{"id":2499,"date":"2021-10-03T18:57:46","date_gmt":"2021-10-03T18:57:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatesurvivalspace.com\/?p=911"},"modified":"2022-03-26T03:14:15","modified_gmt":"2022-03-26T03:14:15","slug":"what-is-the-best-size-for-a-bug-out-bag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/what-is-the-best-size-for-a-bug-out-bag\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Best Size For A Bug Out Bag?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
You\u2019ve got your lists of what to have with you in an emergency. You\u2019ve bought quite a few of the items. You\u2019re all set to make a bug out bag (or three), but now you\u2019re wondering, what is the best size for a bug out bag?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An ideal size for a bug out bag for a 72-hour emergency is 40 to 50 liters. More slightly built people, such as most women, should aim for 30 liters. For more long-term emergencies, especially when bugging out with small children, one will need a larger backpack of around 80 liters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Obviously, quite a few factors play out when considering the best size for a bug out bag, so let’s take a look at them so you can make an informed choice about what is best for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A key factor in choosing a bug out bag is one\u2019s own size<\/strong>. You will want one that is fitted to the length of your torso<\/strong> and one that is not too heavy<\/strong> for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Selecting the right size of pack depends not only on your size but also on the weight you are carrying<\/strong>, which roughly corresponds to the length of the emergency<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, aim for 10 liters per 24 hours<\/strong>, with the caveat that if you are stronger and fitter<\/strong>, you can get away with 5 liters extra per 24 hours<\/strong>. Leave storage space<\/strong> in your pack to include items you find along the way<\/strong>, whether water, food, or clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This results in the recommendation of a 40 to 50 liter pack for a 72-hour emergency<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more long-term emergencies<\/strong>, you will need a larger pack<\/strong>. Bear in mind that a fully-loaded backpack should not exceed more than 25% of your body weight and that you should practice walking with your pack. Ensure that you have the fitness to carry it as far as necessary!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a general sizing guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not select a pack that is too big. You will be tempted to fill it too full<\/strong>, which means too heavy to move quickly<\/strong>. In an emergency, being able to move quickly<\/strong> is worth more than some extra \u201cnice to have\u201d stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to be able to move on foot<\/strong>. Riots and blocked roads may require you to part company with your vehicle, or you may run out of gas. Do not rely on a vehicle to bug out<\/strong>, which means not creating a pack so bulky and heavy that only a vehicle can comfortably move it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A larger pack<\/strong> will also be tougher to stow<\/strong> and to grab in a hurry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, a big pack makes you an obvious target for opportunists<\/strong>, as you are obviously carrying a nice lot of goodies! Resist the temptation to pack too muc<\/strong>h by using a smaller pack<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pack all the essentials<\/strong> you need, but remember that knowledge trumps tools<\/strong> and knowledge weighs nothing<\/strong>. Having the skills<\/strong> to use a few multi-purpose tools<\/strong> is much better than lugging a load of specialized equipment<\/strong> around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are certain circumstances<\/strong> under which you may need to carry a larger pack<\/strong>, such as if you are bugging out with small children who cannot carry their own packs<\/strong>. In this case, you will need a larger, week-long or expedition pack<\/strong>. Make sure you are fit enough to carry it for as long as is necessary<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your particular environment, needs, and likely emergencies will dictate what your bug out bag should contain, which will influence size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the process for measuring backpack capacity<\/strong> having long been standardized<\/strong>, we still find that two packs with the same claimed capacity do not hold the same amount of gear<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the standard for measuring pack capacity, measurements should not include any compartments not entirely sealed by zips<\/strong>. However, some manufacturers may be counting the capacity of these compartments<\/strong>, such as bottle holders and shovel pockets<\/strong>, toward the total capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that comparing packs online<\/strong> is not as easy as testing packs out in person<\/strong>. Testing in person also allows you to carry the pack around<\/strong> and see how it feels to wear it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask the salesperson to load some gear in<\/strong>, and carry it around the shop<\/strong>. This will give you an idea of whether you can handle the weight<\/strong> and whether the pack will hold enough<\/strong> for the emergencies you are preparing for<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In sizing a pack<\/strong>, the most important thing is not the length of your body but the length of your torso<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To measure your torso<\/strong> correctly, measure from your C7 vertebra<\/strong> at the top of your shoulders down to the top of your hip bones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a general guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\nChoosing A Bug Out Bag Size Depends On Your Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Testing A Pack Before Buying It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Size Your Pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n