What’s Your Top “Must Have” for Bug Out Bags?
If you could only pick one item that absolutely has to go in your bug out bag, what would it be? Mine’s a quality water filter—can’t risk dehydration. Curious what’s non-negotiable for the rest of you.
What’s Your Top “Must Have” for Bug Out Bags?
- Thread starter PrepperLinda65
- Start date
If I had to pick just one non-negotiable, it'd be a water filter every time. Nothing else matters much if you can't find safe water. I know some folks swear by fire starters or knives, but I've always thought you can make do with a lot of things, just not with contaminated water. PrepperLinda65, do
Totally get the emphasis on water—if you can't drink, nothing else matters much. But for me, I'd have to say my must-have is a solid fixed-blade knife. It's just so versatile: cutting cordage, prepping foraged food, whittling sticks for traps or even digging up roots in a pinch. Plus, you can use it to fashion other tools or start a fire if you've got the right kind of steel.
I guess I always look at how many different needs one item can fill, and a dependable knife has saved my skin more than once out foraging wild herbs or working in the garden. Don't get me wrong, I carry a little Sawyer filter too, but if I really had to improvise, I know a bit about boiling and primitive filtering.
Curious if anyone here has a certain knife they swear by for their kit? I've used a Mora for ages but been thinking of upgrading if there's something sturdier.
I guess I always look at how many different needs one item can fill, and a dependable knife has saved my skin more than once out foraging wild herbs or working in the garden. Don't get me wrong, I carry a little Sawyer filter too, but if I really had to improvise, I know a bit about boiling and primitive filtering.
Curious if anyone here has a certain knife they swear by for their kit? I've used a Mora for ages but been thinking of upgrading if there's something sturdier.
Shelter gets my vote—space blanket or tarp every time. Exposure can take you down even faster than thirst in some situations, especially here where weather flips on a dime. I always toss in a lightweight Mylar blanket; it’s tiny but makes a world of difference if you’re caught without cover. Anyone else have luck actually reusing those emergency blankets more than once?