A while ago I wrote an article called 50 Items You Forgot To Put In Your Bug Out Bag. Several readers complained, saying things like, “How the hell am I supposed to fit all this stuff in my bug out bag?” Well, you’re not. The point of the article is to tell people about any items they would have included but either forgot about or hadn’t considered yet.
Every bug out bag should be 100% unique. Sure, there are some basic items that every bug out bag should have (food, lighter, water filter, flashlight, etc.), but you should customize your bag based on where you live, what type of disaster is most likely to occur in your area, and how much weight you can carry over a long distance. Many preppers forget about that last point.
If your bag is so heavy that you can’t carry it more than a few miles, you’ll have to ditch some of the items, anyway. And what’s going to happen if you have to run from attackers, jump walls, and climb fences? Having a bag that’s too heavy could get you killed. Ideally, a bug out bag should weigh about 15% of your body weight, assuming you’re in decent shape. 20% of your body weight should be the absolute maximum.
So despite the impression many people got from my “50 Items” article, I don’t think you should pack your bug out bag with as many items as possible. In fact, I think you should check your bag for any non-essential items with a large weight-to-space ratio and remove them. To that end, here’s a list of survival items I’ve seen in various lists online that, in my opinion, you don’t really need in your bug out bag.
Note: These are merely suggestions so please don’t follow my advice blindly. Use your best judgement before throwing anything away.
17 Items You DON’T Need in Your Bug Out Bag
1. Sleeping Bags
Instead of heavy sleeping bags, just take a couple of emergency bivvies. Of course, this depends on where you live and the time of year. Here in the South, these will do just fine 10 months out of the year, but up north they might not be enough.
2. Tent
Instead of a heavy tent, just get a tarp and some cordage so you can build a shelter. Doing this could take 5 to 10 pounds off the weight of your bag.
3. Camping Tripods
Another 5 to 10 pounds you don’t need. Why carry something like this when you can make your own using sticks? Just find three long and sturdy sticks and tie them together. Other than that, all you need is a hook and a cord from which to hang your cooking pot.
4. Camping Lantern
This is nothing but a big waste of space. Just use your flashlight or build a fire if you need light.
5. Flare Gun
Unless you think you’re going to end up on a desert island, there’s no reason you need a flare gun. Besides, there are better ways to make yourself seen, the best of which is to build a large fire. You could also use a signaling mirror or a brightly-colored tarp.
6. Bottled Water
Unless you live in the middle of a very dry desert, you should carry a water filter instead. Of course, this means you’ll have to know how to find and purify water. If you think it will take a while to find water, then everyone in your group could carry a liter or two of water just in case.
7. Canned Food
Because of all the water in it, canned food is just too heavy for the amount of calories you get. You’re better off getting freeze-dried food and rehydrating it with water you find.
8. Cast Iron Skillets
Cast iron cookware is WAY too heavy to take with you. Just bring a small cookset instead. This one is just over half a pound.
9. Plateware, Utensils, etc.
Some people pack extra bowls, cups, plates, forks, etc., but you don’t really need all that. Just bring a spork and eat your food right out of the pot or package.
10. Toiletries
Things like shampoo, deodorant, and mouthwash aren’t really essential. Yes, bring some camp soap and toothpaste, but if you’re bugging out it won’t matter if your hair is shiny or if your breath is minty. Remember, you’re not bugging out so you can live in the wilderness for months on end. You’re bugging out until you can get to a safe location.
11. Medications
Don’t pack a whole bottle of aspirin or a whole bottle of allergy medication. It could take a long time to get through all that. Instead, take out enough pills to last a week and put them in mini ziplock bags.
12. Survival Books
Books weigh a lot, but knowledge doesn’t weigh anything. Instead of taking a bunch of heavy books with you, just study the information in those books so you’ll have it in your head when you need it. There is one possible exception, though. The pocket-size edition of the SAS Survival Guide is only 7 ounces and is crammed with great information.
13. Games
Travel size games are fun and can help pass the time, but you don’t really need them. If you’re bugging out, you’re going to be busy walking, foraging, cooking, etc. One possible exception is a deck of cards. You can play several games with it and it only weighs a third of an ounce. Better yet, get a deck with survival tips printed on it.
