How to Build a 72 Hour Survival Kit (Bug Out Bag)

When it comes to building a 72 hour survival kit there are about as many ways to build it as there are people out there. For ALL survival bags you have to pack the basics. Anything extra outside of the basics is just personal preference or just seems cool to have, you know, in case zombies start chasing you and your family.

I will list some recommended products along the way and then list all of them again at the end so you can see.

Lets start by figuring out some basic details that might help you determine what items to pack. Here are some examples:

• Will your bag be at your house and used in case of natural disaster: If so then its probably not necessary to pack clothes for heat regulation since you will have quick access to those items. Will you throw it in your car or walk out with it? Make sure your fitness level matches the weight of the bag. The last thing you want is to be killing yourself with a super heavy bag if you are not fit.
• Will you keep the bag in your car (This is what I do): Since I do a bunch of off-roading and I travel around town a lot prefer to keep mine in my Jeep. With that said I have heavier stuff in my bag since it is mobile in my vehicle.
• Are you taking yours hiking or backpacking: If you are taking a kit as a backup plan for a hiking or backpacking then keeping the pack light is important. You will likely not bring a full size axe and folding shovel and might want to pack items like a signal mirror and a compass.
• Are you Primarily in a cold/wet weather climate: Provision more cold weather gear for body temperature regulation and redundant fire making supplies along with waterproofing.
• Are you primarily in a excessively hot/dry climate: Provision more water making/finding capabilities and hot weather gear to regulate body temperature. Bring extra water to begin with.

I think you get the point that you need to consider where exactly where you might find yourself Bugging Out or getting stranded. Use common sense.

Now lets break down your bag into a few important categories and list the recommended gear.

THE BAG ITSELF

What you are looking for is a quality built bag that can withstand some punishment. Here are some requirements to consider in a good bag.

• Made of 1000D Cordura. I would find a bag that is Military Spec so you know it is rugged.
• Must have a hip/Kidney Belt. If you ever have to walk long distance this is a must. It takes the weight off your shoulders and carries it on your hips.
• Make sure you have at lease 3000 square inches of capacity or more. The bag should also contain many different sections so you can partition and organize your gear.
• Should contain an area for a water bladder so if you have to wear it you will have easy access to the drinking hose.
• Getting a neutral color just in case you are in an urban environment. The last thing you want to do is draw attention to your supply bag.

Here are some recommended bags that I personally use:
1) Condor Elite Titan Assault Pack – Condor has really taken a step up with their Elite line. These bags are geared towards professional warfighters so the quality and utility features speak for themselves. This is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn.

– Field Operators Action Pack – 22 x 16 x 9 Inches, Backpack Bag
– Fox Military Advanced 3-day Combat MOLLE Assault Pack – Black

WATER STORAGE AND PREP

The rule of 3’s in survival states that you can survive 3 days without water then you will begin to die. We will make sure we have a good supply of water for 3 days and then some method to collect and sanitize water once your initial supply runs out.

1. Initial Supply of water in the bag. I personally like to get a good water bladder that stores a minimum of 6 liters (2 liters per day per person for 3 days). My personal bag has a 10 liter bladder. In a pinch this particular bag can be heated over a fire to boil water. MSR Deluxe Dromedary Bag. Comes in 2L, 4L, 6L, 10L and you can buy the optional drinking hose MSR Hydration Kit
2. Mini Water Filter – This tool will allow you to filter out harmful pollution and microorganisms from any water source you might find. Look for a filter that gets 0.5 Microns or smaller particles. MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter
3. Canteen & Canteen Cup: With this option you can collect water and then boil it in your canteen cup. Rothco Canteen / Cup Kit with Cover in Olive Green

SHELTER & FIRST AID KIT

Shelter will keep you protected from the elements and help you regulate your body temperature. Body temperature regulation is a key survival priority.

1. A Weatherproof nylon rip-stop poncho will keep you dry if the weather gets inclimate. It can also be strung up in the heat to provide shade. Waterproof Nylon Rip-Stop Poncho
2. 10 x 10 Tarp can also provide shade and shelter no matter where you are.10′ x 10′ Camouflage Tarp
3. Emergency Blanket can help regulate your body temperature, can be used to signal, or even collect water. Emergency Thermal Blanket 52″ x 84″ (4 Pack)
4. Simple First Aid Kit is really all you need. Something light and relatively small that has bandages . If you break your leg no first aid kit will help you.Black Large Modular 1st Aid Pouch

FIRE MAKING

Fire making can be the difference between life and death. It can heat you up if you get cold, boil water to safely keep you hydrated, and serve as a signal. We will aim for redundancy on this one.

