Bug Out Bag List: Best Gear to Survive
Want to know everything about bug out bags? We go over scenarios, different types, and then a deep dive into the list of essentials.
PPT Editor-in-Chief. Professional journalist 15+ years. NRA & BLS instructor. 2000+ articles
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- What Is "Bugging Out?"
- Best Bug Out Bags (Bag Itself)
- Best Water/Hydration
- Best Bug-Out Food/Food Prep
- Best Shelter/Bedding for Bugging Out
- Best Gear for Bugging Out
- Best Hygiene for Bugging Out
- Best Lighting Gear
- Best Communications Gear
- Best First Aid Supplies
- Travel
- Self Defense
- What Disaster Do I Prepare for?
- Meet the Experts
- Final Thoughts
- Latest Updates
Super-volcanoes, solar flares, terrorists, zombies, balloons in the sky...oh my!
The idea of "bugging out" is a hotly debated one in the survival, prepper, and gun owner communities.
While we each have our own reasons for wanting a bug out bag(s)...this list should get you started on the essentials.
I'll cover what scenarios require a bug out bag (BOB), different types of BOBs, the actual backpacks, and all the goodies to include.
By the end, you'll have a great understanding (and shopping list) to create your own for your specific situation.
The Quick List
- Jump to details ↓Best Light:5.11 Tactical Response XR1 Headlamp
- Jump to details ↓Best Bug Out Bag:5.11 Tactical RUSH72 2.0 Pack
- Jump to details ↓Best Less Lethal Tool:Sabre 3-in-1 Pepper Spray
- Jump to details ↓Best for Easy Water Purification:Water Purification Tablets
- Jump to details ↓Best Gas Mask:Mira Safety CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask
- Jump to details ↓Best Water Filter:Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
- Jump to details ↓Best H20 Bottle:2 Qt. Military Canteen
- Jump to details ↓Best Sleeping Bag:Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Jump to details ↓Best Tent:ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
- Jump to details ↓Best Radio:BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Radio
- Jump to details ↓Best MREs:SOS Emergency Food Bars
- Jump to details ↓Best Multitool:Leatherman Wave Plus
- Jump to details ↓Best Fire Starter:Uberleben Zunden
- Jump to details ↓Best Rifle:AR-15 Rifles
- Jump to details ↓Best First Aid Kit:MyMedic MyFAK Mini Pro
- Jump to details ↓Best EDC Bugout Bag:Lynx Defense EDC Backpack
- Jump to details ↓Best Handgun:Sig Sauer P365 XMacro
- Jump to details ↓Best Glasses:ShellShock Eclipse Photochromic
Table of Contents
- What Is "Bugging Out?"
- Best Bug Out Bags (Bag Itself)
- Best Water/Hydration
- Best Bug-Out Food/Food Prep
- Best Shelter/Bedding for Bugging Out
- Best Gear for Bugging Out
- Best Hygiene for Bugging Out
- Best Lighting Gear
- Best Communications Gear
- Best First Aid Supplies
- Travel
- Self Defense
- What Disaster Do I Prepare for?
- Meet the Experts
- Final Thoughts
- Latest Updates
What Is "Bugging Out?"
The act of "bugging out" is leaving your home or other location as quickly as possible, probably due to an emergency of some kind.
What kind of emergency?
While the tinfoil hat in all of us might want to prepare for zombies, terrorists, or aliens -- the reality is that we're far, far more likely to need a survival or bug out bag due to natural disasters.
What kind depends on where you live, though.
These bags are designed to sit waiting when you need them.
You don't have time to pack, you don't have time to grab one more item, and you have exactly the amount of time it takes to get your family, your dog, and your bag.
Best Bug Out Bags (Bag Itself)
There are several great bag manufacturers out there, and there are a lot more really crappy bag makers.
There are good knock-offs and horrible knock-offs.
And the prices range from "clearly a bad idea" to "oh my god, my first car was less than that."
Look for a bag that is easy to use and really durable. Quality stitching, reinforced areas, and smooth zippers are critical.
Always get a bag at least a little larger than you think you'll need. These bags have a tendency to grow as you remember things to add. Empty space is never a bad thing, but a bursting full bag is terrible.
As a general guide, there are a few brands I really like:
All of these will serve you well, but I do have some favorites.
Pelican SRVL1
If you're looking for a pre-built, out-of-the-box solution, your best bet is the Pelican SRVL1.
