Bug Out: The Basics of Packing A Bug Out Bag

While you’re probably familiar with what a bug out bag is and why you need one, unless you’re in the military or an experienced camper, you probably don’t know how to pack a bag effectively.

Packing a bug out bag is more than just shoving items into a bag, though. There’s a science involved that when followed, will get you the most space possible while keeping you safe and getting you access to the things you need.

Bag Packing Basics

First things first, you need to understand that a bug out bag (BOB) isn’t a bottomless pit for everything you can imagine to be tossed into. Everything in your BOB should have a definite purpose and the overall weight of the bag must be taken into account.

Some people think that bag weight isn’t an issue, but when you’re surviving in the wild, that bag will feel like it gets heavier every hour you walk with it. While you’re always going to have some weight involved, you need to limit it as much as possible.

When you’ve limited weight as much as possible, the next best way to keep your pack comfortable is to pack it correctly. By organizing items in your bag the right way, you’ll keep it easy to wear even though it does have some bulk and weight with it.

The most basic tips for this are:

1. Keep the heaviest items close to your back. This will keep them from swinging and causing fatigue. Conversely, the lightest items should be the farthest from your back. Keep them on the outer edges.

2. Keep the items you use the most on the top of your bag so they are easy to find. The less you have to dig and disturb your pack the better. The less you plan on using an item the further down in the bag it should live.

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At the Bottom

Like we just said above, the least used items you have should be on the very bottom. This would start with a sleeping bag or other items for sleeping. Since the bottom of your bag will sit on the ground a pretty good bit, make sure the items in the bottom are in some form of waterproof container, just in case.

Next, the rest of your camping supplies like tent, tarp, hammock, etc. should be added. Since you only need these once per day, the bottom of the sack is the best place for them.

In the Middle

Also known as the core, the middle of your pack is perfect for any clothes you’ve brought with you to change into. If you have a poncho or windbreaker you probably want it to be near the top so you can put it on quickly, but the rest of your clothes can stay safely in the middle.

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Food and cooking gear should go in the middle of your BOB, too. While you don’t need this as much as some other items, you’ll still be getting to it at least 2-3 times per day. Water, on the other hand, should go on the top.

At the Top

The top of your bag is your go-to spot for everything you need quickly. Snacks, flashlight, fire starting materials, first aid kit, and other things like this that you might use a few times each day. Whatever you use for water should be at the very top so you’re always staying hydrated, too.

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Your map, compass, and notepad should all be here too so you can quickly see where you’re going and make notes on anything weird that’s happening. While all these can stay at the top of your bag, most bags have side and rear pockets as well, and these are perfect for quick-access items, too.

Pockets, Sides, and Everything Else

The pockets and straps on the outside of your bag are exactly what you need for items that you need extra quick access to. This means weapons, first-aid, and fire starting items can live outside of your bag if there’s room. Your water bottle, Camel Pack, or canteen should ideally be mounted to the outside of your bag so it’s easy to access without stopping and taking your bag off.

Basically the pockets and straps outside the bag are the same as the top, with a little better access. The only warning here is that if you keep a first-aid kit or fire starting materials outside the bag in a pocket, keep a backup inside the bag as well. If an outer pocket were to become compromised, you could lose everything without even knowing it. Also, if someone were to rob you, you can give them the items either in the pockets or interior and still have a backup, hopefully.

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Packing your bug out bag is definitely a science, but with a little help and thought, your bag will fit as much in it as possible while staying easy to carry and not weighing you down too much.

Make sure to go for a hike with your newly packed bag for at least a few hours. This is a great way to see if everything fits and is loaded correctly. It’s one thing to try your filled bag on in the living room, but something completely different to try it on for a hike.