A bug-out bag is a portable kit containing all of the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours after evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a go bag, 72 hour kit, an emergency kit or a disaster supplies kit. The focus is on evacuation, rather than survival, distinguishing the bug-out bag from a survival kit.

Rationale
The primary purpose of a bug-out bag (BOB) is to allow one to evacuate quickly if a disaster should strike. It is therefore prudent to gather all of the materials and supplies that might be required to do this into a single place, such as a bag or a few storage containers. The recommendation that a BOB should contain enough supplies for seventy two hours arises from advice from organizations responsible for disaster relief and management that it may take them up to seventy two hours to reach people affected by a disaster and offer help. They therefore suggest that a BOB should contain enough supplies to allow those reliant on it to survive for this length of time.

In addition to allowing one to survive a disaster evacuation, a BOB may also be utilized when sheltering in place as a response to emergencies such as house fires, blackouts, or tornadoes and other severe weather.

Contents
The suggested contents of a BOB vary, but most of the following are usually included:

Enough food and water to last for seventy two hours. This includes:
4 litres (1 gallon) of water per person per day, for washing, drinking and cooking.
spoil-free food.
water purification supplies.
cooking supplies.
cutlery and cups/dishes.
A first aid kit.
A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes etc.
Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference.
Maps and travel information.
Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
Clothes and bedding.
Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period if, for example, one's home were destroyed.
Pet, child and elderly care needs.
Radio.
Lighting (battery or crank operated torch/flashlight(s), glow sticks).
Firearm(s) and appropriate ammunition.
Crowbar (offensive weapon, building/vehicle entry, etc.)
Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.

Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug-out_bag

Now I understand what that is. I like the name that someone come up with for it.

Wow, I liked it mate, I went through that URL which you provided, and I read it myself. Very impressive, thanks for sharing.

I did actually wonder before what exactly a bug out bag was so that you for that great information.

The most important feature of a bug out bag is that it's always in your vehicle. Otherwise, what happens if you need your BOB when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, or a tornado wipes out the Interstate?

The best would be if you had several of these bags. One in your office, one at home, one in your car and one when you are traveling.

Couldn't agree more- having one in each vehicle (and a larger one at home) is a must, especially while driving in the winter. Not too sure how my office would view stacking several gallons of water (plus food and dishes) in my cubicle, though!

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I am no longer concerned about what people think. Believe me, you will be vindicated. My wife was always calling me Mr. survivalist, Mr. doomsday, you name it. We had a major ice event a few years ago that knocked power out for two days at my house and two week for most neighbors. Guess where everyone came for information and essentials. You got it! my house.
My ham equipment worked flawlessly for all of our communications needs including phone calls. We had enough food and water for at least a week. My generator kept three neighbors washing machines running. Needless to say, my wife now knows the value of being prepared. She has began to can vegetables and storing other items in the event this happens again. My neighbors are also well prepared which is comforting as well.

Usually takes something like a disaster to open people's eyes. We prepare financially for stuff like car parts breaking- why not prepare for something a bit more devastating?

Wow! I bet your neighbors were happy they lived by you. It made me think when you said you are comforted know that your neighbors are prepared now as well. It can only make things better during an emergency. If every one is prepared and you all pool together--you should be able to survive through the toughest of times.

Thanks for sharing. You opened my eyes as well.