Best known for tough cases, Perlican brings a backpack filled with certified emergency supplies to beginner preppers or those who don't have the energy to build their own BOB.
The SRVL1 is enough for 72 hours and comes stuffed with all sorts of gear to get you going. There are water pouches, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and more.
We reviewed the SRVL1 and its sibling, the SRVL2, so you can read more in that full write-up!
SLNT Waterproof Faraday Duffel
The SLNT Waterproof Faraday Duffel doesn’t just keep your bugout gear packed and ready to go; it protects your electronics from invisible threats, too. The integrated Faraday cage offers protection against EMP attacks, hacking, and unwanted tracking. It’s also waterproof, so this is one of the best do-it-all go bags you can buy.
For people who are concerned about an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack, having a Faraday bag is a must. The SLNT Waterproof Faraday Duffel offers a layer of protection against damage and unwanted tracking. Even the outer pocket is RFID-protected.
This 40-liter duffel has room for your electronics and plenty of regular go-bag gear. It’s also waterproof.
Even if the grid and everyone else’s electronics were to get knocked out, you’d be pretty well-equipped with some handheld radios that don’t rely on cell service or satellite connection, a rechargeable flashlight, a backup watch or two, and a small solar power station to keep everything up and running.
Spending $300 on a duffel bag might sound pricey, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better doomsday bag than this.
If you want something smaller and more EDC-friendly, SLNT also makes a Concealed Carry Faraday Sling with a dedicated CCW compartment.
There’s room for a compact pistol like the Springfield Hellcat Pro you see here, complete with an enclosed Vortex Defender-CCW and an IWB holster. In the main compartment, there’s room for everyday essentials and a few first aid items. There’s also a hidden compartment on the back of the bag for something small, like a little bit of cash.
The star of the show is the Faraday sleeve in the main compartment. Use it to protect your phone from unwanted access or electronic attack. Remember that putting your phone in there cuts all ties to the outside world – nobody can track you, but you also can’t get calls or text messages.
5.11 Tactical RUSH
The RUSH series of bags are perfect for a range of Bug Out Bags. The MOAB 10 is my EDC work bag and my Get Home bag, while the RUSH72 is one of my 72-hour bags.
They are well-made, durable, and really handy. I highly recommend them.
Lynx Defense EDC Backpack
Another preferred pack for our team comes from Lynx Defense -- the EDC Backpack.
Available in a variety of styles, the EDC Backpack offers plenty of pockets for organization, including a concealed EDC pocket.
The pack also sports no-slip shoulder pads, which stay in place and offer comfort for long jaunts. The only downside is the price -- at $200, it might be out of the reach of some consumers. But the quality is amazing, and we're still using Lynx bags 10 years later.
Best Water/Hydration
Canteen
A hard water bottle gives you something to not only hold water in but also to purify water. I like to have at least two so that I can be purifying water in one and drinking water in another.
I like a standard U.S. military-style canteen. They're lightweight, hold a decent amount of water, cheap, and there are about 5,000 holders on the market for attaching them to a belt, pack, or anything else.
Nalgene Water Bottle
Alternatively, a Nalgene bottle is my runner-up since they are indestructible and have a much wider mouth. The wide mouth comes in handy for things like refilling, cooking, purification, and more.
But I've spent years trying to find a handy way of carrying my Nalgene, and I still have yet to find a method that I actually like. Bottom line, I hate hiking with one, but I often have one clipped to my bag empty for use around camp.
Potable Aqua Water Purification Treatment
The gold standard for treating water.
There are a lot of options when it comes to what exact model you get, but I use the single-bottle kind. These do leave an aftertaste, but it's simpler and lighter to pack than the two-bottle system that removes the aftertaste.
Embrace the suck or use some drink mix to make the water taste better.
LifeStraw
Perfect for drinking water on the go, the LifeStraw filters out everything bad that might be in your water while you drink it. This means no weird aftertaste but does mean one more thingy to carry.
LifeStraws filter at least 1,000 gallons of water each, so getting one per person is an easy way of making sure you'll have water to drink almost no matter what.
Best Bug-Out Food/Food Prep
S.O.S. Emergency Rations
These are...well, they will keep you alive and active. And they have a 5-year shelf life. And they taste... okay.
They pack small, last a long time, are lightweight, and can feed a family for a week. But they don't taste amazing, and they aren't super filling.
Emergency rations are meant to keep you alive, not to keep you happy. Still, a pack of these should be in every survival bag.
