Introduction
If you and your family have decided to brave the elements and head out for a weekend in the wild, then the very first thing you need to do before heading out is to plan for the unexpected. Creating a bug out bag for your family is going to be crucial in order to prepare for unforeseen circumstances like adverse weather or emergencies that can occur when you least expect it. Your bug out bag is going to be your one stop shop that contains all of the essentials that will improve your chances of survival in the wilderness for a 72-hour period, after which point you will hopefully be able to return home unharmed.
The harsh truth about the survivalist lifestyle is that it is impossible to pack everything you might possibly need, because, realistically, the extra load will become incredibly burdensome in a short amount of time and it will slow you down too much in situations that require you to think and act fast. And this is especially important if not all of your family members are mobile, as you will have to bear their weight as well.
What Exactly Is A Bug Out Bag?
Simply put, a bug out bag is a kit that contains all of the essentials you would need in the event that you would need to survive a disaster for the first 72 hours after evacuation. Disasters can also include unforeseen circumstances like a drastic change in weather that prevents you returning to base during a planned family camping trip. Alternatively, perhaps you suffered an accident and injured yourself badly enough to reduce your mobility.
Here are all of the key items that you will need to create a comprehensive bug out bag for family of 4, In the event that disaster strikes.
Water And Water Purification Methods
Water is, without a doubt, the single most important thing that you must consider when building your bug out bag, as research shows that a human can survive for around three weeks without solid food, but the body will cease to function after more than 72 hours without water. It goes without saying that the first and most crucial item that should go in your BOB is at least one full bottle of water per person and ideally more water if you are able to share the load between your family members. Everyone should have their own water bottle as well. You should also have at least one water purification method packed in case you run out of bottled water and you need to turn to other sources for hydration such as a stream or lake. Water purification tablets can be used in conjunction with a purification tube, and these can filter as much as 1000 liters (about 264.2 gallons) of H2O while removing bacteria.
OUR RATING
The best portable water filter you can get your hands on is the LifeStraw, which eliminates 99.9% of bacteria from non-potable untreated water, making it safe to drink. It is really important to have a backup plan for water like this, especially if your family includes children. Another easy and lightweight option is to put some water purification tablets on your bug out bag checklist.
First Aid Kit
OUR RATING
Accidents happen more often than you think, even among the most experienced of survivalists. And when a disaster happens, the risk of accidents increases substantially, which is why you need to be prepared and create a first aid kit that will cater for a wide range of injury and illness. Firstly, include at least four days worth of prescribed medication that any of your family habitually takes and, in addition, some general antibiotics and antiseptic. Adhesive bandages, gauze bandages and tape also need to be included, as do over the counter medications like antihistamines and Anti-Diarrheal tablets.
This first aid kit can be purchased online for just under $15 and it has everything you need to treat non-critical injuries fast.
A Radio
OUR RATING
A radio is an essential piece of equipment that should be high on your checklist when creating a bug out bag for your family; and, surprisingly, it is something that often goes overlooked. If you find yourselves in the midst of a disaster, you need to not only be able to communicate with each other, but also to be able to tune into official channels (weather, emergency, etc.) to find out how the situation is developing. Staying alert and informed is key to survival, and a radio will give you the best shot at communicating with rescue teams when your mobile phone is out of signal or your battery is dead. This solar powered radio also doubles up as a flashlight, phone charger and beacon, so it is a great space saving option that has received rave reviews from survivalists in the know!
Actual Bag/Backpack
OUR RATING
In a life or death situation that warrants a bug out bag, a simple backpack just won’t cut it. You need to make sure that you choose a pack that is lightweight, spacious, waterproof and incredibly strong. You also need to think about how carrying weight for extended periods of time could affect your back and shoulders, and you need all of your kit to be well organized and easily accessible. This pack bag has been specifically designed for survivalists, and it is multi-functional, allowing you to easily holster a weapon. It is also made of tough waterproof fabric that will weather the elements.
Light Sources
OUR RATING
Being able to see where you are going is imperative to keeping your family safe. In harsh weather conditions or low light, you need to clearly see what is in front of you before you start heading out in a certain direction in order to safely avoid accidents and predators. Multiple methods of illumination are advisable in case one of them fails; you can always rely on a back up option. If you go for a battery powered light, then remember to pack extra batteries, but we suggest buying a solar powered flashlight like this one that will be bright enough to light your path. The light should also be powerful enough to hopefully startle undesirable wildlife that could be aggressive. However, you should also pack a self-defense weapon.
Self-Defense Weapon
