The Ultimate Budget Urban BUG OUT BAG as a Minimalist 🎒

🎒 Want to create a Bug Out Bag that doesn’t break your back but don’t know where to start?
🎯 Then you came to the right place!
💪 Want to be prepared?

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**🔗 Affiliate links**
- tomtoc Travel Navigator Backpack 28L

- tomtoc Travel Navigator Backpack 40L

- Water Straw

- Stainless Steel Camping Cook Pot

- Chopsticks

- Lighter

- Power Bank

- Headlamp

- Whistle

- Utility Pocket Tool

- Tenugui

- Shoes

- Dog's hip leash

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Let's connect

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? - Don't hesitate on asking in the comment section and I will do my best to reply asap!

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⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:00 - What if...
00:19 - Intro
01:03 - What is a Bug Out Bag?
01:41 - Bag Intro
1:55 - Essential/Basic/Survival
5:27 - First Aid Kit
5:47 - Hygiene Kit
6:22 - Clothes
7:10 - Documents
7:52 - Responsibilities
8:33 - THE Bag 🎒
9:41 - Sleep
9:54 - Extras
10:07 - Curious about the weight of everything?

About:
In this video, Bea shares what she has on her Bug Out Bag (BoB) in case of an emergency.
In the eyes of a minimalist priorities are set and the unnecessary left behind focusing only on survival.

#bugoutbag #bob #minimalist #minimalism #lessismore #beprepared #prepareforanemergency #simplelife #minimalismjourney #onebackpack #onebackpackzeroproblems

[airo]

For safety, I recommend packing the first aid kit in a bag that is either red or another signal color.
If you open the backpack in an emergency situation, the first aid kit should be immediately recognizable, even to strangers. And you often forget that in an emergency situation you are not so clear-headed, so you should keep it as uncomplicated as possible!

[kwill]

Great info. A few suggestions: 1.) replace the Zippo with two disposable lighters; 2.) you're wrong about the expiration dates of freeze-dried meals and they are MUCH lighter than canned; 3.) replace your knife with an actual Victorinox; 4.) add some cord and duct tape and a few zip ties.

[SurvivalfortheRestofUs]

You’re better prepared than most people, co congrats on that!

Also, I love that you consider weight and keeping in shape.

A bag like this depends on things like your purpose, skills, and environment. For you, I would assume it’s you and your dog, minimal skills, staying cost-conscience (so no Grayls, Leathermans, etc.), in a city, and weather depends on time of year (guessing it’s summer there right now). Also, this is just a BoB that stays in your apartment as opposed to say the bag I keep in my car which is used as a BoB, get home bag (stranded away from home, for example), and other purposes.

To me, there are 15 categories you should cover for such a bag, so let’s take a look at your bag in this context:

1. Water — You have 2 small plastic water bottles and a Waterdrop. Given the gallon per day per person (so 3 gallons for 72 hours plus your dog) guideline, this is not a good choice. Replace your system with a smart water bottle and a sawyer squeeze/mini. This would be roughly the same weight and cost but provide far more options (especially for your dog that can’t use the Waterdrop). A $5 sillcock key to get water from the sides of buildings may also be a consideration. For your environment, skills, and timeframe, boiling should be unnecessary so a metal container isn’t needed. It’s also good that you included the dog bowl (and leash).

2. First Aid — You rank this low but I would say it’s a close second behind water. I like your choices but the EpiPen may be hard to get / expensive and should only be there if you know you’re subject to bad reactions like bee stings or shellfish. I also like how you called out personally specific meds (including for your pet). Trauma gear should absolutely be here as well - a tourniquet, compression bandage and $2 Mylar blanket at the very least - and take stop the bleed (I have a video on this on my channel) and basic first aid training, including to be used on your dog. You should store these items in an obvious bag like red or with a first aid cross on it so it stands out to you or others. You may also consider eye care, moleskin, and tweezers.

3. Fire — A zippo is not a good choice here due to the short lifespan of the fuel plus evaporation while in storage. Replace this with two Bic lighters. There are also some important hacks to incorporate (remove the child safety, wrap 2-3 feet of gorilla tape around each lighter, and tie an arbor knot (using bank line) around it (under the gas lever) to keep it from discharging accidentally in your bag (some people use zip ties for this but then you have to cut them off and you’ll need a new zip tie to replace it whereas an arbor knot quickly releases and is reusable). Ferro rods require more skill, so for your case, I would just go with the Bics. You may also consider homemade tinder such as dryer lint or cotton balls smeared with Vaseline (put them each in a 1.5” piece of straw with both ends melted and crimped by pliers for easier carrying and less mess).

