An evacuation bag, also called a bug out bag or go-bag, is a pre-packed backpack containing everything you need to survive for 72 hours away from home. It is the single most important piece of emergency preparation you can own. When a wildfire, flood, earthquake, or civil emergency forces you to leave with 15 minutes' notice, this bag is the difference between walking out prepared and walking out with nothing.
You can buy a pre-packed evacuation bag (we recommend three below), or you can build one yourself. Building your own lets you customize for your climate, your family's medical needs, and your comfort preferences. It also means you know exactly what is in it and how to use everything.
The checklist below covers everything a complete evacuation bag should contain. Not every item is mandatory for every person. Use it as a master reference and adjust based on your situation. The bag itself should be a quality hiking backpack with a hip belt to distribute weight. Pack heavier items close to your back, lighter items on the outside.
The goal is a single bag that one person can carry, weighing no more than 20% of your body weight, containing everything you need to sustain yourself for 72 hours away from home. Start with the essentials and add based on your specific needs, climate, and family situation. Every item should earn its weight.
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