Top Bug-Out-Bag Items at the 2018 Great American Outdoor Show

posted on February 8, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
prepperlede2.jpg

The 2018 Great American Outdoor Show is composed of big-name as well as lesser-known manufacturers in all facets of the outdoor industry, from firearms, ammo, hunting, guides, gear, accessories, and just about anything related to what we love to do outdoors. Whatever your niche, it seems that we all have one thing in common—the desire to be prepared. Those who practice “prepping” are the neighbors I want to know best. I’m not saying the this show left me with the desire to trade in my 5.11 ballcap for tin foil and a wooden spoon, but I find it refreshing that there are many other like-minded individuals who believe in self-reliance and sustainability, turning their ideas into businesses that make useful preparedness products. So before you bug in/out, here are my favorite bug-out-bag products I uncovered at this year's show:


Leather goods are plentiful, like this holster for a scoped T/C Contender pistol.





The U.S. Survival AR-7 from Henry Repeating Arms should be in every bug-out bag,
along with the company's survival kit for when things go wrong in the wilderness.


Klymit is at the show with its ultra-compact and lightweight Traverse Double hammock and Hammock V air pad system. 


The Pocket Shot is an affordable and compact shooting system that produces projectile velocities up to 350 f.p.s. 


Everyone knows that good quality socks, like these from Browning and SIMMS, are invaluable for cold-weather comfort. 


Bins upon bins of colorful paracord provide plenty of options for the preparedness crowd. 


Having the ability to safely siphon fuel could make the difference between walking and driving home in a catastrophic situation. The Safety Siphon is comprised of 1/2”-tubing and easily coils into the bottom of a satchel or bag. 


The Ridgetop binocular harness from Outdoor Vision presents your reconnaissance optic or survival accessories in a secure and protected position. The harness can be used in conjunction with a favorite backpack. 


A bushcrafter’s knife is a necessity for any survival situation, and the Hulk Bushcraft Tracker Damascus from BucknBear High Quality Knife Shop can be found at the show in limited quantities.


Bugging out requires a big bag. There are plenty to choose from at the show for great prices. 


Blending in to surroundings and staying warm just might make or break a survival situation. Treezyn camouflage offers lines like Vixzyn for the ladies, too. 


Nikon binoculars like these Prostaff 7s and Monarch 5s make for a great and necessary reconnaissance tool.


Streamlight is at the show with its selection of portable and high-quality lights. 


Maintaining firearms while bugging is equally as important as it is after a day at the range. Lucas Oil Products, Inc., has its Extreme Duty Gun Oil on display with its motorsport products. 


A handy and compact notepad like one from Rite in the Rain provides a spiral-bound waterproof paper pad available in various sizes and colors.

 
Otis is at the show with its tactical Breech-To-Muzzle kits. These all-in-one kits are compact and allow for cleaning .17-cal. bores all the way up to 12-ga. shotgun bores.


Preserving body heat will save your life in a cold-weather situation. The folks at Polar Hood have just the ticket. 


The T-Post Stepper from Hero Outdoor Products makes traversing wire fence easier and safer. 


Don’t forget, a knife is only as good as it’s edge is sharp. A good quality knife sharpener is a must-have item. 


Keep the bugs off while bugging out with Mo’s Sun Beater. 


Hans has its PowerPack 300 to help with keeping the electronics up and running when bugging out. Included is a 4.5 watt solar panel. 

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.