The Ultimate 72 Hour Bug Out Bag Checklist

72 hour bug out bag checklist, what is it? A 72 hour bug out bag checklist, also known as a 72 hour kit, is a pack that contains everything you need for surviving in the event of an emergency. This could be anything from a natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado, to a man-made disaster like a terrorist attack.

This is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared for any type of emergency. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of having a 72 hour bug out bag checklist.

What Does “Bugging Out” Means?

The act of leaving your home and evacuating to a safe location in the event of an emergency is called bugging out. In surviving, you will need to have a 72 hour kit with you so that you can survive for 72 hours until help arrives.

What Is A 72 Hour Bug Out Bag Checklist?

The backpack for bugging out is simply a survival kit. It has all the important materials that can assist you in coping with a variety of catastrophes. 72 hours is the amount of time that it takes for first responders to arrive after an emergency. This means that during a natural disaster, you will need to be self-sufficient for 72 hours.

The best selections are lightweight, non-perishable supplies developed expressly for camping or survival that can survive for at least 3-7 days. You might also put some candy in your Go Bag to enhance morale.

It can help you to survive in the event of an emergency by providing you with food, water, shelter, and other essential items.

Why Do You Need A 72 Hour Bug Out Bag Checklist?

There are many reasons why you should have a 72 hour bug out bag checklist. First of all, it is always better to be prepared for an emergency than to not be prepared at all. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to evacuate your home, having a 72 hour kit will give you the supplies you need to survive for 72 hours.

Surviving difficult situations such as disasters needs preparation. 72% of American families, according to study, are not prepared for an emergency. Waiting for 72 hours may not seem like a long time.

If you get lost on a hike, or if your campsite is flooded, having a kit complete with all the necessities you have in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist will help you stay safe and comfortable until you can be rescued. This will give you the supplies you need in case you get lost or injured while you are away from civilization.

No matter what your reason for needing a 72 hour bug out bag, it is important to make sure that you pack it correctly. So what should be included in your bug out bag checklist kit!

What Should I Include In My 72 Hour Bug Out Bag List?

Water And Food

Three Days’ Worth Of Dry Food And Water:

These include:

1. Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables that are ready to consume, as well as a can opener
2. Protein bars or fruit bars
3. Granola or dry cereal.
4. Peanut butter packets.
5. The dried fruit.
6. Juices in tins.
7. Pasteurized milk that is non-perishable.
8. Foods high in energy.

Water bottles, water purification tablets, or a water filter

This water filtration system is designed for emergency drinking water decontamination. They can make most drinking water safe from pathogens.

Water purification chemicals are generally safe when used correctly.

Cooking Supplies:

If you are including canned food in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist, you will need to include a can opener. You may also want to include a camp stove and fuel, so that you can cook your food if necessary.

A fire starter can be used to start a fire, even if it is wet outside. A lighter can be used to start a fire, or to light a stove.

A portable stove will allow you to cook your food, even if there is no open flame.

Weight:

When selecting a stove, keep the weight in mind. The heavier your bag during backpacking or climbing, the less fun you will have. Make i easy to pack and convenient to carry. Take into account not only the heaviness of the stove and the heaviness of the kitchenware, as well as the fuel that will be use.

Efficiency:

The more efficient the distribution of the heat , the quicker the boil time, the lesser the consumption of fuel.

Stability:

Nowadays, a decent stove will include a support for the gas canister or will be designed with the burner and fuel bottle sitting separately, keeping the center of gravity low.

Fuel:

If you’re traveling to a high elevation or to a freezing climate, you should be wary about investing in good gasoline. Gas canisters can also be difficult and expensive to dispose of ethically. Liquid fuel is more difficult to use and takes longer to boil a liter of water, but it is reliable in all scenarios and acquired practically anywhere on the planet.

Spork And Field Knife And Hydration Bottles

A spork is a utensil that can be used as a spoon, fork, or knife. It is a great addition to your 72 hour bug out bag checklist because it saves space and weight.

