Building Your First Bug Out Bag
When an emergency strikes, having a well-prepared Bug Out Bag (BOB) can make all the difference between safety and chaos. Whether it’s floods, power cuts, civil unrest, or even a pandemic, a Bug Out Bag ensures you have everything you need to survive the first 72 hours away from home.
This guide is tailored for the UK, considering local threats, legal restrictions, and the unique climate. Read on for step-by-step advice, tables, and pro tips to help you build the ultimate Bug Out Bag.
What is a Bug Out Bag?
A Bug Out Bag (also called a 72-hour kit or grab bag) is a portable emergency kit packed with the essentials to survive for up to three days. The idea is to have it ready at all times—grab and go in a crisis.
Why You Need a Bug Out Bag in the UK
While the UK doesn’t face earthquakes or hurricanes as often as some countries, threats like flooding, storms, terrorism, utility outages, and even Brexit supply chain issues are all real. Evacuations can happen with little warning. Your BOB is your insurance policy.
Remember: You don’t have to be a “prepper” to be prepared—just sensible!
Bug Out Bag Checklist (Printable Table)
Here’s a high-level summary of what should be in every UK Bug Out Bag. Detailed explanations for each item are below.
| Category | Essentials | Notes / Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1–2 litres + filter or purification tablets | LifeStraw, bottled water |
| Food | High-energy snacks, meal bars, dehydrated meals | No-cook, long shelf life |
| Shelter | Emergency blanket, tarp, bivvy bag, compact sleeping bag | Space-saving & waterproof |
| Clothing | Waterproof jacket, thermal base layers, socks, hat, gloves | Layer for the season |
| Fire | Lighter, waterproof matches, fire steel | Store dry and accessible |
| First Aid | First aid kit + personal meds | Include plasters, bandages, painkillers |
| Tools | Multi-tool, knife (legal carry), duct tape, paracord | Folding multi-tools are UK legal |
| Lighting | Headtorch, batteries, glow sticks | Preferably LED, with spare batteries |
| Comms | Power bank, phone charger, emergency whistle, printed contacts | No-signal options! |
| Documents | ID copies, bank cards, cash, insurance, emergency plan | Waterproof pouch recommended |
| Hygiene | Wet wipes, soap, hand sanitiser, toilet paper, small towel | Toothbrush & toothpaste mini |
| PPE | Face masks, gloves, hand gel | Covid made this a must! |
| Miscellaneous | Notepad, pen, spare glasses, safety pins, small bin bags | Handy for many tasks |
Water: Your #1 Priority
- Aim for at least 1 litre per person per day (minimum 3 litres).
- UK is generally wet, but don’t rely on finding water on the move.
- Water purification is a must!
Recommended: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter – light, simple, and highly effective. - Purification tablets are compact backups.
Food: Pack Calories, Not Weight
- Focus on ready-to-eat, long shelf life:
- Energy bars, nuts, trail mix, dried fruit, jerky, boil-in-bag meals
- Avoid tins (unless you carry a can opener and want the extra weight!)
- 3 days = 6,000–9,000 calories per person (aim for 2,000–3,000 kcal/day)
Example Food Table
| Food Type | Calories/100g | Shelf Life | Prep Required | UK Store Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cereal bars | 350 | 6–12 months | None | Nature Valley, Trek |
| Trail mix | 500 | 6 months | None | Graze, homemade |
| Dried fruit | 300 | 12 months | None | Tesco, Sainsbury’s |
| Jerky | 300 | 12 months | None | Jack Link’s, Tesco |
| Freeze-dried meal | 400 | 2–5 years | Just add hot water | Mountain House, Summit to Eat |
Shelter and Warmth: Be Ready for British Weather
- Emergency blanket/bivvy bag: Ultra-compact, keeps you warm and dry.
- Tarp or poncho: Multi-use for shelter, groundsheet, rain protection.
- Compact sleeping bag: For overnight or cold conditions.
Clothing: The Layer System
- Waterproof jacket (lightweight, packable)
- Thermal or moisture-wicking base layers
- Extra socks and underwear
- Gloves, hat, scarf (even in summer, UK weather changes quickly!)
