Bug Out Bag

Starting a camp fire

Image by LUM3N from Pixabay

Marines call it a bug out bag, a backpack filled with survival equipment that can sit on the shelf ready to go at a moment’s notice.  Like the Marines, you can adapt to and overcome any obstacle in an emergency.  All you need are the proper tools grouped together so you can find them.

For Marines and their families, every duty station presents unique challenges.  In South Carolina hurricanes move dangerously close to the coast. Sometimes we get flooding, sometimes we lose power and sometimes we have to evacuate.  We even have tornados.  In California, we experienced earthquakes, flooding and wild fires. In some areas winter storms can be life threatening.  You can tailor survival kits for any kind of emergency.

Below are examples of things to have on hand for your emergency kits.  You may have many of these things at home already.  All you need to do is put them together in one area so you can easily access them.  Other items you can find at your local stores or you can purchase them through the links on this page. *

When you click on an item you will be brought to a site where you can get a more detailed description and make a purchase if you wish. Right now, most of the links go to Amazon.com or Survival Frog but I’ll be adding more items and affiliates as I find them.

*Pleases note: ParrisIsland.com is an Amazon affiliate and a Survival Frog affiliate. If you purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.  The tabs below are grouped into several categories.  Browse the selections to see what you already have on hand or what you might need to purchase in the future.

Items for your Bug Out Bag

24BattlePack Tactical Backpack | 1 to 3 Day Assault Pack | Combat Veteran Owned Company |40L Bug Out Bag (Black)

Once you gather together all of the items you need for your bug out bag, you'll need something like this 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack - 3 Day Assault Pack. This one is waterproof, expandable and has a 1 year warranty. The company is also owned by a military veteran.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness, 2 Pack, Blue

Clean drinking water is essential for any survival kit. LifeStraw provides you with clean drinking water when you can get to a water source but don't know if it is potable. The straw filters out dirt, bacteria, parasites, and even microplastics.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Picaridin Towelettes - 16 Count

Skins so soft is the secret weapon against sand fleas (no see ums). Now Avon has a Skin So Soft bug formula in convenient packets.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
4-Pack Extra-Thick Thermal Mylar Emergency Blankets - Waterproof Ultralight Camping Gear

Every emergency kit needs a blanket, but traditional ones take up too much space. Mylar blankets are light weight and compact. These are waterproof and reflect 90 percent of body heat.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
LEATHERMAN, Wave+, 18-in-1 Full-Size, Versatile Multi-tool for DIY, Home, Garden, Outdoors or Everyday Carry (EDC), Stainless Steel

Never underestimate the value of a good multitool like this one from Leatherman. It's perfect for a bug out bag or any kind of emergency bag. This one has 18 tools including plyers, wire cutters, scissors and screw drivers.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter, Ferro Rod Kit with Paracord Landyard Handle and Striker, 4"(Long) x 3/8"(Diameter)

Keep this flint fire starter handy in your kit. You never know when you will need to start a fire for warmth or in order to cook a meal.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Hydration Bladder, 2L Water Bladder for Hiking Backpack Leak Proof Water Reservoir Storage Bag, 2 Liter BPA-Free Water Pouch Hydration Pack Replacement for Camping Cycling Running, Military Green

Staying hydrated is essential during any emergency situation. Make sure you have easy access to plenty of water with a hydration bladder like this one.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
FosPower Emergency Weather Radio (Model A1) NOAA/AM/FM with 7400mWh Portable Power Bank, USB/Solar/Hand Crank Charging, Battery Operated, SOS Alarm & Flashlight for Indoor/Outdoor Emergencies

I have a weather radio with a crank to recharge but this option has 3 power sources: a crank, solar panel and AAA batteries. It also has a power bank to recharge your phone!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
SteriPEN ULT-MP-EF SterPen Ultra UV Water Purifier

This water purifier not only kills bacteria, but it kills, protozoa and viruses too. It has a digital display and a USB charger.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit (FAO-442)

Compact yet full of the basic things you need for your bug out bag first aid kit, like: bandages, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, eye pads, and disposable gloves.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
KIND Breakfast, Healthy Snack Bar, Almond Butter, Gluten Free Breakfast Bars, 8g Protein, 1.76 OZ Packs (6 Count)

Keep some tasty protein breakfast bars in your bug out bag. Whether you are stuck in traffic as you drive to your destination or you find out once you get there, all of the restaurants are closed, you will be glad you've got something nutritious to munch on until you can get a proper meal.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Lockport 5-Pack Silver Duct Tape - 90ft x 2in - 5 Roll Multi Pack Heavy Duty Duct Tape - Duct Tape Heavy Duty Waterproof - Gray Duct Tape Bulk for B2B, Home Use, DIY, Projects and Repairs


Duct tape can be use for so many things. Did your snack bag get a rip in it? Form a quick patch with duct tape. I've even seen prom dresses made out of this versitile tape! And while you probably won't need it to make clothing, you can use it to patch camping equipment like tents or make fly tape to catch those pesky insects.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener / Bottle Opener, 8.34-Inch, Aqua Sky

