A good bug out bag is crucial for any prepper or survivalist.
A good bug out bag is rugged, protecting your items against the elements. Any effective bug out bag is also portable, capable of carrying everything you need for up to 72 hours of survival.
You can find plenty of bug out bags sold online today through Amazon and other online retailers. The industry has grown significantly over the years as more and more consumers have become interested in survival and prepping.
Some bags come pre-stocked with all of the items you need to survive for 72 hours. Most bug out bags, however, can be filled with your own items. A good bug out bag protects you from the unexpected. It gives you peace of mind and an extra layer of security.
What are the best bug out bags of 2023? Keep reading to find out in our comprehensive product guide.
Ranking the Top 16 Best Bug Out Bags in 2023
Here are the best bug out bags available today. As always, this list is subjective, and readers should view it as a good starting-point for their own extensive product research before making a purchase.
Contents
Osprey Farpoint 40L Travel Backpack
Osprey is one of the best-known backpack companies available today. Although they’re not as “military style” as other bug out backpacks on this list, Osprey’s Farpoint backpacks have the ideal size, shape, design, and durability for a bug out bag.
The Osprey Farpoint backpacks are available in two flashy colors, including Caribbean Blue and Jasper Red. Preppers, however, will appreciate the neutral Volcanic Grey color, which is dark grey and blends into the environment.
The Osprey Farpoint has the highest rating of any backpack on this list. With 1,500+ reviews on Amazon, the Osprey Farpoint has a near-perfect 4.8 star out of 5 rating.
Price: $116
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Red Rock Outdoor Gear Traveler Duffel Bag
Red Rock Outdoor Gear makes a popular duffel bag that functions as a bug out backpack. The duffel bag is available in six neutral colors, including “Dark Earth” and “Olive Drab”. It’s made from 100% polyester and has a large, interior compartment with zippered, collapsible padded dividers to sectionalize and protect your gear.
Like certain other bug out bags here, the Red Rock Outdoor Gear Traveler Duffel Bag has MOLLE webbing, letting you customize it with pouches and attachments. And, with 55L of storage space, there’s more than enough room for 3 to 10 days of supplies.
Price: $80
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Smith & Wesson M&P Anarchy Bug Out Bag
Gun company Smith & Wesson has carried its brand to the bug out bag space, offering a $75 bug out bag with MOLLE webbing, 10 compartments, metal zippers, nylon zipper pulls, and a “quick ditch” shoulder strap, among other useful features.
Smith & Wesson claims the bag is made from durable, weather-resistant, ballistic fabric capable of withstanding “all conditions”.
The Smith & Wesson M&P Anarchy Bug Out Bag is one of the few bags on this list to have a zippered concealed carry pistol pocket – which is expected from a gun company’s bug out bag. There are also two rolls of MOLLE on the bottom and multiple ammunition pouches.
Price: $75
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AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly
The AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is a standard bug out bag available in 55L, 65L, or 75L sizes. Like other AmazonBasics products, you get decent quality at a very reasonable price.
The backpack is available in one color, black, which makes it an attractive option for a bug out bag. It’s larger than many other bug out bags listed here, making it more suited for 5 to 10 day survival situations. The bag has a water-repellant exterior coating and integrated water-resistant rainfly that protects your stuff against light rain.
The AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is well-rated on Amazon, with 3,200+ reviews and an average score of 4.4 out of 5. At this price, you won’t find much better.
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Osprey Rook 50 Men’s Backpacking Backpack
This is the second Osprey backpack on our list of bug out bags. The Osprey Rook is a 50L backpack, slightly larger than the Osprey Farpoint at the top of our list. It’s available in black or mallard green.
Like other Osprey backpacks, the Rook has flawless design and build quality. The backpack is ventilated and comfortable, with features like an AirSpeed backpanel and adjustable shoulder harness to fit all torso lengths. The 50L interior is large enough to carry 5 to 10 days of supplies. There’s even an internal hydration reservoir sleeve that accommodates a 3L reservoir (sold separately).
