These eight (8) items do seem useful but when you are fighting for survival, attempting to get somewhere with a minimum of strain or the precious room in your bug-out bag, you just might be able to leave some of these things at home. Take a look and see if you do not agree.

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.

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.

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 and purify 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's also been suggested that an extra pair of pants is not needed. We kind if disagree with that one. What if we get wet or the pants we are wearing become unbearably dirty before reaching our destination? Maybe a nice light pair of pants, they do not have to be heavy like jeans, can be rolled up and stuck in a corner of the bag? We have to give that one a little more thought.

Meanwhile, pretty much the rest of the list, we think, is accurate. Again, you have to arrange it for your own family – some kids have to have games! – but if you need further information, maybe a short list of a few items to lighten up that bug-out bag, go to the  Urban Survival Site.

Featured Image via Prepper Journal