If you ask twenty different preppers what to have in a bug out bag, you’ll get twenty slightly different answers. That’s as it should be, because bug out bags need to be customized to suit individual needs. That said, in reviewing hundreds, if not thousands, of bug out bag lists and such, I see several mistakes happening again and again. Go through the following list and see if you’ve inadvertently fallen into one or more of these gaffes and learn what to do about it.

#1 — Overpacking

I’ve seen entirely too many bug out bags that are just massive. These monstrosities have everything up to and sometimes including the kitchen sink. The whole idea behind a bug out bag is to have a PORTABLE assemblage of gear and supplies. The absolute only way to determine if the bug out bag is the right size for you is to strap it on and walk around for at least a few hours. A couple of circuits around the living room just isn’t going to be a valid test. When, and I mean not if but when, you determine your bug out bag is too heavy to be comfortable for long periods of time, ditch everything but the absolute necessities, then build up from there.

#2 — Too Much Food

While we need calories to keep moving, many of us are already packing substantial calories around our waists. I’m not saying you shouldn’t pack any food. What I’m saying is that you can’t expect to lug around enough food to provide five course meals three times a day for every day you’re on the move. For the most part, your food should be the ready-to-eat variety. Stuff you can just unwrap and toss into your cake hole. A hot meal at the end of the day might be appreciated but it certainly isn’t a necessity. Toss in a few dehydrated or freeze-dried meals (brands and variety should be stuff you’ve tried previously and liked) along with the bare minimum for cooking and eating utensils. Learn how to forage so you can supplement your packed food while you travel.

#3 — Buying The Bag First

This is a bad approach, picking out a snazzy camo pack before deciding what it needs to hold. The problem is that many people pick out a bag that is much larger than they really need. This leads them to feel compelled to fill it to the brim, which of course circles back to #1 on our list here. Use logic and common sense here. Start by collecting all of the supplies you feel you’ll need in your bug out bag, then choosing a pack that is sized appropriately.

#4 — Not Enough Water Containers

Water is essential, we all know this. Yet, time and again I see bug out bags with nothing more than a single water bottle. While water is indeed heavy, you should have the means to transport at least two liters of water at any given time. Keep at least two separate containers for water in your bug out bag. This gives you options. For example, by having two steel water bottles, you can boil water in one (to disinfect it) while still being able to drink from the other one.

#5 — Cheaply Made Gear

Look, I’m all about prepping on a budget but if I’m staking my life on a piece of gear, I don’t want to rely on piece of junk that is shoddily made and might not work. Stick with reliable, well-known brand names when and where you can. Dollar store multi-tools just aren’t likely to hold up very well, know what I mean?

#6 — Untested Gear

You need to thoroughly test each and every item you are putting into your bug out bag. Know exactly how it works, what its capabilities are, and how to maintain it. Too many people buy stuff and just toss it into the bag without thinking twice. A bug out is not the best time to pull out the instructions and try and figure out how to assemble that nifty little camp stove…only to discover the guy at the factory was having an off day and forgot to include the bag of bolts you need.

#7 — Lack Of Foot Protection

If you are bugging out, odds are you will be on foot for part if not all of your journey. Walking long distances while wearing thin socks and dress shoes, or even worse, flip flops, can be murder on your feet. What I recommend is keeping a good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots (with socks rolled up inside) alongside your bug out bag. Grab them at the same time you grab the bag, then change your footwear at your earliest opportunity. Ditch the dress shoes or heels and move on down the road. In your bug out bag, keep at least two extra pair of thick socks as well. On top of that, add moleskin to your first aid kit to help with any blisters that may develop. Foot powder might not be a bad idea as well.

#8 — Over-Reliance on Multi-Purpose Items

Having items that can pull double or triple duty is a great way to cut down on the bulk in a bug out bag but I’ve always felt you should use the right tool for the right job. In other words, while it is great to have a 5-in-1 tool that has a whistle, compass, ferro rod, match case, whatever, recognize that it is dubious that it will do each of those jobs as well as items specifically made for those purposes. While you should always have at least 3 ways to accomplish basic tasks, such as fire lighting, try to stick with tools and equipment made for the purpose.

Get caught up on all installments in this series here:
Introduction
Shelter
Fire
Water
Food
First aid / Hygiene
Navigation
Signaling and Communication
Tools
Choosing the Pack or Container
Common Mistakes
Useful Odds and Ends

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