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June 18, 2024
Prepare for any emergency with our comprehensive bug out bag checklist. Whether you’re faced with a power outage, natural disaster, or unexpected threat, a well thought out bug out bag goes a long way in keeping you and others safe.
Our bug out bag list covers everything from survival equipment to self defense to personal items to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
Below is a download link for a free bug out bag list PDF. This meticulously curated checklist covers all the essentials and considers crucial elements like food, water, shelter, first aid, communication and more.
Don’t wait for an emergency to strike. Instead, think ahead and assemble your bug out bag today. Having a well-prepared bug out bag can make all the difference in an unexpected situation.Click the link below to download your free PDF and take the first step toward ensuring your emergency preparedness.
Grab a copy of our bug out bag checklist with all 60 essential items.
A well prepared bug out bag consists of all essential things you might need in an emergency or undesirable situation. When building a bug out bag, it is important to consider all of the possible unruly scenarios you might find yourself in, like if you are going on a road trip, vacation, or just staying home.
A bug out bag essentials list should have items to prepare you for a roadside emergency, a natural disaster, or even something more severe like a ballistic threat. With this in mind, a bug out bag essentials list should consist of things like non--perishable food, water, emergency shelter, clothing, and hygiene supplies. All of these items can make a huge difference in times of need, keeping you safe until you can get back on your feet.
Whether you are a seasoned prepper or someone just getting into the emergency preparedness space, this comprehensive guide has you covered. From survival essentials to strategic tools, our expert curated bug out bag item list has everything you need to be prepared for whatever life throws at you.
Being prepared is key to facing unexpected challenges, and with our detailed bug out bag packing list you can rest easy knowing that you have the right gear for any situation.
One of, if not the most important things you can pack in your bug out bag is high-quality hydration equipment. This takes the shape of water bottles, whether plastic or reusable, a water filter, and water purification tablets. A good bug out bag should have enough water to keep you and your party hydrated for 1-3 days. After that, it is crucial to have some form of filtration to ensure you have clean water for as long as you need.
It is also important to prepare your bug out bag with medical essentials like a compact first aid kit. This first aid kit should consist of basic medicine like antibiotic ointment, fever reducers, and painkillers, as well as tools like scissors, tweezers, cotton swabs and bandages.
For larger medical emergencies, consider having a bleed control kit prepared with a tourniquet, cold pack, large bandages, splits, latex-free gloves and a first aid manual. Having medical supplies on hand can make all the difference if a medical emergency were to arise.
Keep in mind the specific medical requirements of yourself or those you are traveling with, as not all emergency medical kits can cater to everyone.
Be sure your bug out bag is equipped with long lasting or non-perishable food items such as energy bars, canned goods, or MRE’s. A few days worth of food for you and your party can make all the difference if an emergency strikes.
Make sure you also have the proper tools to prepare your food, such as gloves, a stove, utensils, and water if your meal requires it. Be sure your food supply adheres to the dietary needs of you and your party. Being prepared with nutrient dense, high calorie food on hand is essential in emergency situations.
If your travels take you to an unfamiliar location, be sure to plan accordingly and bring the requisite shelter and sleeping supplies if issues arise with your planned accommodations. These supplies might consist of a heavy duty tarp to be used as a ground liner or rain protection, a tent with enough room for you and those traveling with you, sleeping bags and ground pads, and extra blankets if you’re in an especially cold environment.
If space in your bug out bag is an issue, there are a number of lightweight and space efficient options to help preserve space.
Although it is unlikely, it is essential to prepare your bug out bag with self defense equipment in case of a ballistic threat or large animal encounter. You might find it useful to have a firearm on hand, whether it is a handgun or a rifle.
If this is the case, be sure to have cleaning supplies and spare ammunition. It might also be helpful to have a knife, taser, or pepper spray/mace on hand to fend off attackers. Ballistic protection is also a good thing to have in your bug out bag, whether it is an armor vest or bulletproof backpack insert like the custom-made Fieldcraft Survival Inserts.
Another bug out bag essential is personal hygiene items. These should be lightweight and easily accessible to ensure maximum usability. Hygiene items like soap, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, and sanitation items like disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper are essential to ensuring comfort through unforeseen circumstances. These items not only promote physical health, but address a certain level of psychological need as well.