A manual can opener is a must for your bag. When the electricity goes out, you will be glad you have a gadget to open up a can of pork and beans, chili, or soup. We stayed for hurricane Matthew in 2016. The power went out and stayed out for over a week, but I had no trouble using up my canned goods using my easy turn can opener.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Parris Island Coloring Book: Color your way to graduation day

If you have children, bring along some coloring books, crayons and other fun activities for them. You can download free coloring pages from this site or visit BeeandKiwi 's Ko-Fi page where you can get free coloring pages or buy the artist a cup of coffee.  Check the site occasionally for more freebees.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Skillmatics Preschool Learning Activity – Search and Find Educational Game, Perfect for Kids, Toddlers Who Love Toys, Art and Craft Activities, Gifts for Girls and Boys Ages 3, 4, 5, 6

There are different kits to choose from for ages 3 to 6, like spelling, alphabet, and, I can count. The search and find kit contains 6 different double sided activity sheets and two dry erase pens. After the activity is completed they can be wiped off, stored with your bug out bag and used next time.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Dramamine Kids Chewable, Motion Sickness Relief, Grape Flavor, 8 Count

We used to take long car rides to visit our family twice a year. Our daughter usually did well, until one year, she didn't. She started getting nauseous if the car ride took too long. When you leave by car to escape a hurricane and everyone else is leaving too, it can take hours to get to your destination. Dramamine for kids is a nice addition to your bug out bag essentials, just in case.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Traveling

EMDMAK Door Stop Alarm with 120DB Siren Door Stop for Home & Travel (Black) (Pack of 2)

Consider buying a door stop alarm for your hotel room. If someone tries to break in, an alarm sounds. The 120DB alarm is sure to wake you up and scare the intruder.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Skillmatics Preschool Learning Activity – Search and Find Educational Game, Perfect for Kids, Toddlers Who Love Toys, Art and Craft Activities, Gifts for Girls and Boys Ages 3, 4, 5, 6

There are different kits to choose from for ages 3 to 6, like spelling, alphabet, and, I can count. The search and find kit contains 6 different double sided activity sheets and two dry erase pens. After the activity is completed they can be wiped off, stored with your bug out bag and used next time.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Parris Island Coloring Book: Color your way to graduation day

If you have children, bring along some coloring books, crayons and other fun activities for them. You can download free coloring pages from this site or visit BeeandKiwi 's Ko-Fi page where you can get free coloring pages or buy the artist a cup of coffee.  Check the site occasionally for more freebees.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
KIND Breakfast, Healthy Snack Bar, Almond Butter, Gluten Free Breakfast Bars, 8g Protein, 1.76 OZ Packs (6 Count)

Keep some tasty protein breakfast bars in your bug out bag. Whether you are stuck in traffic as you drive to your destination or you find out once you get there, all of the restaurants are closed, you will be glad you've got something nutritious to munch on until you can get a proper meal.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Vehicle Emergency Kit

First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit (FAO-442)

Compact yet full of the basic things you need for your bug out bag first aid kit, like: bandages, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, eye pads, and disposable gloves.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
SteriPEN ULT-MP-EF SterPen Ultra UV Water Purifier

This water purifier not only kills bacteria, but it kills, protozoa and viruses too. It has a digital display and a USB charger.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
LEATHERMAN, Wave+, 18-in-1 Full-Size, Versatile Multi-tool for DIY, Home, Garden, Outdoors or Everyday Carry (EDC), Stainless Steel

Never underestimate the value of a good multitool like this one from Leatherman. It's perfect for a bug out bag or any kind of emergency bag. This one has 18 tools including plyers, wire cutters, scissors and screw drivers.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
4-Pack Extra-Thick Thermal Mylar Emergency Blankets - Waterproof Ultralight Camping Gear

Every emergency kit needs a blanket, but traditional ones take up too much space. Mylar blankets are light weight and compact. These are waterproof and reflect 90 percent of body heat.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness, 2 Pack, Blue

Clean drinking water is essential for any survival kit. LifeStraw provides you with clean drinking water when you can get to a water source but don't know if it is potable. The straw filters out dirt, bacteria, parasites, and even microplastics.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Picaridin Towelettes - 16 Count

Skins so soft is the secret weapon against sand fleas (no see ums). Now Avon has a Skin So Soft bug formula in convenient packets.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag Thermal Bivy - Use as Emergency Bivy Sack, Survival Sleeping Bag, Mylar Emergency Blanket
$19.95

Regular sleeping bags take up a lot of room. Not this one. It is a portable thermal sleeping bag that fits in your hand.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/05/2024 03:13 am GMT
Garage Monkey Engineering LED Road Safety Flares Roadside Warning Lights for Car, Truck, RV & Boat with Magnetic Base, Hooks to Hang & Carrying Bag | 4 Beacon Disc Pack with 9 Flash Modes


Keep some LED safety flairs in your vehicle in case you break down. They have magnets attached to one side allowing you to place them on your car.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Amazon Basics Emergency Seat Belt Cutter and Window Hammer Tool, Car Accessories, 2 Pack, SW-835

Give yourself peace of mind by keeping a seat belt cutter within reach inside your vehicle. This one is also a window hammer in case you need to break the glass in order to escape your vehicle. It's a great gift for any family member.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.