Price: $62
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5.11 Tactical Military Backpack RUSH12
5.11 Tactical makes a popular tactical military backpack called the Rush12. It’s designed as a small bug out bag. With 1050D nylon and a YKK zipper closure, the $100 bag is durable enough to withstand the elements. It’s also water-resistant.
At 24L, the RUSH12 is at the smaller end of bug out bags. However, with intelligent packing, you can easily fit 72 hours of supplies inside the multiple compartments. You can buy multiple colors, including Black, Multicam, and Sandstone, among others.
We’re impressed by the customer reviews for the RUSH12. With 2,200+ ratings on Amazon, the bug out bag has an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5.
If you want a larger size at the same quality, then 5.11 Tactical also makes the popular RUSH24 bug out bag.
Price: $100
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Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag
The Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag may not be the most stylish option on this list, but that’s on purpose: the bag has a deliberate non-tactical look. It’s also designed to avoid snagging on items.
You can attach the Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag to your car seat. It has a MOLLE and PALS panel for pouch attachment and customization. You can buy multiple colors, including Adaptive Green, Black, Coyote Brown, and Shadow Grey. There’s 25L of space inside.
If you want a high-quality bug out bag that doesn’t look like a high quality bug out bag, then the Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag is tough to beat.
Price: $144
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Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
The Condor 3 Day Assault Pack is a bug out bag with strong ratings and reviews on Amazon. With 50L of capacity, it’s also one of the larger bug out bags on our list.
The Condor 3 Day Assault Pack has seven pockets for easy access and organization. There are also body contour shoulder straps with a D-ring for equipment. we also appreciate the hydration-pack-compatible pocket (fits 2L or 3L bladders) and the foam back pad panel, among other thoughtful features.
Price: $85
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Neekfox Packable Lightweight Hiking Daypack
Neekfox is one of the top-selling backpack companies on Amazon. The company’s Packable Lightweight Hiking Dayback is a 35L backpack that could easily work as a bug out bag.
The Neekfox 35L backpack is available in six colors, including black, gray, and navy. It has adjustable, breathable straps and a chest strap for proper support while traveling. There’s just one main compartment, although there are two mesh side pockets and two front zipper pockets (and multiple internal zippered pockets for smaller items).
Neekfox is made from rip-resistant nylon. It’s not nearly as durable as some of the top-ranked items on this list, but at $24, you’re not going to find a more value-packed backpack.
Price: $24
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Armycamo Small Military Tactical Backpack
If you want a basic and affordable bug out bag, then the Armycamo Small Military Tactical Backpack gets the job done. The backpack is small, has padded straps, and is available in nine different colors (including camo, black, and bright red).
The backpack is made from 600 denier polyester, making it tear resistant. And, with 30L of capacity and multiple pockets, it should fit anything you need to survive for three days. Don’t expect the same rugged quality you get with bug out bags higher up on this list. However, you’re not going to find better in the $30 bug out bag price range.
Price: $30
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QT&QY 45L Military Tactical Backpack
QT&QY makes a military tactical backpack designed for hiking, trekking, and general prepper use. It’s a cheaper, lower-end backpack capable of holding a few days’ worth of supplies in its 45L enclosure.
The backpack is made from durable 900D material and protects your items with double-stitched seams and heavy-duty zippers. The backpack contains MOLLE webbing throughout, letting you easily add pouches or gear – similar to a genuine military backpack.
Again, a big selling feature of this bug out bag is the price: you won’t find many similar 45L backpacks in the $40 price range.
Price: $40
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Redfora The Earthquake Bag
Redfora’s The Earthquake Bag is a bug out bag for those who don’t want to pack their own gear. The bag is available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6-person options ranging from $114 to $200+. The bag is labeled as the Complete Earthquake Bag on Amazon.
