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"Ultimate Bug-Out Bag Checklist: Essentials for Emergencies And Surviving Off-Grid as a Solo Adventurer"

  • Writer: Muddy Ruttzz
    Muddy Ruttzz
  • Mar 27, 2024
  • 8 min read

Updated: Jan 3

A Well Outfitted Bug-Out Bag Can Save The Lives Of You and Your Loved Ones


So, you're off the beaten path and suddenly find yourself needing to leave your vehicle for a bit—maybe you need to hike into town for a part or something. No worries! Just grab your Bug-Out Bag and hit the trail. If you're thinking, "Wait, I don’t even have one of those," don’t sweat it! Here’s a quick list of what you should pack in your Bug-Out Bag to make sure you're ready for anything:

  • Water: Always carry enough for hydration, plus a way to purify more if needed.

  • Snacks: High-energy snacks like granola bars or trail mix are perfect for keeping your energy up.

  • First Aid Kit: A basic kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and any personal meds you might need.

  • Multi-tool: Handy for all sorts of tasks, from repairs to food prep.

  • Map and Compass: Technology can fail, so it's good to have a backup for navigation.

  • Flashlight: A small flashlight or headlamp can be a lifesaver when the sun goes down.

  • Extra Clothes: Depending on the weather, pack an extra layer or two to stay warm and dry.

  • Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and super useful for warmth if you get stuck out longer than expected.

  • Fire Starter: Waterproof matches or a lighter can help you start a fire for warmth or cooking.

  • Whistle: Great for signaling for help if you need it.

With these essentials in your Bug-Out Bag, you'll be all set to tackle whatever comes your way while you make your way back to civilization!


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Bug-Out Bags: Not Just For Preppers And Survivalists Waiting For The End Times


My Bug-Out Bag hangs on the wall at the front of my garage, fully equipped and prepared for emergencies. Life's unpredictability is evident with events like fires, earthquakes, and floods, which seem to be worsening continually. Being prepared with survival supplies is logical. Whenever I embark on an Overlanding trip, the bag is placed in the Jeep.


Table with the contents of my bug-out pack and the pack itself layed out on a table. There is water purifiers, flashlight and batteries, water bottles, small solar panel, first aid kit, satellite navigation device, map, compass, firestarters including lighters, matches and fire starting material, food, shoe laces and para cord, Buck 119 fixed blade knife, machete, bear spray, straps, cord line, small plastic shovel and some miscellaneous items.
This Is Pretty Much All I Carry In My Bug-Out Pack With A Few Additions When Its Used



GIF of White Jeep Wrangler Unlimited towing a Exventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer
My Overlanding Setup - Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel And Exventure XV-3 Trailer

I Carry Quite A Bit Of Gear In My Jeep And My Exventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer


So, here’s the deal: what if I had to ditch my Jeep and hit the trails on foot? I’d grab my trusty Bug-Out Pack and just go for it! I’ve got a cargo net above the back seat where I stash extra clothes, hats, jackets, and gloves—gotta be prepared for anything, right? And you know I’m always rocking a solid pair of boots. I could be outta there in just a couple of minutes, ready to tackle whatever comes my way!


Contents Of The Bug-Out Pack - 10 Tips



#1 First Thing You Need For A Bug-Out Pack? A Pack!



Green Back Pack sitting on table
My Old Ruck Sack Turned Into A Bug-Out Pack

Hey there! You really don’t need to splurge on an expensive backpack. I had this old rucksack just sitting around, barely getting any love. It turned out to be the perfect spot to stash some gear for those “just in case” moments. Super handy, right?


This one hangs on the wall, goes on day hikes, and straight into the Jeep when I go Overlanding.















#2 Which Item Do I Consider Most Important For Survival?



I kayaked the Grand Canyon in July of 1992. Three other kayakers I hiked up a side canyon off the Colorado called Matkatamiba. Temps were up around 110 fahrenheit. We ran out of water and barely made it back to out kayaks alive. I learned how important having the ability to filter drinking water was. First item in my Bug-Out Pack is a water purifier. I have 2 types I carry.

.


2 water bottles, a lifestraw water filter and a Katadyn Water Purifier and its sack sitting on a table.
You Can Survive Without Food For A Long While But You Must Have Water

In my pack is always a couple water bottles, Katadyn Water Purifier and a LifeStraw. What is missing? Iodine tablets.

Tip: Friend of mine recommends adding Iodine tablets to the filtered water to kill any potential viruses. They can also be helpful in the event of a nuclear war.




#3 Navigating Your Way Out Of The Wilderness: Don't Wander In Circles



A Garmin GPS Maps Satellite communication and navigation device, a map of the Mohave preserve and a compass sitting on a table.
Technology Is Awesome But I like to Have Maps Too

Friend of mine went hunting in Oregon and almost ended up like the guys in Deliverance.

