Bug Out Bag

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Bug out Bag

Marines call it a bug out bag, a backpack filled with survival equipment that can sit on the shelf ready to go at a moment’s notice.  Like the Marines, you can adapt to and overcome any obstacle in an emergency.  All you need are the proper tools grouped together so you can find them.
 
For Marines and their families, every duty station presents unique challenges.  In South Carolina hurricanes move dangerously close to the coast. Sometimes we get flooding, sometimes we lose power and sometimes we have to evacuate.  We even have tornados.  In California, we experienced earthquakes, flooding and wild fires. In some areas winter storms can be life threatening.  You can tailor survival kits for any kind of emergency.
 
Below are examples of things to have on hand for your emergency kits.  You may have many of these things at home already.  All you need to do is put them together in one area so you can easily access them.  Other items you can find at your local stores or you can purchase them through the links on this page. *
 
When you click on an item you will be brought to a site where you can get a more detailed description and make a purchase if you wish. Right now, most of the links go to Amazon.com or Survival Frog but I’ll be adding more items and affiliates as I find them.

 

*Pleases note: ParrisIsland.com is an Amazon affiliate and a Survival Frog affiliate. If you purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.  The tabs below are grouped into several categories.  Browse the selections to see what you already have on hand or what you might need to purchase in the future.

Personal Water Filter

Bug Out Bag Life Straws

Clean drinking water is essential for any survival kit.  LifeStraw provides you with clean drinking water when you can get to a water source but don't know if it is potable. The straw filters out dirt, bacteria, parasites, and even microplastics.

Mylar Blanket

Bug Out Bag - Emergency Blanket

Every emergency kit needs a blanket, but traditional ones take up too much space.  Mylar blankets are light weight and compact.  These are waterproof and reflect 90 percent of body heat.

Flint Fire Starter

Bug Out Bag - Flint Fire Starter

Keep this flint fire starter handy in your kit. You never know when you will need to start a fire for warmth or in order to cook a meal.

Multitool

Bug Out Bag - Multi Tool

Never underestimate the value of a good multitool like this one from Leatherman.  It's perfect for a bug out bag or any kind of emergency bag.  This one has 18 tools including plyers, wire cutters, scissors and screw drivers.

Emergency Weather Radio

Bug Out Bag - Emergency Weather Radio

I have a weather radio with a crank to recharge but this option has 3 power sources: a crank, solar panel and AAA batteries.  It also has a power bank to recharge your phone!

SteriPEN ULT-MP-EF SterPen Ultra UV Water Purifier

Bug Out Bag - Water Purifier

This water purifier not only kills bacteria, but it kills, protozoa and viruses too.  It has a digital display and a USB charger.

Small First Aid Kit

Bug Out Bag - Small First Aid Kit

Compact yet full of the basic things you need for your bug out bag first aid kit, like: bandages, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, eye pads, and disposable gloves.

3 Day Backpack

Bug Out Bag - 3 day backpack

Once you gather together all of the items you need for your bug out bag, you'll need something like this 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack - 3 Day Assault Pack. This one is waterproof, expandable and has a 1 year warranty. The company is also owned by a military veteran.

Hydration Bladder 2 Liter Leak Proof Water Reservoir

Bug Out Bag - Hydration bladder

Staying hydrated is essential during any emergency situation. Make sure you have easy access to plenty of water with a hydration bladder like this one.

Kind Breakfast Protein Bars

bug out bag

Kind brand makes good tasting bars.  Keep something like these protein breakfast bars with protein in your bug out bag.  Whether you are stuck in traffic as you drive to your destination or you find out once you get there, all of the restaurants are closed, you will be glad you've got something nutritious to munch on until you can get a proper meal.

Duct Tape

bug out bag

Duct tape can be use for so many things. Did your snack bag get a rip in it? Form a quick patch with duct tape. I've even seen prom dresses made out of this versitile tape! And while you probably won't need it to make clothing, you can use it to patch camping equipment like tents or make fly tape to catch those pesky insects.

Manual Can Opener

Bug out Bag

A manual can opener is a must for your bag.  When the electricity goes out, you will be glad you have a gadget to open up a can of pork and beans, chili, or soup.  We stayed for hurricane Matthew in 2016.  The power went out and stayed out for over a week, but I had no trouble using up my canned goods using my easy turn can opener.

Coloring Books

Bug out bag

If you have children, bring along some coloring books, crayons and other fun activities for them to do.  You can download free coloring pages from this site or visit BeeandKiwi 's Ko-Fi page where you can get free coloring pages or buy the artist a cup of coffee.  Check the site occasionally for more freebees.

Reusable Activity Mats

For your Bug out bag

There are different kits to choose from for ages 3 to 6, like spelling, alphabet, and I can count.  The search and find kit contains 6 different double sided activity sheets and two dry erase pens.  After the activity is completed they can be wiped off, stored with your bug out bag and used next time.

Dramamine Motion Sickness for Kids

For your Bug out bag

We used to take long car rides to visit our family twice a year.  Our daughter usually did well, until one year, she didn't.  She started getting nauseous if the car ride took too long.  When you leave by car to escape a hurricane and everyone else is leaving too, it can take hours to get to your destination.  Dramamine for kids is a nice addition to your bug out bag essentials, just in case.

Door Stop Alarm

Consider buying a door stop alarm for your hotel room.  If someone tries to break in, an alarm sounds.  The 120DB alarm is sure to wake you up and scare the intruder.

Portable Door Lock

For extra security, when you are staying in a hotel have one of these portable door locks.  You can use them at home too.

