A bug out bag, also known as a go bag or 72-hour kit, is a portable kit that contains essential items to help you survive for at least 72 hours during an emergency situation. It is designed to be easily grabbed and taken with you in the event that you need to evacuate your home quickly. Having a bug out bag is crucial because it ensures that you have the necessary supplies to sustain yourself until help arrives or until you can reach a safe location.
While there are many pre-made bug out bags available on the market, they can often be quite expensive. This is where a budget bug out bag comes in. A budget bug out bag is a more affordable alternative that allows you to build your own kit using cost-effective items without compromising on quality or functionality. In this article, we will explore the essential items to include in a budget bug out bag, how to choose the right backpack, tips for saving money, how to prioritize items, how to make your own DIY bug out bag, where to buy supplies, common mistakes to avoid, and how to test and maintain your bag.
Key Takeaways
- A budget bug out bag is a cost-effective way to prepare for emergencies.
- Essential items to include in a budget bug out bag include water, food, shelter, and first aid supplies.
- Choosing the right backpack for your budget bug out bag is important for comfort and durability.
- Tips for saving money on your budget bug out bag include buying in bulk and repurposing items you already own.
- Prioritizing items in your budget bug out bag is crucial for weight and space management.
DIY Budget Bug Out Bag: Making Your Own Survival Kit
Making your own bug out bag has several benefits. First, it allows you to customize the bag to meet your specific needs and preferences. Second, it can be more cost-effective than purchasing a pre-made bag. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own DIY bug out bag:
1. Start by choosing a suitable backpack that meets your needs in terms of size, durability, and comfort.
2. Make a list of essential items that you want to include in your bug out bag. This should include water, food, shelter, first aid supplies, navigation tools, and other necessary gear.
3. Research and compare different brands and models of each item on your list to find the best quality at the most affordable price.
4. Purchase the items one by one, keeping an eye out for sales, discounts, and bulk deals.
5. Assemble the items in your backpack, making sure to distribute the weight evenly and keep similar items together for easy access.
Recommended resources for DIY supplies include online retailers such as Amazon and eBay, as well as outdoor and camping stores like REI and Cabela’s.
Choosing the Right Backpack for Your Budget Bug Out Bag
When choosing a backpack for your budget bug out bag, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, the backpack should be durable and able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for backpacks made from high-quality materials such as nylon or polyester.
Another important factor to consider is the size and capacity of the backpack. It should be large enough to hold all your essential items but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry. A backpack with multiple compartments and pockets can help you stay organized and easily access your gear.
Comfort and fit are also crucial when choosing a backpack. Look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt to distribute the weight evenly across your body. Adjustable straps and a ventilated back panel can also help improve comfort during long hikes.
Recommended backpacks for different budgets include the Tripole Walker 65 Litres Rucksack for those on a tight budget, the TETON 55L Scout Internal Frame Backpack for those with a mid-range budget, and the Osprey Atmos AG 65L Backpack for those with a higher budget.
Essential Items to Include in a Budget Bug Out Bag
Water and water filtration: Water is essential for survival, so it’s important to include water bottles or a hydration bladder in your bug out bag. Additionally, having a water filtration system such as a portable water filter or water purification tablets is crucial in case you run out of clean water sources. An excellent water system is the Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System. Water systems may be worth paying a higher price as it’s not something to go cheap on.
Food and food preparation: Pack non-perishable food items such as energy bars, and dehydrated meals that are lightweight and have a long shelf life. Don’t forget to include a can opener and utensils for food preparation. Mountain House makes an array of dehydrated meals at low prices. Individually wrapped and ready to go, they cook in the package.
Shelter and warmth: Include a lightweight tent or tarp, sleeping bag or emergency blanket, and extra clothing layers such as thermal underwear and rain gear. These items will provide protection from the elements and help keep you warm and dry. For an affordable and easy to use tent, the OneTigris Backwoods Bungalow Ultralight Bushcraft Shelter 2.0 is hard to beat.
First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential in any bug out bag. Include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, and any necessary prescription medications.
Navigation and communication: Include a compass, map of your area, and a whistle for signaling for help. It’s also a good idea to have a portable radio or a hand-cranked emergency radio to stay informed about the situation.
Tools and gear: Pack a multi-tool, flashlight with extra batteries, duct tape, paracord, and a fire starter kit. These items will come in handy for various tasks such as repairing gear, starting a fire, or signaling for help.
How to Prioritize Items in Your Budget Bug Out Bag
When building a budget bug out bag, it’s important to prioritize the items based on your needs and environment. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what items to include:
Assessing your needs and environment: Consider the specific needs of yourself and your family members. Do you have any medical conditions that require specific medications or equipment? Are you in an area prone to extreme weather conditions? Tailor your bug out bag to meet these specific needs.
Deciding what items are essential: Start by including the essential items such as water, food, shelter, and first aid supplies. These are the items that will help you survive in the immediate aftermath of an emergency.
Importance of weight and space considerations: Keep in mind that you may need to carry your bug out bag for long distances, so it’s important to keep the weight as light as possible. Choose lightweight and compact items whenever possible.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Budget Bug Out Bag
Building a budget bug out bag doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or functionality. Here are some tips for saving money on your bug out bag supplies:
Buying in bulk: Purchasing items in bulk can often save you money in the long run. Look for deals on bulk food items, water filtration systems, and other essential supplies.
