Basic Supply List for your Bug Out Vehicle (BOV)

No matter what type of vehicle you have, it should be stocked for everyday uses as well as bugging out needs.

When thinking about the supplies you might need, try to get as specific as possible for your particular needs, your region, as well as the needs of your vehicle.

These supplies may not apply to everyone or every situation, so use this list as a guide to help make your own list and supply your vehicle.

Think of your vehicle as one of your preparedness layers, it should be stocked enough so that if you ever get stuck somewhere, you would have all the necessary items to help get you through either a 24 hour period or a little longer.

Scroll down to the bottom to download this list as a PDF!

Here are some basic supplies for your bug out vehicle

• Non-perishable foods – preferably nothing with chocolate as that can melt during the summer months
• Water – place unopened water bottles under seats and/or under blankets away from direct sunlight, can also store clean water in steel containers
• Blankets – mylar, wool, cotton and any other type of blanket
• Extra jackets – for variable weather conditions
• Child carrier – if you have a small child that might still need a carrier
• Extra hats
• Extra clothing – especially for kids
• Diapers – if you have kids in diapers
• Wipes – useful for everyone
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels or reusable towels or both
• Tools to fix basic things on your vehicle as needed – take a class on basic vehicle maintenance
• Inverter
• Extra pair of shoes if you normally wear dress shoes or high heels
• First aid kit
• Pen and paper
• Lighter or matches
• Cook kit – something to boil water if needed, like a Jetboil
• Fire starters
• Paper map
• Phone charging cables
• Radio – ham, CB or GMRS
• Tarp
• Paper/plastic plates and either plastic utensils or reusable ones
• Hand sanitizer
• Small hygiene kit – toothbrush, wipes, lotion, bug spray, sunscreen, etc.
• Extra items for pets if they travel with you – treats, collapsible water bowl, leashes
• Car games – deck of cards, drawing supplies for kids, etc.
• Gorilla tape
• Multitool
• Spare tire – plus items needed to change the tire
• Snow chains – maybe wouldn’t be in vehicle year-round, but don’t forget to add when needed
• Ice scraper
• Flashlight or headlamp – store extra batteries for 3-6 months at a time, check often for corrosion, or better yet, get a flashlight or headlamp that can be recharged instead of needed to switch out batteries
• Foldable solar panel
• Jump starter
• Glass breaker
• Air compressor – if you have a 4×4 and plan on off roading, also good to generally air up as needed
• Tow straps
• Traction Boards
• Fire extinguisher
• Tie down straps
• Under seat lockbox
• Extra quart of oil specific for your vehicle
• Heavy duty trash bags
• Extra coolant – water can be used in a pinch
• Extra serpentine belt

Click here to download this list in PDF form!

Click here to check out my entire selection of emergency checklists.

Other supplies will vary greatly depending on your exact needs. Look at your everyday life, the types of emergencies that you’ll be evacuating for and adjust as needed.

Some people even carry a get home bag or a small bug out bag in their vehicle. This is completely dependent on you and how comfortable you are keeping those extra supplies in there.

Again, use this list as a guide and add your own supplies as needed.

Place items under seats, under blankets, in the trunk, within pockets or other compartments or generally as out of sight as possible.

Lastly, while many of these things may never need to be seen until used, there may be some things you’ll want to inventory. Things like water and food, every 6 months to a year. Check on your jump starter every few months to make sure it’s fully charged. Change out kids clothes as needed. And so on.

What other items would you add to this list?