Having a bug-out bag (BOB) can certainly improve your chances of survival when SHTF, but are you sure that you have all your bases covered when packing your BOB? There are many factors to consider that can turn your bug-out bag into either a lifeline or a deadweight. If you don’t put the proper amount of thought and effort into preparing your BOB, it can easily make a bad situation even worse. In dire circumstances, it might even become a matter of life and death. However, you can just as easily improve any situation with the right equipment. When it comes to packing your BOB, be sure not to forget these crucial prepping tips. (h/t to Survivopedia.com).

Customize your bug-out bag to suit the situation

There is no such thing as a universal bug-out bag that will perfectly prepare you for every possible scenario that might happen. There is no “one size fits all” rule that applies to every prepper. The fact is, different people live in different geographical locations and undergo different experiences that are unique to their situation. What works for other people might not work for you, and vice versa. What you want to do is to make your own BOB cater to your own specific needs. Think about all the different problems and challenges that you are likely to face, given your specific situation. Do you have a chronic health condition? If so, then be sure to pack the necessary medication. What is the climate like in your area? Your BOB should be equipped with whatever you need to warm your body up or cool down as needed. Make your survival plan before packing your bug-out bag. Think about where you will go and how long it will take you to get there. This will give you a feasible goal, so that you can carefully think about what items you need to help you achieve that goal. Your bug-out bag should reflect your survival plan.

Develop a system to resupply your food and other expendable items

Ideally, you should have everything you need in your BOB to get you from your home to your bug-out location. However, there will be times when you will inevitably run out of supplies and replenishing them will be necessary. Find out how and where you can resupply your consumable items along the way. If you plan your escape route ahead of time, you can establish supply caches within your intended route that you can use to restock your BOB. They can also be helpful in letting you know that you are on the right path. Some important expendable items you might need to replenish include food, medicine and first aid supplies, water purification tablets, fire starters, ammunition, and toilet paper. To have a good idea of what you will need and how much of it you should store, it would be wise to put your bug-out bag to the test and run a survival drill. (Related: How to pack your bug-out bag like a survival expert.)

Think beyond the limitations of your bug-out bag

Most people tend to limit themselves to carrying only one bug-out bag. This is often a good decision, since it means that you can easily grab your BOB at a moment’s notice for a quick evacuation. However, you can expand your supplies beyond that if you think the extra equipment can come in handy when SHTF. If you plan on bugging out in a vehicle, then you will be able to have plenty of extra space for items that won’t fit in a single bug-out bag. Alternatively, if you plan to travel on foot, you can place your equipment in a cart or a wheelbarrow that you can push towards your destination. Whatever you choose, make sure the wheels are large and durable enough to maneuver over rough terrain.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

PrimalSurvivor.net