Every drone pilot has their go-to equipment: the drone itself, batteries, controllers, and the essential tools of the trade. But what about the gear you rarely think about—until you desperately need it? That’s where the Bug-Out Bag comes in. This bag is packed with backup equipment and emergency essentials, designed to keep a minor inconvenience from becoming a mission-ending disaster. Ideally, you’ll never open it. But when you do, it could save the day.
What is a Bug-Out Bag?
A Bug-Out Bag is not your primary gear. It’s your safety net. Think of it as your insurance policy for unexpected challenges in the field. The goal is simple: never use it. But if you do need it, you’ll be glad you packed it. The items inside are extras—things you might not use on every mission but could be the difference between completing the job and calling it quits. Make it a habit to bring it on every mission so you don't need to invest brain space on those hard to remember emergency items.
What's in Burgett's Bug-Out Bag?
Here’s a breakdown of the gear I always carry, just in case.
1. Cones
I have a weird obsession with cones. They’re useful for marking off your flight area, keeping pedestrians away, or even just giving your drone landing zone some extra visibility. I’ve written an entire blog post about cones—yes, I love them that much. If you’re curious, check it out here: The Power of the Cone.
💰 Estimated Cost: $30–$40 for a set of 5 collapsible cones
2. Burn Bag
A burn bag is a fireproof pouch designed to store lithium batteries that overheat or catch fire. If a drone battery starts getting hot, you can’t just leave it on-site or toss it in the woods. Even after extinguishing a fire, you still need a safe way to transport a damaged battery. This bag ensures you have that option.
💰 Estimated Cost: $20–$50
3. Sunscreen
Drone missions can last hours, and you don’t always realize how much sun exposure you’re getting. A small bottle of sunscreen in your bag is a simple but smart way to avoid sunburn and stay comfortable.
💰 Estimated Cost: $5–$15
4. Airhorn
If you’re working with a team, an airhorn is a fast and effective way to signal an emergency. Everyone should know that if they hear it, an emergency is in progress and immediate action is required. It’s a simple but effective tool for site safety.
💰 Estimated Cost: $10–$20
5. First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit should be in every Bug-Out Bag. You don’t need a trauma-level kit, just something that can handle cuts, burns, and other minor injuries in the field.
💰 Estimated Cost: $20–$40
6. B.U.R.G. Manual
The Basic UAS Reference Guide (B.U.R.G.) Manual is a field guide for drone pilots and is used as a textbook in several Clemson Drone courses. It’s named after the author—who, let’s be honest, probably has some ego and lack-of-recognition complexes. But jokes aside, it’s an incredibly valuable resource to have in your bag.
💰 Estimated Cost: Free with Clemson Drone course enrollment
7. Fire Blanket
A fire blanket is essential if a battery or anything else catches fire. You can use it to smother flames or to handle a hot, damaged battery. Even after extinguishing a fire, the affected battery or material can still be dangerous, so having a fire blanket helps with safe handling.
💰 Estimated Cost: $20–$30
8. Disinfectant Wipes
Disinfectant wipes are useful for cleaning controllers, radios, and other shared equipment. If you’re a solo pilot, this might not be a big deal, but for teams, it’s a great way to maintain hygiene and keep equipment in good shape.
💰 Estimated Cost: $3–$10
9. Fire Extinguisher
It seems obvious, but a small fire extinguisher belongs in every drone pilot’s kit. I recommend a compact ABC-grade extinguisher—“A” for general fires, “B” for flammable liquids, and “C” for electrical fires. You want one that is small, fits in the bag, and ideally, has a cap. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with an extinguisher accidentally discharging inside your truck, so choose a small one that fits securely in your bag.
💰 Estimated Cost: $20–$50
10. Backup PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
You should always have PPE for the job—reflective vests, sunglasses, and other safety gear. The PPE in the Bug-Out Bag is not for everyday use—it’s there as a backup in case you forget yours or a crew member shows up without theirs. This way, you don’t have to cancel a mission over something as simple as missing safety gear.
💰 Estimated Cost: $20–$40
Final Thoughts
A Bug-Out Bag is just one of the many mission-critical strategies covered in the UAS Mission Administration course. If this topic interests you, consider taking the course to learn more about mission planning, emergency preparedness, and advanced UAS operations.
📌 Learn more here:
➡ Course Overview: UAS Mission Administration Course
🎥 Watch the Video: UAS Mission Administration Video
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