How to Build a Bugout Bag for Perfect Balance

Gas masks are critical in crises ranging from fires to pandemics to civil unrest to nuclear war, and they shield the lungs from pollutants. But a complete gas mask is way too large for a practical bug out of a jar.

Outside the most serious nuclear and bioweapon disasters, you can replicate the benefit of a full mask by incorporating a half mask to cover your mouth and nose with a pair of goggles to cover your eyes. If you’re carrying a reusable or disposable half-face respirator (with extras/extra cartridges) is up to you.

Level 2 adds a pair of goggles. You may be passing through smoke, tear gas, polluted air from an earthquake or other catastrophe (e.g., the 9/11 first reacts to respiratory disease), or even strong wind. People also purchase swim goggles, onion goggles, or other “industry safety” goggles that are shut off the eye.

Soap is a Level 1 no-brainer. A small bottle of diluted camping soap, which you apply to the bath, does not take up a lot of room or weight and can make a difference in your wellbeing and comfort. People sometimes underestimate the value of grooming in emergency situations.

But organizations like the WHO, CDC, FEMA, and Red Cross all emphasize its significance, so they see first-hand how the disease will spread as soon as groups of people come together in an austere environment.

Tuberculosis, typhus, and even the plague are going through the homeless population of the United States. For example, recent hurricane floodwaters have been checked for incredibly high levels of feces and toxins when people wade through them with open wounds.

There was some discussion among our experts about the level of nail clippers, toilet paper, and wet wipes to be added. There are strong reasons in, either way, so you have some choice about how to choose these things.

We included nail clippers in Level 1—even if you have other cutting tools—because the hand and foot treatment are so important but sometimes neglected, and professionals with experience helping soldiers and hikers in the field have shown first-hand how a good nail clipper will make a significant difference. Toilet paper was favored over wet wipes for L1, with wipes applied to L2, since the soap already in the L1 kit will help with general sanitation. Wet wipes are best used as full-body showers than merely as bum wipes. Chapstick and toothbrush are applied to L2, while hand sanitizer is added to L3. Close to nail clippers, you can technically get it without these advanced items. For instance, you can make a toothbrush with your knife by flaring the end of a twig into a whisker. In reality, however, researchers find that people are more likely to keep their hands and mouth clean and avoid accidents while these inexpensive and light items are in use. It also helps conserve water, soap, petroleum jelly, and other supplies for more versatile applications. But if you’re skilled in the sector, you should miss these.

You should customize:

• Menstrual items. While menstrual cups are perfect for home supplies, avoid them in bugout bags because you don’t want to believe that you have clean hands for insertion/removal and because you want to avoid wasting water and soap for washing.
• If you need prescription eyewear, make sure to have a backup pair of glasses in a difficult situation. Any tangential you require for vital medical treatment, such as additional hearing aid batteries.
• If you’re in a really hot climate, you can apply travel sunscreen, even if you’ve got enough other gear to protect you from the sun even when you’re on the move.
• Most of the preppers include a small towel, typically sold for tourists, hikers, or swimmers. There’s no lot of worth here, so try to keep it light.
• Floss is not a bad addition because it is insanely short and light and can serve as a backup fishing, trap, weaving, or general line. Here are 15 uses for floss.
• You should consider a complete gas mask if you have a legitimate cause to think about CBRN disasters, such as living near a dangerous manufacturing site.
• Iodine pills don’t add a lot of weight, but they would be essential in a nuclear situation.
• Condoms and regulation of births. We’ll always recall the response that the tribal chief gave us while operating in a remote village with a crazy ratio of children to adults: “There’s no electricity here. What else do you think we’re going to do at night?

You should avoid:

• Deodorant. When you’re with other people, they’re typically smelly, too. Suppose you’re not around the rest of the world. Who cares. Also, wet wipes, soap, and technical clothes tend to soften the smell.
• Mouthwash because flossing and brushing are typically more than enough.
• Single-use pocket hand/foot heaters. You’re better off spending the money/space/weight on something more useful, like better gloves. However, if you’re in a very cold environment, a USB rechargeable pocket heater tucked into an armpit can support it.