Larabar Mini
Everyone needs to snack! I love these because they taste good, they have a lot of flavor options, they last a long time, and they are surprisingly filling.
MSR PocketRocket 2
A small stove is nice to have but not critical. Depending on your bag and what you pack for food, it might not be useful.
But if you're planning on keeping any kind of freeze-dried food in your bag, a backpacking stove is nice.
It also is great for winter conditions where snow might need to be converted to water.
MSR PocketRocket is a classic in the backpacking community; I've used one personally on a lot of trips. Simple, lightweight, and works.
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
Another item that is dependent on what you pack. Personally, I would keep most of this kit in another camping box for weekend use and only throw the plate/pot into the Survival Bag.
I have nothing bad to say about it, and it's held up well over the trips.
If possible, though, I would design my bag around not needing a mass kit of any kind.
However, if you're bugging out in a more family-style way, then the small amount of normalcy that comes from everyone eating together off of plates might be good for the kids and for morale in general.
Also, don't forget utensils!
PIG Full Dexterity Tactical (FDT) Alpha Gloves
We cover these gloves in-depth in our Best Shooting Gloves review, and I highly recommend you give it a read!
The short story, though, is that these gloves rock. Superb dexterity, thick padding, tight-fitting, duel-joint fingers, and touch-screen compatibility -- these gloves are simply awesome.
Almost the entire PPT team uses these gloves, and we bought them ourselves, so that should tell you how much we approve of them.
ShellShock Protection Switch Glasses
You'll probably want to stow a pair of sunglasses in your bag. It's good to grab a pair that is rated for more than your average errand run.
We might be a little biased here, since we started our own hearing and eye protection company...BUT that's because we took our years of experience using eyes and ears to create something we love. Our favorites are our own ShellShock Protection Eclipse Ballistic Glasses.
Not only are they stylish without that overt range look, but they are also photochromic. That means they automatically adjust depending on the light. In addition to that fancy light tech, they are anti-fog and ANSI Z87.1 ballistic rated.
There's a reason these are a top seller for ShellShock!
With stuff in the air, possibly high winds, or you might need to use your weapon -- it's good to have proper eye protection.
Best Shelter/Bedding for Bugging Out
WiseOwl Tent Tarp
A good tarp and some rope are all you need to make a great shelter in a hurry. It's also great for sleeping on, turning into a field stretcher, collecting water, and a whole lot more.
Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag
The first question you should ask yourself before picking a sleeping bag is: Do you really need one?
Depending on how long you want to survive using your bug out bag, the weather, and how much weight you want to carry, a sleeping bag might not be a great choice.
However, if it might be very cold, or you want to live out of this bag for a longer period of time, then a sleeping bag can provide much-needed warmth and comfort.
Coleman will always be near the top of our list for great bags on a budget.
However, this Coleman is rather heavy, so it's not a great idea if you need to pack this a long distance.
Sleeping Pad
Unlike what most people think, a sleeping pad isn't just for comfort. It's mostly about keeping you off the ground and helping you to retain warmth. Also, it's comfier.
Another item that you might not really need but should at least consider is the ground pad/sleeping pad.
I can say from experience that a ground pad really makes a difference and that I would often choose to pack one even if I didn't pack a tent and/or sleeping bag.
Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow
Back in my day, I used a 99-cent beach ball and a pillowcase as a pillow on backpacking trips. Nowadays, though, you can get this thing that actually lasts more than one night!
Granted, do you really need it, though? Again that will be up to you, but it is super lightweight at only 3.4 ounces, it is fairly cheap, and a night of good sleep is an amazing thing when you're dealing with the stress of bugging out.
If you have back or neck issues, you might want to seriously consider adding this to your bag since it is more adjustable and contoured than sleeping on your bag or a pile of clothes might be.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
A bugout bag based on natural disasters is likely going to be dealing with inhospitable weather.
Even if your natural disaster is something like a wildfire or volcano, these can change weather patterns and cause some nasty events on top of what you're already dealing with.
In such cases, a tent might be preferred over just a tarp.
Sure, you can make do with just a tarp and your wits -- but a tent is a lot easier and more reliable.
Best Gear for Bugging Out
Zippo Typhoon Matches and Match Kit
There are a lot of "waterproof" matches on the market, but in my experience, most of them don't work. Zippo Typhoon matches have never let me down, though, and the small case they come in is outstanding.
