The Bug Out Bag You Didn’t Know You Needed: Essentials You’re Probably Forgetting
You’ve probably heard all the buzz about bug-out bags.
You know…the ones that are packed to the brim with all sorts of gadgets and gear, ready to get you through the worst-case scenario.
But here's the thing: even if your bag is stuffed full of supplies, there are a few crucial items people often forget.
And I’m not talking about extra granola bars or more band-aids, either. I’m talking about the real essentials, the items that could make the difference between barely getting by and actually thriving in a bug-out situation.
I learned this the hard way a few years back when I was prepping for a multi-day trip to the mountains with nothing but my bug-out bag and my wits. It was supposed to be a fun test of my gear, but halfway through the trip, I realized there were a few major gaps in my setup, like things I thought were trivial until I actually needed them.
And trust me, once you’re out there and things aren’t going according to plan, those “small” items can turn into big problems.
Here’s what I’ve learned through trial and error:
Extra Cash (In Small Bills)
You might not be thinking about making purchases in a disaster scenario, but trust me, having some extra cash tucked away in your bag can come in handy. Cash is king when the ATMs go down and credit cards are useless.
And here’s a pro tip: keep it in small bills. You might not be able to get change for a $100 when everything’s in chaos, so keep your stash in ones, fives, and tens.
A Compact Solar Charger
This one’s easy to forget, but I’ve had my phone die on me in the middle of a trip more times than I’d like to admit.
And in a bug-out situation, your phone could be a literal lifeline, whether you’re trying to navigate, communicate with loved ones, or get a weather update.
A small solar charger isn’t going to power your entire campsite, but it’ll keep your phone, GPS, or a small flashlight alive long enough to make a difference.
Spare Paracord (Yes, More)
I’m a huge fan of paracord. It’s like the duct tape of the outdoor world. It’s tough, versatile, and can be used for almost anything.
But here’s the kicker: when you're setting up shelters, hanging gear, or building makeshift traps, you’ll run out of it faster than you think. Having a little extra paracord (like 25-50 feet more) can go a long way. It’s light, it packs small, and it’ll save your butt when you need it most.
A Simple Notebook & Pen
I know, I know. It’s not exactly a survival tool, right? But hear me out. A notebook is useful for more than just jotting down random thoughts. In a chaotic situation, it’s a great way to keep track of routes, plans, and resources.
You can sketch out maps, make lists of things you need to do, or even write down important info if you’re separated from others. It’s one of those “small” items that could prove invaluable when your brain is in full crisis mode.
Fire Starting Materials (But Not Just Matches)
I carry matches and a lighter, of course…but those can get wet, and they’ll fail you when you need them most. What I always make sure I have in my bag is a magnesium fire starter. It’s a bit more work than flicking a lighter, but it’s more reliable when it comes to wet conditions. Pair that with a cotton ball soaked in petroleum jelly, and you’ve got yourself a fire-starting setup that’ll work in any weather.
A Multi-Use Poncho
Yeah, I know, I mentioned ponchos in past articles, but here’s why this one’s important. It’s not just for keeping you dry. It can also be used as an emergency shelter, a ground tarp, or even a signaling device. A good poncho weighs practically nothing, takes up zero space in your pack, and has more uses than you can imagine. If you don’t have one in your bag, you’re missing out on one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry!
When you're building your bug-out bag, don't just focus on the obvious stuff. Sure, food, water, and first-aid supplies are critical…but it’s those little extras that often make the biggest difference when you're stuck in the wilderness or in a survival situation.
Recipe of the Week: Heary Survival Stew
When you're out in the field or dealing with a situation that’s anything but normal, you need food that’s not only filling but easy to make.
This Survival Stew is my go-to when I want something quick, hearty, and reliable. I’ve made it countless times.
Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
1 lb of meat (beef, pork, chicken, or sausage; use what you've got)
2-3 cups of broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable; whatever's on hand)
2 large potatoes (diced)
1 can of mixed vegetables (or any veggies you’ve got; fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 can of diced tomatoes (about 14 oz)
1 onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning (I lean toward thyme, rosemary, and paprika)
Then you can follow these steps:
Start by browning your meat in a large pot over medium heat. If you're using ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat. For sausage or chicken, just cook it through. Once it’s browned, set it aside.
In the same pot, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them up until they're soft and fragrant; about 3-4 minutes. If it looks dry, splash in a little broth to help things along.
Throw in the diced potatoes and pour in your broth. Stir it all together and bring it to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook until they're nice and tender, around 10-15 minutes.
Now, add your can of mixed veggies and diced tomatoes (juice included). You can throw in any extra veggies you've got, like carrots, corn, or green beans. Stir it up and let it simmer for another 10 minutes or so.
Now it’s time for the fun part: seasoning. Add salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Want a little heat? Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Let everything simmer for about 5 more minutes so the flavors really come together.
If you want to bulk up the stew, toss in a can of beans for added protein and fiber. This will also give it a nice creamy texture as it cooks.
Once everything’s cooked through and you can’t resist the smell any longer, serve it up hot!