The bag has basic survival tools, including a note pad and pencil, 5-in-1 whistle, sewing kit, multi-tool, knife, nylon rope, work gloves, and safety goggles. It also has food bars, water pouches, hydration bags with straws, water purification tablets, hygiene kits, waterproof matches, emergency ponchos, a flashlight, and anything else you might need.
Serious preppers will frown upon The Earthquake Bag for its flashy, red color and basic tools. However, if you want a bug out bag without building it yourself, then Redfora’s The Earthquake Bag is an option.
Price: $114 to $200
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Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag
Sustain Supply Co. makes a Premium Emergency Survival Bag equipped with everything you need to survive 72 hours in uncertain situations. Like The Earthquake Bag above, the Premium Emergency Survival Bag is pre-packaged with the tools and supplies you need to survive.
The bag includes water, water filtration straws, flashlights, lanterns, utensils, food, a camping stove, a first aid kit, and other basic supplies. It’s more designed for urban survival than serious outdoor survival, although it could be an effective bug out bag for someone who doesn’t want to build a kit themselves.
Price: $200
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HDE Tactical Military Backpack
HDE makes a lineup of tactical military backpacks with 20L of capacity. The backpacks are available in multiple colors, including “Black”, “Desert Sand”, “Multicam”, and “Woodland”.
Priced at just $22, the backpack is a budget option ideal for students, hikers, and anyone else needing a basic bug out bag. It’s not nearly as durable as the top-rated options on this list, and the 20L capacity limits the usefulness. However, if you want a budget backpack with decent design, then the HDE Tactical Military Backpack is one option.
Price: $22
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Roaring Fire Military Tactical Assault Backpack
The Roaring Fire Military Tactical Assault Backpack is another low-budget option that provides incredible value, making it ideal for those who want a bug out bag without spending a fortune. The 30L bag is water-resistant thanks to its 900D Oxford waterproof fabric material.
It also has features we don’t always see on budget bug out bags, including ventilated mesh padding and breathable shoulder straps. Roaring Fire recommends using the bag for everyday carry (EDC), camping or hiking, survival situations, or anything else.
Price: $30
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GI US Army Genuine Military Issue Duffel Bag
If you want a traditional-looking bug out bag, then the GI US Army Genuine Military Issue Duffel Bag may be the right choice for you. It’s not fancy.
It doesn’t have multiple, intricate pockets like other bug out bags here. It doesn’t have padded straps or a mesh layer for your back. It’s a standard, military-issue duffel bag made from mildew resistant, 1000 denier Dupont nylon Cordura fabric. It’s available in two military-style colors, including olive drab and camo.
Price: $60
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How We Ranked
Many of the backpacks above make similar claims about their durability and quality. Our editorial team used the following factors to separate good and bad bug out bags:
Capacity: Bug out bags range in size from 10L to 65L. A good bug out bag is approximately 30 to 40L, which is ample space for a 72-hour kit.
Straps, Ergonomics, & Load Support: You’re carrying your bug out bag around. You want it to be comfortable. We rewarded bug out bags with intelligent ergonomics, padded straps, load support belts, and other thoughtful support features. Some cheaper backpacks had basic, uncomfortable straps that would not be suited for extended carrying periods.
Contouring & Padding: Some bug out bags have padded straps and intelligent contouring, while others have limited padding or contouring.
Frame and Load Support: High-quality backpacks have framing systems inside to hold the back together. These backpacks make it easy to distribute weight. Lower quality backpacks might have soft fabric where items move around inside.
Material Quality: A good bug out bag is made from material that is durable, lightweight, and tear-resistant. The top bug out bags are made from Cordura nylon, 600 denier polyester, and other synthetic fabrics.
Denier Rating: Denier is a measurement of the weight in grams per 9,000m length of material. A higher denier rating means higher yarn thickness. Bug out bags will have ratings of 1200 denier (1200D) or 600 denier (600D) to indicate their durability.
Price & Value: Some people are ready to spend $300 on a bug out bag. Others want to spend $50. We featured a range of bug out bags for all budgets, although we always made sure the bug out bag offered good value at any price range.