The striking surface is protected, so it won't wear off in your bag. And the whole case is waterproof and floats, while the matches themselves are coated in an extra thick layer of flammable material to help them burn hot and stay lit.
Uberleben Zunden
Flint and steel -- good enough for a caveman, good enough for us!
You won't run out; it's waterproof, it can work while wet, and you can even use it on moist tinder to help dry it out.
But it does take some practice and know-how. If you haven't started a campfire before with flint and steel, please take a weekend to go camping and try it out before relying on it in your survival bag.
For more options, check out the Best Fire Strikers for Survival.
Emergency Foil Mylar Thermal Blanket
Mylar blankets keep you warm in the cold, cool in the sun; they're lightweight, cheap, and can work as a reflective surface for signaling.
In short: you need them, period.
HotHands
If you can spare the weight, having one or two hand warmers can go a long way in making you a bit more comfortable or, in extreme situations, stave off frostbite.
If you're in the cold, these are high on the list.
RAVPower Solar Charger
Recharging your batteries is really nice to have. While you can go for crank rechargers, those take a lot of effort. Try recharging your phone off one, and you're in for one helluva workout.
Solar is passive but unreliable. You can set it on your bag while you walk, but if the sun isn't out, you might be in trouble.
You can see more recommendations for solar panels here.
Duct Tape 2x50 Roll
Duct tape is for binding wounds, fixing your pack, fixing your shoes, and a whole lot more. A couple of small rolls are lightweight and very handy.
Heavy-Duty Contractor Bags
Contractor bags, in case you didn't know, are basically trash bags but a lot stronger.
A whole lot stronger. Great for packing trash, carrying firewood, cutting, and using for shelter, lots of options. Bringing two to three is a strong recommendation.
OUTDOOR Paracord Planet
Rope has proven to be critical to humanity's survival and advancement for a millennium. Paracord is right along that same line.
Get the strong stuff so you can hoist food to safe levels, build shelter, set traps for game...the list goes on.
3M Particulate Mask
In case of a tornado, dust storm, collapsed buildings, etc., there are going to be particulates in the air.
Those can kill you outright, or they can help kill you years later. Either way, breathing in bad stuff is bad.
If your bag is designed for events like these, a mask is a must.
3M Medium Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator
Much like the other mask but better, lasts longer, filters more, and gives a lot of protection.
Playing Cards, Waterproof
Morale really is important. A deck of cards is great for that. Waterproof is nice!
Survival Knife
There is a huge list of options, we go over some great ones in our Best Survival Knife article, and you should definitely take a look.
Multitool
Don't worry; we have an article for Best Multitools also!
The problem with a multitool is they are heavy, but the tools might come in handy if you think you'll need them.
If you're preparing for a flood and know you might be traveling by small boat, then a multitool is a must. If you're going to be bugging out walking across the desert, is it really needed?
Best Hygiene for Bugging Out
Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes
Wet wipes keep you clean, can be used to clean off gear, and help just make your life a little nicer while you're battling the elements.
Get some, you won't regret it.
Chewtab Toothpaste Tablets
Teeth are important. Keep them clean. These tablets are cinnamon flavored and do an amazing job at covering up or removing bad tastes that might be leftover from purified water or MREs.
Sierra Dawn Campsuds
Keeping things clean keeps you alive. Your dishes, yourself, your wounds, all of these need cleaning. Don't be gross!
4MONSTER Microfiber Towel
Really any towel works, I just like these ones.
Camping Toilet Paper
Normally I just take normal TP and remove the cardboard insert, but proper TP is nice, also. Plus, this stuff is easier on the environment.
Purell Hand Sanitizer
Again, stay clean, stay alive.
Travel Toothbrush
Can't brush your teeth with just paste. Other options are taking a normal toothbrush and cutting it down, but I like this better.
Best Lighting Gear
Fenix PD25
For a flashlight, you want something that really pumps out the lumens, has a strobe setting for signaling but also has lower settings to conserve battery for when you don't need to turn night into day.
Fenix PD25 is our pick, make sure to bring extra batteries!
Headlamp
One downside to flashlights is that you need a spare hand to work them. Headlamp solves that problem!
Choose what you think is best, but the same rules for flashlights apply to headlamps -- get something with at least two power settings and bring extra batteries!
I really like the one from Bushnell -- it's affordable, useful, and has a few modes to choose from, including flood, red light, and multiple power settings for the primary light.
