Do you have a bug out bag packed and ready to go in the event of an emergency? Is it a bit heavier than you'd like it to be? Chances are you could always cut a bit of weight. For some pointers as to where you should make these cuts, check out the list below.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Extra Pants – Pants, 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.

While all of the items listed are undoubtedly useful and would be really nice to have if you had space and could carry the weight, they are definitely areas which could be cut if you were looking to make your bug out bag as light as possible.

Things like extra clothes, toiletries, canned food, and lanterns can all be stored at your bug out location, making packing them in your bag a wasted effort. Of course, if your bug out kit is vehicle-centered, you can always pack more supplies, but this is at least a good place to start when considering making cuts.

For more advice on what sorts of things you can cut from your bag, check out the entire list at Urban Survival Site.