Manufacturer Reputation: Some companies have been making backpacks for decades. Other companies started making bug out bags in the last few years because of prepper and survivalist trends. Osprey, for example, is one of the best-rated backpack companies in the world.
Storage Space: Some bug out bags have dozens of pockets, while others have a few main compartments. We rewarded bug out bags with thoughtful pocket design.
Design & Color: Most preppers and survivalists want a bug out bag with neutral colors or camouflage. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, however, may want a bug out bag with brighter colors.
Organization Systems: With some bug out bags, you throw everything into a single compartment and hope for the best. High quality bug out bags, however, have multiple pockets, waterproof pockets, and small and large pockets for various needs.
Discretion: Some of the best bug out bags don’t look like anything special. They’re deliberately designed to look boring. Other bug out bags are flashy. They send a message saying “I have supplies in this bag”. Which one would you rather be wearing in a survival situation?
Other Extra Features: Some bug out bags contain MOLLE webbing, extra pouches, laptop sleeves, and other items that may or may not be important.
Who Should Use a Bug Out Bag?
A bug out bag, also known as a BOB, is a portable kit that typically contains all of the items you need to survive for 72 hours.
You may use a bug out bag when evacuating from a disaster, for example. If a catastrophe is heading towards your home and you only have a few minutes to escape, then you grab your bug out bag and leave.
Although most bug out bags are designed to store 72 hours of supplies, some bug out supplies can easily store 7 to 10 days of supplies.
Bug out bags go by several names. Some call them 72 hour kits, for example. We’ve also seen terms like battle box, grab bag, go bag, GOOD bag (get out of Dodge), INCH bag (I’m never coming home), PERK bag (personal emergency relocation kit), or quick run bag (QRB), among other terms.
There’s also a similar term in aviation: bail out bag. Many military pilots carry a bail out bag emergency kit to survive after ditching an aircraft. Some of the bug out bags above are marketed as bail out bags, and the terms are used interchangeably.
Bug out bags are particularly popular among survivalists and preppers. Many survivalists have bug out bags at home or in a vehicle, for example, in case unexpected events occur.
The term bug out bag comes from the Korean War of the 1950s. US Army soldiers who had to retreat from positions were told to “bug out” when the enemy was about to overrun the position. Today, many military training manuals continue to use the term, mentioning things like a “bug out location”, for example.
Some people use bug out bags for non-emergency situations. All of the bags above could be effective camping or hiking bags, for example. Whether it’s a day hike or multi-day adventure, a bug out bag lets you easily carry what you need to survive.
Some people keep a bug out bag in their home to quickly grab and go during any unexpected event – like a medical emergency, natural disaster, or social unrest.
Others keep a bug out bag in their car.
Some people buy bug out bags because they live in crowded urban areas. During a disaster situation, escaping from an urban area can be challenging. Some people buy bug out bags not to escape from an urban area – but to survive in their own homes in an urban environment.
Many people live with no safety net at all. We assume our tap water is always going to be drinkable. We assume the grocery store is always fully stocked with what we need. But that’s not always true. All it takes is one supply chain break down. Society can break down within days – not weeks.
Maybe it’s hurricane season or tornado season. Maybe it’s forest fire season. Maybe the news is making you nervous. Whatever the situation may be, it’s a good idea to have a bug out bag.
Benefits of a Bug Out Bag
Bug out bags combine the convenience of a civilian hiking pack with the ruggedness of a military backpack. Originally designed for military use, bug out bags are easier to buy than ever before.
As shown in our list above, you can get a decent-quality bug out bag for $40 to $60. If you’re willing to spend over $100, you can easily get military-grade or better quality.
With a bug out bag, you get a durable, high-quality bag capable of storing everything you need for 3 to 7 days of survival. The bag is portable. It can easily be thrown into a vehicle, carried on your back through the wilderness, or hauled anywhere you need to go.
