How To Make A Bug Out Bag - Bug Out Hygiene Kit

When it comes to bug out bags one of the biggest overlooked areas is how to making a hygiene kit. Personally I find it strange considering cleanliness is a huge factor in overcoming a disaster or when the SHTF. The obvious reason is keeping clean helps keep away infection. It also plays a big role in morale; I mean who the hell wants to feel grubby and greasy for weeks on end? I know I don’t and I’m willing to bet you don’t either.

While making a bug out hygiene kit isn’t complicated it still takes some planning to figure out what you’re going to need. So with that being said here are some things that I pack in my bug out bag so you can get some ideas of what to put in yours.

1. Hygiene bag

You’re going to need all your hygiene items together. I personally use a shaving kit bag like the examples shown below, but any small bag or pouch will work. If you’re really strapped for cash you can always go the cheap route and use freezer bags. You can use shopping bags if you absolutely had to but I don’t recommend them because you can’t close them unless you tie them. Besides who the hell wants to look like a hobo?

2. Toothbrush

Okay so this one you’d think is a no brainer, and you’re right. But I always get a good laugh at people who forget this simple item. I highly recommend having more then one in your bugout bag in case you loose one or need one for another job like cleaning gear. I normally carry 3 or 4 in my hygiene kit because I tend to go through them quickly.

You also want to make sure that you have a container to store your used toothbrush in when you’re not brushing your teeth. This will help keep it from getting contaminated.

3. Dental floss

A little of this stuff can go a long way, you can use it for not only cleaning your teeth but you can use it for sewing, fishing line, making traps for hunting, even make cord out of it if you need to. The best part is it comes in small containers and weighs nothing so you can pack more then one if you have the space.

4. Shaving kit

Unless you want to look like Grizzly Adams you’re going to want to have a shaving kit in your bug out bag. It’s also a good idea to have it in case you’re injured and have to shave that area before you can apply treatment Your shaving kit should have the following.

A. Razors

For razors you can go the cheap route and keep a couple of disposable razors on hand.

B. Shaving cream or oil

I recommend using shaving oil, you won’t need nearly as much water, it lasts way longer, and takes up almost no space in your hygiene kit.

C. Mirror

You don’t need a massive full size mirror, just a simple pocket mirror so you don’t your face all to pieces while shaving. It’s also good to have to signal with as well.

5. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is not only effective at keeping your teeth clean, it’s a very effective polish that you can use to shine the bottom a can to make a mirror to start fires, As well it’s also very effective for soothing bug bites. Always have the biggest tube possible or multiple tubes on hand in your bug out bag.

6. Soap and shampoo

I consider shampoo a luxury item when it comes to packing your bug out bag since soap can clean everything. But if you want to pack it I recommend the small travel size bottles. If you’re feeling cheap you can always get them from a hotel for free. It’s a good idea to prevent any leaks to have any shampoo bottles in a separate plastic bag in your hygiene kit. For soap make sure you store it in a separate container as well.

7. Nail clippers

The obvious reason is that it offers you a safer way to trim your finger and toe nails rather then trying to use a knife. It’s also good for making precision cuts to thread or fishing line.

8. Wet wipes / baby wipes

As a former soldier I can personally tell you wet wipes or baby wipes were a godsend during long exercises where you had to wait 2 or 3 weeks for a shower. The reason why I mentioned baby wipes is that they are usually cheaper (depending on where you live of course) and you get more, either way all hygiene wipes work the same. We used them in the field to easily remove cam (camouflage) paint off our faces and hands, and also to clean those particular parts of the body that can get very nasty very fast, and if needed can be used as toilet paper. Trust me these are worth the extra wait, you can thank me later.

9. Anti bacterial hand lotion

This is always good to keep on hand in everyday situations. During a disaster however this can help keep you alive by preventing contamination of your food or anything you touch. It’s also not a bad idea to keep a separate bottle of anti bacterial lotion in your first aid kit to clean your hands with before giving aid.

10. Scissors

While you don’t absolutely need a pair of small scissors in your hygiene kit it’s nice to have them if you need to cut hair or clothing.

11. Wash towel / cloth

I think it’s pretty obvious why you want this in your bug out

12. Toilet paper

Everybody poops it’s only a matter of time before the call of the wild calls you. Obviously in a long term disaster or emergency you’ll need to find alternatives. But in the short term it’s always nice to have a couple rolls waiting for you.

If you want some additional bug out hygiene kit ideas or other ideas for your bug out bag check out the sites listed below.

The Survivalist Blog

http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/bug-hygiene-staying-clean-middle/

Survival Time

http://www.survivaltime.org/EmergencySurvivalKits.htm

Frugal Dad.com

http://frugaldad.com/2010/02/10/bug-out-bag-essentials/

Suburban Survival Blog

http://suburbansurvivalblog.com/