Bug Out Bags
What is a Bug Out bag and why do I need one?
A Bug Out Bag is a portable kit (usually a backpack) that contains things one might need in an emergency situation. The whole point of a bug out bag is to be (relatively) light and portable so you can quickly grab it and get the hell out of Dodge. It is a good idea to have one of these in case of any emergency, but why take the fun out of it by saying it’s not for the eventual rise of the undead legions?

What do I need for a Bug Out Bag?
This is not an easy question to answer, after all, you cannot fit everything you need in the apocalypse in one tiny bag, but we can give you some suggestions on how to construct a bug out bag.

The first step to constructing your very own bug out bag is to figure out what kind of bag you want to use. You have many choices when trying to find a good bag to use for your apocalypse survival kit. The available containers span from lunchbox sized kits to the large duffel bags that many use for camping. Personally, I prefer the middle ground of a backpack because it keeps your hands free, it will not impede your movement too much, and they usually have enough space to carry everything you will need.  Just use whatever you have available to you at home.
Some things to keep in mind when choosing your bag:
1. The whole point of a bug out bag is to allow you to evacuate quickly. Do not choose a bag that is too large or awkward. It could impede your ability to get out of the area quickly and this could cost you your life. Something like a duffel bag might seem attractive because it can hold a lot of supplies, but they are often  too large and will slow you down.
2. You will need to have a good amount of supplies in your bug out bag. Make sure the bag has enough space to carry all of the things you will need. While you might think you are smart to carry a small, light bag, if it lacks the supplies you need to survive you are going to have a bad time.
3. I would suggest getting a bag that is hands free. In the chaos of the apocalypse you will likely need to use those hands for self defense among other things. Even something with a lone shoulder strap could be awkward and get in the way. You will need to use everything at your disposal to survive, your hands included.

You will need both food and water to keep yourself going during the zombie apocalypse. I would suggest packing at least 2-3 days of non-perishable food and 1-2 days worth of water. The average adult male needs about of 2000 calories a day and a female needs about 1800. This is not set and the number of calories you need will change depending on your activity level. If you pack canned goods, make sure you can eat it right out of the can and do not forget a can opener!  Water is heavy. packing water will add to the weight of your bug out bag. The average adult needs at least 2 quarts of water a day. Like calories, this number can change depending on activity level and environment (if it is hot you may need up to 4 quarts). I would suggest carrying something able to purify water as well. Iodine tablets will do the job quite well but you can also boil water to purify it.

In your bug out bag you will need to carry a good amount of medical supplies. When shit hits the fan, you cannot always get out unscathed. These things will save your life if you are ever injured or sick. Life after the apocalypse is unforgiving. The weak and wounded do not survive long if they are not prepared
Here are a list of medical supplies you will need.
1. Bandages or cloth strips- You will need to bandage and cover up wounds to keep them from getting infected. Make sure to sterilize both the wound and the bandage before applying.
2. Disinfectant- You might think you’re having a bad day when you cut yourself open on a supply run, but it will get a hell of alot worse if it gets infected. Hydrogen peroxide is a good choice when disinfecting wounds, but make sure to keep it out of sunlight. After a while it will decompose to just pure water and oxygen if not taken care of properly. Topical ointments and pills of antibacterials and antivirals will work just as well. Alcohol will also clean wounds fairly well (although it will be painful) in the absence of proper disinfectants.
3. Needle and thread- While this may seem extreme and painful, you will need to keep a needle and thread with you to sew up deep cuts and gashes. With nothing to dull the pain, this will likely be extremely painful. You should have someone to assist you if possible.
4. Potassium Iodine Pills- These small pills can literally be a lifesaver if you encounter any radiation while on your journey. These pills are for curing radiation poisoning. You cannot purify water with these pills.

 
You will need a number of miscellaneous objects in your bug out bag to help you do everything from making a fire, to just keeping yourself occupied during the apocalypse.
1. Ziplock bags-these are good for keeping things that do not do well in water from getting wet. They do have their limits, but as long as you are not doing anything too extreme, they will work.
2. Matches/ Lighter/ Flint and Steel etc.- for starting fires of course….
3. Pens, pencils, and markers- for writing stuff down
4. Paper- to go with the writing utensils.
5. Toilet paper- I really hope I don’t have to explain this one to y’all…
6. Nail clipper- to keep you from biting them and getting yourself sick.
7. Pocket knife- The many tools found in one of these guys will be very useful and save you space by  replacing the full sized versions.
8. Collapsible Shovel- While hard to find, these shovels can be used for digging your own toilet, digging traps, and it can be used as a weapon.
9. Flashlight- this is a no-brainer.
10. Radio- I would suggest a hand-cranked one but if all else fails, battery power is good too.
11. Batteries- To power your flashlight, radio and anything else you might be carrying. Keep these in a ziplock bag.
12. Duct Tape- You can fix anything with it…
13. Glow sticks- Good for light when you don’t want to or can’t use your flashlight.
14. Zip ties- These surprisingly strong pieces of plastic can be used to secure everything from doors and gates, to keeping things attached to you Bug Out Bag.
15. Blanket- While not vital, having a blanket will make your life a whole lot more bearable. If you have the room, I suggest you pack this.
16. Spare Clothes- Sanitation is vital when trying to survive. You will want at least 1 spare change of clothes in your bug out bag. Pack at least 3 pair of socks, these will wear down quickly and you will want extra pairs.
17. Compass and Map- you will always need to know where you are.

18. Carabineers- for…. clipping stuff.