How to Build a Wildfire Go-Bag for Emergency Evacuation – Mountain Ready

When a wildfire strikes, you may only have minutes to evacuate. A properly packed go-bag can be the difference between panic and readiness. Whether you live in a high-risk zone or want to be better prepared during wildfire season, having a wildfire-specific emergency kit on hand is critical. Here's what every family should include.

1. Fire Protection Essentials

Wildfires aren't just about flames---they bring choking smoke, flying embers, and heat that can destroy in seconds.

N95 Masks or Better

Standard N95 respirators offer essential protection by filtering out at least 95% of airborne particulates---including fine smoke, ash, and soot that can overwhelm your lungs during a wildfire. However, for families living in high-risk areas or anyone with respiratory conditions, consider upgrading to full-face gas masks with smoke-rated filters.

Professional-Grade Gas Mask Options:

MIRA Safety CM-6M or CM-I01 Gas Masks - These professional-grade masks provide full-face respiratory protection with a wide panoramic visor and voice diaphragm for communication. When paired with MIRA's VK-530 or VK-700 filters, they protect against carbon monoxide, smoke, and a wide range of toxic gases commonly released during wildfires. Explore Gas Masks ->
MIRA Safety MD-1 Child Gas Mask - Designed specifically for children as young as 2 years old, this lightweight mask ensures a snug, secure fit and pairs with standard 40mm filters like the VK-series.
MIRA Safety CM-3M Child Protective Hood - Ideal for children who may not tolerate a traditional gas mask, the CM-3M is a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) hood system that supplies clean air via an integrated blower unit---making it easier for kids to breathe during stressful situations.

These advanced options are critical for families needing enhanced protection, especially if evacuation routes are blocked and sheltering in place becomes necessary.

Additional Fire Protection Items

Fire Blankets - Compact, heat-resistant blankets can shield against radiant heat or extinguish small fires.
Goggles and Gloves - Eye protection and heavy-duty gloves guard against ash, debris, and hot surfaces.
Fire-Resistant Clothing - Natural fibers like wool and treated gear can buy valuable seconds in an emergency.

2. Evacuation-Ready Basics

In a wildfire, you may need to move quickly on foot or by vehicle. Keep these items ready to grab and go.

Bug-Out Bag or Backpack

Your go-bag is only as effective as the bag itself. Choose a durable, weather-resistant, and ergonomic backpack designed for fast evacuation and long hours of wear. Comfort, organization, and reliability are key---especially when every second counts during a wildfire emergency.

Recommended Pre-Built Options:

Uncharted Supply Co. -- THE SEVENTY2 Survival Systems - Available in both 1- and 2-person configurations, THE SEVENTY2 is a professionally curated 72-hour emergency kit housed in a rugged, waterproof backpack. It includes essential survival gear like water filtration, first aid, tools, and food---all organized in color-coded compartments for fast access under pressure.
ReadyWise -- 64 Piece Survival Back Pack - This affordable, all-in-one option features 64 carefully selected survival items including food rations, first aid supplies, fire-starting tools, and more. It's a great entry-level choice for individuals or small families looking to get prepared quickly without breaking the bank.
Build Your Own - Prefer to tailor your gear? Building your own bug-out bag ensures every item fits your specific needs and environment. For a detailed checklist of essential items, read our blog post: Essential Items for a Bug-Out Bag -- A Checklist of Necessities

A well-equipped bug-out bag is your lifeline in a wildfire evacuation. Don't wait until the smoke is at your doorstep---prepare now.

Navigation

Evacuation Route Map - Cell networks may be down; include a printed map with alternate routes.

During wildfires, cell towers may be disabled or overwhelmed, making digital navigation unreliable. Every wildfire go-bag should include a printed topographical map of your area, clearly marked with primary and secondary evacuation routes. Highlight multiple ways out of your neighborhood, and identify key landmarks, shelters, and safe zones. Laminating your map can help protect it from water and smoke damage.

Consider including:

Local and regional road maps – Include areas you might realistically reach within 1–3 days by car or foot.
Compass or manual navigation tools – For backup if visibility is low or you're traveling off-grid.
List of emergency contacts – Write down phone numbers and addresses in case your phone dies.
Evacuation checklist – A printed reminder of critical items to grab if you have time to evacuate quickly.

If you live in a fire-prone region, rehearse your evacuation route ahead of time with your family and plan multiple meet-up points in case you’re separated.

Multi-Tool or Knife

In a wildfire emergency, a high-quality knife or multi-tool is more than just handy---it can be lifesaving. Whether you're cutting cordage, clearing debris, prying open windows, or performing quick self-rescue tasks, a reliable blade or multi-tool should always be part of your go-bag.

