Pay attention: this post could save your life. Many of you are probably wondering what a bug-out bag is. In fact, it is exactly what it sounds like: a bag for those times when you bug out. What do you do when your top-secret federal agency turns on you, cuts off all your credit cards, and sends a hitman after you? What happens when the 11 o’clock local news anchor is eaten on live TV and you realize the zombie apocalypse has begun? Sure, these are unlikely situations, but the Edukatorz are all about preparation. If the robots were to revolt tomorrow, you had better be ready to run.
The basic concept is that when you need to run out your door in an emergency, you don’t need to pack if you have a bug-out bag. The goal is to be able to survive for as long as possible with one backpack in a whole range of emergency scenarios. Since you don’t know what scenario you are going to encounter, the tricky part is figuring out how to carry as much survival gear as possible, for as many situations as possible, and not weigh yourself down with a bag you can’t carry.
First, you need to figure out what kind of scenario you are personally the most concerned about. If you worry about the zombie apocalypse, walkie-talkies and weapons are going to be a priority. In a robot rebellion, however, walkie-talkies might be dangerous and head-hacking weapons won’t do you too much good. When you’re on the run from the mob, you will need to blend in to society, so you’re going to want to bring a few changes of clothes and an extra ATM card. If nuclear war happens, though, you’re going to want a lot of food and non-contaminated water.
With that flexibility in mind, here is an outline some of what the Edukatorz have in their bags that might be a good idea for you, too. Disclaimer: the author is terrified of The Robots and is all about killing zombies, but doesn’t have any ties to spy agencies, so doesn’t have a little black dress in her bag.
First Aid Supplies
God knows what horrible injuries you might encounter on the run. You should pack bandages, painkillers (even just ibuprofen is a good look – you can get serious muscle cramps fighting zombies), antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, anti-diarrhea pills (yeah, sounds gross, but it’s way grosser to die from drinking dirty water), and latex gloves are just a few suggestions. If you think you’re going to end up in the woods somewhere, venom extractors like these are pretty cool too. Vitamins are also a great idea, just in case you’re reduced to a diet of rice (see section on food below).
Waterproof Matches
Carrying a lighter is a good idea, too, but waterproof matches are the safest bet for emergency fire-starting. Lighters don’t function right in the cold, and if you end up fighting for your life against a vengeful climate-changing Mother Nature, waterproof matches are definitely the right call.
Compass and Map
If The Robots revolt or there’s a terrorist attack on the power grid that affects mobile phone reception (and let’s be serious, anything from Happy New Year texts to nasty thunderstorms affect mobile phone service), you should definitely have a backup plan. We recommend a detailed map of your immediate area, a larger map of the surrounding area, and a compass. And please, learn how to read maps/compasses. It scares the Edukatorz that some people don’t know these things.
Cooking Supplies and Food
A chef’s knife, medium- to large-sized pot, and a standard mess kit should do you just fine for the hardware. Also pack some salt and spices (if you have to forage for turnips or kill a rabbit, you’ll thank us for that one). Food supplies should be as compact and light as possible, but don’t skimp – it might take people about 2 weeks to truly starve to death, but you’re going to want your energy. Some ideas include rice (carbs = energy, forget your diet!), dried beans (lighter than the canned variety), power bars, beef jerky, canned vegetables, and the tuna and salmon they put in those nifty pouches these days (again, lighter than the canned stuff). Also, trail mix might be for hippies, but definitely useful in any bug-out bag scenario.
Spare Clothes
Who knows what you’ll be wearing when you have to get out the door right away? We recommend one good pair of jeans, several pairs of socks and underwear, a sports bra for the ladies, a sweatshirt, and 2 clean t-shirts. Next to the bag you’re going to want to keep a pair of sturdy sneakers or Timberland boots to grab too. Of course, as mentioned above, modify this as you feel appropriate.
Towel and Blanket
As has been mentioned in other survival guides, a towel is a highly useful item to carry with you. Dampness = illness, and if you played Oregon Trail, you know you want to avoid that at all costs. A towel can also function as a pillow or signal flag. As for blankets, sure, those mini, foldable emergency ones are fine, but not that useful for weeks on the road. Just roll one up and strap it to the outside of your pack.
Weaponry and Tools
A saw is a highly underrated survival tool. You can use it to gather firewood, ensure that a zombie’s head is properly removed, build stuff, and threaten people. If you’re a gun nut, by all means keep a piece and some extra ammo in your bag. Otherwise, a machete is portable and dangerous, and can even double for most of the jobs the saw will do (just make sure you keep a knife sharpener as well if you’re going to use your machete to hack firewood).
Miscellaneous Crap
If you’re a smoker, bring tobacco and rolling papers. No need for a nic fit while you’re in hiding. Binoculars are perfect for scouting out potentially dangerous situations. A small mirror on an extendable arm (we’re not sure if they have a name, but mechanics use them and you can find them at your local hardware store) is good for seeing around corners, and also as a signal mirror if you have a group. If you do have a survival buddy, you should each have a wide-range walkie-talkie in your bag too. Don’t forget the soap, because hygiene is always important. It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand, just in case the world isn’t really ending. Finally, a tarp and rope for setting up shelter (and rope can be useful for a whole slew of other things).
Water
Once you pack the rest of your bag, bring as much water as you can still carry. It’s the most important thing you can have. You should also carry water purification tablets and a collapsible water jug to restock whenever possible.
A Note on Groups
If you have friends who are as concerned as you are about survival in the worst-case scenario, can run fast, and have useful skills like knowledge of explosives or swordfighting, you might want to coordinate your bug-out bags. These are the people who should have one of your walkie-talkies. Make sure to set up rendezvous points with them, and you can even divide up some of the gear between your bags, making them lighter and you more mobile. Just make sure you completely trust your survival buddy.
See you after the apocalypse!
Welcome back to our four-week segment on our favorite phobias. Share your phobia stories in the comments! (Although if your phobia is severe and interferes with your life, you should and can get help. Email us if you don’t know where to start at weareedukatorz at gmail dot com and we’ll do our best).
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