What Is A Bug Out Bag?

A bug out bag is a portable, easy to carry bag that when packed contains all the necessary items to survive away from your normal location for a determined amount of time. The best bug out bag is one that easily fits your entire bug out supplies, is comfortable and easy to carry for an extended period, is durable, and gives you easy access to your bug out gear. The best bug out bags are generally hiking packs designed for longer trips into the backcountry. For a great article on choosing and packing your BOB, visit our blog.

Bug Out Bag Features

Size

BOBs are available in a variety of sizes and getting a proper fit is important when comes to carrying a heavy load in a backpack. To find the right size you’ll need to know your torso size. Get a friend to measure from the base of your neck to your hipbone. This measurement will correspond to a backpack size. Choosing a BOB that’s too big for you will result in major discomfort and possibly injury to your back!

Capacity

Different bug out bags will have different capacities. The bag capacity you choose will depend on the amount you need to carry as well as what you are physically capable of carrying. One method is to select the largest bag in your size and pack it to reflect what you need and are capable of. You don’t have to fill a bug out bag to capacity if you don’t need to.

Weight Distribution

When you have to carry your bag for a long distance, especially if it weighs a quarter of your body weight, weight distribution will be very important. A good bug out bag has an internal frame and waistband as well as easily accessible pull straps that allow you to redistribute weight between your hips and shoulders while walking.

Accessibility

A bug out bag serves you best when you can pack and access the bug out supplies from a variety of entry points. Your bag will be strategically packed to protect certain items like your sleeping bag and clothing and to give you quick and easy access to the bug out gear you’ll need along the way, like your energy bars, survival knife, etc. A good BOB will have multiple access points to the main compartment as well as various exterior compartments and pockets for smaller, more frequently needed items.

Durability

A bug out bag needs to be durable. You want a bag that can stand up to rough conditions, being sat on, dragged around, weather, and of course holding a bunch of weight. Too many bells and whistles are usually not a good idea. Same goes for zippers, which tend to break and get stuck.

Weight Of The Bag

You might not think of it right away, but if you’re carrying 30% of your body weight in a backpack filled with the all the bug supplies for you and your family, the weight of the bag itself could make a big difference. Look for a pack that is as light as possible while still meeting your capacity requirements. When calculating the weight of the BOB don’t forget the weight of the bag itself.

Color

No, not the trendy color of the season! When you choose your bug out bag look for a bag that blends in rather than stands out. In most bug out situations you probably don’t want to be a target, so choosing a neon orange backpack would be inviting trouble. A neutral or natural colored backpack is also the easiest to disguise if you need to leave the bag unattended for any amount of time.

For detailed information about packing and preparing your bug out bag please visit our resource section on Sample Bug Out Bag Contents and Survival Blog.