Emergency Light Sticks
What is the difference between a light stick and a glow stick? Normally light sticks are brighter and last longer.
These aren't for making your dance moves look awesome; these are for giving a light source when nothing else will.
Chem lights glow passively for hours, making them great for singling, marking an area, or leaving as breadcrumbs.
UCO 9-Hour White Candles
Another one of the "is it worth the weight?" items. But it is something you should consider.
Candles are bright, last for hours, can be used to help light a campfire, provide some warmth if a campfire isn't possible, and candlelight is comforting. Keeping morale up is important.
Don't use just any candle, though; these are designed for the situation with a high melt point, low soot, and a larger wick than standard.
Best Communications Gear
Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio
Ham radio is a complex topic, but of course, we have an article to break it down for you.
The short version is that you should learn how to use one and use it legally before you jump into it.
You never know when you'll need to communicate with emergency services, other survivors, or other members of your group.
You can get a rundown on how to use one of these here!
Fox 40 Sonik Blast
A whistle is great for signaling, getting attention, scaring off wildlife, and annoying your neighbors while you work out.
These are super loud, cheap, and don't have a pea, so they won't rattle. Perfect!
Prepaid Smartphone
A much more economical option, a prepaid smartphone gives you an option not based on your normal phone. Grab one on a different carrier, and you double the chances you'll have phone access.
Plus, you know it has a battery when you need it. You'll need minutes, though -- get data and texting too.
Fun fact...texting takes less reception than phone calls do. Even on zero bars, when you can't make a phone call, you can sometimes get a text out.
So get texting too!
Best First Aid Supplies
First Aid Kit
A small "boo-boo" kit is nice for the small stuff. Do you need a dedicated kit, though?
Not really, a ziplock and some alcohol wipes and BandAids are good enough, but a kit like this is easier to carry and more secure if you have the room.
Make sure to check out our list of Best First Aid Classes to get the training to pair with your gear.
Repel Insect Repellent
Bug spray isn't just to keep the bugs away because you don't want to swat at them -- bugs spread disease, and if scratched, the bites can lead to open wounds that might become infected.
And infection is at a higher chance since you'll likely be dirty.
Especially in a situation where standing water and disease might be running rampant, bug spray moves from being mundane to being life-saving.
Prescription and Non-Prescription Medications
Ibuprofen to keep the aches and pains away and antacids to settle the stomach is high on my list.
After that, just make sure you bring whatever it is you might need. Make sure to also replace them regularly -- never take expired medication!
If you're not sure how you can store your prescription medication in a survival bag, consult your doctor.
Travel
Personal ID and Pictures
You need your ID. Hopefully, you'll have your wallet and your normal ID with you already -- but an expired ID is decent for keeping in a survival bag so that you at least have something with your face and your name on it.
Pictures of friends and family aren't just so you can look at and remember better times.
If you're separated from loved ones or looking for someone that is injured, a picture to show other people is a lot more effective than a description.
Cash
Maybe you need to buy snacks from a vending machine, maybe you need to bribe a guard, or maybe you just want to play some poker after a long day of survival -- cash is king.
We recommend $200 at least if you can spare it. Don't bring two $100, though. A mix of $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills is a lot more useful.
In my opinion, this is a little on the tin foil hat side, but you might want to consider some gold or silver.
Apace Vision Reflective Vest
If your bag is for when the Russians invade, maybe skip the reflective vest.
But think back to any hurricane, wildfire, or tornado you've watched on the news -- visibility is often nil, and if emergency services are looking for you, then a reflective vest is critical.
The nice thing about a vest like this is that it is hyper-lightweight and easy to take on and off when you do and don't want to be seen.
SUUNTO A-30 Compass
Don't cheap out on your compass. I know a $5 compass is tempting, but a good compass is worth it. Well made, easy to rotate, magnifier, and glows in the dark.
Take some time and learn how to use a compass, though; it's more complex than "the red arrow points north."
Suunto M-3 G Compass
If you really want to not take the cheap route, upgrade to the M-3.
The differences are a bit subtle and really won't make a major impact for most people, but if you know what to do with a compass -- this has some nice pluses.
Twenty-degree tilt margin, metric and imperial UTM scale, stronger, more options.
Maps
You have some options here. Topographical maps from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) can be found for most areas; these are great if you can get them, since they show a huge amount of information such as terrain, water, hazards, etc.
But they aren't available everywhere.
