72 hour Bug Out Bag List: Guidance and Essentials
At Avon Protection, we are dedicated to providing top-of-the-range equipment to prepare you for any emergency situation. Therefore, we have put together a comprehensive guide to assembling a Bug Out Bag for disaster preparedness.
What is a 72-Hour Bug Out Bag, and do I need one?
You might be asking yourself, do I need a Bug Out Bag? A Bug-out bag is essential for everyone as you never know when you might find yourself in a survival situation.
A Bug Out Bag is an emergency preparedness kit designed to sustain you for three days during a disaster. It contains essentials like food, water, tools, and safety equipment.
Having survival gear such as this can be useful in a number of disaster scenarios, including natural disasters, civil unrest, or chemical spills. However, it’s important to differentiate between a Bug Out Bag and a Survival Kit. As described, a 72-hour Bug Out Bag is designed to provide the short-term essentials you need in if you need to evacuate. Whereas, a Survival Kit is more suited to surviving long term in the wilderness or natural surroundings.
Why is a 72-Hour Bug Out Bag essential?
Disasters are unpredictable and strike without warning. That is why it's a good idea to have a Bug Out Bag so you can evacuate quickly and safely. Whether you’re facing a flood, fire, or hazardous materials incident, your Bug Out Bag provides the tools and resources you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Your bag can be tailored to suit your needs. For example, urban residents may require specific protective gear, such as gas masks or escape hoods. Avon Protection products like the NH15 Escape Hood or FM50 gas mask offer unparalleled safety against chemical, biological, and airborne threats.
72 Hour Bug Out Bag list for packing
Food and water supplies
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Non-perishable food items
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Pack lightweight, high-calorie options like energy bars, dried fruit, and canned goods.
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Water bottles and portable water filter systems
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Carry at least one gallon of water per day per person. Include water purification tablets or a portable filtration system.
First aid kit
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Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and tweezers
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Include these essential, necessary items to prepare for all scenarios.
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CPR mask and any necessary prescription medications.
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Add specialized and personal items depending on your individual circumstances.
Protective gear
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Full-face respirator mask
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A critical addition to your Bug Out Bag is a reliable full-face respirator mask like the Avon FM50 gas mask, designed to protect against airborne threats.
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Escape hood
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Consider including the compact and lightweight Avon NH15 Escape Hood for additional safety during chemical or biological incidents.
Lighting and communication tools
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Flashlight
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Don’t forget spare batteries and glow sticks as an extra precaution.
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Radio
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Either a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can help you stay informed during emergency situations.
Clothing and shelter
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Clothing
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Pack weather-appropriate clothing, thermal blankets, and sturdy shoes.
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Shelter
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A lightweight tarp, tent or sleeping bag will provide shelter and warmth.
Tools and multi-purpose items
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Multi-tool, duct tape, paracord, fire-starting tools
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These must-haves can be useful in a number of scenarios. Include waterproof matches, dryer lint, a battery and foil and a fire starter too to help you start a fire.
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Maps and a compass
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Maps of your area and a compass can be lifesaving in unfamiliar or chaotic situations.
Tips for customizing your Bug Out Bag
When you’re packing your Bug Out Bag essentials consider your environment and how you would need to evacuate. Urban settings will likely require more protective gear. If you're located in an area that is based more in the wilderness then you may want to pack more tools for shelter and navigation.
If you will be travelling solo then you only need to account for yourself. However, if you need to evacuate a group or your family there are extra things to consider when customizing your Bug Out Bag. For example, you may need to include baby supplies, pet essentials or extra medication.
If you know that you are more likely to face specific kinds of threats, then it’s best to prioritise your Bug Out Bag to cater to these needs. For example, if chemical exposure is a risk, prioritize CBRN-rated gear like the Avon FM50 gas mask.
Regular maintenance of your Bug Out Bag
Check your bag every six months to replace expired food, medicine, and batteries. Leaving items unchecked for a long time can result in outdated items that won’t provide the protection needed if an emergency situation were to occur.
Ensure your protective gear, such as gas masks and escape hoods, is in working order. To do this, you can practice putting on the equipment so that you can quickly don it in an emergency situation whilst also making sure the equipments readiness in emergencies.
Store the bag in a location that is easily accessible but secure. If a disaster were to strike, it would be a bad idea to have your Bug Out Bag in a place that was inaccessible. Instead keep it somewhere safe but close by so that you can quickly grab it in a high pressure situation.
Frequently asked questions about Bug Out Bags
What size bag is best for a 72-hour kit?
A medium-sized backpack with multiple compartments is ideal for organization and portability. Backpacks that are too large will reduce your mobility when trying to evacuate.
How heavy should a Bug Out Bag be?
Keep it under 20% of your body weight for easy carrying. Similarly to the size of the backpack, the weight of the backpack should be considered when your deciding on your Bug Out Bag essentials.
Why use Avon Protection products for Bug Out Bags?
Avon Protection equipment is essential for disaster scenarios involving chemical, biological, or airborne threats. Our high quality products provide ultimate protection in a number of scenarios making them staple pieces to add to any Bug Out Bag.
Be prepared, stay safe
A 72-hour bug out bag is your first line of defense in an emergency. By carefully selecting and maintaining your supplies, you can ensure your safety and readiness for any situation. Avon Protection products, like the FM50 gas mask and NH15 Escape Hood, offer advanced protection against a wide range of threats.
Explore Avon Protection’s range of air-purifying face masks and other protective gear to build a Bug Out Bag that meets your needs.