A bug out bag should provide the essential items you need in any survival situation. These BOB checklists will provide the essential survival items as well as some ideas on specialized checklists. An expansion (or specialized checklist) is a group of items that with specific situations. These extra checklists will help you organize your bug out bag even better. Pack the specialized items in their own compartment so you can quickly leave behind the items you don't need in your situation. Most of the time more gear is always better. The downside to carrying everything you can think of is weight. If weight is an issue you can ditch the non-essential items quickly.

Bare Survival Items

Shelter

Shelter is a top priority because hypothermia and heat related illnesses can kill you within three hours (and possibly faster if conditions are extreme). Be sure you have a good poncho, sleeping bag, and waterproof bivy to keep you dry and warm. The clothing you wear on a day to day basis will contribute to the quality of your shelter. If you have a gortex coat and boots you'll be much better off than if you're stuck on the freeway with a cotton t-shirt and flip flops.

Water

A stainless steel canteen can double as a container and pot to boil water. A good water filter will help you get clean water no matter your situation. Iodine can be less effective if there are bigger particles in the water as these particles can keep contaminates safe from the iodine pills. Two gallons of water a day per person is recommended. You can survive three days without water.

Food

High calorie food rations will provide the energy you need. Trail mix also packs a lot of calories. Try to get at least 3,000 calories a day per person. You can survive three weeks without food.

Other Essential Items and Tools

* Knife
* Multitool
* Headlamp or flashlight
* First aid kit
* Paracord (100 ft 550 Cord)
* Water bladder with drinking hose
* Lighter or firestriker with Vaseline covered cotton balls
* Extra socks, underwear, and change of clothes.

Specialized Item Checklists

Everyone in your family should have a bag with the essential items listed above. Once you have the bare essential items consider adding these specialized checklists to your bag and spread them over other member's bags.

Items for evasion and defensive bug out situations

* Camouflage everything you have (poncho, backpack, bivy, etc)
* Handgun with 100 rounds ammo
* Rifle and scope with 100 rounds of ammo
* Spotting scope with night vision capabilities
* Camoflage facepaint
* Snarewire
* Trauma kit with Celox and suture kits

Items for natural disaster or rescue situation

* Signal mirror
* Flares
* Whistle
* EPRIB
* Brightly colored clothing, poncho, coat, and tent
* Hand held CB Radio

Items for extended bug out situations

* Ground Mat
* Solar Crank Radio
* Fishing Kit
* Folding Saw
* Axe, Hatchet, or Machete
* Camp stove with fuel (avoid butane, get a multifuel stove)
* Shovel
* Four Season Tent or Tarp for Shelter
* Cooking items
* Dish soap
* Trash bags
* Duct tape
* Sewing kit