The Bug Out Bag is one of the most valuable assets a prepper can own, which is why I plan to discuss it in a multiple part series. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting articles that highlight the key components of the Bug Out Bag. It’s an elaborate and extensive topic, and I plan to cover a few subtopics at a time, so check back often for additional content!

Why should I assemble a Bug Out Bag?

The Bug Out Bag is one of the best ways to prepare for any occasion that would force you to leave your home for an extensive period of time. Some say that the Bug Out Bag is a “72-hour Bag”, meaning that you can survive with supplies out of the bag, and nothing else, for that long. I think this can extend further. Although certain packed items, like food, may only last you for 72 hours, it doesn’t hurt to think about how you can get added longevity out of the supplies in your bag.

When I pack my bag, I keep the mindset that I am not sure when, or if, I’m going to return home. This does sound daunting, and hopefully will never happen, but it’s certainly better than being underprepared.

The Bag

The most important thing to consider when choosing a bag is to pick one that’s right for you. It should hold all your supplies with a bit of room to spare, fit your body comfortably, and provide proper back support with an internal frame. Backpacking backpacks are best for a Bug Out Bag. If possible, it’s best to try one out in person before purchasing to get a feel for how easy or difficult it will be to carry.

My Bug Out Bag

My backpack is a Chums Springdale 50 Men’s Backpack. Yes, it’s a “men’s” backpack and I’m a woman, and yes, it looks like a rainbow exploded all over it, but it works for me, and I couldn’t resist its individuality. It fits my frame, has plenty of room (50 liters), and can be loaded with gear from the top or the front. Two access points into the main compartment is always a good feature to have to avoid having to take all of your supplies out to find something at the bottom. That being said, there are packing methods you can follow to keep your most used items closest to the “surface” of the bag, which I will discuss later. Nevertheless, quick and easy access to supplies is crucial.

Top Opening

Front Opening (not essential, but nice to have)

Bag Size & Weight

I personally recommend buying a 45 liter backpack or higher. My bag has 50 liters of space and has a little bit of room left when all of my supplies are in it. I keep this extra room here in the event that I need to gather supplies or need extra room for any reason. You never know what you may need to find and carry with you along the way (food, kindling, etc.).

As for weight, the rule of thumb is that your Bug Out Bug should be no more than 30% of your body weight. This does, however, depend highly on your fitness level and/or any physical limitations you may have. If you are an avid fitness buff, 30% should be no problem. If you are out of shape and live a relatively sedentary lifestyle, you may want to lower your bag weight to 20% of your body weight. I can’t stress enough that this depends on your needs and what you are comfortable with! After packing your bag, try it out by taking a walk or a hike. I’ve done this a few times, and it truly gives some insight into what my body can manage to carry.

General Packing Rules

There’s a famous saying that says it very well:

Two is one and one is none.

This means that if you only bring one of something, you may as well have none because you may lose it, it may break, or it may otherwise become rendered useless. It’s important to keep backups of certain things, especially those which do not occupy too much space or weight down your bag too much. This means that supplies like medicine, bandages, matches, etc. are good to pack extras of, but a second extra set of clothes, maybe not so much.

Another thing to consider is the functionality of each item you pack. An item that serves two purposes is generally much more valuable than an item that only serves one. Consider the tasks you need to perform and what tools or supplies will help you accomplish that task. If a supply you want to pack does not serve a purpose, it may not belong in your Bug Out Bag.

Packing your bag requires patience, research, and a delicate balance of volume, weight, and function, but it’s all worth it. The peace of mind you’ll have after packing a bag that’s ready to go in minutes is worth the work you put in, and could even end up saving your life!

Check back soon for Part 2!