Lessons Learned From A Real-Life Disaster: The 2011 Joplin Tornado
In May 2011, Joplin, Missouri, was hit by one of the deadliest and most devastating tornadoes in U.S. history.
The EF5 twister tore through the city with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour, and it left behind a trail of destruction that affected over 7,000 homes and buildings.
More than 150 people lost their lives, and over 1,000 were injured.
As someone who grew up just a few hours away, I can’t help but think about the lessons I took away from that disaster, and how I might’ve responded if I’d been in the heart of it.
Always Have a Plan for Severe Weather
The first thing that struck me was how quickly the weather can change. One minute it was a regular spring afternoon, the next, tornado warnings were blaring across the city!
The key takeaway here is to always have a severe weather plan. Know where your safe space is, regardless of whether that’s a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor. Don’t wait for the warning sirens to decide. Have your go-bag ready, with essentials like water, snacks, first aid, and a flashlight, and be ready to act.
The Importance of a Weather Radio
Joplin’s tornado took out the power, which meant cell phones were useless for many people. Many couldn’t get updates on the storm or know how bad things were. This really drove home the importance of having a battery-powered weather radio.
That’s your lifeline when the grid goes down. Don’t just rely on your phone; make sure you have a backup to get the information you need to stay safe.
Communication Plans Are Life-Saving
One of the most harrowing things about the aftermath of the tornado was the confusion about who was okay and who wasn’t. People were separated from their families, unable to get in touch due to downed phone lines.
This made me realize how important it is to have a communication plan. Establish a meeting point, and designate someone outside of the disaster area as a central contact. In the chaos, being able to check in with that person can save you a lot of grief.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Weather
The force of that tornado was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour can level entire buildings, leaving nothing but debris. While we all know tornadoes are dangerous, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly a storm can escalate.
I now pay even closer attention to tornado watches and warnings, especially when high winds and heavy rain are involved. Being aware of the weather conditions around you can be the difference between being caught off guard and being prepared.
Prepare for Your Home to Be Gone
Yes, you read that one right. After the tornado hit, many people came back to find their homes completely destroyed. Nothing left but rubble. That’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s a crucial lesson: don’t assume your home will be there when the storm passes.
That’s why it’s important to have important documents in a safe, portable container that you can grab quickly. In the event of a disaster, everything can change in an instant, so be ready to leave your home with nothing but the essentials.
The Joplin tornado was a brutal reminder of how fast things can go from ordinary to catastrophic. It’s easy to assume you’ll have time to prepare, but when disaster strikes, it’s your planning, awareness, and ability to act quickly that will make the difference.
Stay alert!
DIY Survival Project: Build a Simple Emergency Water Filter
Let’s talk about something we all take for granted: clean drinking water.
If you find yourself in a pinch and need to purify water from a stream, lake, or other non-potable source, a DIY water filter can be a lifesaver.
Today, I’m going to walk you through building a simple yet effective emergency water filter that’s easy to make with materials you can find in the wild or in your pack.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A plastic bottle (or any container with a narrow neck)
Sand
Gravel
Charcoal (charred wood works if you don’t have access to store-bought charcoal)
Cotton cloth, coffee filters, or cheesecloth
A knife or scissors (to cut the bottle)
Now follow these steps:
Start by taking your plastic bottle and cutting off the bottom. You’ll be using the top as your "mouth" for pouring water into the filter. If you don’t have a knife, try using sharp rocks or whatever you can find to make a clean cut.
At the neck of the bottle, stuff a small piece of cotton cloth, coffee filter, or cheesecloth. This will be the first layer of your filter and will catch any large debris, leaves, or dirt. It’s like the first line of defense. Make sure it fits snugly and stays in place.
Next, add a layer of crushed charcoal on top of the cloth. If you don’t have activated charcoal (you can get it at most stores), you can use wood that’s been burned in a fire. Charcoal is the key to absorbing contaminants, and it’ll make the water taste a whole lot better. Just be sure to break it down into small pieces so it works more effectively.
Once you’ve got the charcoal in there, it’s time to layer in some sand. This helps filter out any finer particles and impurities. Fill up the bottle with enough sand to cover the charcoal completely. The sand should be fine enough to trap smaller particles, but not so fine that it clogs easily. If you're near a river, you can grab the sand directly from the banks.
Finally, top it off with a layer of gravel. The gravel will catch any larger debris, twigs, or rocks that might make their way through the sand and charcoal layers. Just make sure it’s rough enough to catch stuff, but not too big to block the flow of water.
Now that your filter is built, simply pour water through the top. The water should flow down through the layers and come out of the neck cleaner and safer to drink. It won’t be perfectly purified (this isn’t a substitute for boiling) but it will help remove large contaminants and improve taste. If you have a chance to boil the water afterward, that’s always a good idea.
This DIY emergency water filter is a great addition to any survival kit. It’s cheap, easy to make, and doesn’t take up much space. You never know when you might find yourself needing a clean drink of water!
Wendy’s Corner: Building an Emergency Heat Source For The Home
Hey, everyone! Wendy here.
