Camping vs. Bugging Out

The question of what to pack in your bug out bag gets asked constantly on many of the prepping groups I belong to. There is a large part of the population that has no idea where to start with this task. To them it’s overwhelming and confusing. 

I am here to tell you that the bug out bag is nothing more than a backpack load for wilderness camping. That may seem like a very simplified answer but if you really think about what you are trying to accomplish with bugging out it is essentially the same task to live in an austere environment for a certain amount of time. Guess what? That’s camping!

Now I am not talking about campground camping where you are living out of your car with many modern luxuries and conveniences but something that is similar to backpacking or backcountry hunting. Backpackers have been doing this forever and understand that everything you carry adds up in weight felt on the trail. That comfort items are not needed to be comfortable. That food has to be light and easy to prepare. That water is heavy so it has to be collected and filtered. That furniture is not an option so you are sleeping on a pad or sitting on a log. That hygiene and first aid are important but minimalist. That living out of a backpack takes mental toughness and lots of preparation. 

Now this may answer the question but for most Americans it does not solve the problem. Because most have never done primitive camping. It is a very foreign concept. When I tell regular people that I am going camping in my hammock when it’s 50 degrees out. They look at me like I have two heads. But so many people want to be ready incase they have to leave their homes and live in the woods. So that brings me to the most important part of this article. Get out and primitive camp! It is the only way you will become comfortable and know what to bring.

I will provide a basic list but unless you are trying to do this in all seasons it will mean nothing when times get tough. I have regularly camped in all conditions from extreme summer heat to brutal cold. I have lived in tents, tarps, hammocks and on the ground. I’ve cooked over an open fire or from a small pocket stove. I know exactly what I need to be comfortable in almost any situation. And I am not intimidated by any of it. This is all because of experience actually doing it.

Your packing list should contain groupings of gear. From there you will adjust the items depending on the environment or weather. Keep it simple and avoid redundant items.

1. Food/Cooking – Packable food items that will last a long time and not require refrigeration (backpacking dehydrated meals). One cook pot and spork can do it all. No need for cups, plates, bowls or multiple pots and pans.
2. Water – Container for drinking and a large bladder for collecting and filtering. Lots of different systems on the market. Do research!
3. Shelter – Lightweight tents, tarps or hammock. Choose what works best for you. 
4. Hygiene/First Aid – Minimal but necessary. Choose the basics, keep it simple. Don’t skimp on First Aid but do not carry too much.
5. Tools – Just a few items are needed. (Saw, Fixed Blade Knife, Multi-Tool, Trowel)
6. Clothing – It’s more important to change your socks and under clothing when sleeping than any other item. You can get by with minimal clothing. But you should have good rain gear and warm layers you can remove and store.
7. Emergency items – Making a fire, signaling for help, etc. Once again keep it simple. Don’t bring a bunch of gadgets. A lighter and a ferro rod are more than enough along with a whistle.