1. Sleeping Bags – Instead of heavy sleeping bags, just take a couple of emergency bivvies. Of course, this depends on where you live and the time of year. Here in the South, these will do just fine 10 months out of the year, but up north they might not be enough.

2. Tent – Instead of a heavy tent, just get a tarp and some cordage so you can build a shelter. Doing this could take 5 to 10 pounds off the weight of your bag.

3. Camping Tripods – Another 5 to 10 pounds you don’t need. Why carry something like this when you can make your own using sticks? Just find three long and sturdy sticks and tie them together. Other than that, all you need is a hook and a cord from which to hang your cooking pot.

4. Camping Lantern – This is nothing but a big waste of space. Just use your flashlight or build a fire if you need light.

5. Flare Gun – Unless you think you’re going to end up on a desert island, there’s no reason you need a flare gun. Besides, there are better ways to make yourself seen, the best of which is to build a large fire. You could also use a signaling mirror or a brightly-colored tarp.

6. Bottled Water – Unless you live in the middle of a very dry desert, you should carry a water filter instead. Of course, this means you’ll have to know how to find water. If you think it will take a while to find water, then everyone in your group could carry a liter or two of water just in case.

7. Canned Food – Because of all the water in it, canned food is just too heavy for the amount of calories you get. You’re better off getting freeze-dried food and rehydrating it with water you find.

8. Cast Iron Skillets – Cast iron cookware is WAY too heavy to take with you. Just bring a small cookset instead.

9. Plateware, Utensils, etc. – Some people pack extra bowls, cups, plates, forks, etc., but you don’t really need all that. Just bring a spork and eat your food right out of the pot or package.

10. Toiletries – Things like shampoo, deodorant, and mouthwash aren’t really essential. Yes, bring some camp soap and toothpaste, but if you’re bugging out it won’t matter if your hair is shiny or if your breath is minty. Remember, you’re not bugging out so you can live in the wilderness for months on end. You’re bugging out until you can get to a safe location.

11. Medications – Don’t pack a whole bottle of aspirin or a whole bottle of allergy medication. It could take a long time to get through all that. Instead, take out enough pills to last a week and put them in mini ziplock bags.

12. Survival Books – Books weigh a lot, but knowledge doesn’t weigh anything. Instead of taking a bunch of heavy books with you, just study the information in those books so you’ll have it in your head when you need it. There is one possible exception, though. The pocket-size edition of the SAS Survival Guide is only 7 ounces and is crammed with great information.

13. Games – Travel size games are fun and can help pass the time, but you don’t really need them. If you’re bugging out, you’re going to be busy walking, foraging, cooking, etc. One possible exception is a deck of cards. You can play several games with it and it only weighs a third of an ounce. Better yet, get a deck with survival tips printed on it.

14. Heavy Tools – It’s tempting to stuff all your favorite tools–saw, wire cutters, socket wrench, etc.–into your bag, but how likely are you to actually need them? If you’re bugging out, you probably won’t be cutting down trees or fixing cars. You also don’t need things like can openers and screwdrivers as long as you have a decent multitool such as a Leatherman.

15. Backup Gear – The rule of “two is one, one is none” is very true, but if you’re just trying to survive outdoors for a few days, there’s no need to be bogged down with too many backup tools and supplies. Of course, use your best judgment. Having some water purification tablets in addition to a water filter is okay. The only other exception is fire starters. Lighters, matches, and Ferro rods don’t weigh much and fire is extremely important, but having an extra tarp or an extra radio seems unnecessary. Take a good look at all your backups and consider their weight and how likely you are to actually need them.

16. Extra Trousers – Trousers, especially jeans, can be pretty heavy. I recommend just wearing the ones you have on. Sure, they’ll get dirty, but deal with it. This isn’t a vacation. Just bring a skivvy roll.

17. Extra Ammo – It’s okay to carry a gun and a little bit of ammo for self defense. But frankly, if you need more than a dozen rounds then you’re probably screwed, anyway.

A Few More Tips to Lighten Your Bug Out Bag

If you get rid of all these things and your bag is still a bit heavier than you’d like, there are a few other things you can do.

• Get Lighter Versions of Items – For example, if you can find a hatchet that’s a pound lighter than the one you have, a radio that’s a couple pounds lighter than the one you have, and so forth, then eventually you can have all the same types of items but a much lighter bag.
• Bring Multipurpose Items – You’ll save a lot of space and weight if you bring items that can be used for many different things. For example, a multitool, a flashlight/radio combo, and small, useful items like bandanas, paper clips, dental floss, and so forth.
• Lighten Your Stuff – For example, cut down the handle on your toothbrush, drill holes in non-vital parts of equipment, cut off unnecessary straps and pieces of cloth on things, etc. There’s a lot you can do if you’re creative.
• Get in Shape – This is one of the best things you can do. Everyday, put on your bug out bag and go for a walk. Eventually your muscles will adapt and it won’t seem very heavy anymore.

Hopefully this information will help you significantly reduce the weight of your bug out bag. If you end up having to walk a huge distance after a disaster, it could mean the difference between life and death.