Instructions: Assemble and maintain an emergency backpack yourself

The emergency backpack is also known as a bug-out bag. It should be readily accessible in an emergency situation. It should contain important items for serious incidents. Situations may include having to leave home quickly or being unable to go home. Fortunately, there are few events where one is necessary. Therefore, such an emergency backpack can only be found in a few households. Nevertheless, it is recommended by the Federal Agency for Civil Protection.

We would like to give you an overview with this post about what all needs to be included. So that you can put one together yourself for little money, we support you with useful tips.

Nowadays, there is a wide variety of emergency backpacks available for purchase on the internet. Prices range from 100€ to 1,500€. Thus, preppers not only equip themselves at home for emergencies but also keep a backpack with important documents, medications, and a basic supply of food readily accessible.

Types of emergency backpacks

What types of emergency backpacks are there and how do they differ? There are two types, which we will explain in more detail here.

Bug-out bag (BOB)

The bug-out bag (BOB) is ready at home as an escape backpack in case you need to leave in a hurry. The term originates from British military jargon and means: "to evacuate quickly under fire". The use of BOBs began when they were employed in the military as survival backpacks for when an area had to be vacated swiftly.

Get Home Bag (GHB)

The Get Home Bag is a backpack that is stored at the workplace or another location to ensure a safe return home in case of danger. The distance plays an individual role, which should be considered in advance. The risks associated with distance and the conditions of the home location and region should also be taken into account. The literal translation of Get Home Bag means, "home bag". This includes a survival kit that ensures a quick and safe journey home.

Backpack / Bug-out bag as a storage location

Store all perishable food items and expiring products such as cereal bars, single-serve packs, or emergency food in the storage location of the app. At any time, you can digitally check if anything needs to be replenished. By being visually reminded of the recommended minimum expiration date (MHD), you can act in time and incorporate the food items that are about to expire into your daily meal planning. Furthermore, you can reorder hard-to-find products to prevent shortages. This way, your backpack is always up-to-date and ready for an emergency.

The basic equipment for your emergency backpack.

Contents of the emergency backpack

A well-known proverb attributed to Confucius says: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Of course, you should pack food and water directly into your backpack for a few days' supply.

In case you find yourself needing to live in the wild for an extended period, it is highly recommended to have a portable water filter to make water from a nearby stream or river drinkable. Food can be more challenging, but for those in the know, there is also the option to sustain oneself directly from nature with nuts, seeds, plants, mushrooms, and insects.

Since knowledge about edible plants is not common everywhere these days, I have packed two books in my backpack. One explains frequently occurring edible mushrooms and their deadly look-alikes, the other contains edible wild herbs along with their poisonous counterparts. This gives me a good feeling that I can still feed myself when the packed food runs out.

Enclosed are the two books and the water filter I use as an affiliate link:

That goes into the emergency backpack

• Personal medications
• First Aid Supplies
• Battery-operated radio, spare batteries
• portfolio
• Food supply for 2 days in dust-proof packaging
• Water bottle
• Eating utensils and cutlery (if possible sustainable and lightweight)
• Flashlight, spare batteries
• Sleeping bag or blanket
• Clothing for a few days
• Headgear
• Gloves
• Hygiene products (e.g., menstrual hygiene items, diapers) for a few days
• Protective mask, makeshift respiratory protection
• Children: A neck pouch or an SOS capsule with name, date of birth, and address.

In case of emergency, do not forget things that cannot be packed in advance:

• Identity card / Passport
• Cash, debit cards
• Health insurance card
• vaccination certificate
• Front door key/Car key
• Handy / Smartphone

Now you are equipped with all the necessary information.
So let's go, have fun packing!

Enclosed are the two books and the water filter I use as an affiliate link:

Have fun packing!