Bug-Out Bag: What to Pack & Why (Complete Guide)

A bug-out bag (BOB) is a portable kit designed to sustain you for 72 hours to 2 weeks during an emergency evacuation. Unlike a 72-hour kit or get home bag, a BOB is built for mobility and self-sufficiency for longer periods of times. A BOB is meant for scenarios where you may need to leave your home very quickly and don't have time to pack up more items. It's ready to go instantly with everything you need to survive for an extended period of time.

Weight Targets by Body Size

Your bug-out bag should be 10–20% of your body weight(yes, you can have more, especially if you are experienced and trained to carry a heavier bag, but this is general guidance to help avoid injury):

• 120–150 lbs: 12–30 lbs

• 150–180 lbs: 15–36 lbs

• 180–220 lbs: 18–44 lbs

• 220+ lbs: 22–44 lbs (max recommended)

Start lighter and build up as you train. A 40+ lb pack is manageable for experienced hikers but overwhelming for most people.

Core Components

1. Backpack (2–4 lbs)

Choose a backpack with:

• Capacity: 30–50 liters

• Frame: Internal or external frame

• Fit: Adjustable shoulder straps and hip belt

• Durability: 500D+ nylon or similar

2. Shelter & Sleep System (3–5 lbs)

• Tarp or tent(I like thick contractor trash bags, they can be used as a hasty shelter): 2–3 lbs

• Sleeping bag: 1–2 lbs (look for one that fits the climate you're most likely to be sheltering in)

• Sleeping pad: 8–16 oz (not mandatory, but it really helps with comfort)

• Emergency bivy: 4 oz (backup)

3. Water System (3–4 lbs)

• Water bottles: 2× 1L (2.2 lbs when full)

• Water filter: 3–8 oz (Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree)

• Purification tablets: 1 oz (backup)

• Collapsible container: 2L (empty: 2 oz)

• Camelback: (ultra-portable, holds a lot of water)

4. Food & Cooking (2–4 lbs)

• Dehydrated meals: 3–5 meals (1–2 lbs)

• Energy bars: 10–15 bars (1–1.5 lbs)

• Trail mix: 8–12 oz

• Candy: (high calorie to weigh ratio, raises morale, lightweight)

• Portable stove: 3–8 oz (optional)

• Cookware: 4–8 oz (titanium cup)

5. Fire & Lighting (1–2 lbs)

• Headlamp: 3–4 oz

• Flashlight: Weight varies upon choice, good to have more than 1

• Extra batteries: 2–3 sets (2–3 oz)

• Lighter: 2+ (1 oz)

• Waterproof matches: 1 oz

• Fire starter: 1 oz (tinder)

6. First Aid & Hygiene (1–2 lbs)

• First aid kit/IFAK: 8–12 oz

• Personal medications: 2–4 oz

• Hygiene kit: 4–6 oz (wipes, sanitizer, toothbrush)

• Toilet paper & baby wipes/field wipes: 2 oz

7. Tools & Navigation (1–2 lbs)

• Multi-tool: 3–6 oz

• Pocket Knife: 4-6 oz

• Fixed blade knife: 4–8 oz

• Compass: 1 oz

• Maps: Local area (2–4 oz)

• Paracord: 50 ft (2 oz)

• Duct tape: Wrapped around items

8. Communication & Documentation (< 1 lb)

• Phone & charger: 6–8 oz

• Power bank: 10k–20k mAh (6–12 oz) (bonus points if solar chargeable)

• Radio: FRS/GMRS (4–6 oz, optional)

• Important Documents (ID, passport, birth certificate, SS Card): Copies in waterproof bag (2 oz)

• Cash: $200–500 small bills (2–4 oz)

9. Clothing & Protection (2–4 lbs)

Pack according to climate:

• Base layer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking

• Insulation(varying on location): Fleece or down jacket

• Shell: Rain jacket/windbreaker

• Extra socks: 5-10 pairs (wool)

• Hat & gloves: Season-appropriate

• Bandana: Multi-use

• Sunglasses: Cheap but effective pair

Recommended Gear

Packing Strategy

1. Heavy items: Pack high and close to your back. This reduces the sag and strain on your back, reducing injury risk.

2. Accessibility: First aid, water, snacks, and other items you may need quickly or frequently in side pockets and other accessible areas.

3. Organization: Use stuff sacks by category.

4. Balance: Keep weight centered and balanced

5. Practice: Load and walk with your pack before you need it

6. Re-asses: Periodically look over the contents of your pack and ensure perishable items aren't expired, your gear is oriented towards your climate and probable scenarios (If you move from Maine to Florida, that arctic coat may no longer be necessary)

Bonus tip: Tape zipper handles to reduce noise when walking/moving.

Testing Your Bag

Before relying on your BOB:

• [ ] Load it fully and walk 2–3 miles

• [ ] Practice setting up shelter

• [ ] Test water filtration

• [ ] Verify all items work (stove, lights, etc.)

• [ ] Check expiration dates (food, medications)

• [ ] Update contents seasonally

Common Mistakes

1. Too heavy: Starting with 40+ lbs is a recipe for failure

2. Untested gear: Never pack something you haven't used

3. Missing essentials: Prioritize water, shelter, & fire, you can't drink

4. No plan: Know where you're going and alternate routes

5. Neglecting maintenance: Review and update quarterly

Final Thoughts

A bug-out bag is a tool, not a talisman. The gear is important, but knowledge and practice matter more. Build your bag gradually, test everything, and customize it for your needs.

Remember: The best bug-out bag is the one you can actually carry and use.