12 Items to Keep in a Grab-and-Go Bag

Emergencies don’t send a calendar invite. Whether it’s a severe storm, a wildfire evacuation, or a roadside breakdown miles from town, a grab-and-go bag — sometimes called a bug-out bag — buys you the most valuable thing in a crisis: time. Pack it once, stash it by the door or in your vehicle, and you’re ready to move in seconds. Here are the 12 essentials every bag needs.

1. Water

At least 1–2 liters, in a sturdy reusable bottle. Dehydration hits fast and impairs your judgment — the one thing you can’t afford to lose in an emergency. Rotate your stored water every six months.

2. Non-perishable food

High-calorie, lightweight foods: energy bars, nuts, jerky. Pack enough for at least 72 hours. You don’t need gourmet — you need calories that won’t spoil.

3. First-aid kit

Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Check expiration dates twice a year and restock anything you’ve used. A kit you can’t rely on is just extra weight.

4. Flashlight

An LED flashlight — hand-crank or battery-powered — plus extra batteries. Darkness makes every emergency harder; reliable light is non-negotiable.

5. Multi-tool

Repairs, cutting, opening cans — a compact, quality multi-tool handles the dozens of small jobs that come up when you’re on your own.

6. Emergency blanket

A mylar emergency blanket reflects body heat back to you, weighs almost nothing, and packs down to pocket size. Hypothermia can set in even in mild weather once you’re wet and exhausted.

7. Weather-appropriate clothing

Extra socks, a warm hat, gloves, and a layer for changing conditions. Being able to get dry and warm is a survival priority, not a comfort.

8. Personal hygiene items

Toothbrush, wipes, hand sanitizer. Staying clean prevents infection and keeps morale up — both matter more than you’d think on day three.

9. Important documents

IDs, copies of insurance and medical papers, some cash and cards — sealed in a waterproof bag. If you have to leave fast, you won’t have time to gather these.

10. Phone and charger

Keep your phone charged for communication, and pack a power bank (solar if possible). Your phone is your map, your flashlight backup, and your lifeline to information.

11. Map and compass

Electronics die. A paper map of your area and a compass work with zero batteries — but only if you’ve learned to use them before you need them. Practice on a weekend hike.

12. Fire starter

Lighter, waterproof matches, or a ferro rod. Fire means warmth, dry clothes, cooked food, and a signal. It’s the single most versatile survival tool you can carry — which is why Black Beard Fire Starter lives in our own go-bags. It catches a spark in wind and rain when matches won’t.

Pack it today, not someday

A small bag packed today can make a big difference tomorrow. You don’t need to buy everything at once — start with water, food, and first aid, then build it out. The best grab-and-go bag is the one that’s packed before you need it.

Adventure Outdoor Supplies is an online-only outdoor retailer based in La Crosse, WI. We stock the fire starters, first-aid kits, and survival gear that belong in every go-bag — gear we’d hand to a friend. Your order ships securely via UPS.