The Ultimate Bug Out Bag List: Multipurpose Gear

Does Your Bug Out Bag List Have These Versatile Items?

There are literally hundreds of items (big and small) to consider when preparing your bug-out bag list. It’s the one bag in the house that has been packed and repacked over and over. You might discover a new piece of gear to replace an old item.

But then, somehow, those ‘replaced items’ get packed back into the bag to go with the item(s) you replaced them with, etc. Before you know it, you have a bag packed full of survival gear! Every person with a bug out bag knows exactly what I’m talking about.

What most people don’t consider in the beginning stages of prepping is that when you pack an item, you should ask yourself, “Does this item have multiple survival uses?”

Not that an item that has only one intended use is a bad thing, but when preparing your bug out bag list, you should try to think of multiple uses for every item. For myself, I like to have at least two or three survival uses for something. This method saves space and time.

It is important to remember that you do not want your bug out bag to be too heavy because if you are ever faced with an emergency and have to travel on foot, you do not want too much extra weight on your back. (Easier said than done, I know.)

I have made a list of 10 items that have multiple uses and they will not take up a lot space in your bug out bag, which is a plus!

1. Multi-Tool

Uses:

• Cut or saw wood
• Building a shelter
• Open cans and bottles

• Cut cordage
• Snip wire
• File things down (wood, soft metal, etc)
• Can be used as a screwdriver (most multi-tools have Phillips and flathead attachments)

…And so much more! The uses for a multi-tool are almost limitless. Get one today!

2. Duct Tape

Uses:

• Repair numerous things – like your shelter, for example
• Apply for extra security on bandages
• To make cordage

(Image via)

Duct tape is a necessity in any type of survival kit or bag.

Tip: To save on space, wrap duct tape around a store gift card (an invalid one of course) or something of similar shape that is also flat. Wrap the duct tape around the gift card about 10 times and keep 3 or 4 of these in your bug out bag. You’d be surprised how much tape you will actually have on hand using this method. It takes up almost no space at all.

3. Bandana

Uses:

• Signal device (bright colored ones are perfect for signaling)
• Bandage

(Image via)

• Cordage (rip into sections and tie sections together)
• Face or head protection (wrap around your nose/mouth area or use as a hat to protect yourself against the elements – cold, heat, etc.)
• Makeshift carrying bag

Since bandannas are lightweight and take up such little space, I recommend carrying 5 in your bug out bag.

4. Tarp

Uses:

• Shelter
• Signaling device

(Image via)

• A cover to keep your things dry
• A makeshift hammock to keep you off the ground

5. Paracord

Uses:

• Building a shelter
• Assembling a snare

(Image via)

• Climbing and descending (I typically carry 550 cord which would be safe for 1 person to use for this purpose)
• Security for a makeshift sling or splint for an injury
• Fishing line

Check out this awesome article, 80 Uses for Paracord, for more great ideas! No bug out bag list is complete without plenty of paracord!

6. Zip Ties

(Image via)

Uses:

• Gear repair
• Attach items to the outside of your pack or your belt
• Secure shelter

7. Garbage Bags

Uses:

• Poncho
• Shelter
• Container for water

(Image via)

• Waterproof protection for your gear
• Stuff garbage bags with leaf debris (can be used as insulation in cold weather or simply as a pillow)
• Use it as a carrying container for random items you may find along the way. (If you are in a true wilderness survival situation always be on the lookout for things you can use. Remember: Another man’s trash is another man’s treasure)

8. Whistle

(Image via)

Uses:

• Signaling for help
• To scare off an attacker (If you are in a public place and someone with obvious ill intentions is coming toward you…..USE YOUR WHISTLE!! Be as loud and annoying with it as you can. Remember, the last thing a criminal wants is unwanted attention! They will run!)

9. Tampons

Uses:

• First aid bandage
• Fire tinder
• The string of the tampon can be used as cordage (it’s not much but any cordage is better than none at all)

Some folks are surprised to see this on by bug out bag list… until they realize how useful it is. Check out my article, 5 Surprising Survival Uses for a Tampon, for additional uses.

10. Hammock

(Image via)

Uses:

• For sleep (obviously). It keeps you off the ground which provides extra protection against the elements (cold, wet ground, etc.).
• Improvised gill net (netting type hammock)
• Improvised carrying bag (cloth-type hammock)

You'll be glad you added this to your B.O.B. – Double Camping Hammock With Tree Straps and Carabiners- Lightweight Portable Parachute Nylon for Backpacking, Recreation, Beach, Travel, Yard.

Check out these other related articles from us here at Survival Life:

• The Ultimate Bug Out Bag List
• Packing a Bug Out Bag? Don’t Forget These Three Items
• Your First Bug Out Bag – 50 Essentials For Your Kit

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 17, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.