14. Heavy Tools
It’s tempting to stuff all your favorite tools–saw, wire cutters, socket wrench, etc.–into your bag, but how likely are you to actually need them? If you’re bugging out, you probably won’t be cutting down trees or fixing cars. You also don’t need things like can openers and screwdrivers as long as you have a decent multitool such as a Leatherman.
15. Backup Gear
The rule of “two is one, one is none” is very true, but if you’re just trying to survive outdoors for a few days, there’s no need to be bogged down with too many backup tools and supplies. Of course, use your best judgment. Having some water purification tablets in addition to a water filter is okay.
The only other exception is fire starters. Lighters, matches, and Ferro rods don’t weigh much and fire is extremely important, but having an extra tarp or an extra radio seems unnecessary. Take a good look at all your backups and consider their weight and how likely you are to actually need them.
16. Extra Pants
Pants, especially jeans, can be pretty heavy. I recommend just wearing the ones you have on. Sure, they’ll get dirty, but deal with it. This isn’t a vacation. Just bring a skivvy roll.
17. Extra Ammo
It’s okay to carry a gun and a little bit of ammo for self defense. But frankly, if you need more than a dozen rounds then you’re probably screwed, anyway.
A Few More Tips to Lighten Your Bug Out Bag
If you get rid of all these things and your bag is still a bit heavier than you’d like, there are a few other things you can do.
• Get Lighter Versions of Items – For example, if you can find a hatchet that’s a pound lighter than the one you have, a radio that’s a couple pounds lighter than the one you have, and so forth, then eventually you can have all the same types of items but a much lighter bag.
• Bring Multipurpose Items – You’ll save a lot of space and weight if you bring items that can be used for many different things. For example, a multitool, a flashlight/radio combo, and small, useful items like bandanas, paper clips, dental floss, and so forth.
• Lighten Your Stuff – For example, cut down the handle on your toothbrush, drill holes in non-vital parts of equipment, cut off unnecessary straps and pieces of cloth on things, etc. There’s a lot you can do if you’re creative.
• Get in Shape – This is one of the best things you can do. Everyday, put on your bug out bag and go for a walk. Eventually your muscles will adapt and it won’t seem very heavy anymore.
Hopefully this information will help you significantly reduce the weight of your bug out bag. If you end up having to walk a huge distance after a disaster, it could mean the difference between life and death.
Corson says
December 18, 2018 at 6:29 amWhat about the actual bag? Which kind of backpack is best to carry all this survival gear, an everyday backpack or a hiking pack with a frame? I would like to make a BOB. I have been gathering the things I would need but….about that bag.
Alan says
December 18, 2018 at 10:13 amThere are lots of options, I recommend you check out this article: https://urbansurvivalsite.com/things-consider-bug-out-bag/
Paul says
January 9, 2019 at 2:10 pmI BOB kit is carried in a 20l cycling pack. In the winter i just add a sleeping bag but in horse shoe style bit like the American soldiers during the American civil war. My kit is base on Grey bearded green beret over on youtube I added a hygiene kit unlike his.
Rod Davidson says
February 12, 2018 at 7:43 pmGreat article! The stuffs that you listed that are not really necessary to bring when bugging out are all on point. But I think flares can be a good item to bring whenever you plan to bug out with your friends or family. Flares can be really helpful especially when you are in need of held and you want someone to know your exact location.
There is an article that I’ve written regarding the essentials to consider when choosing your survival gear for your bug out bag. You can check it here: http://crisissurvivortips.com/the-5-essentials-to-consider-when-choosing-your-survival-gear/
Cheers!
Caleb says
October 17, 2018 at 8:29 pmAlso flares can be a decent weapon
Jae says
December 5, 2017 at 3:43 pmSurvival books: get the e-book equipment, like kindle: you can have dozens of survival, language, agriculture, machinery, leisure etc. books (and even WLAN connection). With a full battery it lasts 3 weeks and with extra power source you can triple that.
Of course reading books is not the most useful think when SHTF, but just came to my mind.
Heidi K. says
September 16, 2017 at 3:07 pmI used to have bug out bag but not anymore because we are living in the end times, the rapture and the 7 year Tribulation are right around the corner. Get rapture ready, people: accept JESUS CHRIST as your personal Lord and Savior who paid on the cross for our sins and came back to life on the 3rd day!!! We have to come to the cross as broken sinners.
