23 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Packing Your Bug Out Bag

When disaster strikes, your bug-out bag (BOB) becomes your lifeline. It’s crucial to pack it wisely to ensure survival and mobility. However, many people unknowingly pack items that are either unnecessary, inefficient, or downright counterproductive. Overloading your bag with the wrong items can slow you down, waste valuable space, and put your survival at risk.

While your bug out bag needs to stay light, your home stockpile should cover all essential survival items—discover the 30 must-have supplies here.

Here’s a detailed guide on 23 items you should avoid putting in your bug-out bag, and smarter alternatives to ensure you stay prepared without the extra weight.

While a knife is essential, overly large or impractical blades are unnecessary. They’re heavy, cumbersome, and often less effective than a multi-tool or a smaller, high-quality knife.

Stay prepared with SpecOps Bushcrafting, a guide to mastering essential wilderness survival skills, including efficient tool use.

Packing multiple outfits is one of the most common mistakes. Your focus should be on durable, weather-appropriate clothing and layers, not fashion. Limit yourself to one spare set of clothing and essentials like socks and underwear.

Your tablet, laptop, or gaming console has no place in a bug out bag. Focus instead on a compact radio or a solar-powered charger for practical communication and navigation needs.

Don’t waste space with full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, or lotion. Opt for travel-size versions or multi-use items like biodegradable soap.

Elaborate meals or exotic snacks are a waste of space and can spoil quickly. Instead, prioritize high-calorie, shelf-stable foods like energy bars, or trail mix.

Stay prepared with The Lost Superfoods, a guide to survival nutrition and long-lasting food storage.

While entertainment can help during downtime, books and board games are too heavy. Opt for lightweight, digital options or a survival manual instead.

Glass is fragile, heavy, and dangerous if broken. Stick to durable plastic or metal containers for carrying liquids.

If you need additional cordage, learn how to craft strong, natural rope from plants here.

Learn how to craft strong, natural rope from plants with My Survival Farm, a guide to self-sustaining practices.

Cotton retains moisture, making it a poor choice for survival. Instead, pack moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics that offer better insulation and comfort.

Jewelry, collectibles, and keepsakes have no place in a survival scenario. Focus on items with practical value.

Avoid redundancy. You don’t need four knives, three flashlights, and two hatchets. Choose multipurpose tools that can handle various tasks.

Streamline your bug out bag by learning essential knots instead of packing extra gear—master these 7 survival knots here.

Streamline your bug out bag by learning essential knots with SpecOps Bushcrafting.

Carrying untreated water is risky and heavy. Use a compact water filtration system or purification tablets instead of bulky containers.

Ensure access to clean water with these effective purification techniques—learn how here.

Ensure access to clean water with Air Fountain, a guide to water independence.

Opt for compact, lightweight sleeping bags or emergency bivvies instead of bulky, traditional ones.

An incomplete first aid kit is a disaster waiting to happen. Ensure yours includes essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers.

Canned food is great, but if you forget a can opener, you’re in trouble.

While some ammunition is necessary, overpacking can add significant weight. Strike a balance between preparedness and mobility.

Avoid carrying excessive flammable materials like large bottles of lighter fluid. A compact fire starter or waterproof matches will suffice.

Simplify your fire-starting tools with techniques that maximize efficiency—explore them here.

Simplify your fire-starting tools with techniques in SpecOps Bushcrafting.

Choose durable yet lightweight footwear designed for long treks.

Don’t be tempted by every survival gadget on the market. Focus on items with proven reliability and practicality.

Stick to compact, lightweight cookware suitable for one-pot meals.

Learn alternative cooking methods that eliminate the need for heavy cookware—explore techniques here.

Discover alternative cooking methods in Pocket Farm, a guide to food independence.

While staying hydrated is crucial, avoid heavy cans of energy drinks. Choose lightweight electrolyte powders instead.

Family heirlooms or irreplaceable items are too risky to carry in a high-stress evacuation.

Ensure you have a complete map or GPS device, and avoid relying solely on partial information.

Avoid navigation mishaps by mastering wilderness navigation techniques—start learning here.

Avoid navigation mishaps by mastering techniques in My Survival Farm.

Above all, avoid overloading your bag. Test your pack and ensure you can carry it comfortably for long distances.

Supplement your bug out bag with a well-equipped car emergency kit—find tips here.

Supplement your bug out bag with a well-equipped car emergency kit using SpecOps Bushcrafting.

Your bug out bag should be a carefully curated collection of essential items. Avoid overpacking or including unnecessary, heavy, or impractical tools. By focusing on streamlined, multi-functional items, you’ll ensure your survival and mobility in any crisis.

Packing a bug out bag is just the first step—prepare for long-term crises with these survival tactics here.

Prepare for long-term crises with Operation Blackout, a guide to surviving extended emergencies.