Evie Summers
Bug-out bags are 72-hour survival kits designed to sustain you during the first critical days of an emergency situation. They are useful in both natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, and man-made crises. When packing a bug-out bag, it is important to consider the weight and volume of the items, as well as their distribution within the bag. Bulky items like sleeping bags are typically placed at the bottom of the pack for men and at the top for women, with heavier items placed high and close to the body for flat ground traversal, and lower for rough terrain or steep climbs. Additional items to consider include a survival blanket, a thermal bivy, and reflective blankets for warmth and shelter. For water storage and purification, stainless steel water bottles and metal purification bottles are recommended. Other essentials include fire-starting tools, tarps, ponchos, and modern comforts like a solar charger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bag type | Internal or external frame |
| Bag weight | Under 35 pounds |
| Bag volume | Over 44 L |
| Sleeping bag placement | Bottom of the pack for men, top for women |
| Additional items | Sleeping pad, clothes, water, fire-starting gear, first aid kit, food |
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What You'll Learn
Pack weight and volume considerations
The weight and volume of your bug out bag are crucial factors to consider when packing. The purpose of your bug out bag is to help you survive, not hinder your escape. A heavy bag will slow you down, so it's important to pack smart and light, ensuring your bag fits you well.
The ideal target weight of your bag should be around 10% of your body weight, with a maximum of 20% if you're in excellent physical condition. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs, your bag should ideally weigh no more than 20 lbs, and you should be in good shape if it's closer to 40 lbs.
When packing, remember that you don't need to bring everything from home. Only pack what you truly need and will use. Water is essential, but it's heavy, so consider how much you really need to carry. One source suggests a minimum of 3 liters, while another suggests just 1 liter, with the option to forage and purify more on the go. Food is also necessary, but instead of packing a lot of it, consider compact, ready-to-eat survival food kits.
The bulkier items, like a sleeping bag, should be packed at the bottom of your bag. If you're traversing flat ground, heavier items should be higher and close to your body, between your shoulder blades. For rough terrain, keep the weight lower for better balance. If you're using a tent, consider a tarp instead, as it's much lighter, though more difficult to set up. Multipurpose gear will help reduce weight and volume.
Finally, practice packing and carrying your bag. You should be able to walk and even run comfortably with your bag for at least a few minutes.
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Sleeping bag placement
When packing a 35lb bug-out bag, it is important to consider the placement of your sleeping bag. The sleeping bag is a crucial item in your bug-out bag, providing warmth and comfort during evacuation scenarios or unexpected overnight stays. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for sleeping bag placement:
Firstly, it is recommended to place bulkier and lighter items, such as a sleeping bag and a change of clothes, towards the bottom of the pack. These items are not needed for quick access and are typically used only after setting up camp. This approach helps distribute weight more comfortably and efficiently.
Secondly, consider the terrain you will be traversing. For flat ground, it is advisable to keep the heavier items higher and closer to your body, particularly between your shoulder blades. On the other hand, when navigating rough terrain or steep climbs, it is better to position the weight lower in the bag to maintain balance. Aim to keep the heavy items in the middle of your back for improved comfort over long distances.
Additionally, you can attach your sleeping bag to the outside of your pack if necessary. For men's bags, consider using lashes or straps to secure the sleeping bag to the bottom of the pack. For women's bags, it is often more practical to attach the sleeping bag to the top of the pack. This external attachment method ensures easy access and saves space inside the bag for other essential items.
When packing your sleeping bag, it is worth considering the climate and potential evacuation locations. If you anticipate needing to evacuate to an emergency shelter or anticipate colder temperatures, a heavier sleeping bag might be preferable. However, if you expect to be in warmer climates or have limited space, a lightweight sleeping bag or an emergency bivy might be a more suitable option.
Lastly, don't forget to protect your sleeping bag from damage or moisture. Some sleeping bags come with a waterproof outer lining, which can be beneficial if you need to sleep without setting up a full camp. Additionally, consider storing your sleeping bag in its large storage bag to protect its filling and maintain its warmth retention capabilities.
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Water containers and purification
Water is a top priority when packing your bug-out bag. The human body can survive, on average, for only about 3 days without water, so it is important to have a sufficient supply and the means to purify more.
