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Reducing the weight of your Bug Out Bag (backpack) can have a huge impact on how far and how comfortably you can move. This is of crucial importance in Bug Out situations where you have to move on foot.
To cut your packs weight try to select gear that can be used in a number of situations.
The last thing you need in a bug out situation is to be carrying any unnecessary weight.
When it comes to Bug Out Bags I take a minimalist approach to what I carry and tend to use lightweight hiking gear
Here are Six ideas that you can use to cut down the weight in your Bug Out Bag
Pick backpacking gear that is multipurpose
To cut your packs weight try to select gear that can be used in a number of situations.
Items like Bandanas and tarps are great multipurpose pieces of gear that are not only lightweight but can be used in a variety of survival scenarios.
Shed those grams….
Ultralight Travellers are notorious for going to extremes to shave off even a few grams from their packs weight.
From drilling holes in equipment to removing tags, patches and other emblems from their gear light travellers will do just about anything to shed those extra grams!
While some of the things they do may seem extreme, every gram eventually adds up.
It starts with the actual Pack!
One thing that’s often overlooked when trying to cut pack weight is the actual weight of the backpack.
Ultralight backpacks have gotten so light that you can often shave over 2 kilos+ from your total weight just by switching to an ultralight pack.
Ditch the tent
If your carrying a tent you can cut your weight in half or more by switching to a Military poncho and poncho liner.
While you can save even more weight by ditching the hammock, I like to carry one in certain areas of the country.
They are a great for keeping you off the ground and away from dangerous little critters.
Carry Less Water
A gallon of water weights over 8 pounds. When hiking I try to carry the least amount possible without running the risk of dehydration. When planning your bug out or evacuation routes make sure you map out as many watering holes as possible. Knowing where you can find water can help you cut down on a significant amount of water weight.
I usually carry a hiking water filter, one full canteen and one empty one. The empty one allows me the option of carrying extra water if I’m in an area where water is scarce. It also serves the dual purpose of being able to cook food our boil water over a campfire.
The canteen that I use is made by Klean Kanteen and is pictured on the right. They are one of the most well made canteens that I’ve found and are a great multipurpose survival item to carry. Click here to check them out on Amazon.
Backpacking Gear with more than one Use:
Here are some pieces of backpacking gear that have multiple uses:
Military poncho and poncho liner - Can be used for shelter rain gear, ground cover, rain catch, etc…
Paracord – For traps, cloth line, fishing, clothesline, food bag line.
Multitool – Knife, tools, scissors, nail cutters, saws
Duct Tape – Use to prevent blisters, repair gear, bandage wrap….
Candles - lighting, fire starter, waterproofing.
Metal Canteen with Cup- Boiling Water, cooking food, bowl for eating.
Hiking Poles – Walking stick, shelter poles, emergency splint.
Socks – warming hands, filtering water\
Bandana - cooling head or neck wrap, sunscreen, water filter, bandages.
Safety Pins – fishing hooks, hanging items, securing bandages
Dental Floss – fishing line, sewing thread, etc…
Plastic Baggies–carry items, emergency water carrier, storing food.
Compass with mirror – emergency signal, personal mirror, finding your way.
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