My bugout bag is my backpacking bag. It's an REI Aires women's hydration backpack with a 2 liter Camelbak reservoir. (The women's pack has curved shoulder straps designed to comfortably fit the anatomy.) What I keep in my bag is enough to keep me sustained for two to three days on backpacking trips, and works just as well for bugging out. Some stuff can be left behind for SHTF stuff, like the sleeping pad.
FOOD & WATER
• various protein & carb bars
• individual pocket packs of salmon, chicken, tuna, etc.
• bread I add as I go (flat pita bread doesn't smoosh and takes up less space than regular sliced bread)
• 1 to 2 MREs and heaters
• beef jerky
• 2 liters water
• collapsible plastic bottle, water purification tablets
CLOTHES
• enough for two/threee days, changes with season
• all clothes go in
compression bag to save space
• synthetic undies, a couple synthetic layers of socks with outer wool socks (synthetic fabrics wick moisture away from the body)
• two convertible pants
• a couple tops
• one long sleeve microfiber top for chilly mornings
• one size fits all rain poncho that fits over me and my backpack
PERSONALS
• travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, Oral-B Brush-Ups
• travel size Gold Bond medicated body powder, Ben Gay
• female products
• glasses case with contact lens care kit & old glasses
• pack of baby wipes
• travel size deodorant
• lip balm, small Burt's Bees hand salve
• travel size liquid hand sanitizer
• compact, highly absorbent towel
• hair comb, hair ties
SURVIVAL, EMERGENCY, ETC.
•
Petzl Tikka Plus LED headlamp
•
Ka-Bar camp knife
• First Aid Kit
• sleeping bag, sleeping pad
• mini sewing kit
• waterproof/windproof matches
• fire starter
• space blanket
• fishing hooks & line
• 50 ft. paracord
• a couple yellow lightsticks
• compass
• travel size sunscreen, bugspray
My bag is around 15 pounds and I still have room left in the bag.
My husband and I go camping together, so he packs our two-person
REI Quarter Dome tent, our
Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter and his personal gear.
I sound like an REI salesperson, but I can't help it. We have a store nearby and it's addictive (and expensive!).
For bugging out, add firearms and ammunition.