That's what we'll use as admission to Gonzoville.

Would bullets be an acceptable substitute?

Have a plan. You started with "bugging out" so I assume that is your basic plan. 5 Ws and then tailor your 'kit" accordingly. Old Marine saying, "Be polite to everyone you meet, but have a plan to kill them all." So, different branch plans off of the basic plan, depending on the operational environment. Or screw the whole thing and drink heavily-still a plan.

I live in a rather large metro area. If shit ever hits the fan, I'm ****ed no matter what..

Depends. If you live in a place like New Orleans where there could be a hurricane I think having a little survival kit would be wise.

When I was in Houston for Hurrican Rita, which turned out to be nothing, people started pulling guns on other people just because gas ran out for a day.