Bug out bag which can include air gun and survival gear There is often chat about what you should pack for the “impending” apocalypse – be it zombie, natural disaster, giant killer rats or whatever else – but is there actually a set list for what you should pack in your kit? An Army Special Forces veteran who teaches civilians how to survive natural disasters and extreme situations believes that yes, there is a list of what you should include in your bug-out bag. Firstly, what is a bug-out bag? Well, unlike a survival kit, a bug-out bag contains enough equipment and supplies for the first 72 hours of a crisis. Also known as a blow-out bag, it is advised that you should have it at hand at all times. Now, a bug-out bag will last a varying length of time, depending on your location. For example, if you are in the middle of a desert with only seven litres of water on your person, you wouldn’t last very long… But for the purposes of this feature, it is fairly safe to assume wherever you are located in the UK, your kit will last you for 2-3 days if you keep three things in mind: hydration, warmth, and medical supplies. Take a look at his suggestions below: SOL blanket: Also known as a Survive Outdoors Longer blanket, they can be used as a shelter and to maintain body heat. Exposure to the elements is the second deadliest thing in the event of an emergency, right behind hydration. With this in mind, you should also include… Iodine tablets: Ideally you will want enough tablets to purify 21 litres of water, which should keep you covered for up to three days. Headlamp: Having a headlamp or some other form of light is a necessity, and can help you to signal for a rescue. Wind up torches are also a great option, as they do not require you to replace batteries. Tourniquet: In the middle of a natural disaster, it is also best to be prepared for the worst, which can include significant injuries. Packing a tourniquet can help to slow bleeding whilst you seek for help, so it may be worth packing one you can apply one-handed. Fire starter: Not only will be able to start a cold keep you warm, but it can also double up as a signal to help draw attention to yourself. It may also be worth considering adding a multi tool and an air gun to your kit. A multi tool can of course come in handy for a variety of situations, and an air gun can be used for small game hunting, depending how long you are going without food! You may also notice that the Army Vet hasn’t included any food in his bug out bag (probably due to the fact it is meant for the first 72 hours of an emergency only) but we thought you might wish to add in a few ration packs or some power bars, just to keep yourself ticking over! Of course, these are for extreme circumstances, but it is always interesting to see what true professionals have to say for themselves. Be sure to check out the survival gear section of our shop if you are looking to build your own bug-out bag!