But choosing the gear for your bug out bag is essential. And while your location, budget, and time of year will vary there are some items every bug out bag must have in it. Here is a short list of some of the emergency supplies you need to create a bug out bag.

1. First aid kit

2. Knife or multi-tool

Whether it’s for cutting rope, a bandage, or building a shelter you’re going to need one or both of these tools. For a knife you don’t need a massive “Rambo” knife, a knife with a six inch blade is good enough for what you need to do.

3. Rope

Make sure whatever type of rope you have you have enough of it and its strong enough to be used for climbing or whatever other heavy duty purposes you’ll need it for. A good rule of thumb is to have between 50 to 100 feet of rope.

4. Fire starting kit

This can be in the form of waterproof matches, a lighter, or a magnesium fire starter, or other fire starting kit. All of them when used properly will work, and all of them are extremely cheap to buy. It’s also a good idea to have a few on hand in case one breaks, gets lost, or runs out.

5. Spare socks and foot powder

While it won’t be pleasant going| a week or two without changing your shirt or pants won’t kill you, but not having clean spare socks can immobilize you. Our feet tend to sweat a lot. Combine that with wet boots, and lack of fresh air is a recipe for things like Trench Foot that causes the sole of your feet to actually rot off. Keep your feet in good shape by airing them out as much as possible and keeping them dry with foot powder. If you don’t have clean socks to change into, make sure you at least do what you can to dry them.

6. Spare I.D, glasses, and medicine

If you can have a spare set of identification in case you can’t get your wallet or purse on the way out the door. Spare glasses, medicine for health conditions should also be on hand if possible. Remember in the event of a natural disaster or emergency you might not be able to get important medicines and any aid stations that are set up (if there are any) may be in short supply due to dealing with scores of other patients.

8. Flashlight

Try to avoid flashlights that use batteries, unless you don’t have an option. Try to find ones that are self charging using a windup crank. The best part about these kinds of flashlights is that many of them have plug ins that can be used to charge small electronic devices such as a radio, or cell phone.

9. Bag

Last but not least is the actually bag for your bug out bag. You want one that is durable and big enough and durable [/spin to store all your gear comfortably. ( Learn how to pack a bug out bag here) Don’t settle for some cheap Wall-Mart junk bag, these general don’t have the quality to last up to any real punishment. Stick to camping supply or better yet army surplus stores and get a bag that is specifically designed to take a lot of punishment.

These are just a few of the basic things you’re bug out bag should have on hand in the event of an emergency. Remember to keep your supplies replenished and up to date at all times.

Probably One ofthe most important item in your bag is a reliable first aid kit. Don’t be afraid to spend a few dollars and get a top of the line one either, remembers your first aid kit could be what saves YOUR LIFE. Additional items it should have if it’s not included are a pocket CPR mask to prevent the spread of infectious diseases through contact with a person’s saliva and body fluids. Latex gloves and not just one size but pack a couple sizes. Put the different sized gloves in separate bags and label them. And finally a good pair of scissors to cut through tough fabrics.

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About the Author

I’m a former member of the Canadian armed forces now living on the west coast of Canada. Over the last year I’ve been learning about websites, blogs and video editing. My website The Razors Edge covers a wide selection of topics ranging from military inspired topics, general advice and tips, product and movie reviews and basic SEO for the first time website builder or blogger.