Bug Out Bags / Go Bags
It’s that time of year again to update the “Bug Out Bags” or “Go Bags” for my family, and I thought I’d share the list or template we use for ours. This is not a fancy list, but it’s functional.
What is a Bug Out Bag or Go Bag?
A “bug out bag” or “go bag” is a bag with essentials kept ready for quick evacuation if needed. These bags also go by several other names such as a “bailout bag”, “survival bag”, or “72-hour bag”. This can be used for any reason such as a natural disaster, fire, civil unrest, or any other type of emergency. (The 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio is a good example of how a bug-out bag could help.) By keeping essentials in a ready-to-go bag, you won’t be left scrambling and potentially forgetting necessary items when you need them the most.
While a backpack is commonly used, any bag or small suitcase will work. Most focus on packing essentials for 72 hours, which may provide the time needed to evacuate and regroup without the immediate stress of finding food and supplies. This approach can also prevent you from becoming an immediate burden on others if you plan to evacuate to another house as it will hopefully give you time to reach your destination and maybe even have time to figure out how you can contribute in exchange for their hospitality.
This list helps me remember what we have and track expiration dates, so I know when items should be updated or exchanged without unpacking the Go Bags every time. I also included a “date packed” column for items without expiration dates that I might still want to exchange periodically.
When planning your Go Bag, it’s a good idea to look at items with at least a year shelf life. This way, you won’t have to change items out of your bag constantly. You can update it once a year, replacing items that are about to expire. Most of the items on this list are in our Go Bags, but some are wish list items or things I might add later. I hope this list can be a good start for anyone else thinking of creating Go Bags.
Note: When I first started our Go Bags, I began with the essentials (clothes, hygiene products, food, water, and a small first aid kit). Then I slowly worked on adding other items as time and money allowed. This was much easier on the budget. I also used a couple of old backpacks from the kids and a couple I found at a thrift store for now.
Our Go Bags are not perfected yet. I’m still learning, so please share any tips you might have.
For more information about Bug Out Bags / Go Bags and the List we use, click the links below.
This video by Kristen from Six Sisters’ Stuff is what inspired me to create bug-out bags/go bags for my family. Check it out to see why she created them, and what they include in theirs.
*This list/template is free, but to download it, you must enter a name and billing address. Unfortunately, based on the information I've found, I can’t disable this requirement for digital products. Feel free to enter any billing address the system accepts, as that information isn’t important to me.
*I use Office365, and some users have experienced issues with my editable worksheets. I hope they work for you or at least provide the information you need. If you encounter any problems, please let me know. While I’m not very tech-savvy, I’ll do my best to help resolve any issues.