1. Strike Anywhere Matches in a Waterproof Container UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case
2. Lighter – standard old fashioned Bic lighter
3. Magnesium Stick
   Magnesium Fire Starter
4. Dryer Lint – Yep that stuff you throw away is a great material for getting that initial fire started. Just collect a bunch of it and stuff it in a zip Lock bag. You can also use cotton balls.

TOOLS

1. Survival Knife is arguably the most important item to have in your kit. You are looking for a full tang (blade and handle are made of one piece of metal), 4-5″ fixed blade that has a serrated portion of the cutting edge. I have found Gerber Knives to be the best on the market.
   Gerber 22-41121 Prodigy Survival Knife or
   Gerber 22-01400 LMF II Survival Knife – Coyote Brown
2. Multi-tool with Saw – again Gerber is a well respected company Gerber 01471 Suspension Butterfly Opening Multi-Plier with Sheath
3. Folding E-Tool (Shovel) is a very handy tool for setting up shelter, aiding in a stuck vehicle, Etc. Tri-Fold Entrenching Tool (E-Tool), Genuine Military Issue, with Shovel Cover
4. Small Axe is useful for harvesting wood for fire building. The Gerber model even has a build in saw blade. Gerber 22-41420 Gator Combo Axe II
5. Can Opener should be super small like the GI P-51 style P-51 GI Stainless Steel Can Opener
6. Headlamp Flashlight W/ extra batteries. A headlamp is probably the best option since it allows you to work with your hands while still having access to steady light. Outdoor Waterproof 1600LM CREE XM-L T6 LED Headlamp
7. Compass will halp you navigate especially if you spend more time in the vast wilderness. Not quite as necessary for Urban Survival. Texsport Lensatic Compass

OTHER UTILITIES

1. Duct Tape can be used for dozens of applications from shelter prep, first aid, clothing repair, etc. Duct Tape, Olive Drab, 2″ x 60 Yds.
2. 100′ of Para-cord also has many uses and is a must have for your kit 550lb Type III 7 Strand Paracord
3. Utensils – Fork and spoon (Spork) Titanium Spork
4. Zip Lock Baggies
5. Zip Ties of assorted lengths
6. Work Gloves that allow for full dexterity while retaining warmth 5.11 Station Grip Glove (Black)

SIGNALING & COMMUNICATION

1. Signal Mirror eGear Survival Essentials Floating Whistle/Mirror Combo
2. Survival Whistle eGear Survival Essentials Floating Whistle/Mirror Combo
3. Hand Crank AM/FM Radio will allow you to get up to date info in the event of a crisis. The hand crank means that you do not have to rely on batteries for power. Some of them have a flash light and even the ability to charge your cell phone. Look for a compact design. Ambient Weather WR-089 Compact Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio, Flashlight, Smart Phone Charger with Cables

FOOD

Because you can survive several weeks without food we will say that food is a luxury. For a 3 day bag if you are going to pack food make sure it does not take up too much space or weigh too much. The bottom line is that even a relatively slender person has several weeks of energy stored in their body already. If you are carrying a few extra pounds then that can last even longer, however i don’t recommend carrying extra body fat. Here are a few items to consider.

1. MRE’s (Meal Ready to Eat) are prepackaged meals that are high in calories. They last a long time and are shelf stable. I would pack 1-2 MRE’s but that’s it for a 3 day supply.Sure-Pak MRE Full Meal Kit with Heater – Single Sample (Civilian MRE)
2. Freeze Dried Camping Meals are another great way to keep shelf stable meals packed in your kit. These will require water though unlike the MRE’s which are ready to eat as is. Mountain House Pro-Pak Chicken Teriyaki (1 Pouch)

 

OTHER PERSONAL EFFECTS FOR YOUR 72 HOUR SURVIVAL KIT

1. Toilet Paper
2. Extra Socks / Underwear
3. Tooth Brush with travel size toothpaste
4. (Women) Feminine Products
5. Brimmed hat
6. Sunscreen
7. Cash in small denominations is mainly for urban survival
8. Card Deck (occupy the mind)
9. Travel Sized Dish Soap in Zip lock bag
10. Wash Cloth
11. Soap Bar in Zip lock Bag

SELF DEFENSE (Check legality in your state)

1. Compack Handgun with extra magazines 50-100 rounds
2. 22 Long Rifle with extra rounds 50-100 rounds
3. Self Defense Martial Arts Training is more for Urban Environments but for sure cant hurt to know even if you are in the wilderness. I recommend a reputable Krav Maga instructor.