You don’t need a bunker to be prepared. Sometimes it’s just as important that you can leave your home quickly. A house fire, gas leak, flood or evacuation leaves you little time to think. Anyone who still has to gather everything together then loses precious minutes. This week you’ll assemble a simple bug-out bag with which you can manage independently for at least 72 hours.
What are you going to do this week?
Find a decent rucksack and fill it with the most important items you need if you have to leave your home unexpectedly.
You don’t need to spend hundreds of euros: start with what you already have at home and add to it later.
How to tackle it
1. Choose a suitable rucksack
A rucksack of 30 to 40 litres is sufficient for most people.
Please note:
- comfortable shoulder straps;
- sturdy zips;
- multiple compartments;
- rain cover if possible.
Preferably use a rucksack that’s made for walking rather than a cheap school bag.
2. Provide water and food
Put at least in your rucksack:
- one litre of drinking water;
- a refillable water bottle;
- energy bars;
- nuts;
- long-life snacks.
It doesn’t need to be a complete supply, just enough to get through the first hours or days.
🔗 this belongs in your emergency kit
3. Think about clothing
Take with you:
- a warm jumper;
- extra underwear;
- dry socks;
- a raincoat;
- a hat or cap, depending on the season.
Preferably pack clothing in a waterproof bag.
4. Add basic equipment
Think about:
- torch;
- spare batteries;
- power bank;
- first aid kit;
- lighter;
- multi-tool;
- notebook and biro.
You’ve already collected many of these items in recent weeks.
Victorinox Huntsman
The legendary and iconic Victorinox has existed since the end of the 19th century and supplied the first soldier knives to the Swiss army. However, for officers, more compact knives were made, which formed the basis for today's pocket knives.
Opinel No. 8
The Opinel No. 8 is often the choice for scout groups or camping because it is not only simple, but also particularly sharp.
5. Don’t forget your documents
Provide copies of:
- identity card;
- insurance details;
- emergency contacts;
- medical information.
Store them in a waterproof folder or plastic sleeve.
6. Carry the rucksack once
A rucksack that seems light at home often feels very different after a few kilometres.
Therefore take a half-hour walk with your bug-out bag.
You’ll immediately notice:
- what is superfluous;
- what is missing;
- what could be better packed.
What do you need?
- rucksack (30 to 40 litres);
- drinking water;
- long-life food;
- spare clothing;
- torch;
- first aid kit;
- power bank;
- documents.
Common mistakes
- Making a rucksack that’s far too heavy.
- Taking items you’ll never use.
- Not providing any water.
- Putting the rucksack somewhere in the loft.
- Never testing whether everything fits comfortably.
Why this really matters
Most emergency situations aren’t about surviving in nature for weeks. Much more often you need to leave your home temporarily or unexpectedly spend the night somewhere else.
A bug-out bag gives you peace of mind. You know that you don’t need to panic and rush around looking for a charger, medicines or warm clothes. Everything is ready when every minute counts.
ESSENCE
- 🎒 Assemble a simple 72-hour bug-out bag.
- 🚶 Test whether you can carry the rucksack comfortably.
- 🔄 Check the contents at least twice a year.