- Tip: Avoid cotton – it holds moisture and chills you.
Fire and Heat
- Lighter + waterproof matches
- Fire steel (ferro rod) for backup
- Cotton wool/Vaseline fire starters
- Store in waterproof bag
First Aid: More Than Plasters
Your kit should include:
- Assorted plasters
- Sterile gauze pads
- Bandages & tape
- Antiseptic wipes/cream
- Painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
- Personal medication (in labelled bag)
- Tweezers, scissors, gloves
Tools: Practical, Not Tactical
- UK-legal folding knife (sub-3 inch, non-locking blade)
- Multi-tool (pliers, scissors, screwdriver)
- Duct tape (wrap some around a pencil or bottle)
- Paracord (5–10 metres – endless uses!)
- Small pry bar or crowbar (optional)
Lighting and Communication
- LED headtorch (hands-free, with spare batteries)
- Mini flashlight (backup)
- Glow sticks (last all night, safe for kids)
- Emergency whistle (to attract attention)
- Power bank (fully charged; solar optional)
- Printed emergency contacts
Documents and Cash
- Photocopies of ID, bank cards, insurance
- Some cash (small bills and coins)
- List of key phone numbers (in case your mobile dies)
- Keep in a waterproof zip bag
Hygiene and PPE
- Hand sanitiser (mini)
- Soap sheets or biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (mini)
- Wet wipes, tissues, toilet paper (compact)
- Face masks, disposable gloves
- Sanitary items (pads/tampons, as needed)
Useful Extras
| Item | Why Bring It? |
|---|---|
| Notepad & pen | Notes, messages, keeping calm |
| Spare glasses | Essential for sight-impaired |
| Bin bags | Trash, waterproofing, improvised poncho |
| Safety pins | Fixing gear, first aid |
| Zip ties | Repairs, securing things |
| Small towel | Hygiene, comfort |
Packing Tips for the UK
- Use a sturdy, comfortable backpack: 30–45 litres is ideal. Try it on loaded before you need it!
- Pack by priority: Heaviest items close to your back, light items on top.
- Waterproof everything: Use dry bags or ziplocks for all critical gear.
- Customise for your family: Consider kids, pets, elderly, special medical needs.
Sample Bug Out Bag Packing List (Download & Print)
| Item | Qty | Packed? |
|---|---|---|
| Water bottle | 1–2 | |
| Water filter (LifeStraw) | 1 | |
| Purification tablets | 1 | |
| Food (bars, dried meals) | 6+ | |
| Emergency blanket | 1 | |
| Compact sleeping bag | 1 | |
| Rain jacket | 1 | |
| Extra socks | 2 | |
| Gloves & hat | 1 | |
| First aid kit | 1 | |
| Multi-tool | 1 | |
| Folding knife | 1 | |
| Torch/headtorch | 1 | |
| Batteries | 2+ | |
| Power bank | 1 | |
| Mobile phone charger cable | 1 | |
| Whistle | 1 | |
| Wet wipes | 1 | |
| Tissues/toilet paper | 1 | |
| Face mask | 2+ | |
| Cash | £20+ | |
| ID/copies | 1 | |
| Paracord | 1 | |
| Notepad & pen | 1 | |
| Bin bags | 2+ | |
| Zip ties | 4+ |
UK Law: What NOT to Pack
- No lock knives or blades over 3 inches (7.62cm).
- No self-defence sprays (e.g. pepper spray, CS gas).
- No firearms or offensive weapons.
- No flares or fireworks.
Always check local regulations if you’re unsure. Your safety and freedom come first!
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy should my Bug Out Bag be?
Ideally, under 15kg (1/3 your body weight). Lighter is better!
Where should I keep my bag?
Near your exit, in your car, or anywhere you can grab it fast.
How often should I check my bag?
At least every 6 months—swap out food, batteries, and meds.
Conclusion
A well-prepared Bug Out Bag can make all the difference in an emergency. Tailor your kit for your needs and your environment, and practice using your gear before you need it.
Start small, build over time, and remember: even a basic BOB is better than none!
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