When it comes to the size and weight of your bug out bag, it’s important to understand that bigger isn’t always better. While it’s good to be prepared and ready to handle any situation that is thrown your way, having a bag stuffed with everything and the kitchen sink doesn’t necessarily make you chances of survival any greater; in fact, in some cases, it can even work against you. That’s why it’s important to be smart about what you choose to pack in your bug out bag, and to exclude the items that really aren’t necessary.
Earlier this month, DoomsdayMoose.com put together a list of ten items that you may have in your bug out bag that you should reconsider, especially if it’s getting a bit too heavy for you to easily transport from point A to point B.
1) Condoms
Even though condoms are extremely light, a good prepper knows that if they want to create the perfect bug out bag, every single ounce counts. (Related: Read about how to pack your bug out bag like a survival expert.) Chances are you won’t “get lucky” while living off the grid, and there are other ways to collect water other than by storing it inside of a condom like they do on survival reality television shows. Condoms simply are not a necessity.
2) A copy of the SAS Survival Guide
The SAS Survival Guide is a heavy book, making it less than an ideal choice for your bug out bag. Instead, consider getting your hands on the pocket version of the SAS Survival Guide, or download an app on your phone.
3) Pajamas
There’s likely not a single person on planet earth that doesn’t enjoy putting on a pair of pajamas and curling up in bed or on a couch. But pajamas take up a lot of space, and they aren’t exactly lightweight either.
4) Condiments
Bringing a wide variety of condiments with you can definitely add some flavor to your food, but it’s simply not a necessity. Its advised that preppers choose one comfort food and stick with that rather than bringing along a wide variety of them.
5) A Gun Cleaning Kit
Considering the fact that you most likely won’t have to clean your firearm while bugging out, and because of how big and clunky a lot of the gun cleaning kits currently on the market are, this too is something that you should keep at home or at your bug out location. If you absolutely must take a gun cleaning kit with you, though, you can make your own lighter, more convenient kit with small objects that you can likely find around your house.
6) An Alcohol Stove
In order to keep your bug out bag on the lighter side, consider purchasing a solid fuel tablet stove. Because it is lighter than most other portable stoves, you can carry more fuel with you and decrease the chances that you will run out.
7) Extra pairs of socks and underwear
Don’t pack more than two pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear. Any more than that and you will be carrying around extra weight that simply shouldn’t be there.
8) A Swiss Army Knife
This one may be a bit surprising, but if you already have a good fixed blade survival knife, then a Swiss Army Knife simply isn’t necessary.
9) Batteries of various sizes
Try to carry devices with you that all take the same kind of battery. That way, you can carry around all AAA, for example, rather than two AAA, two AA, and three nine-volts. This will make things much more convenient, and will also help keep your bug out bag on the lighter side.
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