When it comes to mealtime and quick repairs, the Spork Multi-Tool has you covered. This multi-tool features a bottle opener, can opener, flat head screwdriver with pry tip, three-position hex wrench, and spork. A useful carabiner is supplied for quick and easy connection to your equipment, belt, or bag.

A field knife can be used for a variety of purposes, such as preparing food, cutting rope, or opening cans.

A true survival knife should be well-made, comfortable in the hand, and tough enough to handle tasks that would break a more delicate blade in half. Full tangs and coated blades with thick edges and large spines are common features of best-in-class models.

All three can be aided by a survival knife. Whether you’re cutting thread and gauze, gathering tinder, kindling, and firewood, making a fire, or fashioning a shelter and fastening down a windproof cloth with proper lengths of rope, your knife will come in handy.

Backpack hydration bladders are a more convenient option than water bottles. A hydration system makes it simple to stay hydrated. It enables you to drink on the go without having to reach for your water bottle or ask a friend to assist you in getting it out.

This will help you to carry more water with you, and it can be easily stored in your 72 hour kit.

This 5.3-gallon foldable water storage container is a fantastic alternative if you’ll be camping for a few days or want to stockpile water before a storm. The large size means you won’t have to refill as frequently, and the leak-free spigot enables for easy distribution, which is useful if you’re setting up camp for an extended period of time.

Collapsible Fishing Kit

A fishing aid kit can be used to catch food if you find yourself in a situation where you need to ration your food.

A fishing survival pack functions in much the same way as normal fishing equipment. Hooks, weights, bobbers, and lines should all be included. If your kit lacks a mini-pole, you can easily make one out of a short branch or limb. This is why it is critical to always have a good knife or, better yet, a multitool with you.

Here’s a checklist of what you should include in your fishing aid kit.

1. 50 ft. fishing line
2. Hooks in a Variety of Sizes
3. Bobbers
4. Sinkers/Weights
5. Swivels
6. Lures for fishing
7. Bait
8. Reel

If you don’t want to make your own gear, you can buy survival fishing kits online.

Waterproof Ziploc Bags

Waterproof Ziploc bags can be used to store food, water, or other items in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist.

Some of the uses of Ziplocks in emergencies includes:

• To keep your Bug Out Bag watertight, line it with a plastic bag.
• Zip-lock bags are ideal for storing food, small things, cosmetics, and other stuff in your bag.
• To keep the rain out, place a plastic bag OVER a backpack.
• It aids in the protection of food from dirt.
• Store various first-aid kit materials in zip-lock bags to keep them clean and dry. For quicker and more efficient access, load filled little bags into a larger bag. (For example, put gauze in one bag, bandages in another, and tape and scissors in a third; then combine all of them in one larger bag.)
• Fill an ice bag with water and place it over an injury to reduce swelling.
• Make a sling out of a plastic bag.

72 Hour Bug Out Bag Checklist | Warmth And Shelter

Lightweight Tent

A tent will shelter you from the elements. When purchasing a tent make sure you consider the following

• number of individuals that will be utilizing the tent.
• usage conditions.
• usability.
• Make a note of the tent’s fabric.
• Take into account the weight of your tent.
• Consider the ventilation of the tent.
• Take note of any new features.
• Don’t forget about the flooring.
• It must be within budget while without sacrificing quality.

Hatchet Or Machete

A hatchet is used to chop wood for a fire, or to clear a path. It is use to chop wood and clear a path.

A hatchet is a good tool for chopping and breaking ice in a winter survival situation. You may need to cut through ice to build a shelter, to get a smaller chunk of ice to reflect sunlight to start a fire, or if you’ve fallen into a frozen lake and need to get out quickly.

If you’ve opted to bring an ax into the wilderness, you need to be aware of how to properly maintain and use it. Here are some general guidelines that will help you.

