Survival Items You Should NOT Put In Your Bug Out Bag
When the world is going to change, there's an unexpected emergency situation or natural disaster, you need to be prepared for an emergency evacuation. Survivalists are well aware of this and have been stocking up on supplies to last them for months or even years in some cases. The next step in your emergency plan is getting your bug out bag ready with the necessary items that will help keep you alive during any disaster. Bug Out Bags are your to go bag survival kits that will help you to survive in a state of emergency. Survivalists have been using them for decades. They are the key to surviving disasters, from natural events like earthquakes or hurricanes to man-made incidents such as terrorism or nuclear fallout.
Bug Out Bags are designed to be portable kits that can be taken with you in an emergency and transport survival necessities. Survivalists have spent years designing their bags and trying out different combinations of items, so they know precisely what is inside when the time comes. The problem starts when people who don't understand these plans start adding their own ideas, which could ultimately end up being a disaster for them if something were to happen during an event where they need to use it. Most survivalists agree on two things: always keep your bag close by and never put anything sensitive into it (passwords or information).
A bug out bag is your go-to kit when it's time to leave everything behind and get away from danger quickly with only what you can carry on your back and head into uncertain territory. It provides self-sufficiency and safety for periods up to 72 hours after an event has taken place without any outside support, shelter, food, water, medical supplies, etc. You prepare a Bug Out Bag by packing survival gear (i.e., first aid supplies), which means preparing yourself to survive for at least 72 hours or more.
Survival experts recommend a bag checklist of items that should not go into your bug out bag because they are too heavy, take up too much space, or just don't make sense when it comes down to survival needs.
Sleeping Bags
Emergency bivvies are highly recommended if you want to pack light during natural disasters but still be prepared for all eventualities. Depending on where in the world you are and what time of year it is will depend on how many these different types of sleeping bags are needed; here down south, we just need them ten months out of the year, so a couple would do us justice - up north they might not cut it!
Sleeping bag not just only take out space, but they also take up too much weight. That's why most Survivalists pack a bivvy, which is an emergency sleeping device that wraps the person in a protective bag and only weighs about two pounds! That way, you're prepared for all conditions.
Tent
A survival bag is a bag that contains items designed to increase your chances of survival in an emergency situation. It should be compact and easy to carry for use when you have to leave the safety of your home or office. The contents can vary greatly depending on where one lives (particularly related to environmental conditions). Still, some essentials would generally make up most Survival Bags: food, water, shelter/clothing, first-aid supplies, medications.
Instead of dragging around a heavy tent, you can prepare a tarp or some cordage. So you can build your own shelter. Setting up this type of makeshift camp could take 5-10 pounds off the weight in your backpack and help make travel more manageable while still keeping yourself dry!
Camping Tripods
A camping tripod is another 5-10 pounds you don't need. Instead of carrying one, make your own using sticks! Just find three long and sturdy ones that are about the same length as a standard tripod would be (roughly 1 meter each). Tie them together with rope or cord. This will create both armrests strong enough to hold up your pot over the open fire, plus provide protection if it starts raining unexpectedly.
Camping Lantern
A camping lantern is a compact light for camping that is fueled by either liquid fuel or batteries. They are handy when you're in the dark and need to set up camp, but make sure not to put anything too flammable near it as they can become quite hot while in use!
Camping lanterns are great for camping trips, but they're just a big waste of space during emergency times. Just use your flashlight or build a fire with your waterproof matches if you need light!
Flare Gun
Flare guns are useful for alerting people or vehicles of your location when you are in a dangerous situation. But they can also be used to signal distress, which is not the best use for Survivalists during an emergency as the flare gun will create more light, making it easier for aggressors to find and attack.
A better alternative would be some type of signaling device that does not make bright lights but instead creates sound waves and pulses that other Survivalists could pick up on, such as compressed air whistles, mini-horns (known as "yelling tools"), whistles, or even something like a survival mirror!
Bottled Water
The necessity of carrying bottled water is debatable. Bottled water is a reliable option for emergencies, but it's always better to have an emergency kit that includes ways of purifying and carrying your own resources. You should consider investing in some way to find clean water if you live in the middle of the desert or any place where there isn't much access to water. It may be helpful if everyone in your group carries at least one liter so they can start drinking when first searching for something drinkable. Moreover, note that it is best if each of you in your group know how to find and purify water! Additionally, you can carry water purification tablets or a compact water filtration system. There are handy water filter straw available in the store.
Canned Food
When you're trying to pack for the worst, it's essential not to be weighed down by your food. Canned foods are too heavy with all that water inside and just don't have enough calories in them. Freeze-dried meals often come with added grains, vegetables, fruits, etc., which will make them more nutritious than their canned counterparts even if there is less weight involved. Freeze-dried foods are lighter in weight, and you can rehydrate with water found while out on your journey or a Bug Out bag trip before disaster strikes.
Plateware, Utensils, etc.
Do you find yourself bringing too much for your bug out bag? Maybe it's time to rethink what food is needed. You don't need any extra bowls, cups, plates, or forks if you're going to eat right from the pot!
Conclusion
A bug out bag should not have anything typical because it will be heavy to carry around with no useable items inside of them at the end of the day. But suppose someone insists on packing their regular bags into a bug out bag. In that case, they need to make sure some extra straps are attached, so people don't hurt themselves when carrying it over difficult terrain or through water crossings - this would mean more space is taken up but worth every second! Some people will even insist to pack maps, space blanket, rechargeable batteries, cotton balls and other unnecessary items.
A Survival Bag should never contain any items that will increase its maximum weight but not contribute in some way to your survival situation or disaster preparedness. It might be a good idea to pack enough supplies that you only use occasionally, so they are not taking up space in your Survival Pack. You can add the following items for your Survival evac bag checklist could also include handy self defense tool, multi tool, trail mix with long shelf life, signal mirror, duct tape, fishing kit and of course your cell phone!
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