As an adult, it’s fairly easy to make your own bug out bag. After all, you know what you’ll need to survive for a few days. Your kids will also need their own bug out bags, and they have slightly different needs.

It’s important to pack not only the essentials but also some fun items to help them feel safe and to prevent boredom.
Why Kids Need Their Own Bug Out Bag
Kids need their own bug out bags with their own items in case of an emergency. While you’ll be focusing on survival items, you’ll also want to include some times for comfort. If there’s a situation in which your child will need to use their bug out bag, your child can become scared and confused. It will help them to have familiar items packed in their bags.
Letting your child have his or her own bug out bag will also help your child feel important and like they have a sense of power during a stressful and confusing time. It will give your child a sense of comfort to have their own items.

One thing to remember when creating a bug out bag for children is that the essential survival items will be in the adults’ bags. Therefore, there isn’t as much emphasis on safety as there is comfort. While an adult will want a utilitarian black or dark-colored flashlight, for example, a child may prefer a fun flashlight with a design or bright color.
Kids Bug Out Bag Designs
For your kids’ bug out bags, you can choose from a few different designs. Depending on the age of your child, you might try a backpack, a bag with a handle, or a bag with wheels.
Kids Bug Out Bag Backpacks
While you’re looking for utilitarian bags for adults, children don’t need an expensive military-style bag with a lot of pockets. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to consider using a backpack with their favorite character.
This backpack is lightweight and has plenty of pockets and compartments for stashing items.

Kids Bug Out Bag Backpack With Handles
If your child is little, then you may want to use a bag with a handle. This can make it easier for you to grab your child and the handle of the backpack or your child can grab the handle and carry the bag.
This basic backpack is available in several fun color combinations that children will like. It’s inexpensive, and it has a handle for easy carry.
Kids Bug Out Bag Backpack With Wheels
If your child’s bug out bag is heavy or your child is young, then you may want a bug out bag with wheels. This rolling backpack has several compartments. The handle is just over three feet long, so it’s comfortable for older kids to wheel around.
Kids Bug Out Bag Checklist
You’ll be packing the essential oils for survival in your own bag, so you want to focus on your child’s needs and add a few items for comfort to their bags.
You’ll want to pack at least one change of clothes in the bag. This should be a pair of long pants, shorts, a shirt, and a sweatshirt. Also, pack a few pairs of underwear and socks in case they get wet. You’ll also want to pack a hat, jacket, and vest for children.

Depending on the age of your child, if you have girls you will want to pack feminine hygiene items. If your daughter is over the age of 10, it’s a good idea to pack these even if she doesn’t need them right now. It’s something that’s easy to overlook, and you don’t want to forget it in an emergency.
You’ll likely have a large first aid kit in your own bug out bag, but you can add a small one in each child’s bag. This first aid kit is small, and it has the basics that your child might need. Hopefully, you won’t get separated, but if you do, your child will have access to basic first aid supplies.
You’ll also want to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and other hygiene items. Your child will want soap, shampoo, and deodorant, depending on their age.
It would be a good idea to pack a fishing kit in a tin. These are small and don’t take up a lot of room, but they will allow each person to have their own fishing kit to catch food.
You’ll likely have a big tent for the family, but you can pack small tents in your child’s backpack. Depending on their age, they may want some privacy and time to themselves at night.
Finally, pack some comfort items in your child’s bug out bag. You can pack a deck of cards or other small games that don’t need batteries or electricity. Older kids may like a puzzle book or a copy of their favorite book to pass the time. You can also pack some of their favorite snacks, but remember to rotate these every few months so they don’t expire.

Practice Using a Bug Out Bag
Hopefully, your child will never need t
o use a kids bug out bag. However, it’s important that your child learns where their bag is and how to use it. Store the bag where they will see it and not tucked away in a closet. Let them take the bag camping or even to grandma’s house so they are familiar with using the bag.
You may want to get out the bag and go over the contents with your child every few months. This helps your child remember what’s in the bag and how to use the items in the bag. Then help your child pack the bag and put it away so it’s always ready for when they need it.
Don’t forget to take inventory for your child’s bag a few times a year. Their needs change, and you may need to pack bigger clothes or different snacks as they grow and their likes change.