Where To Keep Bug Out Bag: 2 Ideal Places

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By Bryan Lynch •  4 min read

Bug out bags. If you have one then you have most likely put a lot of time, effort, and money into it. 

2 Places to Keep a Bug Out Bag

Time researching what should go inside. 

Purchasing those items. 

Testing that gear and figuring out what works best for you. 

Now that it is all put together, I have been asked the question, “where should a bug out bag be kept?”

This may seem like a simple question but in my experience, I have learned a bug out bag can be kept in many different places. 

I have talked to people who keep the bag in the trunk of their car, hanging in the garage, in the back of the closet, buried in the basement, in the attic, and even hiding behind the couch. 

Now, you do you and keep your bag wherever your heart desires and what works best for you.

But if you are curious where I think you should keep it, then please read on.

Keep These in Mind!

As I stated above, there is a lot of time and money wrapped up in bug out bags. To better protect that gear, keep these few suggestions in mind when choosing where to keep your bug out bag. 

Temperature. Avoid areas with temperature extremes. Extreme heat or cold can shorten the lifespan of gear and even cause damage. 

Moisture. Avoid areas with excessive moisture or that have the possibility of flooding. Water can outright damage some items and high humidity is a breeding ground for mildew, mold, and bacteria. 

Sticky Fingers. Avoid leaving your bag unattended in areas where it is advertised and easy for sticky fingers to grab it.

If the bag is left in a vehicle hide it under a seat or at least cover it up with a blanket to prevent onlookers from becoming too curious.


Where To Keep Your Bug Out Bag?

To answer the question, “where should a bug out bag be kept?” here are two recommendations that jump to the front of my mind. 

Along Escape Route 

store-near-exit-door

If the time should come that you need to leave now you do not want to be scrambling around digging through piles of stuff in search of your bug-out bag. 

A bug out bag is meant to be grabbed at a moment’s notice so that you can hightail it to a safe area. 

When at home, it makes the most sense to me that the bag is located along your escape route. Hanging or placed in a hallway closet near the outside door would be one of the best locations. 

On Your Person

on-your-person

For the individual who wants to be ready to go as much as possible, this means keeping your bug out bag on your person. 

In this category, I wanted to suggest keeping the bag in a vehicle but not everyone has a personal vehicle. So, instead, I decided to go with “on your person”. But if you have a vehicle then keep it in your vehicle when it is in use. 

Keeping a bug out bag on or near your person can be a tiresome option because it requires it to be moved frequently. But this option will allow a person to have access to their supplies at all times.  


Wrapping It Up

I hope you enjoyed my two suggestions for where to keep a bug out bag. But wherever you choose to keep your bag remember to keep it accessible, safe, and ready to go. Thanks for reading and stay prepared!

Bryan Lynch

Bryan grew up in the Midwest and spent every waking moment outdoors. Learning how to hunt, fish, read the land, and be self-reliant was part of everyday life. Eventually, he combined his passions for the outdoors, emergency preparedness, and writing. His goal was to spread positive information about this field. In 2019, Bryan authored the book Swiss Army Knife Camping and Outdoor Survival Guide. His second book, Paracord Projects For Camping and Outdoor Survival, is scheduled to be released on March 2, 2021.