Bug-Out Bags for Each Family Member

When making bug-out bags for your family, it’s important to consider the specific needs of each individual, including children. Here’s a guide to making customized bug-out bags for everyone in your family.

GEAR & TOOLS

10/17/20248 min read

a family of four children with a backpack and a gas mask ready for disasters

How to Make Bug-Out Bags for Each Family Member, Including Kids

A well-prepared bug-out bag (BOB) can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. These bags, packed with essential supplies, are designed to help you and your family survive the first 72 hours of an emergency. When making bug-out bags for your family, it’s important to consider the specific needs of each individual, including children. Here’s a guide to making customized bug-out bags for everyone in your family.

Here are some items worth carrying in a get home bag:

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Bug-out bag items worth looking at:

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Important Urban prep Items to have:

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Don't Underestimate Natural Disasters For Emergency Preparedness

When America was in denial that our country was being subverted since 2009, people thought I was paranoid about prepping. However, my unique background and experience at that time for the years following 9/11 gave me a perspective both domestically and internationally about the fragility of peoples minds and our lack of intel defense. I realized that I was years ahead of what is to come. The same situation repeating over and over again. Predicting things 5 to 25 years before they happen based on analysis and experience sometimes makes you question your reality. For instance, in 2018 I predicted the current inflation disaster issues and monopolized corporations taking over the country as an extension of the deep state. However i predicted this occurring in 2030, but it instead occurred in 2022. The preparation was sound, but it was 8 years too late. The safeguards I put in place for financial preparedness were still applicable since they were implemented prior to 2022. I provided services to several people to prepare for this. Do you know how many executed the plans? ONE person out of about thirty people took it seriously. Everyone else complained and is knee deep in stress and fear. Your families needs should be critical, and this is why having having a bug-out bag for each member is so important. just do it, have it ready, and be done. This isn't something to put on the back burner waiting.

As the horizon glowed with the amber light of an impending storm, the thought of readiness etched itself into the minds of those who knew the fragility of normalcy. The concept of a bugout bag—a lifeline, a survival tool—became more than a necessity. It became the first line of defense against the chaos that can unfold without warning. Preparing one for every family member demands precision, foresight, and a certain level of grit.

Imagine the unthinkable: a wildfire racing toward your home, a hurricane bearing down on your community, or civil unrest erupting unexpectedly. Each scenario requires swift action and a pre-packed bag tailored to the individual carrying it. The strategy behind assembling a bugout bag and SHTF carry items without a bag are more than just stuffing a backpack with random supplies. It’s about designing a personalized arsenal to keep each family member alive and functional, regardless of their age or specific needs.

Start with the basics, the inescapable essentials. Every bag should include food and water disaster supplies for at least 72 hours. High-calorie energy bars, freeze-dried meals, and water purification tablets offer both nourishment and longevity. A compact, lightweight hydration bladder is indispensable. Factor in the terrain and climate; an arid desert demands extra water capacity, while a cold northern environment calls for calorie-dense provisions to fuel the body’s fight against the chill.

Shelter and warmth during a disaster form the next layer of your plan. Compact sleeping bags or thermal blankets ensure protection against the elements. Include a lightweight, weather-resistant tarp or bivvy sack to construct a makeshift shelter. For colder climates, hand warmers, extra wool socks, and a hat that traps heat are non-negotiable. Every bag should also have a reliable fire-starting kit—waterproof matches, a ferrocerium rod, and tinder. Fire isn’t just warmth; it’s cooking, morale, and sometimes even signaling for help.

Communication and navigation tools take precedence when the environment becomes hostile. A battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio, pre-programmed with NOAA weather frequencies, keeps you informed. Maps of your area, both topographical and road, paired with a compass for navigation, ensure you won’t be at the mercy of GPS. Each family member’s bag should also carry a whistle to signal their location if separated. Consider a personal locator beacon or GPS tracker for high-risk evacuations.

The medical kit is non-negotiable, curated with care. Keep a stockpile of medical items for SHTF. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and antihistamines are the foundation. If anyone in the family has specific medical needs, their bag must reflect that—epinephrine injectors, insulin, or prescription medications with an extended supply. Include basic first aid tools: tweezers, scissors, and splinting materials. A small medical guidebook, tailored for emergencies, can mean the difference between calm action and debilitating panic. You can also learn how to treat infections without antibiotics, as scary as that can be, it is necessary.

Personal items elevate the bag from survivalist simplicity to individualized utility. For children, a comfort item—a small stuffed animal, a familiar book—can provide psychological stability. Adults might prioritize multitools or portable power banks to keep electronics functional. Hygiene items like DIY homemade biodegradable soap, toothbrushes, and sanitary supplies prevent illness and maintain dignity.

Adapting for specific roles within the family adds a layer of resilience. The head of the household might carry heavier, shared items like a robust multitool, an axe, or the bulk of the family’s water supply. A teenager’s bag, by contrast, could be lighter, focusing on essentials like clothing, snacks, and personal hygiene. Younger children’s packs might contain only the basics—snacks, water, and a comfort item—to keep them light and manageable.

Finally, adaptability is your ace in the hole. Seasonal changes, shifting circumstances, and lessons learned from drills or experiences should inform updates to your bugout bags. A winter bag might include crampons and insulated gloves, while a summer-ready pack would swap these for sunscreen and extra hydration. Regular checks ensure expired items are replaced, and the bags remain ready for action.

