Bug-out bag

The 72-hour bug-out bag

by Joe Miller

A packed bag for each person, ready by the door, so you can leave in five minutes during a wildfire, flood or chemical spill.

What goes in the bagWater3 liters plus a filterand tabletsFood3 days: bars, jerky,nuts, ready mealsShelterTarp or tent, emergencyblanketsSleepSleeping bag or bivyFireLighter, matches, firestarterFirst aidKit, medicines,tourniquetLightHeadlamp and sparebatteriesToolsKnife, multitool, ducttape, cordRadioWeather radio or GMRSDocumentsCopies in a waterproofbag$CashSmall billsHygieneTP, wipes, toothbrush,sanitizerClothesLayers, rain gear, socks,hatMap and compassPaper maps of your areaSignalWhistle, mirror, notepadKeep the bag under about 20% of your body weight. Practice carrying it.
15 categories, one bag per person.
Typical bag weight (pounds)Water (3 liters)6.6 lbShelter and sleepingabout 5 lbFood (3 days)about 4 lbClothes and rain gearabout 3 lbFirst aid and hygieneabout 2 lbTools, light, radio, fireabout 3 lbBag itselfabout 3 lbAbout 25 to 30 pounds total: heavy enough to need practice.
Water is the heaviest item, which is why you pack a filter.
Keep it ready1Check twice a yearAt daylight saving timechanges2Rotate food and waterEat it, replace it3Update medicinesAnd glasses, documents4Season swapWinter and summer clothes5Store it handyBy the door or in the car
A bag packed five years ago is a bag of spoiled food.
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Sources

Checked November 11, 2026.