{"id":262,"date":"2023-03-22T01:53:05","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T01:53:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/?p=262"},"modified":"2023-03-22T01:53:08","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T01:53:08","slug":"all-about-building-a-bug-out-bag-that-doesnt-weigh-you-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/?p=262","title":{"rendered":"All About Building a Bug Out Bag That Doesn&#8217;t Weigh You Down"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p>What is the perfect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/essential-items-that-should-be-in-your-bug-out-bag\/\">bug out bag<\/a> for you?<\/p>\n<p>Is it a cross between Costco and your local hardware store?<\/p>\n<p>That sounds like the stuff dreams are made of, but unless you\u2019re Mary Poppins with her magic bag, that\u2019s not something achievable. Nor is it practical for bugging out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll tell you how to go about building a bug out bag you can actually carry. Let\u2019s get right to it:<\/p>\n<h2><strong>But First, What Is a Bug Out Bag?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><\/figure>\n<p>We know you\u2019re no stranger to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/watch-8-survival-experts-show-you-how-to-pack-a-bug-out-bag\/\">bug out bags<\/a>, but let\u2019s take a moment to go back to the basics.<\/p>\n<p>The bug out bag (BOB) concept is simple. It\u2019s the <strong>bag that will keep you alive while you travel to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/how-to-choose-the-ultimate-bug-out-location\/\">bug out location<\/a> (BOL)<\/strong> during an emergency. It should have survival supplies that can last at least <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/first-72-hours\/\">72 hours<\/a> or longer, depending on how far your destination is.<\/p>\n<p>In theory, this sounds easy-peasy. But once you start building a bug out bag, that\u2019s when you realize the challenge you have to deal with. Just how can you secure all your essentials while ensuring your bag\u2019s weight won\u2019t kill you in the process?<\/p>\n<p>The first thing to remember is this: you should only be carrying 20% of your body weight. Any higher, and you probably can\u2019t carry it after a mile. And that\u2019s if you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/survival-fitness-apocalypse\/\">physically fit<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/prepping-mistakes\/\">rookie mistake<\/a> to go overboard, but don\u2019t sweat it. We\u2019ve got a few tips and tricks to help you ease your load:<\/p>\n<h2><strong>10 Genius Tips for Building a Bug Out Bag That\u2019s Lightweight<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p>Why the need for a lightweight BOB?<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/bugging-out-on-foot\/\">bugging out on foot<\/a>, it\u2019s obvious. You can\u2019t go far if your bag weighs the same as a tiny elephant.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But let\u2019s say you\u2019ve got a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/beginners-guide-bug-out-vehicles\/\">bug out vehicle<\/a> (BOV). Can you get away with building a bug out bag on the heavy side? If things went according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/successfu-bug-out-plan\/\">plan<\/a>, sure. But as the smartest preppers know, it never hurts to have plans B and C ready in case.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re using a BOV, consider having two bug out bags\u2014a <strong>bulkier bag<\/strong> <strong>with more water, food, and SHTF gear that stays in your car<\/strong> and a <strong>smaller one with enough supplies that you\u2019ll grab if you have to abandon your BOV<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A lighter pack will allow you to reach your destination faster and makes enemies much easier to dodge. Here are tips on how to pack a bug out bag that\u2019s light enough to carry:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Check the Bag Itself<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p>The bag you pick can make or break your journey.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Word of advice: don\u2019t get the first one you see. Don\u2019t buy it until after you\u2019ve gathered all your prepper gear and tools, either.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Have multiple options and narrow them down until you find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/best-tactical-backpacks\/\">the right one<\/a>. Your bag should meet these criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Compartments: <\/strong>Does it have several compartments to help you organize it?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Frame:<\/strong> Your bag\u2019s frame helps you distribute the weight of your things more easily.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Durability: <\/strong>This is non-negotiable for any survival bag\u2014your BOB, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/get-home-bag\/\">get home bag<\/a>, and your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/edc-must-have\/\">everyday carry<\/a>. The last thing you want is a strap tearing off or a hole in your main compartment.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capacity: <\/strong>It should have enough room to hold your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/kids-bug-out-bag\/\">essential survival<\/a> supplies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weight: <\/strong>This is just as important as making sure the bag can take a beating and carry your prepper gear.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To check how much the bags weigh, try wearing them if you\u2019re at a brick-and-mortar store. If you\u2019re buying your BOB online, read the product specifications to compare sizes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Carry Enough H20<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p>Having water is crucial, yes. But that doesn\u2019t mean you have to carry 5 whole gallons in your bag. Imagine lugging that while you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/bugging-out-on-foot\/\">hike all the way to your BOL<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>When building a bug out bag, it\u2019s better to bring a single water bottle and then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/8-ways-find-collect-water-wild\/\">finding H20<\/a> when you run out. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/5-best-ultralight-backpacking-water-filters\/\">water filter<\/a> and a couple of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/10-ways-to-purify-water\/\">water purification tablets<\/a> should help you get rid of the icky germs. It won\u2019t be the tastiest water in the world, but hey, it\u2019s enough to keep you hydrated.