• • Always keep the shield on the ax’s head.
  • Allowing your ax to dangle while linked to your backpack is never a good idea.
  • When tying off your ax, always use more than one cord.
  • The ax head should be placed on top, preferably towards the pack, with the blade always facing away from you.
  • Keep all body parts a safe distance from the log you’re working on when chopping wood.
  • If your ax becomes trapped in a piece of wood, instead of attempting to get it out, strike the but of the ax on a stump.

Tarp

A tarp can be used as part of your survival kit. It can be a ground cover, or to make a shelter.

A tarp can be used for a variety of purposes, from a simple ground covering to a survival shelter. A decent waterproof tarp can keep you dry when the ground is damp and act as a moisture barrier for your sleeping pad.

Duct Tape

Duct tape can be used to repair a variety of items, or to make a shelter.

If you’re in a survival situation and your water bottle begins to leak, duct tape can be used to seal the crack. Duct tape is effective for patching holes of all sizes, including holes in small boats and holes in tents. Twisting duct tape creates a strong rope or cord that can be utilized for a variety of purposes in an emergency.

Duct tape is tough, but twisting it makes it much tougher. Even inexpensive duct tape has a lot of strength, and twisting it adds even more muscle. Twisting duct tape into rope creates a remarkably strong line that may be used for a variety of survival purposes.

Sleeping Bag And Emergency Blanket

Keeping you dry in the rain is one of the uses of a rain poncho. Protecting the membrane from abrasion and microscopic-pore clogging sweat, oil, and dirt from your body is the function of the inner covering.

They look trendy while keeping you warm and comfortable. They are frequently knitted or crocheted from wool or yarn. Ponchos with festive motifs or colors can also be worn to special occasions.

Waterproof outer shells are made of a face cloth. They connected to a waterproof/breathable membrane. The inner covering is protecting the membrane from abrasion and microscopic-pore clogging sweat, oil, and dirt from your body.

Rain Poncho Or Other Durable Waterproof Outer Shell Layer

Warm Clothes

You should include a sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist.

Having the proper protective clothes in your survival kit is critical because it protects you from the elements and other things that could injure you during a catastrophe or emergency.

Conserving heat from a person’s body prevents and treats hypothermia.  Covering injured victims using proper clothes will help lessen shock. Lining the inside of a sleeping bag, and giving shade as a shelter barrier in a hot environment are some of its uses.

Hand Warmers

Keeping your hands warm is one of its uses.

These packets are emitting heat on demand to warm cold hands. They are frequently seen in outdoor activities. Warmers of various varieties are available to give soothing heat for muscular or joint problems.

Warmers, on the other hand, should never come into direct contact with skin. Chemical processing in pouches keep your fingers and toes warm in extremely cold situations. Having a direct skin contact can result in burns.

50′ Of Parachute Cord (Paracord) or 50′ Of Rope

Making shelter, or tying down a tarp are some of the uses of paracord.

If you’re critically bleeding and can’t get to a hospital right away, you can use a paracord as a tourniquet. Tie it above the cut to create pressure and halt blood loss. Splint – In an emergency, use survival paracord to make a splint for fractured bones.

Building a better shelter, keeping someone (or yourself) from bleeding out due to a wound, or saving yourself from drowning in water or quicksand-the survival uses of Paracord are one Helluva way to come to your rescue. By improvising with some cloth, you may use paracord to create a better shelter.

2 Sets Of Quick-Dry Underwear And Pairs Of Wool Hiking Socks Per Person

Using a Quick-dry underwear will keep you warm and dry. In an emergency, wearing the proper underwear and socks (and having spares) will help keep you safe, comfortable, and infection-free. Underwear is one of those things that most people take for granted – until they don’t have any clean, dry ones. Socks are the same way. Spare pairs of each will go a long way toward keeping you healthy and comfortable in an emergency.

Using wool hiking socks can keep your feet warm and dry. When it’s freezing outside, your wool socks will keep your feet toasty and warm. Wool absorbs a lot of moisture – far more than cotton. Wool can actually store a third of its weight in moisture before it begins to feel “wet,” and it retains its insulating characteristics even when wet, making it ideal for sweaty feet.

