Having a bug out bag is essential for everyone in today’s world, and even more so for seniors. If you were born during the Baby Boom then you grew up during the best years of economic prosperity, and thinking about self-reliance during emergency situations may not be at the top of your agenda. However this is no longer the same world you grew up in, and it’s smart to always have a bug out bag at the ready in case of a sudden emergency.
If you don’t even know what a bug out bag is, it’s a pre-packed bag that you put together in advance, and keep in your car, home, or office. That way, when the SHTF (shart hits the fan), you can just grab it and get out of dodge if you have to evacuate. When packing a bug out bag you’ll want to be very strategic. If you’re a senior citizen then you’ll want to include some specific bug out bag essentials for seniors …
Here is Our List of the Top 7 Bug Out Bag Essentials for Seniors
1.) The Bag Itself
You’ll need a bag to put all your stuff in, or you won’t have anywhere to put the rest of the bug out bag essentials for seniors on this list. If you’re not in the best shape of your life a backpack is probably not the best idea. These days, there are bags with wheels, small travel size bags that would be perfect as a bug out bag. However, anything with wheels may not be the best for rough terrain, so consider a bag with wheels, but one that can also double as a backpack, just in case.
When packing your bag, make sure it doesn’t get heavier than 25-30% of your total weight, in case you have to put it on your back. So, if you’re 170 lbs, the bag (after you pack it) should not weigh more than 50 lbs. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself trying to carry your essentials into the unknown.
2.) Food and Water
These two essentials are the most important things you want to have in your bug out bag. You’ll need enough food and water for at least 72 hours and you’ll want the food to be non-perishable. First, let’s talk about water. Sure, you can pack a couple of bottles of filtered water, but that will weigh you down. The best thing to do to ensure that you have clean drinking water is to pack a self-filtering, reusable water bottle that can filter out all the bad stuff just in case you don’t have access to potable water. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast already, bring your camel back water pack with you and some water purification tablets.
As far as food goes, resist the urge to pack your favorite treats or difficult to eat foods. Instead focus on food that not only stores well (and long-term) but can also provide enough calories, protein, fiber and fat. Pack single serving foods like meal bars, jerky, peanut butter and a couple of cans of tuna or salmon (and don’t forget the can opener). You may want to brush up on how to build a small animal snare, or bring some fishing line and a hook (if you live near a river) in case you have to catch your own food.
3.) Stuff for Cooking and Eating
Don’t forget to pack things in your bug out bag that enable you to prepare food that you might have to forage for and cook yourself. If you find yourself having to forage for food and cook it, you’ll need to have stuff in your bag to get that job done, which means you might need a good, sharp knife and also have some essentials to make a fire. You’ll need some waterproof matches or a fire steel and some tinder to start a fire in wet conditions. Pack a bundle of some dryer lint in a resealable baggie – which should do the trick!
You’ll also need some collapsible cookware and some chopsticks or a spork. A spork is a spoon, fork and knife in one, which you can find pretty easily these days. Lastly, pack some of those little packets of salt, pepper and sugar that you’ve been hoarding in your kitchen drawer, and maybe a cup or two worth of freeze dried coffee.
4.) Clothes That Will Keep You Warm
Since you can only carry so much with you in your bug out bag, you’ll want to have some essentials like a poncho so you can stay dry in wet conditions. It’s also a good idea to pack some base layers and a pair of dry clothes. A warm pair of socks, thermal undies, a bandana and a pair of gloves. If you don’t already have a good, sturdy pair of walking boots, make that investment asap – you won’t regret it!
Keeping yourself warm will be very important as well, so consider packing a mylar blanket, a lightweight down sleeping bag and a couple of reusable hand warmers.
5.) First Aid, Medications and Hygiene
Pack an all purpose first aid kit that has things like bandages, anti-bacterial creams, hand sanitizer, eye wash, alcohol pads, tweezers and a nail clipper. Prepare for the worst case scenario and pack some constipation or diarrhea medicine too, along with some baby wipes, of course. It’s not a bad idea to also pack three days worth of essential vitamins, some ibuprofen or aspirin and any of your prescribed medications you (or your pet) might be taking.
Also pack a small but complete oral care kit with toothpaste, a travel size toothbrush and mouthwash, and definitely some tooth pickers or dental floss so you can get those pesky tidbits from in between your teeth. Don’t forget to pack some Vitamin E oil or some kind of moisturizer, some lip balm and some good ‘ol muscle rub – because you’re not 25 anymore (no matter what you tell yourself).
6.) Protection and Navigation
The last thing you need in an emergency situation is to get lost, get robbed or worse, so you’ll need some protection. Relying on your phone for protection or navigation may not be possible, but it makes sense to have a backup USB battery pack that will give you the ability to recharge your phone if you can get a signal. If you can’t get a signal or use your GPS, you will need to rely on paper maps and a compass. Remember to bring a crank or solar flashlight (or a battery operated on with extra batteries) and an extra pair of readers or glasses so that you can actually read the map…in the dark.
When it comes to personal safety, pack some pepper spray at the very least and possibly your legal weapon of choice. Remember, anyone that looks vulnerable will become prey and in many cases, even when there isn’t an emergency, elders can be easy targets. Consider also packing a waterproof notebook and pen to jot important things, people and places down. In an emergency situation, having clarity and presence of mind can be critical.
7.) Important Documents
No matter where you are, remember to pack some copies of your important documents. It’s likely that you will have your ID in your wallet when you run out the door, but you’ll want to have a copy of your medical documents and licenses (for your weapon) in a resealable plastic bag. Preparing for a “worst case scenario” means that you also want to keep your passport, immunization records and at least $100 in cash in your bug out bag.
Pro Tip
One last thing…write the most important phone numbers that you might need to contact family or friends on a piece of paper. Remember back in the day when you had to remember your favorite cousin’s phone number? Those days are long gone. Without use of your cell phone, you may not even be able to retrieve family phone numbers and good luck trying to remember them.
Even if you wanted to use a pay phone that probably has some kind of lethal disease living on it, good luck trying to find one anywhere, let alone having enough change to put in it to make one call. However, you may be able to use someone else’s phone, so keeping old school analog records of phone numbers is a safe bet.
Just remember, try not to over stuff your bag just in case you have to carry it for a few days on your back. Keep your bag in a closet near the door or in the trunk of your car and make sure to check it every couple of months and swap out things that might expire – like food or batteries. No matter what happens, having a bug out bag will ensure that you are ready to go at a moments notice and give you preparedness peace of mind for whatever comes in the aftermath of an emergency situation.
That’s it for the Top 7 Bug Out Bag Essentials for Seniors. Be sure to also check out the 10 Best Survival Gifts For Preppers Under $50.
