8 Common Bug Out Bag Mistakes That You Must Avoid

Not knowing what you need

One of the most common mistakes people make when building their bug out bag is not knowing what they need. It’s important to have a list of items that you need and to make sure that you have those items in your bag. It’s also important to have a good idea of what you’ll need in a worst-case scenario.

Not having enough food and water

One of the most common mistakes people make when packing their bug out bag is not bringing enough food and water. This is a crucial mistake because if you are stranded in a survival situation, you will need food and water to stay alive. Make sure you pack enough food and water for yourself and for everyone in your party.

Suggested amount of food and water


The best way to avoid getting dehydrated or having a lack of food is to plan ahead. Depending on the activity, it’s recommended that an individual bring the following:

-For every half an hour of exercise, bring at least 1 cup (8 ounces or 240 ml) of fluids. If it’s a hot day, you’ll need even more.
-Bring more fluids if you’re sweating a lot. You might also want to consider fluids that have electrolytes, such as sports drinks.
-If you’re planning on exercising for more than 2 hours, bring some fuel for your body in the form of carbohydrates and protein. This could be in the form of energy gels, bars, sandwiches, and so on.

Note that everyone’s needs are different, so it’s important to experiment ahead of time to see what works best for you.

Not having the right kind of food

One of the most common mistakes people make when packing their bug out bag is not including the right kind of food. This can be a major problem if you find yourself in a situation where you need to Bug Out quickly. Here are some tips on what kind of food to include in your bag.

Non-perishable food items


If an emergency strikes, it’s important to have non-perishable food items on hand that don’t require cooking. These food items should be enough to tide you over until the emergency is over or until you’re able to cook a meal.

Below is a list of non-perishable food items that don’t require cooking:
-Canned fruits and vegetables
-Canned soups and stews
-Canned meat and fish
-Dried fruits and nuts
-Granola bars
-Crackers
-Peanut butter

Not having the right kind of water

One of the most important things in your Bug Out Bag is water. You can only survive for about three days without water, so it is crucial that you have enough water to last you until you can find more. However, many people make the mistake of packing the wrong kind of water in their Bug Out Bags.

Filtered water


Filtered water is any water that has been passed through a filter to remove impurities. The filtering process can remove many different types of contaminants, including particulates, bacteria, parasites, and dissolved chemicals.

There are many different types of filters available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most effective filters are those that use multiple filtration methods, such as activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, and ultraviolet light filters.

While filtering water can be an effective way to remove impurities, it is important to remember that not all filters are created equal. Some filters may remove more impurities than others, and some may not be able to remove all types of impurities. It is important to choose a filter that is appropriate for your specific needs.

Not having the right kind of shelter

One of the most essential pieces of gear in your bug out bag is your shelter. Without the right kind of shelter, you will not be able to survive in the wilderness. There are a lot of different shelter options available, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, we will talk about some of the most common bug out bag mistakes that people make when it comes to shelter.

Tent vs tarp

In an ideal world, you’d have a nice sheltered spot to spend the night free of bugs and critters. But in the real world, sometimes you have to make do with what you have. If you find yourself in a situation where you need shelter but don’t have a tent, don’t despair – a tarp can be just as effective, if not more so. Here are some of the benefits of using a tarp over a tent:

-Tarps are lighter and easier to carry than tents, making them ideal for backpacking or hiking trips.

  • Tarps can be set up in a variety of ways, so you can adjust them to fit your specific needs or the terrain you’re on.
  • With a tarp, you can get away with using fewer poles than you would need for a tent, which means less weight to carry.
  • Tarps offer better ventilation than tents, which can be important in hot weather or if you’re cooking under your shelter.
  • Tarps can be used for more than just shelters – they can also be used as ground sheets, sunshades, or emergency stretchers.

Not having the right kind of clothing

One of the most important things you need to pack in your bug out bag is the right kind of clothing. You need to make sure that you have clothing that will protect you from the elements and keep you warm. Many people make the mistake of packing clothing that is not suitable for their climate.

Seasonal clothing

Seasonal clothing is clothing that is appropriate for certain seasons of the year. In the winter, for example, you would not wear the same kind of clothes as you would in the summer. The type of clothing you wear depends on the weather in your area.

If you live in a place with four seasons, you will need different types of clothes for each season. In the winter, you will need warm clothes to keep you comfortable in the cold weather. In the spring, you will need lighter clothes as the weather gets warmer. In the summer, you will need even lighter clothes to stay cool in the hot weather. And in the fall, you will need clothes that are somewhere in between the spring and winter clothing, as the weather starts to get cooler again.

Each season has its own unique style of clothing. You can find out what is popular for each season by looking at fashion magazines or online fashion websites. You can also ask your friends or family members what they like to wear during each season.

Not having the right kind of tools

When you are packing your bug out bag, you need to make sure you have the right kind of tools. This means having a good knife, a fire starter, a map, and a compass. You also need to make sure you have the right clothes and shelter.

Not having the right kind of first-aid kit

One of the most important things in your bug out bag is your first-aid kit. This kit should have everything you need to treat minor injuries and keep you safe until you can get to a hospital. However, many people make the mistake of not having the right kind of first-aid kit.

List of suggested items

-Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
-Antibiotic ointment
-Antiseptic wipes
-Aspirin and ibuprofen
-Breathing barrier (for CPR)
-Calamine lotion
-Cotton balls and swabs
-Gauze pads in assorted sizes
-Heavy-duty adhesive tape
-Hydrocortisone cream
-Instant cold packs
-Latex gloves
-Liquid acetaminophen or ibuprofen for infants and toddlers
-Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
-Safety pins
-Scissors (with blunt ends)
-Sterile nonlatex gloves (for use by caregiver if latex allergy is a concern)
-Sterile rolled gauze in assorted sizes
-Tweezers