Learning + Tutorials

Basic 72-Hour Bug Out Bag List

Duration: 72-Hours to 1-Week

Use:

Short-Notice Evacuation Due To: Flooding, Fire, Hurricane, Tsunami, Earthquake, Nuclear Incidents

Must Have Gear:

Clothing, Water, Medications, Toiletries, Food, Blankets, Pillows, Lighting, Document Backups

Updated on: October 16, 2025

Having long to medium-term food reserves can be a tricky subject for those of us who grew up relying on a refrigerator and mom going grocery shopping every week, or Dominos *cough* Pizza.

There is a simple and easy way to store months worth of food at home without purchasing freeze-dried foods (although we have those too, most with a 25 year shelf life!)

All it takes is a brake bleeder vacuum pump, some jars, a Foodsaver and Tattler lids.

The key to prepping an effective emergency Bug Out Bag or any other survival kit is being able to quickly find and take stock of the items within it.

Resist the urge to dump everything in there willy-nilly. You should be able to find each item quickly and efficiently (even in the dark) without spilling the whole thing open or rummaging endlessly.

Items should be grouped together by function into kits: a fire making kit, a sleep kit, cooking kit, etc.