Andy says
September 27, 2017 at 1:47 pmThis is True Jesus Christ is coming what if we are to experience some of the end times but protected Psalm 91 and to bring souls to Christ in disaster. You being not prepared you may suffer more than one in Christ whom is prepared. No one knows the hour of his coming, God said be prepared, not sit on your butt.
Joe says
December 21, 2017 at 8:35 pmNo offense, but I’m going to remain prepared with a bag and do my thing. When SHTF, I’m going to be ready to survive and put my faith in something I know will keep me alive and ready.
ray says
June 13, 2018 at 1:12 amjust because the rapture is coming some day, doesn’t mean you want yourself and your family caught unprepared in some S*** show like the aftermath of a hurricane, tornado, or an earthquake, look at hurricane katrina for example
Angellicus says
July 13, 2018 at 2:10 pmIn most parts of the earth its invading armies that are the main problem.
People with guns tend to be lowest form of animal life on the earth, that have no mercy for babies or innocent adults. One person I used to know became a hero by helping kill 100,000 civilians fleeing an invasion of a city. The good thing is his house caught fire and he was heard by neighbours screaming while being roasted alive for his sins; he did not have to go to hell first.
Greg says
January 4, 2017 at 4:14 pmThe more you know, the less you need.
David Graeme Smith says
December 3, 2016 at 6:25 pmIt is easy to improvise most things on this list but some can’t be improvised so easy on the go, thing is if you are bugging out to a safe area you can possibly keep things minimalist, and if you are lucky enough to legally obtain firearms then a reliable compact pistol such as a Walther P22 or Springfield XD 40 can be teamed up with either take down .22lr rifle (AR7-1022tdr) or .40S&W carbine so you can have close in capabilities and also reach beyond the typical shotgun toting highway raider.
Russ Stark says
November 23, 2016 at 10:18 amI Agree with your list with the exception to pants/ spare clothes, the point of spare clothes isn’t for if it gets dirty, the point of spare clothes is so if you go for a dunk you can get dry and not catch hypothermia(unless you want to chill naked outdoors until your clothes dry)
Lee says
January 18, 2019 at 12:27 amRuss-
Excellent point. The next question is material and season. Folks need to seasonally update their clothing depending on season with pieces of cotton or synthetic fiber, as appropriate. While wool is great, it doesn’t match the new synthetic gear. Being old military, I needed to swap out a lot.
John R. says
October 3, 2016 at 9:54 pm“The rule of “two is one, one is none” is very true”
No it’s not. It’s pure stupidity. Even as hyperbole it’s useless.
Dr. Doomsday says
November 22, 2016 at 8:27 pmI learned that originally about using blasting caps in C-4 -so 2 caps is one, and one could fail, so it is none.
In alternate contexts it probably loses meaning.
Trek Warrior says
July 7, 2016 at 5:00 pmAwesome list of what you don’t really need in your bug out bag.
Many of us start out with bug out bags by putting way too much junk in them. We forget that the focus is on bare necessities for survival only. Comfort items can be taken out of the pack.
Nice work on listing several ideas for folks to lighten their BOB loads.
Jacob @ Preppers With a Plan says
June 4, 2016 at 4:18 pmGood list. Too much focus in a lot of places on what to include and then the bag ends up weighing more than someone can carry for a hundred yards. If you are in a true bugout situation then moving fast and light is going to be important.
Tressa Joyner says
March 6, 2016 at 3:05 amAt least one set of extra pants are essential
for women, we leak sometimes and if you are worried about weight just buy some
scrubs; they are tough, conferrable, and dry quickly after washing
Catlin says
February 7, 2017 at 12:47 pmScrubs are an excellent idea for back up pants, I had not considered them before. I am going to suggest that to my survival group friends.
cottonbrad says
February 6, 2016 at 6:43 amsorry Paul…if you get a Lifesaver bottle, it does filter bacteria…in fact it filters everything. And its good for 1000s of litres. http://www.iconlifesaver.eu/ Theres lots in the article I agree with, and lots I don’t. Get an SAS style hammock with shelter for over top and at least be comfortable. An ultra light sleeping bag weights less that 12 ozs and is a whole lot more comfortable than an emergency blanket. There are so many LED lights out there that you can pack a small crank or solar rechargeable light. Fire might bring the baddies. Better to be safe and unseen than seen an unsafe.
