With extreme weather becoming the norm for all four corners of the country, you can never be too prepared to need to leave your home at a moment’s notice, and with the possibility of deadly wildfires or rising water at your back, you might not have the time to pack. That’s why we picked some of the best bug-out bags that have everything you need to keep you alive for a few days in some of the harshest conditions.
We’re seeing survival gear become more and more popular in America, and a lot of options have emerged on the market. Even more, the recent winter storms have only shown the need for such gear — especially in harsh cold conditions. This article will take a look at some of the best options no matter your budget, environment, or situation.
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Judy — The Mover Max
Complete with enough supplies to last a family of four for 72 hours, the Judy survival kits are great options with plenty of variety. The Mover Max model is specifically designed for families that frequently find themselves under evacuation orders. Meant to be left in the garage ready at a moment’s notice, this is the true definition of a go-bag. The kit includes everything from fresh drinking water to a portable phone charger.
In light of the current global pandemic, the bag also includes PPE and sanitization materials. This bag will help you be ready for anything 2021 has to throw at it.
Uncharted Supply Seventy2 Pro Survival System
Uncharted Supply based its original Seventy2 Survival System on the idea that most survival situations are resolved within 72 hours (hence the name). The all-new Seventy2 Pro builds on the company’s mainstay pack but with upgraded, professional-grade gear inside. It’s designed to provide everything two people might need to survive in the wake of any emergency, from a broken-down car to a catastrophic hurricane to the rapture. The waterproof Hypalon shell is ultra-durable and even doubles as a flotation device. Inside, the kit includes a long list of essentials, from a full-tang survival knife and stainless steel water bottle to anti-fog ski goggles and a premium first-aid kit. A screen-printed insert outlines various survival tips and techniques, so you can look like you actually know what you’re doing.
Uncharted Supply Seventy2 Survival System
If you’re looking for a cheaper option from the Pro, the regular Seventy2 is more than adequate to keep you going in a pinch. You get the same three day’s worth of survival tools, with a stylish and portable design. When full, the bag is only 11 pounds, which is definitely light enough to not be a burden. It has the same Hypalon shell that will keep your gear safe and dry from the hardest rainstorm.
The team at Uncharted Supply Co worked closely with first responders, doctors, special forces operators, mountain guides, and other experts to develop the world’s best 72-hour survival kit, so it’s safe to say you’re in good hands.
Ready America Emergency Backpack
If you’re looking for the essentials, this emergency backpack is perfect for you. It comes in at a modest price of $40, while still providing survival tools that will get you out of an emergency. The bag not only contains a first aid kit, heat blanket, PPE, and glow stick — but it also provides two people with enough food and water to last three days. It might not be as luxurious as some of the other options, but it will definitely get the job done.
Sustain Supply Co. Comfort 2 Emergency Bag
Like the Seventy2Pro, Sustain Supply Co.’s Comfort2 emergency bag has you covered with enough food, water, water sources, and supplies to get you and a partner through that critical 72-hour window. Inside the streamlined backpack, you’ll find an all-purpose craft knife, an LED lantern, emergency blankets, a first-aid kit, a cordage bundle, survival straws for water purification, and more. Plus, a pack of bath wipes ensures you needn’t ride out the storm smelling like a corpse. It’s not as heavy-duty as the Seventy2 Pro, but it does cost less than half as much. To double your survival time, upgrade to the Comfort4 bug-out bag, which features enough supplies for a family of four.
Uncharted Supply The Basecamp
This flagship entry from Uncharted Supply is for those who only opt for the best. And, really, when you and your family’s lives could depend on it, what’s a few hundred dollars extra? New for 2020, The Basecamp packs everything a family of four could need into a nearly indestructible Yeti GoBox. The medium-sized cooler box includes survival tools for when you need to build a fire in a cold-weather situation, chemical lights, tents, first aid supplies, and a host of other essentials most of us would probably never even think to pack in our own DIY survival bag.
