What’s In My: Kid’s Bug Out Bag

An emergency situation will be stressful for everyone, and kids are no exception. And though kids need the same essentials as adults, there are a few special considerations to help make their experience a little easier.

I’ve just finished setting up one of my kid’s bug out bags and I thought it would be helpful to share what’s in it. This kid is under 10 and can carry a decent amount, but I also realize that I will be carrying the extra items that they can’t manage.

Obviously, if you have kids in your household, they will need similar survival items to the adults. All the essentials apply here: water, shelter, warmth, food, etc. Adding in a few special items can help provide familiarity and comfort in a time of upheaval and disturbance.

My kids love to be part of the process when I’m adding to, or refining their bags. They ask questions, make suggestions, and help shape their own emergency kits. This not only sets them up for a lifetime of preparedness, but also gives them a little comfort knowing that if an emergency situation arose, we have a plan in place and they already know what to do and what to grab.

Here are some considerations for a kid’s bug out bag that can help you decide what to include (and exclude):

The first, and arguably most important, consideration is that the kids probably can’t carry as much as the adults in your group, depending on their age and physical capabilities. Their bags will be smaller, and each item will have to be carefully considered, and tailored to your kids ages and abilities. This is a great place for those travel minis to save weight and space. Go beyond toiletries and think: travel games/puzzles, minis of their fav books, and anything else you can do to save weight and space. A packable waterbottle, mini toothpaste, a flushable wipes pack instead of the larger baby wipes package. And of course, all the essential survival gear (if they can carry it). Refinement is the name of the game here. If you choose lightweight clothing, a packable jacket, travel sized toothpaste and a mini first aid kit, the savings in space and weight will be worth it.

The second consideration is that along with consumables that become expired over time, kids grow out of their clothing. The spare clothing in your kids’ packs may have to be switched out every 6 months. If you think ahead and put in clothing a couple sizes bigger (within reason), you can do this step less often.

Another thing to consider is how old the kids in your group are. A baby’s bug out bag will look quite different from a 10-year-olds! Things like baby wipes and diapers, infant formula, rash cream, and even certain medications specifically for babies/toddlers would be important to include here. A pre-teen’s bag might closely resemble an adult’s, minus the bear spray! And of course, you’ll be carrying this bag as well as your own - so keep that in mind.

Finally, and often overlooked, are the comfort items that can help keep kids occupied and give them a little familiarity in a disruptive time. A couple cherished items (depending on size/weight), a loved stuffy, or a favourite board game could help calm and occupy kids so adults can focus on the tasks at hand.

Don’t forget to include an ID card and important contact info in case children/adults become separated.

Here’s the list of items I’ve included in my kids’ bug out bags.

(The links are my recommendations, and cost you nothing extra. Thanks for your support!)

Item list:

• kid’s backpack

• tissues

• water treatment tabs

• emergency blanket

• kid’s sized N95 face masks

• summer hat

• winter hat

• first aid kit

• eating utensils

• food (like noodles, fruit snacks, trail mix and anything they like) enough for 3 days

• snacks

• headlamp/flashlight with spare batteries

• tracking device

• kid’s pocket knife

• lighter

• medications

• whistle

• fire starters

• cordage bracelet

• cash

• toothbrush & toothpaste

• favourite book and/or small comfort item (stuffy, etc.)

• thin fleece blanket

• garbage bags/spare ziplock bags

• kids’ sunscreen

• metal cup/sippy cup/water bottle

• toilet paper

• packable rain/wind jacket

• compass and paper map of the area (great for older kids)

• emergency info on a piece of paper

• spare clothes

• repair tape

• hand sanitizer

• water (minimum 1 L, but ideally enough for 3 days)

If there’s space, you could include some kind of sleep system as well - a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and inflatable pillow.

Putting together your kids’ bug out bags doesn’t have to be stressful. Hang out together and assemble your bags; talk about each item and see how best to fit them in your bags together. Not only will you be preparing your family for the unexpected, you’ll also be setting them up for future success in preparedness skills and knowledge.

What’d I miss!? I’d love to hear what you’re putting in your kid’s bug out bags!

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Just a reminder: I’m no expert and nothing in any post/blog/section of this website should be taken as advice. I just want to be prepared so I can worry less, and enjoy life more and I want to share it with you!

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