Crafting bugout bags for each family member is as much an exercise in strategy as it is in logistics. Each item serves a purpose, chosen with the precision of a mission-critical operation. The right preparation isn’t about paranoia; it’s about having the tools to secure your family’s survival in the face of uncertainty.

1. The Basics: What Every Bug-Out Bag Should Contain

Regardless of the age or role in the family, each bug-out bag should have the following core supplies:

Water and filtration: Pack at least 1 liter of water per person per day (3 liters total), plus a water purification system like a LifeStraw or water purification tablets.
Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-carry, and calorie-dense items like energy bars, trail mix, or freeze-dried meals. Each bag should contain at least 72 hours' worth of food.
First-aid kit: A small kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, and any necessary prescription medications.
Clothing: Pack a change of clothes appropriate for the season, including a rain jacket or poncho. Don’t forget socks and underwear.
Shelter: A lightweight emergency tent, tarp, or space blanket to provide protection from the elements.
Fire: Include waterproof matches, a lighter, and fire-starting tools like a ferro rod.
Lighting: Flashlights with extra batteries or a hand-crank option, and glow sticks for emergency light sources.
Multi-tool: A Swiss Army knife or multi-tool with pliers, knife blades, and screwdrivers for various tasks.
Personal hygiene: Wet wipes, biodegradable soap, a small towel, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.
Identification and important documents: Include photocopies of IDs, insurance, and other important documents in waterproof sleeves.
Cash: Small bills and coins in case digital payments aren’t available.
Maps and compass: If GPS fails, a physical map of your area and a compass are critical.

2. Bug-Out Bag for Adults

An adult's bug-out bag should carry the bulk of heavier or complex items, such as:

Advanced tools: A hatchet, small crowbar, or compact shovel.
Additional water filters or purification methods.
Extra food and snacks: Adults can carry more food to distribute among family members if needed.
Self-defense tools and Home Defense: Depending on the situation, consider items like pepper spray or, where legal, a firearm with ammunition.
Cooking supplies: A lightweight portable stove or mess kit, including utensils.

When choosing a backpack for adults, opt for one with a sturdy frame and good weight distribution. Consider a bag with a hydration bladder for easy access to water while on the move.

3. Bug-Out Bag for Teens

Teens can handle more responsibility but should have bags suited to their physical abilities. A teen's bag should still cover all essentials, but also consider:

Compact entertainment: Teens might benefit from distractions like a deck of cards or a book for morale in stressful situations.
Additional first-aid items: Teach teens basic first-aid skills and pack a more comprehensive first-aid kit for them to manage.
Extra clothing layers: Teens can often take on the role of carrying extra gloves, hats, or thermal layers for the family.
Communication devices: A hand-crank or solar-powered radio can help teens stay informed and feel involved in emergency planning.
Headlamp: A hands-free light option to aid them in nighttime situations.

Teens can carry slightly larger backpacks than younger kids but should still have lightweight bags to avoid fatigue.

4. Bug-Out Bag for Younger Children

Children's bug-out bags should be lighter but still equipped with necessities. Focus on:

Comfort and familiarity: Include a favorite small toy, stuffed animal, or blanket for emotional support during a crisis.
Snacks and water: Pack easy-to-eat, child-friendly snacks like applesauce pouches, granola bars, and crackers, as well as a child-sized water bottle.
Whistle: Teach your child to use a whistle if they become separated from you.
Simple first-aid supplies: Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, and child-safe medications like chewable pain relievers.
Warm clothing: Ensure their bag includes a hat, gloves, and extra socks to keep warm in emergencies.
Lightweight shelter: A small emergency blanket or space blanket to protect against cold weather.

Make sure your child’s backpack is appropriately sized and light enough for them to carry without straining.

5. Bug-Out Bag for Babies and Toddlers

Babies and toddlers will not be able to carry their own bag, so an adult will need to pack their essentials in their own bag:

Diapers and wipes: At least 72 hours' worth of diapers, plus wet wipes for cleaning.
Formula or baby food: Depending on your baby’s age, pack formula (with bottles and a way to sterilize), or soft, shelf-stable baby food.
Blankets and clothing: Warm clothing, including hats and mittens, as well as a few blankets for warmth and comfort.
Medicine and hygiene: Infant medications, diaper rash cream, and hand sanitizer.
Carrier: A lightweight baby carrier so you can transport your child comfortably.

You’ll also want to include small toys or pacifiers to keep the baby calm and provide a sense of normalcy.

6. Customizing for Special Needs

For any family member with medical conditions or special needs, customize their bug-out bag accordingly:

Medical supplies: Include any prescription medications, inhalers, EpiPens, or mobility aids. Especially for immune system compromised people during SHTF.
Comfort items: For family members with sensory needs, consider noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or other comforting objects.
Dietary considerations: If someone has food allergies or special dietary needs, pack suitable food options.

Make sure to regularly check and rotate medications to ensure they don’t expire.

7. Practice and Plan

Once your family’s bug-out bags are packed, it’s important to regularly review and adjust the contents, especially as your children grow or as seasons change. Every few months, update clothing, food, and any essential documents. Practice emergency drills so everyone knows how to grab their bag quickly, and ensure younger children understand what their bag is for.

Having a bug-out bag tailored to each family member ensures that you’re prepared to keep your family safe in case of an emergency, no matter the situation.