How Heavy is Your Bug-Out Bag?

Thank you for the A2A. The weight of your bug-out bag (BOB) is a critical but often overlooked aspect of emergency preparedness. Its weight can significantly impact your mobility and your ability to survive during a crisis. Prior to discussing the specifics, it’s important to understand that the weight of your BOB varies based on several factors, including your fitness, the environment, and your emergency scenario.

Fundamental Considerations

When deciding on the appropriate weight for your BOB, several key factors should be taken into account:

Caloric Density and Water

Food and water are the two most critical supplies in a BOB. It’s crucial to understand that these supplies can be quickly depleted. For instance, food is used up faster than you might think. Similarly, unless you plan to bug out for only a few hours, you cannot carry all the water you will need. Therefore, you need to prioritize food that is calorically dense and lightweight, as well as a means to obtain and purify water as you travel.

The weight of your BOB is a limiting factor if you are traveling on foot or by bicycle. If you are bugging out in a vehicle, you can carry a heavier load, but if you have to abandon your vehicle, the weight becomes a significant issue. In such cases, every pound counts.

Is 25% of Your Body Weight Appropriate?

According to Hugh Kimura, his BOB comes in at 50 lbs, or 25% of his body weight. This is a considerable load, especially for someone who is actively involved in near daily outdoor activities. However, it is important to acknowledge that this weight may vary based on individual circumstances. For example, if you are significantly less fit than Hugh, a BOB that weighs 25% of your body weight might be too heavy. Conversely, a fit individual might be able to manage a heavier load.

Factors Influencing the Weight of Your BOB

Several factors can influence the appropriate weight of your BOB:

Your Situation

What do you need? What local resources are available? What is your level of fitness? What is the environmental condition? Can you lay down caches? How long do you expect to survive out of your BOB? These are all questions you need to consider.

Budget and Responsibilities

Your budget and the number of people you are responsible for also play a significant role. Health, fitness, and capabilities of those you are responsible for should be taken into account. Your current location and the distance to your “home base” must also be considered.

Strategic Planning

Given that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, it’s important to plan and strategize effectively. Here are some practical steps:

Start at Home

Begin by living out of your BOB at home or in a familiar location for the duration of your expected stay. This will help you identify the bare essentials and minimize the items you carry.

Once you have pared down your BOB to the absolute minimum, consider creating multiple BOBs. You might have one at work, one in your vehicle, and one or several caches in various locations. Having duplicates ensures that you are prepared for any scenario, including emergencies that destroy your primary BOB.

Consider Alternative Locations

One of the most memorable anecdotes I heard was from a friend who lost his BOB in a fire along with the one he kept at home. His neighbor’s house fire left him without his 72-hour pack. He was fortunate to grab the spares at his shed and head to a hotel, where everyone was well-provided for. This underscores the importance of having backups.

Personal Example

My personal 72-hour BOB weighs approximately 17 kilos. I am 6'4" and 230 lbs, and I am very fit. I have multiple caches and take care of a ‘useless but for morale’ child. My partner also has responsibilities to consider.

Given this information, it is evident that the weight of your BOB is highly individual and situational. While 25% of your body weight might be a good starting point, it may be too heavy or too light depending on your unique circumstances.

Ultimately, the weight of your BOB should be a balance between what is necessary for survival and what you can carry comfortably. The process is iterative and requires continuous refinement. If you have specific questions or need more detailed information, feel free to ask.