By Gail Marsh
When I first heard the term “bug out bag” I thought perhaps it was a new insect elimination product. I quickly dismissed the idea that I needed it. Years later, when suddenly facing a health emergency, I genuinely wished I had one! Now I understand why every RVer needs a bug out bag.
A bit of history
The term “bug out bag” is thought to have originated during World War II and the Korean War. At the time military airmen carried “bail out bags.” These bags contained supplies and equipment necessary for survival should their plane be shot down by the enemy or experience engine failure. Generally, a bug out bag (BOB) contained essential supplies that could sustain an endangered soldier for 72 hours.
Other names
Bug out bags have many different names in addition to bail out bags. These emergency kits are also referred to as survival packs, go bags, 72-hour kits, Get-Out-Of-Dodge (GOOD) bags, evacuation kits, battle boxes, and more. It doesn’t really matter what you call it—every RVer needs a bug out bag!
Why RVers need one
For RVers, a bug out bag refers to a portable kit that contains essential items necessary for survival during emergencies or unexpected situations.
As RVers, we face unique challenges on the road, including sudden weather changes, mechanical breakdowns, or unforeseen events like health crises and natural disasters. Having a well-prepared bug out bag can be a lifeline in emergency situations, providing peace of mind and a sense of security when you are surrounded by uncertainty.
My personal situation
On one RV trip, my husband experienced a heart attack. I rode in the ambulance to the hospital, leaving everything behind in our truck and fifth wheel RV. While I sat with my husband awaiting surgery, our children volunteered to come and take our truck and RV back home. I was so relieved and thankful for their generous offer. I gladly accepted their help.
By the time the surgeon reported that all was well (thanks to a stent), I realized that everything—and I do mean every single thing—that we’d packed for our trip was on its way back to Missouri. I had no toothbrush, change of clothes, daily medications, etc. Of course, I was able to purchase the necessities at a Walmart and local drug store, but it would have been so much easier to simply grab a well-prepared bug out bag.
What goes inside?
Every RVer will determine for themselves which of the following to pack in their bug out bag. A general list of items to consider includes:
- Water and water purification: Carry a sufficient supply of water, along with purification tablets or a portable water filter.
- Non-perishable food: Pack high-energy, non-perishable snacks such as granola bars and/or trail mix.
- First aid kit: Include essential medical supplies like bandages, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.
- Clothing: Pack weather-appropriate clothing, including rain gear, a hat, and extra layers, if possible.
- Communication devices: Have a fully charged cellphone, a portable charger, and possibly a two-way radio for communication.
- Navigation tools: Include a map, compass, or GPS device to help navigate unfamiliar areas.
- Shelter: Carry a compact, lightweight emergency shelter, such as a tent or space blanket.
- Multi-tool and basic camping equipment: A multi-tool, flashlight, and basic camping gear can be invaluable in various situations.
- Important documents: Keep copies of important documents, such as identification, insurance papers, and RV registration.
You can also purchase pre-filled bug out bags that include many of the items suggested. You can also use your own duffle bag or backpack to contain needed items. Just remember, your fully packed bug out bag should weigh no more than 20% of your body weight. If traveling with others, share the load. Put some supplies in your travel buddy’s bag.
Peace of mind
When the unexpected happens, a bug out bag can give you peace of mind. Knowing that you have the necessary items to carry you through the next 72 hours provides confidence and security, even amid difficult and chaotic situations. If you RV, you need a bug out bag!
Do you carry a bug out bag with you when RVing? Have you ever experienced an emergency while away from home? Tell me about it in the comments below.
##RVT1142
No BOB (bug out bag) simply because we never let ourselves get put in a bug out position. We follow weather and current situations and react before the situation gets to that point!
Steve, I applaud your situational awareness. (No sarcasm is meant.) Something to think about is when you get to your next place, do they have everything you need?
My medications and water are probably the only things I make sure to have no matter what.
The one in the house goes with us when we go camping. Bug out times are unpredictable and no amount of watching the sky will help when the reason doesn’t come from the sky…might come from a riot down the road.
We have 3 types of bug out bags. One for quick emergencies like Gail described, one for weather events, and one for everything just short of the zombie apocalypse.
My only advice is to make sure you know how to use the equipment in your bag before an event. For example, know how to start a fire with flint if you are carrying a starter kit or know how to use and navigate with a compass if you have one. Don’t let the event be the first time you try to figure something out. Be prepared as best you can.
We live in Colorado, where highways can be closed without warning by rock falls, avalanches, high winds, mudslides, floods, blizzards, everything but hurricanes and tsunamis. For 56 years, we have kept a space blanket, disposable rain poncho, gloves, stocking cap, small first aid kit, folding shovel, flashlight, and flares/emergency flashers in each of our vehicles. Before we had 4wd vehicles and cell phones, we also carried tire chains and change for pay phones. We only needed any of those items a few times, but they provided a feeling of security when both of us frequently traveled alone by car/truck for our jobs.
I travel with a Sm dog n a cat. After a nighttime tornado scare while passing thru Oklahoma, I always left the kitty carrier in the car because it’s so big n we travel in a 13′ scamp. I bought a pet backpack I could toss the kitty in quickly n made a small bug out pet bag that stays with it. Any possibilities of bad weather n it goes in the scamp on the couch. Don’t know why I never thought of 1 for me, but will do so now.
My bug out bag does not include camping items, although I own those for kayak camping. I include the same items I pack in my personal carryon for underseat plane travel: medicine and prescriptions; change of clothes including shoes, lightweight long underwear, sweater,jacket and rain gear; toiletry baggie, charger and cable; copy of drivers license, passport, insurance docs, and bank cards with 800 numbers. I’ve lived for two weeks with just this when my checked bag was lost.
Thank you for the information and the admonition, Gail! Has Keith tecovered fully and you both enjoying the warm Florida days? I certainly hope so. Safe travels! 🙂
Since we’re not full-timers, we keep the RV fully ready to go as our “bug out vehicle” in case we ever have to evacuate from our house.
I agree turning 70-years of age, and have camped with my parents at 3-years of age or younger and now camping with our grandchildren, we have never needed a bug-out-bag other than what is in our RV’s.
Most stuff is in my car, some in teardrop trailer. A bag would be good, but I don’t have room for an extra bag of stuff. The dog always comes first, so his stuff is in the car also.