Sturdy Hiking Shoes Or Boots

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots will protect your feet from the elements.

Hiking boots will keep your feet dry and clean in wet and muddy weather. In fact, you may buy waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet dry. Aside from hiking boots being useful, you should normally wear hiking boots while trekking through the trail.

Looking for boots with a decent fit is one of the hardest things to do when purchasing boots. A skilled bootfitter can assist with fit. Choose your footwear based on the terrain you’ll be hiking in and the loads you’ll be carrying.

72 Hour Bug Out Bag Checklist | Safety and First Aid

First Aid Kit

First-aid kit enable you to respond to medical crises as fast as possible. In an emergency, even a one-minute delay can inflict irreversible damage. This first aid kit provides basic and immediate care for common medical issues such as injuries, burns, and cuts.

In most circumstances, a well-stocked first-aid kit can prevent further complications with the accident or medical condition. Medical first aid kit is cost effective. Treating a wound immediately with a first-aid kit is less likely to require extensive attention in the future.

In the event of a cut, it is critical to apply antibiotics as quickly as possible to avoid infection. Pickering Safety First-Aid Kit includes essential antibiotic ointments for use in an emergency.

Emergency Whistle

Using an emergency whistle to signal for help is one important step in surviving a disaster.

Whistles are for signaling help and scaring away animals.

The safety whistle from Whistles for Life gives you the highest chance of survival in a disaster or life-threatening circumstance.

Whistles are one of the most cost-effective devices you may keep on hand in an emergency or survival situation. Whistles provide an extremely loud sound with minimal blowing effort. The sound of a whistle will draw emergency personnel to your position.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Antiseptic Wipes:

Cleaning cuts and scrapes are some of the uses of antiseptic wipes.

Insect Repellent:

Using Insect repellent can keep bugs away

N95 Face Masks Or CPR Mask:

 Filtering out harmful particles in the air and protecting yourself  from exposure to bodily fluids are examples of uses of N95 face masks and CPR mask.

Sunscreen:

Using sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun.

Prescriptions And Non-prescription Medications:

If you take medication, be sure to include enough for your 72 hour bug out bag checklist

You should include pain relievers, antacids, and anti-diarrheal medication in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist.

Bandages, Gauze pads, Medical Tape, Splint:

Covering cuts and scrapes are some of the uses of bandages. Gauze pads are use for covering larger wounds. Holding gauze pads in place is what medical tape is for .

Immobilizing a broken bone is possible using a splint.

Condensed Soap and Toothbrush:

You should include a small amount of soap and a toothbrush in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist.

Toilet Paper:

Using toilet paper for, well, you know is a must.

Packing feminine hygiene products like Tampons, pads or silicone menstrual cup is a must. Women are using these feminine hygiene products during their menstrual cycle.

Contractor Garbage Bag:

 Using a contractor garbage bag  as a makeshift toilet and holding trash are some of its uses .

72 Hour Bug Out Bag Checklist |Personal Items

ID And Cash

You should include your driver’s license, passport, or other form of ID in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist. You should also include cash, in small denominations.

Financial Documents

You’ll need certain financial paperwork on hand while you plan for a disaster, everything from the numbers on your credit cards and bank accounts to the contact information for your bank and investing advisor. If you evacuate your home with only what you can carry, make sure you have these financial documents with you.

Tax Information: Make a duplicate of the previous year’s tax returns so you can establish your income if necessary.

Financial Account Numbers: Keep copies of all bank or credit union statements so you have access to the account number and the bank’s contact information. Make copies of your credit or debit card statements for the same information as well.

Insurance Information: Make a copy of all of your insurance policies, including life, car, homeowners, and health insurance, and keep it in your disaster preparedness bag. This ensures that you can obtain coverage or file a claim even when you are away from home.

Bills And Commitments: If you have monthly obligations, such as mortgages, utility bills, and loans, create a duplicate of the bill or statement to save in your disaster kit.