Lost, he asked a couple of locals for help. They had seen his truck and his California Plate.

Seems some folks don't take kindly to Californians. They left him on a mountain top miles from his vehicle in a rainstorm.

If he had a satellite Navigation and communication device like this Garmin GPSMaps 66i he would have been able to find his truck on his own. At least have a paper map and a compass. So you can find your way. The phone is great when there is a cell signal available.











#4 Electronic Devices Are Just Bricks When They Run Out of Juice



Small Solar Panel And Power Bank - Don't Forget The Cords sitting on a table
Small Solar Panel And Power Bank - Don't Forget The Cords

I suggest carrying a portable power bank. If your hiking a long way or simply forgot to charge your device this will save your but.

Don't forget the needed cables. As long as you have a full power bank the phone or satellite device can be charged.

I also carry this small solar panel that can charge a phone. Set it on a rock or the ground. If your hiking, fasten to your backpack. Let it charge while your walking.



Spotlight On Garmin GPSMaps66i In-Reach Navigator/Communicator





#5 Flashlight: Must Have At Least 1 And Probably More In A Bug-Out Emergency Pack



Small Flash Light and 7 Tiple A Batteries Sitting on a table.
I Carry A Variety Of Flash Lights - Always one Powered By Batteries

I recommend battery operated flashlights in the emergency pack. I will also carry 1 small rechargeable. Don't for get extra batteries.


My Jeep contains a abundance of headlamps and flashlights. I would grab a couple of those befor I abandoned it to walk out of the wilderness. I like to have one that flashes red. You can signal with any flashlight.










#6 Must Be Able To Build A Fire: Essential For Survival



Package of 5 Bick Lighters, waterproof matches, firestarter and a paracord bracelet with ferro rod and striker.
Bic Lighter Is The Easiest Way To Get A Fire Going

Met a Prepper who told me Bic Lighters are best for starting a fire.

It can get cold out there! Be able to build a fire. Fire keeps wild animals away too.


Redundancy if the key. In my pack you will find waterproof matches, paracord with ferro rod and striker and firestart material.


Good idea to have other fire starting skills also.














#7 Self Protection: 2 And 4 Legged Animals



Bear Spray, pepper Spray and a pair of gloves sitting on a table.
Bear Spray Is The Minimum Defense Tool

Who are you going to meet in remote places? Who knows. Be prepared. Animals can be dangerous especially in Bear Country. I carry Bear Spray.

2 legged animals are the most dangerous. Carry whatever you are comfortable with.

Gloves are keep your hands warm and protected.














#8 Tools That Perform Multiple Functions: I Like These In Have My Emergency Kit


Saving weight in your pack is important. Try to pick out gear that serves multiple purposes. Leatherman Tools are a great example of this. I carry the Machete. Chopping and defense (hope I never need it for defense). Shovel and some Mountain Money (Toilet Paper). My fixed blade is a Buck 119. It is really a hunting knife. I will probably replace it with a Gerber Strong Arm eventually. That is more of a Bushcrafting knife.



Machete, leaterman multi tool, Buck 119 fixed blade knife, plastic trowel, toilet paper and a carabiner sitting on a table.
Machete Is A Good Tool That Does Not Weigh Much


#9 Miscellaneous Handy Straps, Ropes, Cords




Climbing rope, paracord, shoe laces and cam straps sitting on a table.
Rope And Paracord - Build A Shelter

I love Cam Straps and use them all over for all different reasons. Great if you don't know knots.

The bundle of line in this photo was so cheap I had to buy it. Not climbing rope but I can do a lot.

Shoe laces are something noboby thinks of till they need them.











#10 Food: Wide Array Of Choices But It Has To Age Well


Madras lentils, can of sardines and can of tuna with a spork sitting on a table
Food Can Make A Tough Hike Easier

So many choices for survival food. MRE's like used in the military are great.

Survivalists and Preppers offer great choices for long term.

You may have some good choices available in your pantry. I included some items I have here at home and you might also.

Package of Indian food, Sardines and a can of tuna. I would also include nuts and dried fruits.

















So, back when I was guiding rafts, we always kicked things off with a safety talk before hitting the water. You wouldn’t believe how many people just zoned out! It’s like they had this "nothing bad will ever happen to me" mindset. Sure, you see all those crazy stories on the news, but it’s always about someone else, right? But here’s the thing: none of us really know when life is going to throw a curveball our way. And if you’re heading off the grid, those odds of something going sideways definitely increase. So, it’s super important to be prepared. Trust me, having a Bug-Out Backpack could seriously be the difference between life and death.

Weight Of My Fully Loaded Bug-Out Pack - 16LBS

Suitcase scale is weighing backpact (not shown) with titanium Lynskey and American Flag In Backround
Bug-Out Pack Fully Loaded 16LBS



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