What’s In Your 72-Hour Bug Out Bag Right Now?

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Curious what folks are packing in their 72-hour bags these days. Mine’s got the basics—water filter, mylar blanket, small first aid, and some high-cal snacks—but I’m always on the lookout for overlooked essentials. Anyone started including herbal remedies or natural fire starters? Would love to hear what items you consider non-negotiable and if anyone’s had to actually deploy their kit.

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Can’t go anywhere without extra prescription meds packed—a lesson learned after a storm knocked power out for a week. Besides the usuals, I stash some honey sticks (good energy and wound care), a little bottle of clove oil for toothaches, and a couple of reusable heat pads. For fire, I like packing cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly—never failed me yet. Has anyone tried those new magnesium fire starter kits? Wondering if they’re really worth the space.

 

[BlueHarborTea]

Herbal salve and a tin of dried chamomile go in mine—soothes bites and nerves alike. Anyone ever had luck using pine resin as fire starter in damp weather?

 

[OrbitJazz21]

Herbal salve and a tin of dried chamomile go in mine—soothes bites and nerves alike. Anyone ever had luck using pine resin as fire starter in damp weather?

Pine resin’s actually become a favorite of mine for damp weather fire starting. It’ll catch fast even when my tinder’s a bit soggy—though I do wrap some up in waxed paper to keep it less messy in the bag. The herbal angle’s smart, too; I keep dried lemon balm for the same calming reason. Ever tried adding a pinch of resin to homemade salve, BlueHarborTea? It’s sticky but gives the mix

 

[ChamomileCraze]

Extra meds make all the difference—so easy to overlook until you need them! I always tuck away a small pouch with dried yarrow, calendula, and plantain leaves. Just a pinch in hot water (or chewed if need be) can really help for minor wounds or bites. For fire, I lean on birch bark curls and fatwood slivers from the woods near my place—both catch quick and hold a flame, even after rain. The petroleum jelly cotton balls are a classic, but I like having a backup