Family Documents

If you are going to temporarily relocate or, worse, abandon the country, you must have all of the necessary documents.

If you are going to temporarily relocate or, worse, abandon the country, you must have all of the necessary documents.

Birth Certificates: Copies are OK, but keep your originals in the disaster preparedness kit so you can establish who you are and where you live.

Marriage And Divorce Papers: These documents establish the marital status of the head of the family and may be useful in the future.

Adoption Documents: If you have adopted a kid, you will need these to verify that the child is now a member of your family.

Social Security Cards: Obtaining a new copy of your Social Security card takes time and may be difficult if your neighborhood has been ravaged by a natural disaster, so have duplicates on hand.

Passports: You should only carry your passport when you need it. If you must travel with your passport, put it in a secure location that is difficult to access. If you keep it in your handbag or travel bag, keep it zipped up in an interior pocket.

Having your passport in case of emergency is a must. Identifying you and confirming your citizenship are some of its uses.

Deeds/Titles To Home And Car: Organizing and safeguarding those documents prior to a crisis is critical for personal protection and peace of mind. Gathering for safety of vital records, insurance policies, property records, medical information, financial data, and any other critical personal papers is a must.

Disaster can strike at any time, so keeping crucial documents and certificates in the safest place possible is essential.

You can keep them somewhere else than your home, such as a safe deposit box. Store files in a dependable out-of-area storage facility for further security, or store electronically and back up online with a subscription service.

Family Photos And Health Records: You may want to include a few family photos in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist. You should also include health records, in case you need medical treatment. The major goal of the patient record is to ensure continuity of care, which includes documenting services so that others can base their care on them. If a member of the family is undergoing treatment during a disaster, having these records could save their life.

Paper Road Maps And Topographic Maps: Paper road maps can be used to help you find your way. Finding your way and water sources is possible using topographic maps.

A topographic map depicts the topography or shape of the ground surface. Topographic maps depict the positions and shapes of hills, valleys, streams, and other natural features, as well as a variety of man-made landmarks. They employ contour lines to depict the form and elevation of surface features.

Including local maps in each emergency pack during an emergency disaster is a must. The directions are provided by a local map. You can also incorporate a compass with it. You can’t obtain a good idea of the directions and course you’re taking.

Compass And GPS Unit

Using a compass will help you find your way.

A compass usually only shows you north when you don’t have a map. Can save a variety of maps and locate your location on a map. It will tell you how far you’ve traveled and how far you still have to go. It is also capable of calculating your altitude.

A decent compass can tell you more than just which way is north. When used with a map, it can assist you in selecting the shortest, safest route to your destination. Then it can assist you in getting there swiftly. Unfortunately, skills such as compass use, map reading, and land navigation are becoming obsolete.

Finding your way and tracking your location are some of the uses of GPS units.

Light, Safety And Communication

Two-way Walkie Talkie Radios

Communicating with others and listening for emergency broadcasts are some of the uses of two-way walkie talkie.

Two-way radios are extremely useful equipment for anyone who works in an isolated or rural environment, which custodians frequently do. Unlike cell phones, which may be unable to receive or transmit a signal and may be difficult to use in an emergency, two-way radios can allow immediate and dependable communication.

You might think that two-way radios only function over small distances, but think otherwise. Your personal 2-way radio system can communicate with people up to 300 miles away, allowing you to communicate with those who are not in the local vicinity of the crisis.

Flashlight

Seeing the dark, or signaling for help are some of the uses of flashlight.

Locating people becomes possible using flashlights. It is used to signal for assistance. noticing trapped people at night is impossible without a flashlight.

It can be use in blinding an attacker as self-defense. Because of technological advancements, flashlight manufacturers have been able to create tiny, robust, lightweight, and brighter flashlights.

When purchasing a flashlight it must have the following: waterproof, extra batteries and bulb.

Cell Phone And Charger

Communicating with others, asking for help, and accessing the internet are some of the uses of cellphones .

