How to live out of your bug out bag

The general rule of thumb is to carry no more than 25% of your bodyweight. Are you fit enough?

Every  hostile environment will involve the collapse of local infrastructure. Whilst private cars and trucks might be available, there is a very real possibility that you will be relying on your legs for personal transport.

If you weigh 80 kg, you should be able to carry 20kg. The question is: for how long? Whilst you might weigh less, any pack that is heavier than 10kg will weigh you down and prevent ease of movement over difficult urban terrain. Also, for some of your family members, 10 kg is still too heavy and you will need to help with the load or leave items behind.

Although it is accepted that everyone is going to be facing the same challenges in a hostile environment, you must realise that what you do not pack, you will not have. Your bug out bag (bob) needs to contain everything you need for survival, but only you can determine which items are required.

The 6 tips for living out of your bug out bag

  1. Once you have chosen your bag, make sure that it has sufficient pockets, compartments and straps to store everything you need.
  2. Constantly revise what you need to carry. Shelter, water and communications might be priorities for some, whereas others will select more food, water and clothing.
  3. Your outer pockets should contain water. Have an effective  water filter system in your pack so you can purify and replenish supplies on the move.
  4. The bottom section of your pack should store a sleeping bag, bivi/ shelter and clothes.
  5. The middle section can be for your kitchen with a pot, cup, spoon and cooker. Carry 200 ml of cooking oil and some condiments ( salt, curry powder, stock cubes and honey) to cook any opportunity food that you will find.
  6. Pack your other items so that they can be found without making a noise, have a specific location and do not become too cumbersome. Heavier items should be packed high in the main pack and closer to your back.

Attend one of our courses and learn how to select, pack and carry everything you need to survive in a hostile environment.

H.E.A.T. tip: Use safe, secure and memorable locations to cache extra supplies for future use. Caching items will enable you to travel lighter,faster and further when bugging out.