EDC to Bug Out Progression

My system for balancing EDC and Bug Out Bags.

EDC2Bug v2 (2023)

Disclaimer: I'll only provide links to products I personally have in my system. I'm not sponsored by anyone, and I don't get any kickbacks. I'm just sharing what I use.

Philosophy

I read a bunch of various posts about bug out and go bags, and it seems like everyone has their own theory on a hierarchy of survival needs. I of course, decided to come up with my own. I wanted to prioritize always having a good minimum set of supplies, but also being able to scale up to a full bug out bag if needed. I also enjoy tech, so this pack includes my general tech carry.

What do I have?

My first thought is to layer my supplies based on what I have.

  1. My body, mind, and pockets
  2. A backpack
  3. My Car
  4. My Home

Each layer assumes I have the previous, and includes increasingly more supplies.

I always have my mind and body, and if I'm dressed I've got my phone, wallet, and pocket kit. If I have a backpack, I can carry more supplies. If I have my car, I can carry even more supplies and store a proper bug out bag. If I have my home, I can load my car with the max supplies.

What do I need for survival?

My second thought is to layer my supplies based on what I need. My own hierarchy of needs (based on various others too numerous to list) is:

  1. Air
  2. Defense
  3. Shelter
  4. Fire
  5. Navigation
  6. Water
  7. Food
  8. Tech
  9. Fun

My thought process is that I can make it 3 minutes without air, max, so that is priority number one. Next, in a situation with hostile people, I need a way to defend myself in the short term. Once those have been handled, in extreme environments, I need shelter and heat within 3 hours. If I can stabilize to that point, I can navigate to safety if possible. If not, I need to find water within 3 days and food within 3 weeks. Finally, I need to keep myself sane and entertained if my situation is going to last longer.

On top of these needs, it is also helpful to have some tools that make certain tasks easier, such as light, writing, sewing, and cordage.

The Kits

On My Person

The foundation is knowledge - take a first aid course, do a wilderness survival lesson, learn basic foraging in your area, and practice basic knots and cordage from natural resources. Everything below assumes I'm dressed and have my phone and wallet. The pocket kit is what I should always carry, but don't always have on me.

Backpack

What if I have a backpack? What should I ALWAYS carry.

Car

Car Stuff

Bug Out Bag