FEMA, the CDC, and local governments around the world recommend having a 72-hour emergency kit nearby at all times. Whether it’s in your vehicle, at home, or anywhere else, a 72-hour emergency kit can literally save your life.
Many people are surprised by how affordable a bug out bag can be. You can spend $150 for a fully-equipped bug out bag with tools, water, food, shelter, and more, for example. You can build your own bug out bag for much cheaper.
Bug out bags can protect the entire family. Some people buy smaller (10L) bug out bags for kids. At the very least, bug out bags teach kids the importance of preparedness.
Overall, it’s never a bad idea to be prepared. A single, unexpected event can throw the world into chaos. When that event happens – will you be prepared?
Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Out Bags
The term “bug out bag” can be relatively complicated, as it can mean a number of different things and denote several unique products. Consumers should consult this section to get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the expanding bug out bag market.
Q: What is a bug out bag?
A: A bug out bag is a portable bag that typically holds 72 hours worth of supplies. “Bug out bag” is originally a military term. Soldiers would “bug out” to retreat from a position. Today, bug out bags are a big deal in the survivalist and prepper space. Consumers might use a bug out bag if they need to quickly retreat away from mainstream society to ensure their survival in a dangerous event or situation.
Q: What are alternative names for bug out bags?
A: Alternative names for bug out bags include a 72-hour kit, battle box, grab bag, go bag, GOOD bag (get out of Dodge), INCH bag (I’m never coming home), PERK bag (personal emergency relocation kit), or quick run bag (QRB), among other terms. The prepper community is always evolving, so the terms used to describe this category of product change relatively frequently.
Q: What size of bug out bag do you need?
A: The size of your bug out bag varies based on your personal needs. The most desirable size of bag also depends on your carrying capacity. For the average person, a 25L to 35L bug out bag is ideal for storing about three days of food. However, you can find smaller bug out bags with capacities of 10L, or larger bug out bags with capacities of 50L and higher. Search for a bag that contains the proper amount of food but weighs little enough for you to carry effectively.
Q: How much cash should you keep in a bug out bag?
A: The amount of cash you should carry depends on your personal preferences. If your bug out bag is for wilderness survival, then you may not need any cash. In most survival situations, however, cash is useful. Consider carrying enough cash for three days of expenses. This could be anywhere from $100-500 or more, depending on where you live and the places you might travel in a dangerous situation.
Q: Where should you keep your bug out bag?
A: Your bug out bag should be kept in an accessible and secure location. You may keep it in your garage, for example, or in a closet near your front door. If someone told you to leave your house in five minutes, then would you have time to grab your bug out bag?
Q: Which color of bug out bag is best?
A: Survivalists and preppers will tell you to grab a bug out bag with neutral colors or earth colors – like black or grey – to avoid drawing attention. For hiking and wilderness survival, however, brighter-colored bags can be advantageous.
Q: How much should your bag weigh?
A: A good backpack weight rule is to never carry more than 20% of your body weight. If you weigh 180 pounds, for example, then your backpack should weigh no more than 36 pounds. If you carry more, you increase the risk of injury.
Q: Do you really need a bug out bag?
A: Government authorities recommend keeping a bug out bag or survival kit, especially during hurricane, forest fire, or tornado season. The CDC, FEMA, and local governments all recommend that every American has a basic supply kit on hand. If you live in an area where natural disasters are likely to happen, a bug out bag might be necessary.
Q: What does TEOTWAWKI stand for?
A: Many preppers and survivalists use the acronym TEOTWAWKI, which stands for “The End of the World As We Know It.” You might keep a bug out bag for a TEOTWAWKI event, for example. Alternatively, even non-TEOTWAKI incidents might warrant a bug out bag.
Q: What is the best bug out bag for children?
A: Follow the same rules when building a bug out bag for children. Avoid carrying more than 20% body weight and keep enough supplies for multiple days of survival. Children might have different dietary needs than you do, so be sure to account for their needs when selecting items to put in the bag.
Q: What is the best non tactical bug out bag?
