Interactive Tool

Bug Out Bag Builder

Build your perfect 72-hour evacuation kit. Answer a few questions, get personalized recommendations, and track your pack weight in real-time.

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Situation
2
Route
3
Capabilities
4
Review
5
Build
6
Save

Your Situation

Tell us about who needs to evacuate and for how long.

People who need supplies
72 hours is standard minimum

Your Route

How will you travel and what terrain will you face?

Your Capabilities

Help us recommend the right pack weight for you.

Used to calculate target pack weight

Your Calculations

Based on your inputs, here's what you'll need.

3
Gallons Water
6,000
Calories Food
24
Target Pack lbs
32
Max Pack lbs
Calculation Method

Water: 1 gallon per person per day (FEMA guideline)
Food: 2,000 calories per person per day minimum
Target Weight: 15% of body weight (comfortable)
Max Weight: 20% of body weight (fit individuals)

Start from a Template (Optional)

Ultralight
Minimalist approach, sub-15lb
~12 lbs 3 days
Standard 72-Hour
Balanced essentials kit
~22 lbs 3 days
Extended
7-day self-sufficiency
~32 lbs 7 days
Family Kit
Optimized for group travel
~25 lbs/person 3 days

Build Your Bag

Select items for your bug out bag. Watch your weight in real-time.

0 lbs
Total Pack Weight
Ultralight
0% of body weight | Target: 24 lbs
0
Base Weight
0
Consumables
0
Items

Save & Share Your Bag

Your bug out bag is ready! Save it for later or share with others.

Your Bug Out Bag Summary

0
Total Weight
0
Items
0
Categories
3
Days Covered
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How to Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag

A bug out bag (BOB) is your lifeline during an emergency evacuation. Whether you're facing a natural disaster, civil unrest, or infrastructure failure, having a well-planned 72-hour kit can mean the difference between vulnerability and self-sufficiency.

The Golden Rule: Weight Management

Your bug out bag should weigh no more than 15-20% of your body weight for comfortable carrying over distance. A 160-pound person should aim for a pack weight of 24-32 pounds maximum. Our calculator helps you stay within these limits while ensuring you have everything you need.

The Essential Categories

Every effective bug out bag covers these critical needs:

  • Water - Filtration, purification, and minimum 1 liter carrying capacity
  • Food - High-calorie, lightweight options for 72+ hours
  • Shelter - Emergency bivy, tarp, or compact tent
  • Fire - Multiple ignition methods (lighter, ferro rod, matches)
  • First Aid - Trauma kit, medications, personal supplies
  • Tools - Knife, flashlight, cordage, multi-tool
  • Navigation - Map, compass, GPS backup
  • Communication - Emergency radio, signaling devices
  • Documents - Copies of IDs, cash, important papers
  • Clothing - Weather-appropriate layers, extra socks

Save and Share Your Build

Use our Bug Out Bag Builder to create, save, and share your perfect kit. Your configuration is stored locally in your browser, so you can return anytime to update or refine your loadout. Share your build with family members so everyone knows exactly what's in the bag.