Fanny Pack

Bring along a fanny pack to keep your essentials like money, ID, comb, mints, cell phone, etc..  This one has multiple zippered pockets and lots of room.  This is wonderful for family day.  Carry important items with you and keep your hands free.

Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook

Whenever I travel I take along a toiletry travel bag. They are perfect for keeping razors, eye drops, tweezers, and all of the other small items I need.

Vorspack Toiletry Bag Hanging Dopp Kit

Sometimes you don't want all those different compartments. You just need a place to put the essentials so they don't roll around in your suitcase. In that case look for something like this shaving bag.

Travel Locks

TSA approved travel locks for your luggage will keep your items safe and secure. You can also use them on lockers and backpacks. There's an indicator on these locks that lets you know if you've been inspected by TSA.

Anti Theft Backpack

Consider a backpack that already has a lock and RFID blocking pocket to keep credit cards safe.

Money Belt with RFID Blocking

I love this thin money belt to keep cash, cards and id.  You can keep it under your clothing. away from pickpockets. The RFID blocking fabric keeps your credit card and ATM cards from being stolen electronically.

Travel Money Belt

If you just need a few bills to put in a secure location, a money belt might just be what you need. It fits 4 bills folded into the zippered compartment.

Luggage Straps

Keep your suitcase secured with these luggage straps. Use the multicolor to help identify your bag.

Smart Tracker

Use these to track your luggage, backpack, keys, phone...the possibilities are endless. This tracker will even let you know when you left something behind using its separation alarm.

Sock Wallet

Bug Out Bag - sock wallet

Hide money, ID and credit cards in the hidden zippered compartment of these socks. They come in black and lots of other designs.

Tact Bivvy Emergency Sleeping Bag

sleeping bag

Regular sleeping bags take up a lot of room. Not this one. It is a portable sleeping bag that fits in your hand. It's made to keep you warm by reflecting 90% of your body heat back to you.

Mylar Blanket

Every emergency kit needs a blanket, but traditional ones take up too much space.  Mylar blankets are light weight and compact.  These are waterproof and reflect 90 percent of body heat.

Road Safety LED Flairs

Keep some LED safety flairs in your vehicle in case you break down.  They have magnets attached to one side allowing you to place them on your car.

Multitool

Never underestimate the value of a good multitool like this one from Leatherman.  It's perfect for a bug out bag or any kind of emergency bag.  This one has 18 tools including plyers, wire cutters, scissors and screw drivers.

Jumper Cables

Seat Belt Cutter and Window Hammer

Every car should have a seat belt cutter within reach for peace of mind. This one is also a window hammer in case you need to break the glass in order to escape your vehicle. It's a great gift for any family member.

Survival Frog

Functional as playing cards and educational too.  Each card covers a different survival situation and how to survive it.

Water Resistant Tactical Back Pack

Once you have everything you need for your car emergency kit, you can stow everything in here, then put it in the trunk or back of your SUV so it's ready to go.

Tiny Radio from Survival Frog

radio

 

Tesla Lighter

lighter

It's waterproof, windproof, and doesn't need fuel. You can use it to start fires. It has a whistle and a flashlight built in making it a multipurpose tool. Its been redesigned and comes in an orange or black shockproof case.

Life Straw Water Filtration

Lifestraw Water Filter

Clean water to drink and cook with is a must in emergency situations.

Heavy Duty Shovel

shovel

 

Toilet Paper

We learned this lesson in Hawaii when a hurricane was heading for the island of Oahu. Toilet paper disappears quickly during an emergency. It's always a good idea to have some extra rolls available.

Bottled Water

Make sure to buy enough for your family and any pets. Rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water per day for each person.  The Red Cross recommends having a 2 week supply for your home emergency kit. and 3 days for your bug out kit. Don't wait for a hurricane or some other emergency.  Pick up some water on the way home tomorrow.

Emergency Food Supply

Make sure you have enough meals on hand to keep your family fed for at least 2 weeks at home.  Keep a 3 day supply of food for your bug out bag. This product contains freeze dried foods and boasts a 30 year taste tested shelf life.  * If you buy freeze dried items, make sure you have enough clean water stored to reconstitute the food.

Baby Formula

Don't forget about little ones when calculating the amount of food and water you need. Make sure to keep some extra formula for babies.

Dog Food

Keep extra food on hand for your pets.

LED Lanterns

When the electricity goes out you will want plenty of LED lanterns. Save the power on your phone and use one of these to travel from room to room when it gets dark. Make sure you have extra batteries on hand too.

Family Size First Aid Kit

Buy a kit or put together one of your own..  Include different sized bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, cold compresses thermometer, tweezers , scissors, etc..

Emergency Laceration Kit

Home Survival Kit

Be prepared for larger cuts (up to 1.5  inches long ), that require a little more than a band aid.  These are great to have in your bug out bag or camping gear too.

Weather Radio

Home Survival Kit

Weather radios come in all shapes and sizes. Some are really fancy and can be charged with your phone.  Others are less expensive  and require batteries.  We have one with a hand crank in case the batteries fail.

First Alert Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder, Steel, Anti-Slip

Home Survival Kit

If you have a two story home, consider buying an emergency escape ladder to keep upstairs.

Home Fire Extinguisher

Home Survival Kit

A fire extinguisher is a great addition to your home and car emergency kits.

Hatchet

Home Survival Kit

Flood waters can have you scrambling upstairs and into your roof area, but what if the water keeps rising? How do you get out? Keep a hatchet in the attic just in case you need to break out of your house during a flood.