Shopping sales and clearance sections: Keep an eye out for sales and clearance sections at outdoor and camping stores. You may be able to find discounted items that are still of high quality.
Using coupons and promo codes: Before making a purchase, search for coupons or promo codes online. Many retailers offer discounts that can help you save money on your bug out bag supplies.
Buying used or refurbished items: Consider purchasing used or refurbished items, such as backpacks or tools, from reputable sellers. These items are often significantly cheaper than brand new ones but still in good condition.
Best Places to Buy Budget Bug Out Bag Supplies
When it comes to buying budget bug out bag supplies, there are several options to consider:
Online retailers: Online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and Walmart offer a wide range of bug out bag supplies at competitive prices. They often have customer reviews that can help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Outdoor and camping stores: Stores like REI, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops specialize in outdoor gear and often have sales or clearance sections where you can find discounted items.
Military surplus stores: Military surplus stores are a great place to find durable gear at affordable prices. They often carry items such as backpacks, clothing, and tools that are designed for rugged outdoor use.
Discount stores: Stores like Walmart, Target, and Dollar Tree often have a selection of budget-friendly bug out bag supplies. While the quality may not be as high as specialized outdoor stores, they can still be a good option for those on a tight budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Budget Bug Out Bag
When building a budget bug out bag, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can compromise the effectiveness of your kit. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Overpacking: It can be tempting to pack every possible item you think you might need, but this can lead to an unnecessarily heavy and bulky bag. Stick to the essentials and prioritize lightweight and compact items.
Choosing low-quality items: While it’s important to save money, it’s equally important to choose high-quality items that will withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
Not testing the bag before an emergency: It’s crucial to test your bug out bag before an actual emergency situation arises. This will give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the contents of the bag and ensure that everything is in working order.
Not considering personal needs and preferences: Everyone’s needs and preferences are different, so it’s important to tailor your bug out bag to meet your specific requirements. Consider any medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences when choosing items for your kit.
Testing and Maintaining Your Budget Bug Out Bag
Testing your bug out bag before an emergency is crucial to ensure that everything is in working order and that you are familiar with the contents of the bag. Here are some recommended testing methods:
Set up your tent or tarp to make sure you know how to assemble it correctly.
Practice using your water filtration system to ensure that you know how to use it properly.
Test your portable radio or hand-cranked emergency radio to make sure it is functioning correctly and that you can receive emergency broadcasts.
Inspect your first aid kit to ensure that all items are present and in good condition.
Maintaining your bug out bag over time is also important to ensure that it remains in good working order. Here are some tips for maintaining your bag:
Regularly check the expiration dates of food and medications and replace them as needed.
Inspect your gear for any signs of wear or damage and repair or replace as necessary.
Clean and dry your bag after each use to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
Why a Budget Bug Out Bag is Better Than No Bag at All
In conclusion, having a bug out bag is essential for emergency preparedness. While pre-made bug out bags can be expensive, building a budget bug out bag allows you to have a cost-effective option without compromising on quality or functionality. By including essential items such as water, food, shelter, first aid supplies, navigation tools, and other necessary gear, you can ensure that you are prepared for any emergency situation.
When choosing a backpack for your budget bug out bag, consider factors such as durability, size, capacity, comfort, and fit. Look for backpacks that are made from high-quality materials and have features that will improve comfort during long hikes.
To save money on your bug out bag supplies, consider buying in bulk, shopping sales and clearance sections, using coupons and promo codes, and buying used or refurbished items. Prioritize the items in your bug out bag based on your needs and environment, keeping in mind weight and space considerations.
If you prefer to make your own bug out bag, follow a step-by-step guide and use recommended resources for DIY supplies. When purchasing supplies, consider online retailers, outdoor and camping stores, military surplus stores, and discount stores.
Avoid common mistakes such as overpacking, choosing low-quality items, not testing the bag before an emergency, and not considering personal needs and preferences. Test your bug out bag before an emergency to ensure that everything is in working order, and maintain your bag over time to keep it in good condition.
In conclusion, having a budget bug out bag is better than having no bag at all. It ensures that you have the necessary supplies to survive during an emergency and gives you peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for any situation. Start building your budget bug out bag today and be ready for whatever comes your way.
FAQs
What is a Budget Bug Out Bag?
A Budget Bug Out Bag is a collection of essential items that are packed in a bag to help you survive in an emergency situation.
What are the essential items that should be included in a Budget Bug Out Bag?
The essential items that should be included in a Budget Bug Out Bag are water, food, shelter, clothing, first aid kit, fire starter, multi-tool, flashlight, and communication device.
How much should I spend on a Budget Bug Out Bag?
The amount you should spend on a Budget Bug Out Bag depends on your budget. However, it is recommended to spend between $50 to $150.
What type of bag should I use for a Budget Bug Out Bag?
You should use a durable and waterproof backpack that is comfortable to carry for long distances.
How often should I update my Budget Bug Out Bag?
You should update your Budget Bug Out Bag every six months to ensure that all the items are in good condition and to replace any expired items.
Where should I store my Budget Bug Out Bag?
You should store your Budget Bug Out Bag in a cool and dry place that is easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Can I customize my Budget Bug Out Bag?
Yes, you can customize your Budget Bug Out Bag according to your specific needs and preferences. However, make sure to include all the essential items.
