How to Pack a Bug-Out Bag for Your Children

A common mistake that many survival preppers make is neglecting to pack a bug-out bag for each of the children, or they mistakenly think the kids do not need their own bug-out bags. If you are prepping for the unknown SHTF crisis, then you must plan for every family member’s needs and that includes planning for your children.

Kids are extremely capable. When you give a child their own bug-out bag it gives them some sense of control when everything else around them is uncertainty. A child-specific bug-out bag gives them a task to focus on mentally and a job to do during a crisis. It can help keep their energy occupied too.

When your kids carry some of their own load it distributes the weight from the bags of the adults. Imagine if two adults were trying to carry the supplies for themselves and three children – this would get draining very fast and the children are probably capable of carrying at least some of the load.

A child’s bug-out bag should be appropriate for the size of the child. You would never want to add a lot of weight to a child’s bag, but things like a blanket, snacks, and their own water should typically be carried by the child. You could even practice hiking with the bag with just water in it during times of peace so that the child can get used to carrying something on their back for long distances.

Remember that children are slightly weaker than adults and cannot travel as far of distances. Take the time to build up your children’s stamina by taking frequent hikes with lightly packed bug-out bags. If a crisis does occur you will be thankful that you and your family are physically prepared for survival.

Your child’s bug-out bag should be not too heavy but always include the essentials. You will want to think about the supplies they will need in the unfortunate possibility that your child gets separated from you during a crisis. Consider the items we have suggested below, but always think about your individual child and their unique needs.

Choose a bag that has good padding on the shoulders and is not too large in overall size. Check to see if it can be adjusted snugly for your child’s body size: a pack that moves around while hiking can be very uncomfortable. A water resistant backpack is an even better choice, but a simple school bag will work fine too.

Always try to include a few items that will raise your kids spirits in their bug-out bags. A bag of their favorite candy or a book that they love might make all the difference to their mental health in a survival situation. Find a balance with your packing to help your child make it through.

Here are some essentials you want to include when you pack your child’s bug-out bag.

Pack items such as:

• A couple of their favorite toys/games/books or binoculars
• One change of clothes including socks
• A water bottle and water to last them 72 hours
• Wet wipes and band aids
• A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• A laminated card with emergency contact numbers and their home address
• Food for 3 days – cereal bars, crackers, peanut butter, freeze dried fruit, etc.
• Poncho
• Essential medications only, like diabetic supply or EpiPen
• A small lightweight blanket

By planning ahead, both you and your child will feel more in control when everything else may be out of control. Help children feel included by packing their own bug-out bag and enjoy the process of prepping together with your child.