The first time I heard the term ‘bug-out-bag’ … I wondered how in the heck I missed out on another yet another new handbag?? 

I mean, after all you are talking about the girl who has just about every designer purse there is out there - all neatly lined up on the top shelf of my clothet like little victory trophies (not that I use all of them mind you – I mostly just gaze upon them adoringly).

 But I digress.  Back to bug-out-bags. What I discovered to my great disappointment is a bug-out-bag (or fondly referred to as a 'BOB' or as I like to call it a BOBS - Bag of Belongings and Supplies) was not what I thought it was.  A bug-out-bag is actually a portable bag that contains items a person would need to survive if evacuating in a disaster situation.  Unlike the bag you carry that contains items that you need every day (your hand-bag silly!) 

There is a rule of thumb with this special bag.  The bug-out-bag should contain enough supplies for seventy-two (72) hours.  The rational behind it?  Simply put - it could take up to 72 hours for a rescue team to reach you in a disaster.  If it were me?  I'd count on it being longer - think Katrina.

So, now that you know that the hottest bag in town is not for glamor but survival, let me share the importance, of size and some of the major contents you would want to include in your bag.

 A well planned out bug-out-bag should include some, if not all, of these items and supplies.  Cooking utensils, non-perishable foods and water, water tablets for purification, cutlery, dishes, fixed blade knife, battery powered flashlight, radio, self defense device(s), radio, medications, a first-aid kit, maps, a crowbar, cash and change and, a multi purpose tool, to name a few.  Now, grant it, everyone's bag will be a little different, depending on their specific needs.

And don't even start with the "it will be too heavy!" comments!  Have you put your personal hand-bag on a scale lately?  Nuf said. 

 Back to bag packing.  Keep in mind the five basics needs of survival.  They are warmth, food, water, first-aid and shelter.

 Six, if you include the great bag ...uh …bug-out-bag that is.  Which leads me to the bag itself.

 Your bug-out-bag should be light enough to carry on foot for long periods of time.  It should also be durable and strong. 

Most opt for the "back-pack" style bag as the weight of the items in the bag are distributed evenly on your back making it easier to carry (that is, if you consider 50 lbs easy to carry.)  Bug-out-bags can be purchased fully assembled or made at home (see Bug-Out-Bag Items under Survivor Jane's Survival Products above for item suggestions and bags to make your shopping a little easier).

Some other suggestions for bags are canvas duffle bags or carry-on luggage with wheels (I myself would rule-out the wheeled carriers - no matter how appealing – remember the trudge those poor souls in New Orleans had to make after the hurricane?  My guess would be the wheels were totally worn down to bare metal in nothing flat. 

Even though it is our nature as women to want to be the first (and only) to have the newest bag out, in this instance, you may need to swallow your pride and understand that when dealing in a survival situation it is imperative that everyone have a bag of this type.  It is also recommended to have a smaller version bug-out-bag in your car and one at your workplace.

Lessons learned from previous disasters shows how important it is to be prepared for surviving - living out of your bag for several days - again - if not longer.

So there you have it.  Ta dah! - the survival bug-out-bag! 

Now I'm sure you can really understand how valuable a great bag is - this time to your survival!

- Survivor Jane

Related Articles:

Thank you in advance for sharing Survivor Jane with your friends!

If you have any questions, or would like to see a specific article addressing survival preparedness for women; or if would like to submit an article or blog for review and possible posting on SurvivorJane.com click here

Or contact Survivor Jane at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Follow @SurvivorJane on Twitter Creator/Originator of the hashtag #PrepperTalk where you will find the Largest Prepper Community on Twitter!

Survivor Jane is not intended to be expert, legal or even medical advise - just one girl sharing with others.