At Mountain Ready, we stock only the most trusted brands known for performance, durability, and real-world reliability:

Cold Steel - Known for their rugged construction and sharp, durable blades, Cold Steel knives excel in harsh environments.
Dark Energy - Offers cutting-edge tactical tools that blend form and function, often used by military and first responders.
Hogue - Precision-engineered knives made in the USA, featuring ergonomic designs and superior materials ideal for survival and rescue.
KA-BAR Knives - An American classic. KA-BAR's fixed blade knives are legendary for their use by the U.S. military and their ability to withstand extreme conditions.
SOG Knives & Tools - Tactical-grade knives and multi-tools that offer innovation, portability, and strength---ideal for bug-out and survival scenarios.

Having a dependable knife or multi-tool at your side can help you stay mobile, self-sufficient, and ready for anything when seconds matter. Choose a model that fits your hand, your skill level, and your mission.

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

In a wildfire scenario, visibility can vanish in an instant---thick smoke, fallen power lines, and nighttime evacuations can all create pitch-black conditions when you need to act fast. A dependable flashlight is essential for navigating safely, signaling for help, and staying oriented when chaos strikes.

At Mountain Ready, we carry a curated selection of high-performance lighting tools trusted by first responders, military personnel, and preparedness pros:

Dark Energy - Known for their nearly indestructible, waterproof flashlights like the Poseidon Pro. These are rugged enough for harsh field use and built to last.
Sightmark - Offers compact tactical flashlights with high-lumen output and weapon-mounted options, perfect for low-light emergencies.
Streamlight - A favorite among law enforcement, Streamlight flashlights are reliable, rechargeable, and powerful enough to cut through smoke and darkness.
Surefire - Industry-leading flashlights designed for tactical use, featuring intense brightness and battlefield-tested durability.
Uncharted Supply Co. - Offers integrated lighting solutions in their survival kits and gear, including compact, multifunctional torches.
Cloud Defensive - Specializes in ultra-high-output weapon lights and handhelds, ideal for tactical readiness and emergency scenarios.
UST -- Ultimate Survival Technologies - Provides budget-friendly, reliable emergency flashlights and headlamps great for inclusion in go-bags.
Viridian Weapon Technologies - Known for their high-visibility weapon lights, also offering utility lighting designed for quick access and rapid deployment.

Prep Tip: Keep a backup flashlight or headlamp in your go-bag, along with spare batteries or a USB power bank. Power outages may last for days, and your light source should last even longer.

3. Medical Supplies

Wildfires often result in injuries from burns, smoke inhalation, or fleeing through rough terrain.

IFAK or Trauma Kit

In wildfire emergencies, trauma can happen fast---burns, smoke inhalation, lacerations, or even vehicle accidents during evacuation. A well-stocked Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) or trauma kit is not optional---it's life-saving.

We carry top-tier emergency medical gear from trusted brands:

My Medic - Makers of the rugged and comprehensive MyFAK and Trauma Kits, packed with supplies for burn care, bleeding control, airway support, and more.
North American Rescue (NAR ) - Industry leader in tactical medicine, trusted by military and EMS teams. Their Responder IFAKs, CAT tourniquets, and HyFin chest seals are gold standards.
Uncharted Supply Co. - Offers modular medical kits like the First Aid Plus, designed for both everyday injuries and serious trauma, all packaged in durable, waterproof cases.

A truly effective wildfire go-bag should be M.A.R.C.H.-ready---meaning it can address the five critical trauma categories: Massive bleeding, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, and Hypothermia prevention.

Additional Medical Supplies

Inhalers or Prescriptions - Pack extras if anyone in your family uses asthma or heart medication.
Cooling Packs - Treat heat exhaustion or minor burns on the move.

4. Hydration & Nutrition

Evacuation routes can be long. Dehydration is a major risk---especially in the heat of a wildfire.

Water Bottles or Hydration Bladder - 1-2 liters per person minimum

Staying hydrated during a wildfire evacuation is critical. Between heat, smoke inhalation, and physical exertion, your body can dehydrate fast---especially if you're on foot or stuck in traffic with no access to clean water. Every go-bag should include at least 1-2 liters of water per person, plus the means to carry and filter more if needed.

At Mountain Ready, we recommend durable, filter-compatible bottles and hydration systems from trusted brands:

LifeStraw Go Bottle - A rugged water bottle with a built-in microfilter that removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. No batteries or setup---just scoop and sip.
Sawyer Squeeze System - Ultralight and highly effective, this filter works with included pouches or standard water bottles. Ideal for refill stations, lakes, or emergency taps.
GRAYL GeoPress & UltraPress Purifiers - The gold standard in portable water purification. Removes viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals in just 10 seconds with zero setup. Perfect for both urban and wilderness environments.

Hydration bladders like the Sawyer Hydration In-Line Adapter system let you drink hands-free while hiking or evacuating. Paired with a compatible backpack, they're a smart upgrade to any wildfire go-kit.

Pro Tip: Don't just pack water---pack redundancy. Carry at least one bottle with built-in filtration, plus water treatment tablets or a backup filter. In an emergency, clean water could be hours or days away.

