'll want available throughout the day. Basically used for snacks, a knife, and other small essentials.
The left side pockets should be long so that you can fit a hydration bladder, unless the bag has a spot built in for one. Keep your portable water filter in this pocket as well.
The right side pockets can be to hold long, slender tools such as your fixed blade knife and flashlight. Those things can easily get lost in your main compartment.
Now, for bulkier items, you can always strap them to the outside of your bag if you run out of space in the main compartment. These items would include a sleeping bag, first aid kit and extra water containers.
Consider purchasing accessory straps, and make sure that you take a couple of garbage bags and extra Ziploc's in your backpack. They are essential!
So, the first step in assembling your bug out bag is to select the bag itself. It should be efficient to pack, comfortable, but tough enough to not fall apart the moment that you have to hit the road.
When looking for a bag, you need to make sure that you look for ripstop nylon. This type of material won't rip apart completely if it ends up damaged. Bags that are waterproof are expensive and optional. You can always use plastic bags to keep things dry.
Make sure that you choose darker colors like earth tones so the bag won't draw unnecessary attention. It needs to have compartments to keep like items together and make sure it has a compartment for a hydration bladder.
The bag should have hip belts to help distribute the weight of the pack to your hips and they should be at least two inches wide. Load lifters should connect your shoulder straps to the back of the bag. Sternum straps further stabilize heavy loads and take the pressure off of your shoulders and compression straps help lock down your gear so it doesn't move from side to side.
A quality bag will have an internal or external frame, but there are pros and cons to each of those. External frames are stronger and allow for better ventilation between your back and the bag. People with back problems like myself normally prefer these. Internal frames provide a narrower profile and better balance by keeping the weight closer to your body, but can cause issues when you need to lean forward for counterbalance and they also limit ventilation.
A good bag like the options above can cost between fifty and three hundred dollars. Of course, always keep your eyes out at garage sales and thrift stores, there's always a possibility of finding one that is in good condition and cheap. That's how I found mine!
Bug out bags are an essential but basic prep that everyone needs. Having an already prepared bag ready to grab and go will go a long way and give you peace of mind. Emergencies can happen at anytime and anywhere.
You will need to make sure that you think of any likely scenarios that can happen in your location, whether it be tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes or even nuclear plant meltdowns. I have to worry about a nuclear plant meltdown since I have one just an hour and a half away from my home.
There are all sorts of things that need to be in a bug out bag, but those things need to be tailored to your possible situations. Of course, there are the basics, clothing, food, medicines, first aid and so on. Once you figure out what your particular scenarios will be, then you need to make sure to add those things that will tailor to that situation. Over the course of the next few posts, I will give a rundown of what things should be in a bug out bag and what things you might want to add for particular situations. I hope that these things will be helpful for you and your family, so that you will be prepared in the future and even the present.
