The Complete Bug-Out Bag Checklist (72-Hour Survival Kit)
The Complete Bug-Out Bag Checklist
A 72-hour emergency readiness kit for one person. Print and check off as you build yours.
๐ The Bag Itself
- Backpack (40โ65L, MOLLE-compatible preferred)
- Rain cover for pack
- Dry bags / waterproof liners for electronics
๐ง Water (First Priority)
- Water bottles (2L minimum)
- Water filter (Sawyer Squeeze or similar)
- Water purification tablets (Aquatabs 49mg) โ 30-count backup
- Collapsible water container (2L)
๐ฑ Food (72-Hour Supply)
- High-calorie emergency bars (3,600 cal for 3 days)
- Freeze-dried meals (x4 servings)
- Trail mix, jerky, nut butter packets
- Instant coffee or electrolyte packets
- Spork + camp cup
๐ฅ Fire & Warmth
- Lighter (x2)
- Waterproof matches in case
- Fire steel (ferrocerium rod)
- Tinder (fatwood, fire starter cubes)
- Emergency mylar blankets (x2)
- Poncho
๐ Shelter
- Emergency bivouac sack or ultralight tent
- Tarp (8ร10 ft minimum)
- Paracord (100 ft)
- Sleeping bag (rated to 20ยฐF or lower)
- Sleeping pad (closed-cell foam)
๐ฉน First Aid & Medical
- Trauma kit (hemostatic gauze, tourniquet)
- Israeli bandage
- Adhesive bandages (assorted)
- Antiseptic wipes + ointment
- SAM splint
- Ace bandage
- Pain relievers + antihistamine
- Personal prescription medications (7-day supply)
- Nitrile gloves (x4 pairs)
- CPR face shield
๐งญ Navigation
- Topographic maps (waterproofed) for your region
- Baseplate compass
- GPS device (batteries charged)
- Whistle (Fox 40 pealess)
๐ฆ Light & Power
- Headlamp (minimum 300 lumens)
- Spare batteries or rechargeable headlamp
- Power bank (20,000 mAh)
- Hand-crank emergency radio
- Glow sticks (x4)
๐ง Tools
- Fixed-blade knife (4โ5 inch blade)
- Multi-tool (Leatherman or Gerber)
- Duct tape (small roll)
- Zip ties (x20)
- Paracord bracelet (wearable backup)
- Small pry bar
๐ก๏ธ Protection & Defense
- Bear spray (if applicable)
- Work gloves (cut-resistant)
- N95 masks (x5)
- Safety goggles
๐ Documents (Waterproofed Copies)
- Photo ID + passport copies
- Insurance cards
- Emergency contact list
- Cash (small bills, $200+)
- USB drive with digital docs
๐งด Hygiene
- Biodegradable soap (Dr. Bronner's 2 oz travel)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush + paste
- Wet wipes (x30)
- Toilet paper + waste bags
- Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)