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Bug Out Bag Checklist

A grab-and-go 72-hour bag packing list covering water, food, shelter, first aid, tools, documents and cash.

Published June 20, 2026

PrintablePDFBug Out BagEmergencyPreparednessSurvival

Water and Filtration

  • One to three liters of ready-to-drink water per person
  • A compact water filter or purifier
  • Purification tablets as a lightweight backup
  • A collapsible bottle or hydration reservoir
  • A metal cup or container you can boil water in
    Boiling is a reliable backup when filters clog or run out

Food

  • Three days of lightweight, no-cook food per person
  • High-calorie bars, nuts and dried fruit
  • A small stove or fuel tabs if you carry cookable meals
  • A spork and a compact eating set
  • Food for infants, pets and special diets if needed

Shelter and Warmth

  • An emergency bivvy or space blanket
  • A lightweight tarp or poncho for shelter and rain
  • A change of clothes suited to your climate
  • A hat, gloves and extra socks
  • Paracord for rigging shelter and gear repairs

First Aid and Hygiene

  • A compact first aid kit with bandages and antiseptic
  • A three-day or longer supply of personal medications
  • Pain relievers and any prescription essentials
  • Hand sanitizer, wet wipes and travel hygiene items
  • N95 dust masks and a few pairs of gloves

Tools and Lighting

  • A headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
  • A multi-tool and a fixed-blade or folding knife
  • Fire starters: a lighter, waterproof matches and a ferro rod
  • A whistle and a signal mirror
  • Duct tape and a few zip ties for repairs
  • A phone charger and a power bank

Documents, Cash and Navigation

  • Copies of IDs, insurance and medical info in a waterproof bag
  • A list of emergency contacts and meeting points
  • Cash in small bills in case card systems are down
  • A paper map of your region and likely routes
  • A compass and the skill to use it
  • Spare house and car keys

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A bug out bag checklist lists everything to pack in a grab-and-go 72-hour bag so you can leave home quickly and safely during an evacuation. It covers water and filtration, food, shelter and warmth, first aid, tools, lighting, documents, cash and navigation in one ready-to-grab pack.

The point of a bug out bag is speed: when you have minutes to leave, you grab one pack and go. Keep it light enough to carry comfortably and store it somewhere you can reach it fast.

Build a bag for each family member, sized to what they can carry, and tailor the contents to your climate and any medical needs. Review the bag twice a year and after any use to keep it ready.

Designed for families preparing to evacuate, this checklist is printable and downloadable as a PDF. Tick off each item as you pack, then keep the list inside the bag for quick restocking.

FAQ

What is a bug out bag?

A bug out bag is a packed bag that holds 72 hours of essential supplies so you can evacuate immediately. Unlike a home kit, it is meant to be light, portable and grabbed in seconds when you have to leave fast.

How much water should a bug out bag hold?

Carry one to three liters of ready water plus a way to treat more, such as a filter or purification tablets. Carrying three full days of water is too heavy, so plan to refill and purify along the way.

How heavy should my bug out bag be?

Keep it light enough to carry comfortably for a long walk, often around 10 to 20 percent of your body weight. Pack only true essentials, since a bag too heavy to carry defeats its purpose.

How often should I update my bug out bag?

Check it twice a year and after any use. Rotate water and food before they expire, refresh medications, replace batteries, and update clothing sizes and documents as needs change.

Is this bug out bag checklist printable?

Yes. Print it or download the PDF, keep a copy inside the bag, and check off each item as you pack and restock it.