A very general but very handy option is the National Geographic Road Atlas.
If you don't want to take that much weight, consider pulling out the relevant pages for your area and putting them in protective plastic or laminating them.
I strongly recommend this, especially if you're in an urban area. You can't rely on your normal ways of getting from point A to point B, and you should assume GPS will be down.
A good map will assist you in navigating around traffic, hazards, downed freeway overpasses, etc.
You...you do know how to read a map...right?
Self Defense
We could write whole articles just on this section, but I'll keep this as short as possible.
There are a lot of good arguments to make for a huge range of firearms and less lethal self-defense options; almost all of them are reasonable, depending on what approach you use.
What works for you and your situation is something you'll have to decide. For me, I choose to carry lethal and less-than-lethal tools and to keep all of my choices 100% legal.
Before you make your choice, you need to consider what you are going to be defending yourself against.
Red Dawn scenario? Being stuck in a crappy high school gym for five days with all of the other evacuees? Four-legged threats while you hike out to your secret bunker? Living off of small game for the next...forever? General civil unrest?
All of these would or could alter what might be the best defense option for you. But here are some recommendations for you to consider.
SABRE S-1005 Dual Stun Gun
Perfect if you want a simple and last-ditch tool to defend yourself with. Ergonomic, doubles as a flashlight, and it's simple to use.
Downside? You need to charge it. So if you're thinking you're going to be without a power source for weeks... maybe choose a defense tool of the chemical combustion variety.
Take a look at a full review along with other options in the Best Stun Guns!
SABRE 3-in-1 Pepper Spray
This is one I choose for almost all of my bags. No matter what situation my bag is designed for, some pepper spray isn't a bad idea.
It's small, lightweight, easy to use, cheap, and legal everywhere I've ever been. Oh, and it has a safety, so it doesn't discharge in your bag. Trust me, that's important.
Sig Sauer P365
We live in a post-P365 world. There are a lot of options now in this sub-compact high-capacity role, but I still think the P365 is the best option.
Choose the XMacro, XL, SAS, or normal, and you won't be disappointed. They are small, handy, and can be used as your EDC to help with training.
Personally, I would choose the P365 XMacro.
9mm Ammo in Stock
AR-15
This is the only rifle option, but there are dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of configurations to choose from.
First, why the AR-15? Simple, it is by far the most versatile and "uniform" option you will find in the United States. At any end-of-the-world situation, the AR-15 can be used for it.
A good AR-15 will last you tens of thousands of rounds, be reliable in dust, rain, cold, hot, sand, and mud, and be more durable than any of its users will be.
No matter what AR-15 you get it should be in 5.56 NATO, have a white light, a sling, an optic, backup iron sights, and extra magazines.
If you have a secondary location to store supplies, consider some extra complete uppers and ammo for them.
A suppressed .300 BLK upper is great for being quiet. A .22 LR dedicated upper means an endless supply of small game. A 6.5 Grendel upper will take deer at further range than .300 BLK or 5.56 NATO.
Please, don't forget to train with your rifle. Having it means nothing if you can't hit with it.
- Budget AR-15: Palmetto State Armory
- Duty Ready From The Box AR-15: BCM Recce-16
- Build Your Own AR-15: Building a Duty/Patrol AR-15
5.56 and .223 Ammo in Stock
What Disaster Do I Prepare for?
This largely depends on where you live.
Not sure what you should prep for? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers an interactive tool that allows you to look at what potential disasters might happen in your area.
That map should at least give you an idea, I would highly recommend that you poke around the internet for your location and see what else might be in store for you.
What you prep for changes how you prep!
Flood
Flooding rarely comes as a complete surprise. If you are in an area where flooding is a concern, the best thing you can do is be ready to leave when the evacuation notice comes.
Since this normally comes before the flood, your bug out bag can be more orderly. Think of it as being packed for a wet vacation.
There are still some extras that you should consider including in your bags. Communications, ID, money, medications, and more.
Something most other disasters won't leave you time for is priceless items, family pictures, baby's first teeth, rare heirloom firearms, and more. Knowing exactly what is important enough for you to take with you will save a lot of time when it comes time to leave.
Need more tips? Check out our guide to Surviving a Flood.
Earthquake
While infrastructure design has improved over the last several decades, much of our nation's infrastructure is in poor repair.
Freeway interchanges, bridges, and overpasses are highly susceptible to an earthquake.