In an emergency situation, having versatile attire on hand is essential. Versatile attire consists of clothing that performs well in a large range of temperatures, moisture levels, and performance requirements. Some examples of versatile attire consist of moisture wicking pants and shirts, multi-purpose hats such as a bandana or hood, and water resistant shoes.
Being prepared for any and all weather scenarios is essential in an emergency, as the difference between being wet and dry can be the difference between life and death. It is also important to pack extra socks and under garments in your bug out bag, as these items can drastically contribute to your quality of life in an emergency situation.
Having multi-functional tools in your bug out bag is a great idea due to the large number of use cases they have. Whether it is for a roadside emergency or a survival situation, having tools on hand can make a huge difference when it comes to preparing shelter or making repairs.
It is also a good idea to have useful items like duct tape and paracord due to their multi-use functionality. These items are great for patching holes and securing your belongings. Be sure to regularly check on the quality and quantity of these items you have so you are not without them in an emergency situation.
If you are planning on traveling for multiple days, be sure to have lights and power on deck. If you pack a flashlight, make sure you also have spare batteries. If you are worried about weight, you can rely on a solar powered battery bank instead.
However, if you do go the battery bank route, be sure to have extra charging cables that suit the charging needs of you and your devices. Investing in durable, lengthy cables is not a bad idea as the convenience they provide can make a big difference in a pinch.
If you find yourself in an emergency, having a way out is crucial to your wellness. This is why it is important to have a cell phone, radio, or walkie talkie on hand in case you find yourself stranded without immediate help.
If this is the case, be sure to bring the correct charging equipment to ensure these devices are usable when you need them. It is good practice to double check the charge of these items regularly, whether you just top them off or keep them on a drip charger.
In an emergency situation, personal documentation like an ID, drivers license, passport or medical information can go a long way in identification with authorities. If you do decide to bring these things, ensure that they are copies, and that they are stored in a waterproof box or bag to guarantee their quality when needed.
Having a reliable navigation aid in your gear is a great way to stay oriented and find your way in an emergency. Whether it is a compass, satellite GPS, or a good old fashioned map, having navigational equipment handy can go a long way to ensure your safety if you find yourself lost or disoriented.
Be sure to do an overview of your gear and fill in any gaps with some miscellaneous items like cash, resealable bags, or even playing cards. These items, while not necessarily essential, are useful in guaranteeing your bug out bag is well rounded.
When adding these items to your pack, consider random scenarios that might arise and what would be needed to handle these situations effectively. From here, think of other quality of life things that you can add to make an emergency feel a bit more like home.
In the face of uncertainty, a well-equipped bug out bag is your key to making it out in one piece. Our comprehensive guide will help ensure you are ready for any emergency, big or small. Whether your gear is for a vehicle, a large group of people, or a specific condition like the wilderness or an urban environment, having a well curated bug out bag on hand can make a huge difference in your ability to handle emergencies.
Keep your head up, check on your gear routinely, and run through emergency scenarios often to ensure you are prepared. Vigilance is key in an emergency, and it is always better to be over prepared than underprepared.
Written by: Aidan Shelton
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January 13, 2025
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December 20, 2024
I bought the carrier, and it arrived within a few days. I was happily surprised by the low weight, and rugged construction of the Alpha Carrier. I put a level 4 plate in both front and back, both of which fit like a glove. The sizing was easy to adjust, and the one size fits most is true of this product. Huge adjustment range. Very impressed by the Fortis Alpha Carrier, along with everything I have ever ordered from Premier Body Armor. Great job, guys!
After wearing my full body armor for 30-years, it isn’t conducive to under cover plain clothes work that I do now and it is so hot to wear during the summer. I put this armored t-shirt on and it fits like a glove, but is not uncomfortable. The first day I wore it alone, but the second day I wore a form-fitting micro fiber tank top under it and it really felt good. I actually had no wetness because the bottom top absorbed it. It was a warm day, but nothing like sweating intensely with full body armor. I ordered a second carrier shirt to switch out for washings. With my gear on and plain black tactical shirt, I am so much more comfortable on my feet for long hours. I should have bought this years ago.
