Some people are quick to dismiss preppers as conspiracy theorists. They mock their canned food collections and question why they have bug out bags filled to the brim.
“You’ll never need that stuff,” the doubters confidently claim.
But the government disagrees.
Yep, that’s right: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security actually encourages citizens to create 72-hour survival kits. The Red Cross, the CDC, and FEMA are also on board with emergency preparedness kits.
That’s where bug out bags come into play. Survivalists often store their 72-hour essentials in sturdy, spacious bags known as bug out bags or bug out backpacks.
When you search for the best bug out bag, make sure yours can hold:
- Canned food
- Bottled water
- Medicine
- First aid supplies
- Battery-powered radio
- Battery-powered flashlight
- Essential documents
…and everything else your family needs to survive severe weather, war, or the apocalypse.
Here’s the deal:
You can’t predict every disaster. You can only prepare for potential emergencies.
That’s why we’ve thoroughly researched best-selling bug out bags to find ones that withstand everything from earthquakes to civil unrest. Explore our bug out bag list below, whether you consider yourself a practical parent, a doomsday prepper, or somewhere in between.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.