Russ Stark says
November 23, 2016 at 10:19 amI completely agree with the Hammock, I keep a small tarp that covers my hammock, and a bug net that goes around my hammock and it all compresses together to 1 1/2 lbs.
Thomas Ferlito says
March 15, 2018 at 5:18 pmI like your addition of a bug net. One thing I noticed is that the author correctly says to save space and weight to just pack a tarp. However, where I live, from late May to late September if you don’t pack bug netting, a tent with screens or plenty of bug spray you are going to be itchy, sore and tired from no sleep because you are up all night swatting mosquitoes
Steven Correa-Owensby says
December 22, 2015 at 3:37 amFolks, I think that y’all need to Think about WHY you would even Need these “Bug-Out Bags” in the first place. In thinking about your response, let me give you some food for thought.
We are going to Need Long Term Gear because we will be at WAR. A Civil war, as a matter of fact. This is not going to be like Vietnam, Iraq, Iran, etc., etc. So, when it comes to the ESSENTIALS, there shouldn’t even be a Thought of “Games”, “Bipods”, “Frisbees”, or any such ‘stuff’ should not be a consideration. Simply put, unless you plan on joining up with a Group where there are enough people so that you can afford to actually have time to “Play” -when you [will] NEED time to eat, clean yourself, and then sleep: not to mention those Unknown Factors, such as Wood gathering, Repairs to equipment (Tents, Clothes, Weapons, Boots, Etc.), Catching/Cleaning/Cooking food (Then the clean up of it all) we are not going to have the Luxury of all this ‘stuff’. Seriously!
If I am coming across as rude, I apologize; however, I really think that it needs to be said: Stop “Prepping” for the Short-Haul. And look at this as a LONG HAUL Investment. Because Ladies and Gentlemen; We Will Be In This To WIN. NOT “Hang Out” and ‘Hope’ for the Best.
For the love of God, people, Please; Wake up and smell the coffee!
Paul Smith says
December 22, 2015 at 8:47 amA BOB is the minimum equipment you need (depending on your skill set) to get from point A to point B. It is not meant to last a month or a year or ten years. If you don’t have long term gear at point B and you can’t stay at point A, you’re better off in a FEMA camp. Point B can be anything from a motel to a relative’s house to a cabin deep in the woods someplace but you have to get there when the going gets tough. That’s why a BOB is important. What I think people fail to understand is that what takes 72 hours in good times might take two weeks or more in tough times and that BOB needs to get you through. Hunting, fishing, trapping and foraging are required skills in that case; you can’t rely solely on what you can carry on your back.
Steven Correa-Owensby says
December 22, 2015 at 10:15 amSorry Paul, but I disagree with you on that. You’re assuming that your Stash at Point B will still be there. Or that it will be safe to go there. And if you only carry what you hope will be needed to get to Point B, and cannot make it there -for what ever reason(s)- then what?
I do however, agree that your BOB should contain what you need to Survive for much longer than anticipated, and that we should not rely solely on what you have on your back.
Paul, as you know, even the Best laid plans fall apart. Would you agree? Well, that is what ‘Life’ has taught me. And maybe I am just being delusional; but in my mind; when I strap that BOB onto my Back, it’s going to be because it is Life Threatening. So why Wait to Make it to point B? Why not be ready to bring it, from where you’re at?
If you think about it, when it comes down to throwing that bag on, I believe, it is going to be because They’re Already hunting us! So WHY Wait???
Paul Smith says
December 22, 2015 at 10:49 amThat’s true, we do. It’s clear that we can’t carry everything to survive for a year or more on our backs and we count on our stash at point B. If it’s not there, we do the best we can, go to a FEMA camp or die. What are our alternatives? I think that most people will go to point B if they see the problem before it arrives (hurricane) but a surprise nuclear attack on Houston (in my case) would necessitate a quick exit along with everyone else still alive. As to ‘bring it’, I certainly would if a. I had an operational vehicle and b. the roads were clear enough to get around minor obstacles – I don’t and won’t have a two ton or half track at my disposal. If not of if my vehicle becomes untenable along the way, I’ll put on my boots and my BOB and do the best I can. As you say, there are many scenarios.
Steven Correa-Owensby says
December 23, 2015 at 2:19 amI think where the mix up is coming from, on my part; is that I am seeing a BOB differently than you, and others, Paul.