4. Shelter — You have sunscreen, a hat, shoes, rain jacket, basic change of clothes, blanket and inflatable pillow. Looks good given your environment, assuming it doesn’t get too cold. You may also consider a 1-2 heavy duty lawn garbage bags as well if you have them.

5. Tools — You have a type of SAK, which is great. Would you need pliers or wire cutters? If so, a Leatherman-type multi-tool may be better. You should also consider paracord (be sure to know how to tie basic knots), tape (I like gorilla tape), leather gloves, and a couple N95 masks (contagions like COVID, smoke from forest/building fires, dust storms, etc.)

6. Lighting — You have a headlamp. Great! Make sure you carry spare batteries or the cable if rechargeable.

7. Navigation — This is absent from your bag. At the very least get a map of the area and download offline maps of your area to your phone via Google Maps or the like so you have a map even if no cell coverage. A budget baseplate compass would be good too as, besides the compass, it also has a mirror which provides options for self-aid like your face).

8. Food — You ranked this second but for 72 hours, you could fast if necessary (this is an emergency, remember). That said, you have cans (but no can opener, maybe they’re pull tabs?), ramen noodles (requiring water and cooking), protein bars, and chopsticks. For your scenario, simplifying this to lighter options that require no added water or cooking would be better. Tuna packets, energy/protein bars, jerky, etc. Also, a spork is far more functional than chopsticks. Add some aluminum foil in case you do need to cook something.

9. Power Generation — You have this, but maybe consider a solar chargeable option with a flashlight and compass for $20.

10. Cash — You covered this which is great! How much depends on you. I would recommend $50-$300. Make sure it includes 1s, 5, s and 10s (small bills).

11. Hygiene — You have a toothbrush, paste, soap, and a Japanese cloth. Also consider wipes, bond powder, hand sanitizer, tampons, and toilet paper.

12. Security — You have a whistle. Excellent. You may also consider some pepper spray (local laws allowing), not only for people but also against stray animals.

13. Communication — This is absent from your bag. A portable radio can be pretty useful in an emergency to keep you informed about your current situation. You can get one for like $20 that has a flashlight, can be charged via USB, solar, or hand crank and can charge your electronics. Also consider a notepad (include important phone numbers, addresses, and other notes before putting in your bag), a mechanical pencil (or 2) and a sharpie.

14. Information — You partially covered this. Besides what you mentioned, also consider important phone numbers (family/friends (including out of town), doctor, vet, etc.), drivers license, social security card, insurance cards, credit card numbers, banking information, and prescription information (including pharmacy). Also consider small guidebooks such as first aid and basic survival.

15. Backpack — Agree, I love my Tomtoc (I use the 40L for travel) but find this a pricey option to just store for a BoB. That said, it is a great bag that you could also easily throw your laptop/iPad into before leaving.

Your bag looks pretty good overall and could be improved with the comments above. I hope my comments are taken as they were meant (human helping human) and not as a criticism.

Love that you’re keeping it real for a “normal” person vs a prepper/survivalist. That’s what I try to do on my channel as well.

Some basic preparations of tools and knowledge may save a life someday. Cheers!

[DamionJR]

I like how you didn’t overthink your kit.

[npflaum]

Two things I have in my bag that you might want to try: Small waterproof tarp. Can be a shelter, shield you from rain, or use as a ground cover while sleeping. I also have a small lantern/radio that can also charge devices. It has a solar panel and a hand crank to power it.

[Alan.livingston]

I like what you have done. People carry too much stuff they just don't need. Probably the only thing I would chuck in is a deck of cards with the rules of how to play a few solo and group games printed on a piece of paper. I think most people underestimate how much time people may end up spending just sitting around waiting. If you have limited charge in your phone you don't want to waste it trying not to lose your mind from boredom during a high stress situation.

[SmallSpaceCorgi]

I live on the Gulf Coast of the US, and having been through bad hurricanes, a Bug Out Bag can be a very valuable item.