As someone with extensive experience wearing a wide variety of body armor in the military, law enforcement, and physical security industries, I know firsthand the challenges of balancing protection, comfort, and concealment. The Everyday Armor T-Shirt has exceeded my expectations on all fronts.
This is by far the most comfortable body armor option I’ve ever worn. The lightweight design and breathable material make it ideal for all-day wear, whether you’re on duty or just out running errands. It’s so well-concealed that it doesn’t print, even under a fitted shirt, making it perfect for discreet protection without sacrificing mobility.
What sets this apart is how seamlessly it integrates into daily life. Unlike traditional armor that feels bulky or restrictive, the Everyday Armor T-Shirt feels like part of your everyday wardrobe while still providing reliable peace of mind.
If you’re looking for everyday protection that doesn’t compromise comfort or discretion, this is an outstanding choice. Highly recommend!
PBA is awesome. I own 3 backpack panels from them. I own panels for Vertx ReadyPack, Eberlestock Fade Sling, and now the Fade Adapt.
The Fade Adapt panel is huge. Fits snug into the backpack and covers a lot. Mainly gonna be used for traveling and camping. I feel comfortable carrying it knowing I'll have a huge panel to hide behind.
Thanks again PBA for the great products.
When it comes to armor, if you want something light so you can be quick and/or carry more ammo, med supplies, etc., and still want the best protection… get these. Sure they’re not level 4… but they cover the most likely rounds to be used in an urban environment. Quit thinking Level 4 is the best and get these, you’ll be thoroughly impressed. Hell even my 10 year old loves them! Would be great for their backpack too.
Love this new little sling with the panel in it beautiful exactly how it describe on the website
Have always worn soft armor, generally in outside carrier working law enforcement and military. Needed to up protection from rifle fire. Did not want heavy steel plates. Polyethylene the ticket for weight and protection. The Fortis III+ very nice. Light, 3.4 lbs each, multi curve, comfortable, have protective coating, fabric, nice. I put them in a Agilite K19 carrier. Overall more comfortable, easier to move than the outer carriers and soft armor I have worn before. Weight is crucial in extended wearing of vest, especially when adding pouches, ammo, radio, etc. These plates really help in reducing weight and no compromise on protection. The price was a factor along with quality and protection level. These plates nailed it, don't know how you could get anything better for this price. Company is legit, background In manufacture sold me also. You will not be disappointed in the Fortis III+ multi-curve plates.
I’ve put it to use on the job as an AEMT and it does it’s job well. It keeps me at more of a peace of mind knowing I have a bit of protection going to calls and it doesn’t get in the way of my patient care.
First, I want to thank the customer support team that helped me with my return. The first sling pack was way too small. Y’all suggested another one that was larger. It was a perfect size and I love the way it hugs my body. Second, love the way your body armor fits in the sling pack. It’s a perfect pairing. Now let’s talk about the combo. This has to be one of the nicest packs I have ever bought. Honestly I didn’t know much about the Viktos brand. WOW!! Very nicely constructed. I love the fact I can put in my side x side while out on the ranch. It holds everything that might be needed.
Again thank you to everyone. Pease keep up with quality products like this. You have a customer for life! Thank you!
James Moffat
Caballo, NM
Fantastic Product - Armor Fits like a Glove. Also, it was very convenient to get the bag with the armor.
While it inherently seems a little bit silly to armor a fanny pack, premier and VertX are a perfect match as always. And silly or not, now I've got an extra layer of 3A soft armor to throw over one of my children, sling across my chest, etc if ever needed. It's big enough to protect vitals, and my gun rides in the socp pack as well. This is a great setup for short walks and hikes, or summertime on the boat
By far the most concealable body armor I own. I am 5’11 and 155 lbs. I got a small and was so worried that the armor wouldn’t be concealable since I’m on the thinner side, but I was dead wrong. I had a hoodie ready to throw on in order to show it concealed further, but there would be no point. You can’t see anything with this size SMALL under-armor polo on…that’s actually impressive premier. Great job.
I have wore the product multiple times now and have received many compliments on the fact that you can’t hardly tell I’m wearing it. Also it is very comfortable in comparison to other similar products on the market. I’m very happy with the product.
Fit as described quality products from a American family company.
Great shirt. Very discrete to wear. Proud to support and American company
Beverly Cooley
December 17, 2024
Great info. Please send PDF info right away.