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My friend, who went backpacking with me (see our adventure), recommended this book: The Great Alone.
In this story, there is a mother and her daughter who live in Alaska and their husband/father is abusive. He is also a prepper, so they have Bug-Out Bags ready by the door. (I call mine a 72-hr bag, but closely the same thing). Hm...is this why she thought I would like the book?
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Either way, while creating a plan to escape from him they factor their Bug-Out Bags into their plans. Without knowing it, the abusive husband gave his daughter and his wife the single backpack they needed to run away from him.
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Quite handy. But this isn't just a Bug-Out Bag...it's a I've Never Coming Home Bag (INCH). For the woman in the story, it's their Run-Away Bag (RAB? Nah. ) but could be similar to an Evacuation Bag.
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They don't expect to come back home, but they also don't expect to need to survive out of the backpack in the Alaskan wilderness. They board a plane and head off to seek shelter with relatives. Warning: It's an emotionally raw book, if you are thinking about reading it: The Great Alone.
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Of course, this got me thinking about the absolute essential things I would want if I had to evacuate. If my life was in immediate danger, and I had to leave, what would I want in my backpack?
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My Evac Essentials:
clean underwear + socks
toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap
phone charge
cash + important information
snacks/easy food
knife + watch
sturdy boots
bandanna
+ phone, wallet, keys
+ clothes for the weather (whatever I am wearing in season)
Kids:
If I had kids they would have some subset of the items above plus those below:
stuffed animal
diapers + wipes
candy
Pets:
If I had a non-livestock pet:
water/food bowl
snacks + food
leash, collar/harness w/ tags or carrier
evidence of vaccines
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Conclusion
I am thinking strongly about creating this bag for just inside my apartment door. I keep my 72-hr bag in my car, which I often go to for mundane things like bug spray or bandaides.
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I check my bag so things don't go missing, but using the items keeping them rotated. This bag can be put together with things already around the house. Putting it together before you are stressed and need to leave will give you time to gather and consider your absolute essentials.
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What would be in your absolute essential bag? Let us know below.
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While formally trained as a mathematician, I am passionate about learning and teaching skills that allow me to be more self-reliant. This means growing my own food, making quilts, as well as preparing for small-scale emergencies and wide-scale disasters. I want to share my passions with you, and hope you will join me where ever you are on your journey through life.
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My first thought is where are you going, how are you going to get there? You need a plan. Are you going to need to sleep? Do you need bedding? You can live without underwear, dry socks are nice, boots are not essential, water is necessary I would use a camel. Need a coat or a rain top. Remember cotton kills, wear synthetics. 72 hour time frame is a myth it only delays the inevitable, it does give you time to assess your situation.
I carry a small tarp and cord for quick shelter (snow, rain), I have several ways to make fire, potty paper and a small garden spade to bury your business. Take a half roll of potty paper, remove the inner spool to save space, put in a ziplock bag. Think about bug repellent, small first aid kit (mentioned) with anti septic. Infection and disease are your enemy. Wide brimmed hat to keep rain and sun off your ears, face, and nape. This will still keep you light on weight.
How strong is your knife? Can you sharpen it? Add ons are many but add weight and bulk, adapt to your environment.