[joshwagner]

Very glad you sensibly included items for your dog, especially the documents, although I might include some dry food rather than just treats if you really want it to keep you going for 72 hours. The one thing I would recommend considering is adding some foot care items to the first aid kit - as you might have to do a lot of walking, you'll want to have something to help take care of not only your feet, but your dog's as well.

[anastasiia]

The most sensible go-bag video I've seen so far on youtube. I'm getting really tired of all the wannabe tough dudes with military style backpacks loaded with tons of unnecessary items... And an extra point for taking your dog into consideration. Cheers from Ukraine.

[antonius]

I love gear videos but i have a few suggestions based on experience.
1. Ditch the caned foods. They are too heavy and donyou really want to sitting next to an open can of tuna after a few days? Im guessing no. There are better options out there. Some emergency meals have a self life of 5-25 years and come in different varieties either dehydrated or freeze or even MRE’s most are delicious. Have a few large zip lock bags on hand for waste. Can come in handy too. And dont forget eating utensils!!
2. Ditch the zippo. The fuel will evaporate with in anfew day and be useless when you need it. I recommend a good old BIC lighter instead.
3. As far as water filtration goes, I recommend looking at either a katadyn befree, or a Grayl water purifier. I personally use the sawyer squeeze as it screws right onto any water bottle. Sawyer mini work fine too.
4. Get a real swiss army knife or a leatherman
5. Try to avoid cotton clothing. Reason is cotton retains moisture and bacteria from sweet. Can be life threatening on a cold night. Opt in for merino wool clothing including sock and underwear. Its naturally anti microbial and wont smell even after many days. Some synthetic fabrics are treated to do this too and another option. Dont forget rain gear. Ponchos can provide cover as a shelter and have multiple other uses.
Check out David Caterburys 10 C’s for a great minimum gear list

[mestrefelino]

I think it's perfect, the only thing I would add is a toilet paper roll or a disposable tissue paper pack.

[anna]

Have never been to Portugal, so dont know if it is essential, but in my bag, I have a big trash bag, where I can fit in for sleeping, so I dont freeze when it is cold and wet. Also a thermal blanket aka space blanket (I opted for a bigger and more expensive one, so I have a better chance to not get hypothermia). I also have a firesteel in my bag, because I can use it even if my matches are wet or my lighter out of fuel.

[minimalisa]

Thanks for the video inspiration to update my own bag. A few things to consider adding - paper and pen, a deck of cards, and important phone numbers printed on a piece of paper in case your cell phone battery runs out.

[backwoodstrails]

You covered the basics very well...Rather than a water filter straw, carry a real filter that will let you refill your water bottles, a filter straw is very limiting, as you can only drink at the source. If you are walking long distances, you will appreciate a backpack with a real frame and a hip belt that actually transfers the weight to your hips. Maybe add important family photos to your thumb drive and a battery bank to recharge your phone. For most of what should be carried, simply follow what the long distance hikers carry in their backpacks and add cash and important documents (which you did).

[Tinitey]

Thanks for your video! It is important to show that even minimalist should be read for emergency. My friends always make fun of me because I have this extra stuff and call myself a minimalist.
I would at baby wipes, a windup radio and Dr. Bronners 18 in 1 soap.
Best regards from Germany

[andrewcoover]

Great items. It’s hard to have a big out bag and be a minimalist. 😂. I would add a bivy blanket or an emergency blanket. Both light weight and good for shelter.

[MarenWilliams-ochh]

I would add a solar power lantern with a usb port that would give you light & charge your cell phone. Living in the woods, when the power goes out, it can take days to come back on. This little guy is a life saver!

[cecilm]

Pack something small and light that you can use to trade/pay (ex: a pack of cigarettes).
Definitely get rid of the Zippo and pack a Bic or equivalent.

[thegoose]

10/10 very good! Simple and to the point. Perfect length video and nicely structured. I’ll be reviewing my setup.

[StevanOutdoor]

I call it my Grab/Go bag but this is about the best video I've seen about it. You mentioned the whistle, the USB stick/Flash drive (that is always on my keychain) and you even didn't forget the water bowl for the dog. You might want to consider a somewhat better compass compared to the one on your knife and I would suggest a Silcock key. But again among the best Grab/Go bag videos I've seen and really nice editing also.