Paul Smith says
December 23, 2015 at 10:58 amProbably; a BOB is just one more tool to help us get through. No doubt we’d all like to load up our vehicles and drive leisurely to our BOL three days before TEOTWAWKI hits but we know it might not happen that way.
Lee says
January 18, 2019 at 12:40 amSteve & Paul-
I think you’re both correct, although you are addressing separate threat levels and emergencies (civil disobedience vs. natural disaster). I keep a basic bag, plus a small box with optionals that can be quickly loaded, depending on the threat. I realize this may take precious seconds, so this is time dependent. I live in the Chicago area, so civil unrest is a greater concern, and my firearms choice reflects this probable eventuality.
William Talaber says
December 6, 2017 at 10:02 amI have to agree with Steve: I have a bug out bag ready in case the SHTF. That doesn’t mean that there’s going to be a lot of “safe places” to run to. If we get together with like minded people, we can make a long term plan. The only reason for a “three day bag” is if “they” are coming for you specifically and you can go to another sane location. I personally have packed a .22 revolver and 200 rds., carry a .38 Special and pack 100 rds., and shoulder a Saiga .223 carbine with 200 rds. of “penetrators”, FMJ, and some soft point if I need to take a little larger animal. And, another thing, if you pack “pills” in a baggie and happen to get stopped along the way, you can bet on a trip to the station!
Eric says
December 11, 2015 at 10:57 amOn point number 9. It is best to try and reduce the carry weight but having utensils can drag you down. One solution that I have used is to take a frisbee instead of a plate. Its lightweight, easily cleaned, can be a water dish for any pets, they can be brightly colored for signaling and it has the added bonus of being a toy. A little stress relief can go a long way when times are rough.
alanz11 says
December 14, 2015 at 6:25 amThat’s not a bad idea. I actually really enjoy playing frisbee, maybe I’ll add that to my bag after all.
Antonia says
June 25, 2016 at 11:35 amThat’s actually a really good idea.
Paul Smith says
December 8, 2015 at 5:36 pmI agree with all except this one, “you should carry a water filter instead.” That water filter does NOT filter viruses which can incapacitate or kill just as quickly as can the bacteria it does eliminate. Carry purification tablets & a couple gallon sized double-ziplock baggies or an aluminum/titanium pot (multiple uses) or learn about SODIS instead. Why plan to fail?
Bill Harrison says
December 22, 2015 at 1:06 amhahahahahahahahahahaha. A water filter is much easier to use, doesn’t spoil, and lasts longer than those tablets. Also, you question the ability of the filter to completely purify water. If you are that concerned about thhat water being 100% sterile, boil the stuff.
Besides, I have used a water filter (https://sawyer.com/products/sawyer-mini-filter/) on a regular basis for years and years to filter questionable water while hiking and camping, I have had zero incidents.
On another note, the only thing I had trouble with was #1. Yes, sleeping bags are big and fat and are a pain to carry, but they will make up for it in heat. You need that heat, at least here in the Pacific Northwest where I live. You use a space blanket or bivvy, you get either a miserable night (lucky), or hypothermia (normal). I wouldn’t mind packing a bivvy instead if I lived in a warmer climate, but seriously, don’t skimp on the sleeping bag.
Steven Correa-Owensby says
December 22, 2015 at 1:57 amBill, I got a 404 Page Unavailable on that link, so I looked up some others on Amazon. What is your opinion of the AquaPura (3 Stage) Water Purifier? It works up to 396 gal. (http://www.amazon.com/Camping-3-Stage-Filtration-LIFETIME-WARRANTY/dp/B00VOR9IWY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1450770677&sr=8-10&keywords=Sawyer+water+purifier)
Paul Smith says
December 22, 2015 at 2:32 pmI would not trust ANY of those personal water filters that did not have an anti-viral component to them. Theoretically the embedded silver ions in the AquaPura would do that but I’d like to see some study results done (both microbiological and viral) on the 350th gallon of water.
Paul Smith says
December 22, 2015 at 2:39 pm“, boil the stuff”. . .BINGO!! Excellent advice – plan to succeed! But carry the purification tablets as a back up where you can’t or don’t want to build a fire.
“, I have had zero incidents.”. . .it only takes one to ruin your life.