A: You can find plenty of non tactical bug out bags sold online. Many of the bug out bags listed above are backpacks designed for travelers or hikers, for example. You don’t have to buy a tactical, combat-ready backpack to have a good bug out bag.
Q: Do bug out bags keep bugs or insects out?
A: Despite the name, bug out bags have nothing to do with bugs or insects. The name “bug out” is a military term used when escaping from a position. Some bug out bags might keep insects out, but this depends mostly on the specific brand and its technical specifications.
Q: Are bug out bags waterproof?
A: Most bug out bags are not marketed as waterproof. Many of the best-rated bags, however, are water-resistant, which means they’ll survive light rainfall or wetness. Few bags provide 100% protection when submerged underwater, however.
Q: How do you clean a bug out bag?
A: Some bug out bags are made from water-repellent fabric, which means you can spot clean with any normal cleaning material. Most bug out bags are not designed to be thrown in a washing machine or submerged, although it may be an option for smaller bags.
Q: Can you put a laptop in your bug out bag?
A: Some bug out bags have a dedicated laptop sleeve, while others do not. Look for bags that advertise this clearly as a feature to ensure you purchase a bag that will accommodate your laptop.
Q: Should you get a bug out bag with a hip belt?
A: Hip belts ensure the weight of the bag is distributed evenly across your hips and lower back. If walking with a backpack for long periods of time, a hip belt can significantly reduce the risk of injury and back pain. Hip belts may not be necessary for smaller bug out bags, but they’re crucial for larger bags.
Q: Can your bug out bag be carry on luggage?
A: Many of the bug out bags above should work as carry on luggage. Generally, a bug out bag under 50L should fit the dimensions of carry on luggage requirements, although we recommend checking dimensions before you buy.
Q: How do you choose the right backpack?
A: Consider backpack capacity, features, and fit to find the right backpack. Think about what you need to place in the backpack, how you will be using the backpack, and how you will be wearing the backpack.
Q: How big should your bug out backpack be?
A: Generally, a 20 to 50L backpack is suited for 1-3 night trips, a 50 to 80L backpack is suited for 3-5 night trips, and a 70L or larger backpack is suited for trips longer than 7 days.
Q: What are internal or external frame backpacks?
A: There are three types of backpack frame types, including internal frames (designed to keep you stable even on uneven terrain), external frame backpacks (ideal for heavy or irregular loads), and frameless backpacks (ultralight backpacks without structural support).
Q: What is MOLLE?
A: Pronounced “Molly”, MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It’s a military term popularized by the British Army and United States Army. Many of the bug out bags above have MOLLE material, letting you add attachments or customize the backpack – say, by adding a hydration pouch or ammo container. It’s similar to Velcro.
Q: Do you need a hydration reservoir on your bug out bag?
A: Many bug out bags have hydration reservoirs, which are internal sleeve pouches that fit a hydration reservoir (typically sold separately). You place a 2L or 3L reservoir inside, and the pouch keeps your water (or any other beverage) secure.
Q: What does contouring mean with bug out bags?
A: Some bug out bags are contoured, which means they’re molded to fit your lumbar (i.e. your spine) – just like a contoured chair. A contoured backpack works with the natural curve of your spine instead of against it, reducing the chance of injury or discomfort.
Q: How much should you spend on a bug out bag?
A: You can spend anywhere from $30 to $300 on a bug out bag. If you’re willing to spend around $100, you can get a very good, well-rated, and durable bug out bag from Amazon. However, there are plenty of great bug out bag options available at lower and higher prices depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
Bug out bags are trendy among preppers and survivalists. However, anyone can benefit from a bug out bag. These bags vary significantly in what they offer, so users should shop around to find the bug out bag that meets their requirements and preferences.
Whether you live in an urban or rural area, whether it’s hurricane or tornado season, or whether you’re concerned about current events, bug out bags can give you peace of mind when needed most. Our guide to the top bug out bags of 2023 should help to keep you informed as you start searching for a bug out bag.