Best bug out backpack Essentials for Beginners (Part 2)

Take your survival preparedness to the next level with Part 2 of the bug out backpack Essentials for Beginners. In this guide, we dive into the critical extras beyond the basics—navigation, clothing, light, communication, and more.

The Bug Out Bunker

8/12/20243 min read

black backpack on brown and white rock
black backpack on brown and white rock

Introduction
So, you’ve packed the basics in your bug out bag—water, food, shelter, first aid, and tools.

But survival requires more than just the essentials.

In Part 2, we’ll dive into the additional gear you need to truly be prepared.

These are the items that take your bug out bag from basic to comprehensive.

1. Navigation: Don’t Get Lost

Being lost in a survival situation is a nightmare. Your smartphone might not always work, so you need reliable tools to navigate.

Essentials:

  • Compass: A simple, battery-free Silva Compass that’s always reliable.

  • Maps: Physical maps of your local area, especially topographic maps that show terrain.

Pro Tip: Keep your map in a waterproof case to protect it from the elements. Getting lost could cost you everything, so don’t skip this step.

2. Clothing: Dress for Survival

Survival isn’t just about the gear you carry; it’s also about what you wear. Proper clothing can make all the difference.

Essentials:

  • Base Layer: Merino wool is ideal for warmth, even when wet.

  • Mid Layer: A fleece jacket for lightweight insulation that dries quickly.

  • Outer Layer: A waterproof, windproof jacket, preferably with Gore-Tex for maximum protection.

  • Extra Socks: Always pack at least two extra pairs of wool socks to keep your feet dry.

  • Hat and Gloves: Simple beanie and gloves to keep your extremities warm.

Dress right, stay alive.

woman carrying hunting rifle in woods
woman carrying hunting rifle in woods

3. Light: See and Be Seen

Moving around in the dark is a recipe for disaster. You need reliable light sources.

Essentials:

  • Headlamp: A Petzl headlamp keeps your hands free and your path illuminated.

  • Extra Batteries: Always pack a couple of extra sets to ensure your light doesn’t go out.

  • Glow Sticks: Lightweight and battery-free, perfect for marking your campsite or trail.

Light is crucial—not just for seeing but for being seen.

4. Communication: Stay Connected

When the grid goes down, staying connected becomes a challenge. You need more than just your mobile phone.

Essentials:

  • Two-Way Radio: A simple Baofeng radio to keep in touch with others.

  • Whistle: Loud, lightweight, and perfect for signalling when you need help.

Pro Tip: Attach the whistle to your jacket or bag with paracord for easy access. Communication can be the difference between being lost and being found.

5. Sanitation: Stay Clean, Stay Healthy

Poor hygiene can lead to illness, which is the last thing you need in a survival situation.

Essentials:

  • Biodegradable Wipes: Clean yourself without harming the environment.

  • Hand Sanitiser: Essential for keeping germs at bay.

  • Toilet Paper: Lightweight, but indispensable.

  • Trowel: A small, lightweight plastic trowel for digging a latrine.

Staying clean isn’t glamorous, but it’s necessary for staying healthy.

person carrying yellow and black backpack walking between green plants
person carrying yellow and black backpack walking between green plants

6. Miscellaneous Essentials: The Little Things Matter

Sometimes it’s the small things that make a big difference in survival situations.

Essentials:

  • Duct Tape: Fix anything with a few feet of duct tape wrapped around your water bottle.

  • Ziplock Bags: Waterproof storage for maps, electronics, and important documents.

  • Survival Guide: A small Pocket Survival Guide packed with tips and tricks.

  • Cash: Carry small bills. If the grid goes down, your credit cards won’t be much help.

Don’t overlook the small stuff—these items can be lifesavers.

7. Mindset: Prepare for Anything

Your gear is only as good as your mindset. Survival is as much mental as it is physical.

Stay calm, think clearly, and trust your preparations.

When you’re prepared, nothing can shake you.

And that’s the ultimate goal of having the best bug out bag essentials for beginners.

That’s the complete rundown. Now you’ve got everything you need to survive, no matter what comes your way. The best bug out bag essentials for beginners are all about preparation and peace of mind. So go ahead, pack your bag, and rest easy knowing you’re ready for anything.

Thanks and best regards

The Bug Out Bunker

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