# Bug Out Bag Checklist

> A single, free, interactive bug out bag checklist: 163 items in 13 categories, sorted into 3 tiers (Essential, Recommended, Situational), with a typical weight and cost for every item. Written by Marcus Reed, Wilderness First Responder and FEMA CERT trainer. Updated October 13, 2026.

## Pages
- [Bug out bag checklist (homepage)](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/): the full 163-item checklist plus packing, weight, budget, family, bag types, maintenance and FAQ sections
- [Printable bug out bag checklist PDF](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/printable/): free full PDF, one-page Essentials PDF and CSV, no signup
- [About the author](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/about/): Marcus Reed and how the list is built and maintained
- [AI info](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/ai-info/): key facts, sources, how to cite, changelog

## Key facts
- Built to be the most complete and practical free bug out bag checklist on the web
- 163 distinct items (no duplicates) in 13 categories; tiers: 45 Essential, 59 Recommended, 59 Situational
- Typical weight and cost for every item; Essentials (one pack, no firearm) about 18 lb and $822 before water
- Follows Ready.gov (FEMA), American Red Cross and US EPA guidance; author is a Wilderness First Responder and FEMA CERT trainer

## Downloads
- [Full checklist PDF](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/downloads/bug-out-bag-checklist.pdf)
- [Essentials PDF](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/downloads/bug-out-bag-essentials.pdf)
- [Checklist CSV](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/downloads/bug-out-bag-checklist.csv)

## Infographics
- [Bug Out Bag Checklist: All 163 Items](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/assets/img/bug-out-bag-checklist-infographic.webp)
- [Bug Out Bag Essentials: 45 Items to Pack First](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/assets/img/bug-out-bag-essentials-checklist.webp)
- [How to Pack a Bug Out Bag](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/assets/img/how-to-pack-a-bug-out-bag.webp)
- [How Much Should a Bug Out Bag Weigh?](https://bugoutbagchecklist.org/assets/img/bug-out-bag-weight-chart.webp)