A bugout bag is a crucial tool to have in the event of a natural disaster. It will provide you with the supplies you need to survive until help arrives.
The most important thing to keep in mind when assembling your bug out bag is that it must be light enough for you to carry. It also needs to be appropriately sized for your needs.
1. Not Having a Plan
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when prepping is not having a bug out plan. When you have a plan, it will give you peace of mind and help you stay organized.
This is especially important if you are going to have to leave your home due to a natural disaster or another emergency. You need to know how you will get to your bug out location and what supplies you will need to bring.
It is also a good idea to have a map of your bug out destination in case you get lost. You can buy waterproof maps that are small and don’t weigh much. These will help you find your way without wasting valuable time.
2. Not Having a Shelter
Many preppers pack large tools like hammers and shovels in their bugout bags. These can severely weigh down a bag and make it difficult to carry, especially over long distances.
It is also common for people to add too much food in their bugout bags. This is a bad idea because you may not be able to consume it all, and it can quickly become unsanitary in a survival situation.
Instead of including a tent and what is a bugout bag, consider using an ultralight tarp. This tarp is tear-resistant and waterproof, and it can be easily used to build a shelter. It also folds into a small stuff sack, taking up very little space in your bugout bag. Pair it with some 550 lb paracord for an even lighter and more durable shelter.
3. Not Having Water
Water is one of the most important items in your bugout bag. Make sure you have enough for each day, plus a few extra days just in case. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water before bugging out to help prevent dehydration and stretch out your bugout bag water supply.
Water bottles can take up a lot of space in your bugout bag, so it’s best to use collapsible water pouches. These are taller and thinner than regular water bottles and will fit into tight spaces to save room.
You should also have a first aid kit in your bugout bag. This includes items to treat diarrhea, vomiting, and shock. In addition, you should have some over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, throat lozenges and bismuth tabs.
4. Not Having a First Aid Kit
It is important to have a first aid kit in your bug out bag. This will help you if you get injured while on the move or at home during a disaster. It can also be useful if you have to stay at home for a while and wait for emergency response teams to arrive.
Food is another thing to consider when packing your bug out bag. You should try to pack food that is easy to eat, high in calories, and won’t spoil quickly. It is also important to pack utensils to eat your food with.
Finally, don’t forget to include hygiene items in your bug out bag. This includes things like soap, shampoo, and wet wipes. This is because hygiene can be a major problem during an evacuation or survival situation.
5. Not Having Food
The aim of a bug out bag is to ensure you have everything you need to survive in a crisis. While water is a top priority, food is just as important. It’s possible to live without food for three weeks, but it can also decrease cognitive and physical function significantly.
It’s best to have a few days of food in your bug out bag. This can help you keep your energy up so you can be prepared to fight in a crisis.
It’s also essential to have fire-starting equipment. You can use dryer lint or cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly to make your own fire starter. Then you’ll have a way to stay warm at night and cook your food. It’s important to remember that your bug out bag should be able to be carried for at least a few kilometres, so you don’t want to pack too much weight.
6. Not Having a Fire
A fire is a great way to stay warm and cook your food in a disaster. You should always have a means of starting and maintaining a fire in your bug out bag.
You should also have a shelter to protect you from the elements. This can be as simple as a sleeping bag and some blankets or a more elaborate tent.
Another important thing to have is hygiene items. This includes toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and soap. You should also include wet wipes, which can be used for a variety of purposes. They add a little weight, but they’re worth it in a survival situation. You should also include a map in your bug out bag, especially if you’re going to be leaving your home area.
7. Not Having a Shelter
Many preppers make the mistake of storing too much in their bug out bag. This can cause it to weigh too much, making it difficult to carry on your back for miles. Your BOB is meant to get you to your survival destination, not to sustain you forever.
It’s important to invest in a quality bug out bag that will last. Cheap bags will not stand up to the elements or withstand the constant stress and tugs of lugging it around.
It’s also important to be familiar with the tools in your bug out bag, so you know how to use them properly in a survival situation. For example, a lot of bug out bags include cheap blue plastic tarps for shelter, but these are not as light or strong as those designed for backpackers.