I know we all tend to think about food, water, and first aid kits when preparing for an emergency, but one thing that doesn’t always get enough attention is heat.
After all, staying warm can be just as important as staying fed and hydrated in an emergency.
In our neck of the woods here in eastern Oregon, winters can get pretty harsh, and I’ve learned from experience that you can't always rely on your regular heating system when things go sideways.
Power outages are common, and let’s be real, the last thing you want in a snowstorm is to be shivering under a bunch of blankets with no way to warm up.
So, I’ve put together a simple, DIY emergency heat source that’s easy to set up, doesn’t take up much space, and won’t break the bank.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A few large terra cotta pots (the bigger, the better)
A metal candle holder or any heat-resistant base
A couple of unscented candles (the bigger, the better—think 3-4 inches in diameter)
A can of tuna or a small metal container (for added stability)
Matches or a lighter
Now follow these steps:
Start by stacking the large terra cotta pots on top of each other. You’ll want to use two or three pots depending on their size. The idea here is to create a small space between the pots so that the heat from the candles can circulate around the pots. Place the smallest pot at the top and the larger ones at the bottom. If you’ve got a small metal container or tuna can, place it in the middle of the stacked pots to hold everything in place.
Underneath the stacked pots, place your unscented candles. You’ll want to set them up so that they’re in the direct center of the base, right under the middle pot. If you’re using multiple candles, make sure they’re spread out evenly to maximize the heat output. The candles should burn low and steady, providing just enough heat to warm up the air inside the pots.
Now, light the candles. Be careful and make sure you’re keeping an eye on them at all times. The flame from the candles will warm up the terra cotta, and the stacked pots will act like a heat sink, slowly radiating the warmth into the room. You’ll notice that after a few minutes, the pots will start to get warm to the touch, and the surrounding air will also begin to heat up. It’s like a mini wood stove without the heavy lifting
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your newfound warmth. This system won’t heat an entire home, but it’s perfect for small spaces like a bedroom or a living room if you’re in a pinch. The pots will continue to radiate heat for a good amount of time (hours, in fact) long after the candles have burned down.
Here are a few quick more tips:
Always keep a close eye on the candles, and never leave the heat source unattended. If you’re worried about the open flame, you can use tea light candles instead, though they’ll give off less heat.
If one candle doesn’t quite cut it, feel free to add a couple more to increase the warmth. You can also use larger candles to get more heat, but just make sure the pots are still stable.
Keep a window cracked or at least a door open for ventilation when using any kind of emergency heat source. You don’t want the air to become stuffy or stale.
You can even make a smaller version of this setup for your car if you get stuck in cold weather, just make sure you’re in a safe space and don’t block ventilation.
This DIY heat source is a great way to stay warm when the power goes out, and it’s easy to set up with items you probably already have at home.
Plus, it’s a good reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. You don't need a fancy generator or a high-tech system; just a few basic supplies and a little bit of ingenuity.
Stay warm, stay safe,
Wendy
Weekly Prepper Challenge: Create a DIY Emergency Shelter
Alright, folks, this week’s Prepper Challenge is all about building a basic emergency shelter with minimal resources.
This is a hands-on challenge where you’ll rely on your surroundings and your creativity to stay safe and dry.
The Goal: Your task is to create a lean-to shelter using only natural materials you can find nearby. No fancy tools, no pre-made tarps…just what nature provides.
Here’s how you’re going to do it:
1. Find the Right Spot
Pick a location that’s:
Flat and dry.
Not in a low-lying area where water could collect if it rains.
Near natural resources (trees, branches, rocks) to make gathering materials easier.
2. Gather Your Materials
You’ll need:
2 strong, long branches for the main supports.
Smaller branches or sticks to create the roof.
Leaves, pine needles, or grasses for insulation.
Rocks to anchor the shelter or weigh things down.
3. Set Up the Frame
Find two sturdy branches (at least 6 feet long) and lean them against a tree or against each other at about a 45-degree angle to form the frame.
If there’s no tree nearby, prop them against rocks or the ground to form an A-frame.
4. Add Roof Support
Lay smaller sticks or branches horizontally across the frame to make a base for the roof. Space them evenly, as this will hold the insulation layer.
5. Insulate the Shelter
Start layering leaves, grass, or pine boughs on top of the frame to form the roof. The thicker the layer, the better it will insulate you from wind and rain.
Add a layer of leaves or grass underneath to keep the cold ground from drawing out your body heat.
6. Secure the Shelter
Use rocks or heavier branches at the base to make sure your shelter stays in place.
Tuck the sides in or secure them with sticks to prevent wind from getting under.
The Challenge:
Your shelter should be able to protect you from light rain and cold wind. Crawl inside and see how it feels. Is it warm? Dry? Can you stay comfortable for a few hours? If it’s not quite right, adjust it!
Pro Tips:
If you have a tarp or emergency blanket, use it to reinforce the roof for better weather protection.
If it’s cold, add extra layers of leaves underneath you to trap heat.
Stay safe, stay warm, and get building!
Good luck,
Kyle
Stay safe and take care of yourselves,
Kyle