Top 10 Underrated Bug Out Bag Items

When it comes to emergency preparedness, we can’t underestimate the importance of a well-stocked bug out bag. These packs are filled with essential supplies designed to help individuals and families not just survive, but thrive, during critical emergency situations.

While there is an abundance of information available on the internet about the must-have items for a bug out bag, there are several underrated items that often go unnoticed.

Remember, when it comes to emergency preparedness, it is not just about having the basics covered but also thinking outside the box. The inclusion of these underrated items can significantly elevate your bug out bag’s overall functionality, providing you with an edge when facing challenging circumstances.

Of course, not all of these items will be necessary for everyone, but they’re just something to consider and think about if they’re right for you and your needs.

Let’s dive right into it and discuss the top 10 underrated bug out bag items:

Manicure set

More times than not this has come in handy with just our everyday life, as well as camping. We mostly use the tweezers, but I also use the nail clippers., especially when I break a nail, gotta get that off! I could use a knife, but nail clippers are such a quick and easy fix, it’s worth it to me to have it in there, especially for my kids. You could get a small manicure set with the very basics so your bag stays lightweight.

Garbage bags/zipper bags

I prefer to have a few of each garbage bags and zipper bags. I use the zipper bags for carrying foraged food, to keep trash together or even to hold water. Garbage bags are nice for emergency shelter, covering your bug out bag in case of rain or a variety of other reasons, even to hold trash, if you can believe it. 😉 They are lightweight and can be smashed in just about any corner of your bug out bag.

Fresh socks and underwear  

Socks more than anything I always have several different pairs of. They get wet, they get holes in them, whatever the case, extra socks are an absolute must! It’s always nice to have a fresh pair of underwear, too, helps with morale.

Sporks

But not just any sporks, you gotta have the long handled spork! Whether you’re planning to use it for the freeze dried meals in a bag or just to stir some soup, the long handled sporks are an absolute must. The titanium or aluminum are lightweight and can be crammed into any available space in your bug out bag.

Battery bank

This may not be as underrated as it used to be, but having a battery bank is helpful to keep certain electronics going while you’re out and about. The battery banks they have these days are slim and lightweight, very easy to fit into a bug out bag.

Sewing kit

You can get a small, compact, lightweight sewing kit from the dollar store. Or a more robust sewing kit online. But either way, while duct tape can cure everything, having a sewing kit to mend your tent, clothes, stuffed animals, etc., is a real morale booster.

Mosquito net

I carry bug spray, but bug spray only lasts so long. A mosquito net, especially a head net, are a great addition to your long sleeves and pants to keep mosquitos from biting you. I also saw someone use a mosquito net on a reality survival show to catch small fish. Multipurpose for the win!

Towel

Small towels or large, a towel really comes in handy for multiple purposes such as cleaning dishes, cleaning yourself, filtering water and more. I prefer 100% cotton because it can also be used to filter water if needed. Not to mention 100% cotton towels are cheap and easy to find. Many like microfiber because it’s softer and can be more absorbent and also dry faster, but I wouldn’t use a microfiber towel to filter water. So for that reason alone, I tend to stick with 100% cotton. It’s up to you with what you want in your bag.

Gloves

Leather gloves, winter gloves/mittens and first aid gloves. I use leather gloves when I’m working with knives or building shelters. I use winter gloves/mittens for, well, you know, to keep my hands from freezing off in the winter. And first aid gloves when working with anything that requires first aid.

Sillcock key

This is one of the most underrated items because of it’s weight. I prioritize its weight because it can access water on the sides of a building during an emergency. If I’m bugging out and I’m in an urban situation, or any situation with buildings, and I need water, you can use the sillcock key to access water. This is only to be used in an emergency situation, but it’s invaluable, in my opinion.

What are some other underrated items for your bug out bag?