Echo-Sigma Get Home Bag
The aptly named Get Home Bag from Echo-Sigma is designed to help you — wait for it — get home safe after a 72-hour emergency. It’s billed as a midsized disaster preparedness kit with enough essentials for two. Inside, you’ll find up to three days of food and water, an SOG micro tool clip, a handheld flashlight, a compact first aid kit, and even an emergency tent. Plus, it’s all wrapped in a badass, military-inspired shell, because who doesn’t want to look good while running for their life?
Emergency Zone 72-Hour Survival Kit / Go Bag
Emergency Zone’s dead-simple Go Bag packs 72 hours’ worth of necessary kit into a nondescript backpack no larger than a typical book bag that weighs about 15 pounds. Inside, you’ll find filtered water pouches, energy bars, and purification tools in case you need to gather and filter additional water along the way. The well-stocked first aid kit includes industrial-grade N95 face masks, plus 100 types of wraps and bandages. Other basic tools include a multitool, rope, a flashlight, chemical light sticks, and more. Upgrade to the larger, four-person survival bag for just $40 more.
Monoki First Aid Survival Kit
Though not as full-featured as the alternatives on this list, Monoki’s First Aid Survival Kit is a pared-down solution best for soon-to-be-survivalists on a budget. As the name implies, its contents are focused mainly on providing first aid and tending to wounds. The 302-piece inventory also includes other essentials like an LED flashlight, emergency blanket, paracord bracelet, firestarter, and a basic survival knife. For around $30, it’s hard to beat the price. It all comes stuffed in a ready-to-roll, military-inspired MOLLE pouch that’s compact enough to throw in the back of your vehicle and forget about it until you need it.
The American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Starter Kit
If cost is a concern, the straightforward Emergency Preparedness Starter Kit from The American Red Cross provides a straightforward list of survival essentials on a budget. It’s not as sexy or full-featured as the others on this list, and it won’t get you through a full 72-hour crisis, but it’s enough to help you survive most basic 12-hour emergencies. Inside, you’ll find a crank-powered flashlight/radio/smartphone charger, food rations, potable water pouches, a face mask, basic toiletries, and, of course, a decent first-aid kit.
What is a Bug-Out Bag?
Designed to get you out of a sticky situation, a bug-out bag is everything you need to last 3-5 days conveniently packed into a portable bag that can be ready at a moment’s notice. With the events of last year — and storms from this year — you can never be too careful when it comes to evacuations. However, if you happen to find yourself stranded at home without power or water, then a bug-out bag could also help you get through a residential emergency. The bag’s versatility is its biggest strength
Experts predict that extreme weather will only get more and likely in the future, so you can never be too prepared. As a result, we would recommend getting a bug-out bag before the upcoming hurricane season is upon us.
What are 5 Essential Items for a Bug-Out Bag?
If you end up trying to create your own bug-out bag, that’s fine too! Take a look at 5 essential items to have in any bug-out bag that will keep you going in an emergency situation:
- Clean water: No matter what situation you find yourself in, be sure to have enough water for at least 3 days. Bottled water can skyrocket your bag’s weight and take up space — a personal water filter like the life straw is a great alternative.
- Essential food: The keyword here is essential. Think cliff bars and beef jerky rather than chips and candy. MREs can also be a good option, especially if it fits into your budget.
- Cold-weather gear: A reflective heat blanket is a great way to save space in your bag. Hand warmers and thick socks are also a must if you live in northern regions.
- Fire-starter kit: While this can be as simple as a BIC lighter, it wouldn’t hurt to have a traditional flint and rod striker. Here are some additional tips for starting a fire in the wilderness.
- PPE: We’re living in the era of social distancing, so if you end up needing to spend time in a shelter due to evacuation orders, you’ll need a mask. Be sure to bring some hand sanitizer as well.
For a more detailed look at making your own kit, check out our guide to building an apocalypse-worthy bug-out bag.