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Bring Less Food<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p>When you\u2019re building a bug out bag, you probably want lots of food stashed inside. But much as you love your favorite snacks, overpacking food is a big no-no. If it\u2019s any consolation, you\u2019re only bugging out temporarily. You can live on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/best-popular-freeze-dried-food\/\">MREs<\/a>, trail mix, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/diy-survival-food\/\">survival bars<\/a> until it\u2019s time to go back home. <\/p>\n<p>Remember, you\u2019re just supposed to be staving off your hunger and not enjoying five-course meals. Focus on food that gives you enough calories and is easy to prepare. Anyway, as long as you know how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/wilderness-survival-fishing\/\">catch fish<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/primitive-trapping-how-to-make-different-types-deadfall-traps-tutorials\/\">set traps<\/a>, you won\u2019t go hungry out there.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Don\u2019t Pack Too Many Clothes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p>3 days\u2019 worth of clothes should do\u2026and no, we don\u2019t mean the same amount of clothes you\u2019d bring on a vacation. You\u2019re not going to change outfits at every stop.<\/p>\n<p>Stick to the basics. A few shirts will do while repeating your pants once or twice won\u2019t kill you. As for your shoes, you\u2019ll be fine with the ones already on your feet. Be 100% sure they\u2019re sturdy, though.<\/p>\n<p>One thing you shouldn\u2019t scrimp on? Socks, especially if you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/bugging-out-on-foot\/\">bugging out on foot<\/a>. Bring a backup pair or two to protect your toes from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/how-to-prevent-foot-blisters\/\">stinging blisters<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Switch to a Tarp<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p>What to pack in a bug out bag? When you ask that question, preppers will never fail to include a tarp.<\/p>\n<p>Tarps are just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/tarps-vs-tents-which-one-should-you-use\/\">as good as tents<\/a>, if not better. They\u2019re cheaper, lightweight, and can be made into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/how-to-build-tarp-shelter-configurations\/\">different shelter configurations<\/a>. But those aren\u2019t the only reasons why a tarp is awesome.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a must-have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/5-survival-tools-you-cant-live-without\/\">survival tool<\/a> because you can also use it to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/how-to-signal-for-help-in-emergency-situations\/\">Signal<\/a> for help<\/li>\n<li>Collect rain<\/li>\n<li>Carry someone who might get injured (as a makeshift stretcher)<\/li>\n<li>Make a hammock<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Take Advantage of Survival Caches<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/survival-caches\/\">survival cache<\/a> is a secret hiding spot that houses supplies and tools you\u2019ve stockpiled for emergencies. When you\u2019re running low on survival supplies, you can head over to your cache and replenish them.<\/p>\n<p>Survival caches are particularly useful for scenarios like bugging out. Just leave a few along your routes so that you\u2019ll have a stash conveniently waiting for you. But be careful when concealing your caches. You don\u2019t want others to spot them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Two Is One, One Is None? Think Again!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>That\u2019s a famous saying many folks follow when prepping, but don\u2019t take it literally.<\/p>\n<p>Duplicates are useful when you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/should-you-bug-in-or-bug-out\/\">bugging in<\/a>. When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/bugging-out-for-beginners\/\">bugging out<\/a>? Maybe, though they\u2019re gonna add a lot of weight to your BOB.<\/p>\n<p>The fact is you\u2019re not gonna need 3 ferro rods. If you want a sure guarantee of a fire, then pack a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/best-ferro-rod-firestarters\/\">ferro rod<\/a>, matches, and a BIC lighter instead. Contingencies are the way to go when building a bug out bag.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Focus on Multipurpose Supplies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/11-multipurpose-items-for-your-bug-out-bag\/\">Items with several uses<\/a> are your best bet when you\u2019re deciding what to pack in a bug out bag. You can use these bad boys as substitutes for your heavier, less flexible tools. They let you save space <em>without<\/em> having to toss anything valuable. <\/p>\n<p>Here are some examples of multipurpose items you can bring:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Learn Survival Skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube\"><figcaption\/><\/figure>\n<p>Building a bug out bag with gear, supplies, and all the sophisticated gadgets you can buy is great, but nothing beats good old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/12-old-school-survival-skills-that-you-should-never-forget\/\">survival skills<\/a>. You get to be less reliant on things, plus no one can take that knowledge away from you.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Start practicing the following skills ASAP:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Lastly, Find the Right Balance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At the end of the day, you know your needs best. Don\u2019t sacrifice your winter jacket when you know you\u2019re the type who\u2019s likely to get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/cold-truth-everything-need-know-hypothermia\/\">hypothermia<\/a>. The same thing goes for food if you have a medical condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The key to building a bug out bag is to find the balance between comfort and practicality.<\/p>\n<p>If you really need something, don\u2019t hesitate to add it to your pack. If there\u2019s something you CAN live without, then it\u2019s hasta la vista to that.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A bug out bag is meant to save your life when you get out of dodge.<\/p>\n<p>But if yours is too heavy, it might end up doing the opposite. Get rid of the excess weight by choosing the right bag, carefully evaluating what you\u2019ll pack, going for multipurpose gear, and learning survival skills.<\/p>\n<p><em>Wanna learn even more about building a bug out bag? We\u2019ve got all kinds of information on the subject. Go check out how to choose the perfect backpack for bugging out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tactical.com\/best-tactical-backpacks\/\">here<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is the perfect bug out bag for you? Is it a cross between Costco and your local hardware store? That sounds like the stuff dreams are made of, but unless you\u2019re Mary Poppins with her magic bag, that\u2019s not something achievable. Nor is it practical for bugging out.\u00a0 In this article, we\u2019ll tell you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-262","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gear"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=262"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":264,"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262\/revisions\/264"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=262"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=262"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motherofguns.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}