Cell phones are one of the least power-consuming devices and for being simple to use. It is an important tool for communicating and passing information during and after a crisis. As a result, it is critical to include cellphones in your emergency survival kit.

• If needed, use your mobile phone as a flashlight.
• Send SMS messages or make a phone call to get in touch with the appropriate authorities right away.
• Make a note of all the emergency contact numbers ahead of time.
• get notice by texting messages on social media platforms.

Pepper Spray

We can use pepper spray to temporarily stop a threat and allow the user to flee physical harm from their adversary. To deter animals or to defend yourself are some of the uses of Pepper spray. It is illegal for the user to use pepper spray for any other purpose, and doing so may result in criminal and civil consequences.

Hand-cranked Radio

We can use ETRM Solar/Hand-Crank Powered Radio and Flashlight without the use of batteries or energy. A must-have for your emergency pack, bedside table, or car.

When emergencies and disasters strike, radio has a distinct and important role to play in keeping people informed of events and advising them on practical steps to take to mitigate the impact of a disaster, such as storing food for an emergency time and charging your cell phone. It should be present in your 72 hour bug out bag

Hand-cranked Or Solar-powered Lantern

Using a hand-cranked or solar-powered lantern helps light your way in the dark. It must be included also in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist. The hand-cranked flashlight is an electric machine that employs muscle strength to turn an electric generator, which generates the current required to light the LED bulbs. Cranking the handle causes the gears inside the flashlight to rotate, which causes the generator rotor to turn.

It can remain unused endlessly and then be ready when you need it. You may keep it with your camping equipment at the end of the season, and it will still work the next year.

Rechargeable Batteries

A headlamp and rechargeable batteries help power your flashlight, radio, and other electronic devices. Therefore, include them in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist.

Batteries are essential component of a 72 hour bug out bag checklist. Therefore, including it in any catastrophe survival pack is a must. Electricity would be out during a disaster. It would be more handy to have a backup of a few extra batteries. Make a backup set of A3 and A4 batteries as well.

During power outages a battery-powered emergency lighting should be use. Emergency lighting is a requirement of modern business and residential construction requirements therefore it should be available in every house.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks should be included in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist. They can light up doorways or other exits, but they don’t provide enough light to be useful in an emergency. They use signals for help. Professional-grade emergency light sticks produce illumination using much stronger chemicals.

Glowsticks’ popularity appears to be growing due to its simple formula: they’re inexpensive, disposable, waterproof, can sustain high pressure, they’re safe, colorful, and lively.

What To Consider When Buying The Best Bug Out Bag?

Comfortable And Lightweight

The bug out bag should be comfortable to wear, and lightweight. Soldiers can carry up to 70 pounds on their backs which is something not everybody can do. More power to you if you can! However, for the rest of us, the weight of our bug out bags is vital to surviving a life-threatening situation. Choose something that’s comfortable for you to carry, and that won’t weigh you down.

Waterproof

Your bug out bag should be waterproof to keep your belongings dry, and safe. This is vital, as you never know when you’ll need to cross a river, or hike through a rainstorm.

Pockets And Compartments

The bug out bag should have pockets and compartments, so you can organize your gear. It will also help you find things quickly, and keep track of your belongings.

Durable

The bug out bag should be durable. This is important, as you never know when you’ll need to use it.

Adjustable Straps

The bug out bag should have adjustable straps, so you can adjust the fit. The straps should also be comfortable, and not dig into your shoulders.

The bug out bag should be big enough to fit all of your gear, but not too big that it’s cumbersome to carry. Choose something that distributes weight evenly so it’s comfortable to wear.

Your Bug out bags are crucial to the survival of anyone in an emergency situation therefore, the bag itself should be durable. They should also have plenty of compartments and organizational pockets. Nevertheless, the straps must be adjustable and comfortable.

And finally, the bag should be big enough to fit all your gear, but not so big that it’s difficult to carry. Also, it should contain all the essentials you include in your 72 hour bug out bag checklist. With these things in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best bug out.