You will need to carry water containers and ways to treat water on the go, so you don’t have to carry all the water with you. A simple stainless steel water bottle is a good option as it can be used to boil water, the most reliable purification method that only requires access to fire. You could also use a collapsible water container to reduce bulk as you drink the water.
You should carry at least two 1L containers. Single-wall stainless steel is best as you can boil water in the container if needed. Carry untreated water in one and treated water in the other to avoid cross-contamination.
You will also need a means of filtration or disinfection. Sawyer brand products are inexpensive and work well. Water purification tablets are also a good idea, but you need to watch the expiration dates. You could also use a coffee filter as a pre-filter.
If you have access to a vehicle, you could also carry larger water containers, such as 5-gallon buckets, or water bottles.
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Fire-starting gear
Fire is a critical survival need, so it's important to pack fire-starting gear in your 35lb bug out bag. Most fire-starting gear is compact, lightweight, and inexpensive, so it won't weigh you down.
You can either buy a pre-made survival fire kit or make your own. If you make your own, you will need to include a heat source, fuel, and oxygen.
For the heat source, you can use a lighter, matches, ferrocerium fire striker, or a fire piston. A lighter is a convenient option, but it may run out of fuel. Matches should be stored in a waterproof container, such as a plastic bag or a commercially produced cylinder. A fire piston is a small cylinder with a plunger that fits inside it, which ignites tinder to create a coal. Ferrocerium fire strikers provide nearly unlimited fire-starting capability but require practice and skill to use.
For fuel, you can use tinder. One DIY option for tinder is to mix cotton balls with petroleum jelly in a plastic baggie. Wild forms of tinder include pine needles, seed pod fluff, wood shavings, and pine pitch. Commercial products that work well include InstaFire, WetFire, and Zombie Tinder.
You can also include a metal tube that slides out to make a skinny straw, allowing you to direct your breath into the hot parts of the fire and increase its temperature and burn rate.
Remember to consider the weight and bulk of your fire-starting gear when packing your bug out bag. These items should be easily accessible, and you may want to practice using them before adding them to your bag.
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Additional survival gear
When packing a bug-out bag, it is important to consider the weight and volume of the gear you are carrying. The bag should be packed like a professional backpacker, with bulkier and lighter items towards the bottom of the pack, such as a sleeping bag and a change of clothes. Heavier items should be packed relatively high and close to the body, between the shoulder blades. For rough terrain or steep climbs, the weight should be kept lower for better balance.
- Water purification tablets and water containers: Water is critical to survival, and a simple stainless steel water bottle is the best container as it allows you to boil water, the most reliable purification method.
- Food supplies: Non-perishable food that will last for several days.
- First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any emergency.
- Environmental protection: Clothing suitable for the season and region, including a poncho or raincoat, and a tarp for makeshift shelter.
- Fire-starting equipment: Waterproof matches or a lighter, and possibly a portable fire extinguisher.
- Backup communication devices: A ham radio or CB radio that does not rely heavily on infrastructure.
- Light sources: A Rechargeable LED Headlamp is a bright, pocket-sized option that is compatible with a solar charger.
- Duct tape: For patching torn clothing or shelter.
- Carabiners: For holding weight without knots, such as suspending a bear bag or rappelling.
- Rubber bands: For combining high-use products, such as a light strapped to a weapon.
- Earplugs: For reducing loud noises and getting sleep.
- A watch or timekeeper: In case you don't have access to your cell phone.
- A padlock or luggage lock: For sheltering with people you don't know to prevent looting.
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Frequently asked questions
A bug-out bag is a 72-hour survival kit designed to sustain you during the first critical days of an emergency situation.
Some essential items include a first aid kit, fire-starting equipment, a solar charger, a knife or multi-tool, a water purification system, and a sleeping bag.
It is recommended to pack bulkier and lighter items, such as a sleeping bag, towards the bottom of the pack. If you are a man, you can strap your sleeping bag to the bottom of the pack with lashes or straps. Women can strap their sleeping bags to the tops of their packs. Alternatively, you can pack your sleeping bag inside your backpack if it has sufficient space.
Lightweight shelter options include an emergency blanket, a thermal bivy, and reflective blankets. These items can provide warmth and can also be used as makeshift sleeping pads or shelters.
When choosing a bug-out bag, consider the weight and volume of the bag, as well as your personal preferences for practicality, tactical versatility, and discreteness. Select a bag that can accommodate all your essential gear and survival supplies.
