Bug Out Bag List of Essentials: Tips from Expert Preppers

Ah, the perennial prepper's quandary: what to put in a bug out bag. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back with a straightforward checklist to cover all the must-have essentials. Plus, thanks to the insight of the Mountain House community, we've got some real-life examples to inspire your own emergency preparedness!

What is a Bug Out Bag?

A bug out bag is essentially a version of the 72-hour kit, an arsenal of survival gear and provisions that will see you through at least three days of an emergency situation. "Bug out" references the bag's specific purpose of supporting your short-term basic needs as you navigate to a safe, longer-term location to ride out a disaster scenario of some kind. (You'll also see these bags under other names of the same spirit, including "go bag," "car bug-out bag," "SHTF bag," and "Get-Out-of-Dodge (GOOD) bag.")

Bug Out Bag Checklist

A bug out bag checklist includes the basic staples of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's recommended 72-hour disaster supplies kit. These items include:

• Water bottles: One gallon per person per day for at least three days 

• Food: A three-day supply of non-perishable food (e.g., energy bars, Mountain House freeze-dried meals, MREs)

• Emergency radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank rechargeable radio

• Flashlight: Include extra batteries

• First aid kit: With supplies to treat injuries and minor medical issues during a disaster

• Whistle: To signal for help

• Dust mask: To help filter contaminated air

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape: For sheltering in place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic zip ties: For personal hygiene

• Wrench or pliers: Used To turn off utilities

• Manual can opener: For canned food

• Local maps: For navigation when digital systems fail

• Cell phone: Include chargers and a backup battery 

It’s also important to consider your family's unique requirements when assembling your bag, but remember to keep it portable and avoid overpacking. While there are countless items that may come in handy, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Medicine and prescription medications

• Pet supplies (food and water)

• Money

• Hygiene items like feminine products, toothbrush, and toothpaste

• Extra clothing

• Items for babies and kids like diapers, small toys, or activities

Many preppers also include components of bushcraft survival in their bug out bags, given their bug out location may well be somewhere near the wilderness. Extra clothing, ponchos, a multi-tool/survival knife, a fishing kit, fire-starting materials, and pertinent up-to-date maps are examples of other goods commonly contained in a bug out bag. A lot naturally depends on the environment and survival situation you'll be navigating through to reach your bug out refuge, whatever and wherever it may be. (Our post on becoming an urban prepper includes more info on these kinds of survival bags and emergency kits.)

Real Bug Out Bag Examples

Want to get a sense of what some knowledgeable preppers consider bug out essentials? We recently asked fans of Mountain House what their bug out bag contents looked like and received some illuminating responses via Instagram. We thought we'd share them with the broader Mountain House community so you all can start making a bug out bag list or maybe fine-tune the go-bag contents you've already begun assembling.

Kenny Dietrich/Ugly Tent

From a gas mask to a OneTigris solar charger, Kenny D's bug-out bag covers some admirable territory.

Lobo Mountain

Lobo Mountain has the SOL Emergency Bivvy, bear spray, a hunting knife, a compass, a stormproof matches kit, and fuel for cooking up a pouch of Biscuits and Gravy.

Jonathan Revelle

Jonathan's bug out bag essentials include a folding saw, water filter, passport, local maps, and a deck of cards for good measure.

Pennsylvania Land Real Estate

Pennsylvania Land Real Estate has a Big Agnes tent, Hanwag Boots, a Black Diamond lantern, game planner maps, and plenty of Mountain House meals to prepare in the Primus pot!

Renaud Family

The "Adventurous Family" makes sure everybody has his or her own survival kit, complete with a solar charger, matches, a backpacking stove, flashlights, and other survival must-haves.

Steven Mullinax

Among Steven's well-equipped bug out bags are tools for rustling up grub in the backcountry, including a slingshot, snare wire, and fishing gear.

Andrew Sporrer

Andrew's bug-out bag stores multiple water-treatment technologies, a stove and fuel, a sleeping pad, and personal hygiene essentials.

Ryan Noeker

Ryan Noeker's bugout bag is designed for both adventure and relaxation in mind. He has a Dual CamJam and ENO hammock, Mountain House's Chili Mac with Beef ready to go in the BioLite Campstove, and a GoPro and tech gear for capturing the outdoors.

Mike Holmquist

Leatherman, knife sharpener, sleeping bag, camo garb: Mike's bug-out bag doesn't play around.

Roxanna Kooistra

Roxanna Kooistra has everything she needs in case of an emergency, including a LifeStraw, Delorme InReach Satellite Tracker, Osprey Hydration Pack, medical supplies, a mini fire extinguisher, a headlamp, cold weather gear, snacks, and of course, Mountain House and cooking utensils.

Morgan at Rogue Preparedness

A tent, tape, paracord, amazing freeze dried meals, a Jetboil, and other emergency gear. Morgan at @roguepreparedness is prepped and ready for anything in Alaska!

Keep Your Bug-Out Back Stocked With Emergency Food from Mountain House

Here's a big thank-you to all of our Mountain House fans who shared the essential items they’ve got in their bug out bags. And if you have any suggestions for bug out bag contents, take a picture and tag us on Instagram! 

The key to survival and natural disaster preparedness is an unflagging willingness to learn, and everybody has something to offer to the conversation. Don’t forget to check out our huge selection of emergency survival food for your bug out bag. Happy prepping!