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Survival Knowledge, Structured

Bug-Out Bag Checklist

The complete bug-out bag checklist: the Core 10 non-negotiables, layers that keep you alive, tools and comms that fix problems, medical that prevents them, and the documents you have 30 seconds to grab.

VERSION v2026.04
PAGES 8
FORMAT Printable
02 / 08
What's Inside
  1. 01 ๐ŸŽฏ
    THE CORE 10
    Non-negotiable โ€” carry every bag
  2. 02 ๐Ÿงฅ
    CLOTHING + LAYERS
    Dry + warm or dead
  3. 03 ๐Ÿ”ง
    TOOLS + COMMS
    Fix things, signal, navigate
  4. 04 ๐Ÿฉน
    MEDICAL + HYGIENE
    Treat and prevent
  5. 05 ๐Ÿ“„
    DOCUMENTS + GRAB LIST
    What you take when you leave
QUICK REFERENCE

The Rule of 3s

3 min
without air โ€” airway is priority #1
3 hrs
without shelter in harsh weather
3 days
without water โ€” this checklist covers it
3 weeks
without food โ€” buys time to reach help
03 / 08
๐ŸŽฏTHE CORE 10
Non-negotiable โ€” carry every bag
  • โ˜ 3L water + filter (Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ 3 days of high-calorie food (2,000 cal/day minimum) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Shelter: SOL bivvy or mylar blanket + tarp ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Fire: ferro rod + stormproof matches + tinder ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ First aid kit with tourniquet and Israeli bandage ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Knife: fixed-blade full tang, carbon steel preferred ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Headlamp + 3 spare battery sets ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ NOAA weather radio (hand crank or AA) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Map of the area (paper, laminated, state-level)
  • โ˜ Cash: $200 minimum in small bills, sealed
04 / 08
๐ŸงฅCLOTHING + LAYERS
Dry + warm or dead
  • โ˜ Change of underwear and moisture-wicking t-shirt
  • โ˜ Change of socks (wool or synthetic, NO cotton) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Insulating layer (fleece or down jacket, compressible)
  • โ˜ Outer shell (waterproof + windproof)
  • โ˜ Warm hat + gloves (even in summer kits โ€” nights get cold)
  • โ˜ Bandana or shemagh (filter, sunshade, bandage, signal)
  • โ˜ Sturdy closed-toe shoes if not wearing them
  • โ˜ Sunglasses (UV + debris protection)
  • โ˜ Poncho (shelter + rain gear in one)
05 / 08
๐Ÿ”งTOOLS + COMMS
Fix things, signal, navigate
  • โ˜ Multi-tool (Leatherman Wave or equivalent) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Paracord, 50ft minimum (550 type III) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Duct tape (flat-wound on a pencil, not a full roll)
  • โ˜ Zip ties (10+ assorted sizes)
  • โ˜ Small sewing + gear repair kit
  • โ˜ Compass (real magnetic compass, not phone app) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Whistle + signal mirror
  • โ˜ Portable power bank (20,000+ mAh) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Small solar charger (panel + USB) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Two-way radio (FRS/GMRS) for household coordination
06 / 08
๐ŸฉนMEDICAL + HYGIENE
Treat and prevent
  • โ˜ Prescription medications (7-day supply minimum)
  • โ˜ Pain relievers + anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
  • โ˜ Antihistamine (for reactions AND sleep support)
  • โ˜ Anti-diarrheal (loperamide)
  • โ˜ Electrolyte packets (LMNT, Liquid IV, or similar) ย โ†’ Buy
  • โ˜ Sunscreen SPF 30+ + lip balm with SPF
  • โ˜ Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • โ˜ Soap + hand sanitizer (keep wounds clean)
  • โ˜ Toothbrush + small tube toothpaste
  • โ˜ Toilet paper + trowel (leave-no-trace)
  • โ˜ Feminine hygiene supplies (if applicable โ€” NOT optional)
  • โ˜ Nitrile gloves (for treating others + cleanup)
07 / 08
๐Ÿ“„DOCUMENTS + GRAB LIST
What you take when you leave
  • โ˜ ID copies (driver's license, passport, birth certificate)
  • โ˜ Insurance cards (health, home, auto) on laminated card
  • โ˜ Family photos (for reunification, not sentimental)
  • โ˜ Out-of-area contact info (written, not just in your phone)
  • โ˜ Cash ($200 in small bills, sealed and dedicated)
  • โ˜ Pet medications and vaccination records
  • โ˜ House + car keys (spare set)
  • โ˜ Glasses or contact lens supplies (backup pair!)
  • โ˜ Passwords to key accounts (on a physical card, in the go-bag)
  • โ˜ USB drive with encrypted backup of all documents ย โ†’ Buy
08 / 08
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