I just got my bug-out pack done. I have always had one, then I got married and priorities got skewed. I discussed with the wife "Hey let make bug-out bags!" After telling her what and why one would need a bug out bag, she was all about it (very cool family project). We both have (as well as my son) a 3 day bug out bag. Mine weighing in at a cool 49.5 pounds and the wife's at 38 pounds. My son's about 10 as he is still young. But being an old fat man, I am worried that after the end of my block I will start shredding my pack of weight (kidding). I am curious as to how heavy I should have it so a average man (woman) in average health (40 and 33) should be and still be able to bug out. I would really like some imput on this.

Do things to become an old thin man...just kidding. I have the same problem with my 8 year old daughter..how much can she carry.

Convential wisdom says a maximum of 1/3 your body weight..but sometimes that will be too much. I say match the bag to the person...IMHO. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm doing as much as I can with the whole get thin part, its the getting old part ... I figure if he carries clothes, mess kit, canteen, a CD (signal mirror), whistle, and some energy bars he will be at max load. At least until he gets older and can carry his old man's gear ;o)

You need a bugout PLAN to go with the pack. What is the plan and how far does it involve carrying the pack? If you only have to get it out to the car, 49 lb doesn't sound too bad. If you plan to carry it any distance, I'd say it's a bit much unless you're very strong. Anyway there is a simple test. Just put it on, go outside, and walk with it for 1/2 an hour or so. If you can't manage that, the pack is too heavy.

That's a question that only you can answer... every individual is different, and different individuals' abilities change. Due to deteriorating physical health, I have to admit... I can't carry what I could have just a year ago. My bug-out plans have changed... actually, my whole outlook has changed. If I have to scoot, it'll be early, and definitely in a large SUV, I tend to take risk assessment more seriously, and have come to the conclusion that if worse comes to worst, the rest of the pack may have to keep going and I may just get left behind. While my wilderness skills are above par, and I have no doubt that I can keep myself comfortable in the bush, it'll be a lot more work than it would have been a few years ago, and if the situation warrents running, I may as well stand and fight, and not die quite so tired... such is life <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Troy

I am being a bit modest in my physical health, however I am with you. If I have to run, it will be a very short run, and it usually involves TP <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I just worry that the best layed plans my crumble to age and ability to carry out those plans with a walker and a package of depends <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Guess it will boil down to evaluating my pack on a regular (quarterly?) basis.

My BOB can be scaled quickly to the situation at hand and a best estimate of how things will play out. Or, while bugged out if I have taken the whole shebang I can remove various parts depending on what I need to do assuming I have established a "base".

For example, if we're talking a short term bugout in which it appears as if I won't have to do any heavy work, my full size axe (man I hope I get that fiskars axe for Xmas LOL) and prybar are the first to go.

As another example, if it appears that I will be capable of easily finding some sort of shelter or if I think I'll have the time to make shelter in an event where speed and distance isn't a primary concern the tent can be left behind.

Beyond that, I can also drop or add equipment depending on the season or any number of factors.

Having said all that, in most cases I will attempt to take all I can.

As others have mentioned above, it will depend on what you're capable of carrying and what situation you're preparing for. Get out there and put yourself to the test. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I’m in my very early 50’s, and in “reasonable” shape. I stay active, hike 3+ miles at a brisk pace with my pooch at least 3 times a week, and do some light weightlifting a couple of times a week. I could stand to lose 20 lbs. I decided to perform a test, and loaded up my Maxpedtion Proteus with about 10lbs of stuff, and attached a full 1 liter Nalgene bottle as well. Threw on some quality hiking shoes, and headed out for a 4 mile hike with some “up and down” terrain. I definitely noticed the added weight. That changed my concept of bugout bag. I think the concept of “layering” and/or “compartmentalizing” is the best strategy. Very few people need to “bug out” with a 40+ lb. Pack on their back. Even fewer realize how far they would get packing that kind of weight. Heck, most people have no concept on how difficult a “bug out” trek might be.

My daughter recently went on a hike with me – she being 27 and in EXCELLENT shape (many hours at the Gym). She could not keep up on the uphill portions of the hike, and wanted to quit on several occasions. She wasn’t packing anything either. Being able to walk or hike for an appreciable distance, especially “off road”, is an acquired skill. Conversely, she would probably dust me on a treadmill.

Like I mentioned in a response earlier. Hopefully, all I have to do is throw the BOB in the back of my SUV and off we go. However, even if I just get out of town to a safe(r) place, and set up, it has accomplished all that it was made to do. I also have a medical bag that is meant to be taken along, however, I compartmentalized this one so that I could set up and do anything from multiple person intermediate injuries to a single person minor injury. I made it so it was "disposable" as it is VERY heavy.

I am in reasonable shape (no beer belly) and know more or less of my limitations. I am just way out of practice on setting up BOBs. I am trying to think "light, function and practicality". Somehow, I ended up with this pack that I am hoping will work. I guess the only way I will know is to try it out. I will probably wait until spring as I would like to control a little of the comfort level while it is in my control.

i would say keep it in the 20-35 pound range..you still want to be comfortable as well as prepared........mtnfolk mike

I can tell you, your proposed pack weight separates the men from the boys. 15 years ago (45 y/o at the time; 160 lbs; average physical condition), did a High Sierras hike, just below Yosemite, totin’ a 50 lb. pack: 16 miles roundtrip; 4,000 ft. elevation gain; moderate to fairly strenuous terrain; one day in; 3 days at destination; one day out. Despite the fact I was a moderately active weekend backpacker, the pack-weight made the trip less enjoyable. More rest stops than usual.

Afterwards, replaced some gear with new, lighter stuff (sleeping bag, mess kit, stove etc), and took a hard look at my gear list (Do I really need to carry this?). Sliced 15 lbs. off my typical pack weight. It made a difference, and my body appreciated it. Like Hghvlocity said: “Conventional wisdom says a maximum of 1/3 your body weight.” Same school of thought says for long-distance hikes, pack weight shouldn’t exceed 25 percent of body weight.

Maybe you’ve seen some form of this example; probably not totally scientifically accurate, but you get the point: average person covers a mile in 2200 steps; you lift your pack weight every time you lift your foot; ten pounds in the pack is 22,000 lbs. lifted over the course of a mile.

As others suggested, put it to the test. Throw it on your back, and take it for a spin; and, importantly, on terrain comparable to what you’d expect to cover in a “situation.”

The SAS Fitness Training book suggests when starting to hike with a pack, start out with just a bit of weight and gradually increase it as your fitness level improves. This could be a practical exercise for those of us who think we may have to hike a bit. Start a daily walk with a small pack, and gradually increase the weight. That way, you are improving your fitness level and getting real world experience in how much weight you can carry in your pack.

For comparison sake, I look at what I would take on a backpack trip for a week, assuming near total environmental independence (ie I will pack everything I will need to survive except all the water I will use). I've yet to build a pack that weighs less than 50 lbs that will go anywhere I want.

As a comparison, my camelback motherlode weighs in at just over 25 lbs, and contains enough to keep me going for at least three days (including enough water, food, and emergency clothing and shelter). There's of course a big difference between just getting by and living comfortably, which is why the backpack weighs twice as much as the motherlode pack. The nice thing is that my EDC is robust enough and I am skilled enough with it that I don't need to bring the kitchen sink to get by. So really, except for the water, the BOB is not that much value added, more creature comfort.

After some helpful advice from people on this site my Blackhawk Cyclone has a healthy SK, FAK,a couple different shelter options 102oz of water and 3 days of chow, 5 if I stretch it. the whole thing is weighing in at about 40lbs