The food you pack in your bug out bag should be light, calorie-dense and convenient. You will probably be walking most of the day and won’t have time to stop and cook a meal.
Emergency food rations such as Datrex are a great option as they don’t require water, take up little space and taste pretty good too! They also contain protein which can help you avoid getting “bonked” during physical exertion.
1. Beef Jerky
Jerky is a great food to pack in a bugout bag because it is lightweight and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It also provides a lot of calories for its weight. Look for jerky that is low in fat, but high in protein and carbs.
Another good food to pack in a bugout bag is canned meats like tuna or chicken pouches. They are a great source of protein and can help you maintain your strength during survival situations. Processed meats like SPAM are also a great option because they are protein-rich and can be eaten on the go.
Freeze-dried foods are another great option to have in your bugout bags because they do not require water and can last a long time. They are much lighter than dehydrated foods and taste better. Make sure to include a backpacking stove in your bugout bag so that you can prepare these foods. You should also have a water filter or treatment kit in your bugout bag to ensure that you can always have clean, drinkable water.
2. Canned Meats
Having a good variety of animal protein sources in your bugout bag is important because it will help you maintain balanced nutrition. Canned tuna, chicken, and other meats are easy to store and can provide a high amount of calories in your bugout bag.
These foods are also great for providing you with fat, which is needed to keep your energy levels stable in an evacuation situation (adrenaline alone can only fuel you for so long). Choose foods that have a high calorie density and don’t require cooking in order to cut down on pack weight.
Ramen is not just for starving college students, it’s an excellent bugout food that can be rehydrated in as little as two minutes. It provides a quick meal with good flavor and morale-boosting nutrients. Be sure to rotate your rations regularly, like you would with other non-perishable items in your bugout bag. A good rule of thumb is to replace these rations at least twice a year, or whenever you change out your clothes. This will ensure that you have a fresh supply of food in your bugout bag.
3. Raisins
In a survival situation, calories are key to keeping your strength up. You should pack foods that are high in calories and have a long shelf life. Raisins are a good choice as they have a long shelf life and provide plenty of energy when needed.
In addition to packing food that will last, it is important to select foods that are lightweight. This will help reduce the overall weight of your bugout bag. Avoid foods that require cooking, as these will take up space and add extra weight to your bag.
Some of the best bugout bag foods are things like trail mix, peanuts, or even a can of pemmican. All of these options are lightweight and will provide a much-needed boost of energy when you need it the most. You should also consider adding drink mixes to your bugout bag, as these can be a great way to get some extra vitamins and minerals into your diet. Don’t forget to rotate your bugout bag food periodically, just like you would with a regular pantry stockpile.
4. Beans
Depending on the bugout situation, you may be on foot and need to make every ounce count. This includes food. You need foods that are low in weight, yet filling. A bag of pinto beans fits the bill, as they provide a lot of protein in a small pack. Instant noodles are also a good choice, as they require little space and cook in just a few minutes. A few packs of dehydrated soups are a great addition, as they supply nutrition, calories and water in small packages.
Choose foods that do not need cooking or need to be reheated, as this will conserve fuel. Also, choose items that are tasty so you will eat them when hunger strikes. This will be important, as starvation is the #1 killer in a survival situation. A quick break with a tasty snack or meal can boost morale and refuel your body to keep going. Choose a variety of foods to add to your bugout bag so you can build meals from the different ingredients, depending on the situation.
5. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter packs a lot of calories per ounce and is relatively light. It’s also a great source of protein, vitamins and nutrients.
Consider adding a variety of foods that don’t require much preparation to your bugout bag. Carbohydrate gels are a good option because they’re compact, do not require water and provide quick energy. Mashed potatoes or instant rice are another excellent choice because they’re a filling, starchy food that takes up little space in your bugout bag.
You can also pack a small pack of ramen. While many people joke about it being the “starving college kid” food, ramen is actually a good bugout food because it takes up very little space in your bag and can be reheated quickly. It is also tasty and provides a morale boost in challenging circumstances. Finally, remember to pack some water and a way to purify water on the go so that you can stay hydrated when needed. Dehydration is a common cause of death in survival situations, so it’s essential to keep this in mind when packing your bugout bag.