Plan your bug out route or your route home with this in mind. Even if the freeway you normally take home is still intact, it might be massively overcrowded due to other failures and closed roads.
This might also force you on foot rather than driving. While this can free you from being reliant on roads, it does mean a radical change to your path.
Dust and other particulates might be in the air due to buildings coming down; a respirator can come in handy!
Need more tips? We got you covered. Head over to our Guide on Earthquakes for more info!
Wildfire
Two major concerns when it comes to wildfires -- speed and breathing.
Fire can move unpredictably, and it can move very quickly; the physics behind it is actually really cool, but the point is that 15 mph or more is not impossible for fire.
Speed in leaving the area is critical, so a well-stocked bag is a must. Don't waste time trying to find one more item; just have it in the bag!
With fire comes wind, and again cool physics comes into play, but the result is that wildfires can create winds in excess of 125 mph.
This throws a lot of ash, dust, and bad stuff into the air and can spread for miles outside of the fire itself.
A great respirator and mask are a prime recommendation. Check out some of our recommendations here!
And yep, we have more on wildfires here!
Hurricane
Hurricanes rarely pop up and surprise you; there are normally at least a few days for a hurricane to develop and then travel to make landfall in the USA.
The best defense against a really bad hurricane is to not be there when it hits. But for more mild ones, it's not unreasonable to just ride them out -- as long as you're prepared and do so safely.
Listen to the weather service and follow their recommendations; when they say it's time to leave, then it's time to leave. When they say that it's too late to leave...well, I hope you're already in a safe area.
Keep a go-bag ready, but also keep a stock of supplies on hand for when you're bugging in.
Make sure you know how and where to go when the time comes to leave. Know the route, know alternate routes, have maps that cover those routes, and more.
Keep your vehicle in ready condition. If you're going to use your day-to-day ride, keeping it in good condition is easier -- but if you have a dedicated bug-out vehicle, make sure you strictly adhere to a maintenance schedule.
We have some recommendations on essential garage and car tools here!
Please don't forget to check your ego at the door. Just because you were born and raised on the coast of Florida doesn't actually make you immune to a CAT 5 hurricane.
Oh, and make sure you have copies of your insurance paperwork in a safe location outside of the normal areas hit by hurricanes. Physical or digital copies will come in handy once it is time to go home and rebuild.
Tornado
Unlike hurricanes, tornados can come out of nowhere and hit hard when they do.
The only reasonable method of prepping for a tornado is to have a bug-in plan. They come too often and with too little warning to effectively plan and enact a bug-out.
Have your space ready for use at a moment's notice. Have supplies stored in place and secured safely.
Read up on the warning signs of a tornado, sign up for your local weather alerts, and have a plan for if you are not at home (or wherever your safe location is) and a tornado hits.
Make a plan with your family for communication if you're in different locations. Where will you meet up after? How will you get in touch? Plan ahead.
Also, see our resource, How to Survive a Tornado.
Meet the Experts
We know there are plenty of opinions out there when it comes to reviews, so why trust Pew Pew Tactical?
We spent thousands of hours researching and analyzing prepping and survival gear to determine which is the best when it comes to durability, ease of use, and value.
Input into this article came from our editorial team...a bunch of survival nerds and first aid specialists who spend plenty of time testing, evaluating, and contemplating the best gear to prevent their own demise.
Every product we recommend in this article is something we use or would use in our bug out bags.
Final Thoughts
If you only learn one thing from this article, I hope it is this: gear cannot replace skills.
Gear helps, but a $5,000 rifle means nothing if you miss. The best bag loaded with all of the best gear won't keep you warm if you can't make a fire.
Train, learn, survive.
What would you add to a Bug Out Bag that isn't on this list? Let us know in the comments! If you want a TON of info on Bugging In, take a look at the Prepping 101 Guide!
Latest Updates
- May 2026: Removed ShellShock Protection Switch Ballistic Glasses, Mira Safety 7M Gas Mask, Mystery Ranch Glacier, 5.11 Tactical Headlamp, NEMO Sleeping Pad. Added ShellShock Protection Eclipse Glasses, Mira Safety 6M Gas Mask, Pelican SRVL1, Bushnell Headlamp.
- June 2025: Added Lynx Defense EDC Backpack, added Sig Sauer P365 XMacro, Removed Sig Sauer P365. Added ammo.
- September 2024: Removed Merrel Shoes, 5.11 Taclite hat, and added ShellShock Protection Ballistic Glasses.