The Ladies’ Guide to an Ultra Chic Bug-Out-Bag

Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn

Regardless of what you are surviving, be it an average day at the office or The End of Days, a huge part of the equation is preparation. In previous articles we’ve discussed the benefits of being fit and knowing your food options as preparation for The Worst. In this article we will discuss the Bug-Out-Bag, its essential ingredients, and how to make it as chic as it is durable.

Every woman has her Every Day Bag. In it she usually keeps essential items: lip gloss, pen(s), paper, pads, tampons, gift cards, mints, wallet, ID, antibacterial lotion, a lighter, camera and accessories, checkbook, tweezers, snacks, keys, change, and bills. Sometimes she keeps less than essential items: pair of socks, 1 ½ pair of gloves, drink mix packets, extra lighters, deodorant, extra tweezers, a book, and perfume. Of course the necessity of any of these items can be debated. Does one need mints more or less than perfume?

The deciding factor is the lady’s individual tastes and demands.

The Bug-Out-Bag, or Go Bag, is far less subjective. This bag’s sole purpose is to give you a 72 hour window of normality while you sort out how to deal with the rest of life. This is a pretty big purpose. It requires some pretty big tools. Each member of your survival team’s bag should have the following:

Three gallons of water A water purification kit (or iodine tablets) Lightweight, protein heavy foods like military rations, beef jerky, and nuts At least a three day supply of all prescription medications A survival manual Extra prescription lenses Cash: credit and debit cards may not be viable options in the case of a catastrophic emergency Feminine supplies (i.e. – pads and tampons) A toiletry kit Sunscreen Sunglasses with UV protection A First Aid Kit Climate appropriate clothing Tarp

Tent Sleeping bag Survival knife Emergency Mylar blankets Matches in a waterproof case and a lighter Flashlights and batteries Weapons Whistle Axe Duct tape Rope Toilet paper Copies of your ID, a list of emergency contacts, list of medications and allergies (in a waterproof container) Heavy duty garbage bags Compass Area map

While some items listed above may be debatable, they will all make your bag functional. However, if you want your bag to be cute as well, you are going to have to work for it. Hiking packs – which is what you will need to haul all that gear – are not necessarily the most fashion forward items.

Sure, you could try going the Gucci or LV route, but those pieces are not made for hard labor. All you will end up with is a really expensive, completely useless pack. And to be honest, unless you buy their luggage, you won’t find anything large enough to do the job.

This will be work. This will be hard. This will be worth it. Think of it: how did Vivienne Westwood begin? She was not born a fashion Goddess with seamstresses and emulators begging for her attention. She made herself into one. Take the humble beginnings of your Bug-Out-Bag and turn it into something worthy of a fashion diva!


Tell us in the comments how you will make Ms Westwood envious of your Go Bag!