Bug-Out Bag Calculator
Get a weight-optimized, prioritized packing list for your evacuation bag.
Uncheck items to see how it affects your total weight. Essential items are marked.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the Bug-Out Bag Calculator
A bug-out bag (BOB) is a pre-packed bag with everything you need to survive for 72 hours or more during an evacuation. The biggest mistake people make is overpacking. This calculator helps you build a prioritized list that stays within a safe carry weight.
- Enter your body weight. The recommended pack weight is 15-20% of your body weight for comfortable travel. The absolute maximum is 25%. Heavier packs slow you down and increase injury risk.
- Set your travel days. Food weight scales with the number of days. Water is calculated at a 2-liter minimum baseline, though you should plan water resupply points for trips longer than one day.
- Select your climate. Cold climates add insulation layers and a heavier sleep system. Hot climates add extra water and sun protection.
- Check special needs. Medications, infant supplies, pet gear, and spare glasses are added as needed.
- Optimize your list. Uncheck lower-priority items to bring your total weight under the maximum. The weight bar updates in real time as you adjust.
About the Bug-Out Bag Calculator
This tool generates a prioritized packing list organized by category: water, food, shelter, fire, first aid, navigation, tools, light, communication, clothing, documents, and hygiene. Each item has a weight in ounces based on common lightweight gear. Priority 1 items are essentials that should not be cut. Priority 2 items are recommended but can be dropped if weight is a concern. The weight target of 15-20% body weight comes from military and backpacking guidelines for sustained travel over multiple days. Exceeding 25% significantly increases fatigue, joint stress, and the risk of falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy should my bug-out bag be?
For most people, aim for 15-20% of your body weight. A 150-pound person should target 22-30 pounds. The absolute maximum is 25% (37.5 lbs for a 150-lb person). Military research shows packs over 25% body weight dramatically increase fatigue and injury rates. If you are not physically fit or have joint issues, stay closer to 15%. Practice hiking with your loaded pack to find your comfortable limit.
What is the most important item in a bug-out bag?
Water. You can survive weeks without food but only about 3 days without water, and less in hot conditions or with physical exertion. Carry at least 2 liters and bring a water purification method (filter or tablets) so you can resupply from natural sources. After water, shelter (protection from the elements) and a way to signal for help are the next highest priorities.
Should I pack for 3 days or longer?
The standard recommendation is 72 hours (3 days). This covers most short-term evacuations. Packing for longer than 3 days adds significant food weight (about 2 lbs per day). If you need to prepare for longer scenarios, focus on skills and tools that let you resupply: water purification, fire-starting gear, and a fishing kit weigh very little but extend your self-sufficiency indefinitely.
What bag should I use for a bug-out bag?
Use a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt that transfers weight to your hips. A 40-60 liter capacity is typical. Internal frame packs are more comfortable for heavy loads. Avoid tactical or military-style bags if you want to blend in. Pick a neutral color (gray, dark green, or black). Make sure the bag fits your torso length. A poorly fitting pack causes back pain and blisters regardless of weight.