What to Pack in Your Bug Out Bag (and What to Leave Behind) — For Wome

What to Pack in Your Bug Out Bag (and What to Leave Behind) — For Wome

Let’s be real: most “bug out bag” lists were written by guys who think we’re all hiking into the wilderness with a Rambo knife and a can of beans. Cute.

But for women who actually run households, care for kids, and keep the wheels turning, a bug out bag needs to cover our real needs too. Because if disaster strikes, you’re not just grabbing a bag for yourself—you’re also making sure your family survives and stays as comfortable as possible.

So, let’s break down what to pack (and what to ditch) when building a bug out bag that works for women and families.

Must-Haves for Your Bug Out Bag

1. Water & Purification

2. Food That Works for You

  • Protein bars, trail mix, and shelf-stable snacks your family will actually eat.

  • Instant oatmeal or soup packets.

  • Don’t forget baby food, toddler snacks, or formula if you’ve got little ones.

  • TIP: So listen, have you had freeze dried fruit?  Add these to your arsenal for the entire family! 

3. Medical & Personal Care

  • A solid first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy meds).

  • Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, menstrual cup—whatever you use).

  • Medications (yours and your family’s—don’t forget extras like inhalers or EpiPens).

  • Read up on our Woman's Only Blog.  This is what we pack in our bug out bags.  

4. Hygiene & Comfort

  • Travel-size soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant.

  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste.

  • Dry shampoo (yes, it’s survival chic).

  • Baby wipes—for everything from sticky kids to makeshift showers.

5. Clothing Essentials

  • Extra underwear and socks (trust me on this one).

  • A change of weather-appropriate clothes.

  • Lightweight jacket or poncho.

6. Family + Kid Stuff

  • Diapers and wipes.

  • Small comfort toy or blanket (stress relief is survival too).

  • Easy snacks that prevent meltdowns.

7. Power & Light

  • Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.

  • Phone charger or power bank.

  • A small radio (battery or hand-crank).

8. Personal Protection

  • Pepper spray or personal alarm.

  • Multi-tool (bonus points if you know how to use it).

9. Paperwork & Cash

  • Copies of IDs, insurance, and emergency contacts in a waterproof bag.

  • Some small bills—because card readers don’t always work when the grid’s down.

10. For Mom’s Sanity

  • A book, deck of cards, or something small to keep spirits up.

  • Chocolate. Don’t argue with me.

What to Leave Behind

  • The 8-inch hunting knife (unless you actually know how to use it).

  • Your entire makeup bag—stick to a tinted lip balm, you’ll thank me.

  • High heels—this isn’t The Devil Wears Prada: Apocalypse Edition.

  • Canned goods without a can opener—because frustration is not fuel.

  • Three changes of clothes per person—keep it light, you’re carrying this thing.

The Bottom Line

Your bug out bag isn’t about looking like a Navy SEAL—it’s about keeping you and your family safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible until things calm down. Build it around your real life, your actual needs, and yes, your family’s quirks.

Because ladies, when chaos hits, who’s going to hold it all together? You. And with the right bug out bag, you’ll be ready.


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