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How to pack a bug out bag
This is part 3 of a 4-part article. (Read part 1 - part 2 – part 4)
Previously, we have addressed why and how to use a bug out bag. In our last article we talked about what to look for in a pack.
Now that you have you back, it will be important to pack it properly. This can save you time, keep you from hurting yourself and create an efficient, easy-to-use pack.
Packing basics
The first thing you’ll want to do is divide your content into weights. Place all the heavy items together, the light items together and the mid-weight items together. This will help you pack more efficiently.
When you’re packing your bag, you’ll want to keep heavy items close to your spine and near your hips. If you have an external frame pack, try and place the heavy items higher up on your pack – closer to your shoulders.
Also, be conscious of your contents opening up. This may cause damage to other items inside the bag. For example, you don’t want to pack a gas burner above a water supply in case it leaks.
Heavy core
Keep heavy items in the middle of the pack. If you have too many heavy items, consider breaking them down. For example, if you have a tent, you can store the polls, tent and rain-fly separately.
Mid-weight packed around the core
In order to distribute the weight evenly, pack mid-weight items around the heavy core. Remember to keep the weight near your spine and middle section to maintain balance while carrying the pack.
Outside pockets full of light items
Keep light items on the top of the pack. They can also go inside the outer pockets. The outside pockets should contain items that you’ll be needing a lot – identification, small snacks, navigation material, etc.
Adjusting the pack
After you’ve packed the bag, you’ll want to make sure that it fits OK. Be sure that the pack isn’t too heavy, that you’re not going to tip over and that you’ll be able to use the pack for a long duration.
REI’s Expert Advice column recommends that you adjust the pack every time you put it on. They recommend that you adjust them in this order:
1. Hipbelt
2. Shoulder straps
3. Load lifters
4. Sternum strap
5. Stabilizer Straps
6. Tweek everything as needed
Here is a video to explain how to adjust all these straps:
Part 4 of this series will cover what to actually include in a bug out bag. Be sure to read about that!
These tips worked for me when I was young and my children could carry their own packs. Now my husband and I both have physical problems. My husband is in an electric wheel chair. I also have my sister at the nursing home who has trouble walking. She doesn’t have an electric wheel chair. I have to be able to get 3 bug out bags and a dog’s by myself and get them to a shelter. Hopefully I will never have to go somewhere I can’t get in my van. I have a backpack and 2 wheeled carriers. Any help for me or does my situation help others?
February 28th, 2012 at 10:25 amJust for example , what kind of items would you put in a bug out pack, I’m kinda new to this and would like some help. Any info would be of great help. Thanks Ron
February 29th, 2012 at 12:42 pmHey Ron, You might want to check out Part 4 of the series where we highlight that question. I hope that helps.
February 29th, 2012 at 2:06 pmDiane I have the same situation and figured out that a well build child’s wagon fit all the things in it. Little Tikes makes one that has larger wheels and easy to move. Using bungi cords to strap everything in, even my 4 yr old grandson was able to pull the wagon with little to no difficulty.
Hope this helps
February 29th, 2012 at 6:44 pmYou should have two bags, one would be a small backpack with just a few things in it and the other would be a wheeled carrier for heavy supplies (most of your food and water). You might need to abandon it if you have to run. You should also think about how you could attach it to a bike if you have one. If you have to get out of a city in a traffic jam, a bike will get you farther than a car.
March 1st, 2012 at 6:55 pm