Water Purification Tablets or Filter

In a wildfire scenario, clean water supplies can quickly become compromised or inaccessible. Broken infrastructure, power outages, or evacuation traffic can leave you with no choice but to rely on natural or unknown water sources. That's why every wildfire go-bag needs a reliable water purification method---not just storage.

At Mountain Ready, we offer proven, compact purification solutions used by survivalists, first responders, and global aid organizations:

Aquamira Water Treatment Drops - Lightweight, long-lasting, and highly effective. Just a few drops disinfect up to 30 gallons of water by killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. A perfect chemical backup to filters.
PuriBag Water Purification System - A revolutionary solution designed for disaster relief and off-grid survival. This bag-based system filters and treats dirty water into potable drinking water in 30 minutes---no electricity or pressure needed.

Pro Tip: For maximum versatility, include both a chemical treatment (like Aquamira) and a physical filtration system (like LifeStraw or PuriBag). This redundancy ensures safe hydration no matter the source or condition.

High-Calorie Snacks

When you're on the move during a wildfire evacuation, food isn't just comfort---it's fuel. Your go-bag should include non-perishable, high-calorie survival foods that can sustain energy levels and help you stay mentally sharp in high-stress situations.

ReadyWise, one of our top-recommended brands, offers a wide range of emergency food kits and survival snacks specifically designed for crisis scenarios. These meals are:

Calorie-dense to keep you going with minimal weight and space
Shelf-stable with up to 25-year shelf life
Quick-prep or no-prep---just add water or eat on the go

5. Critical Documents & Communication

Ensure you can stay informed and prove your identity when sheltering or returning home.

Battery-Powered Radio

When wildfires strike, communication networks are often among the first systems to fail. Cell towers can be overwhelmed or damaged, leaving you cut off from vital information. That's why a reliable emergency radio is a critical part of your wildfire go-bag. These devices allow you to stay informed on evacuation notices, fire movement, and weather alerts---even when the grid goes dark.

At Mountain Ready, we carry rugged, field-tested radios ideal for emergency and off-grid communication:

Rocky Talkie -- Rugged 50 km Range Mountain Radio - Built for extreme outdoor conditions, this long-range radio is ideal for wildfire zones. It's drop-resistant, weatherproof, and offers up to 50 km range line-of-sight---perfect for team communication during evacuations or search and rescue.
Icom IC-V10MR -- Waterproof MURS Transceiver Radio - A professional-grade, license-free MURS radio with five pre-programmed channels and IP67 waterproofing. Trusted by emergency responders, it's compact, powerful, and reliable in rough environments.
BAOFENG BF-F8HP -- 8W Dual Band Two-Way Radio Kit - A favorite among preppers and ham radio operators, this high-power VHF/UHF radio gives you versatile communication capabilities. With NOAA weather channels and a full accessory kit, it's a powerful tool for both emergency use and daily preparedness.

Whether you're tuning into emergency alerts or coordinating with family members in a bug-out scenario, a battery-powered or hand-crank survival radio ensures you're never in the dark when it comes to critical information. Don't rely on smartphones alone---communication redundancy saves lives.

Phone Charger and Power Bank

In a wildfire evacuation, your phone becomes your lifeline---used for emergency alerts, navigation, contacting family, and accessing critical information. That's why a reliable power source is essential.

At Mountain Ready, we recommend packing both a power bank and charging cables in your wildfire go-bag. We carry rugged, field-tested options like Dark Energy's Poseidon Pro, a compact, waterproof power bank built to military standards. Pair it with Dark Energy's ultra-durable charging cables and portable solar panels, which allow you to recharge off-grid in the event of extended power outages.

For Extended Power Needs:

For long-term or home-based evacuation prep, consider investing in solar generators and larger portable solar panels. We carry top-tier brands like:

Bluetti - Known for their high-capacity, reliable lithium power stations and expandable solar panels. Great for keeping multiple devices and even appliances running during outages.
EcoFlow - Offers fast-charging solar generators with modular batteries, compact folding panels, and mobile app integration for smart energy monitoring.

These solutions ensure that, no matter where you are, you'll have the power to stay informed, connected, and in control.

Documentation

Important Documents - IDs, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof pouch.
Family Contact List - Printed version in case digital devices fail.

6. Home Defense and Last-Minute Additions

If you have extra time before evacuation:

Garden Hose + Sprayer - Wetting down the perimeter or roof can slow fire spread.
Fire Extinguisher - Especially useful if embers spark a blaze near your home.
Pet Supplies - Don't forget leashes, carriers, and food if you're bringing animals with you.

Final Thoughts

Wildfire season is getting longer and more intense every year. Don't wait until it's too late. Build your go-bag now, store it somewhere easily accessible, and make sure your entire household knows where it is and how to use it.

Need help getting started? Check out Mountain Ready's curated collection of wildfire gear---everything in our fire protection line is hand-selected for real emergencies and tested by our team.

How to Build a Wildfire Go-Bag: Gear Every Family Needs