Reasonably fit 70 year old

[old age prepper 70]

What does the forum feel is the maximum weight to carry if you are bugging out ?
I personally carry approximately 25 lbs on a long hike.
what would be in your bag ( essentials ) to bug out?

I will be bugging in as long as I am able or need to, my wife being disabled precludes running around in the woods.

[jansman]

We all have different risk awareness.For me,bugging out is not on the radar.My wife and I have a HOB,(HOtel Bag),which has clothes,toiletries,phone chargers and powerbank ,dog lead and bowls,etc. Just in case we get a gas leak/ fire/ nutter in the neighbourhood.The weight of that is irrelevant.In my car I have a GHB ( Get Home Bag).In that is an old school ' survival tin' ,a tobacco tin containing a fag lighter,flint fire thingy,whistle,a mini ' thataway ' compass,puritabs,mini mutitool,mini torch etc.It is a pretty self- contained unit. Keeps all the bits and bobs in a neat package.

Then there is a plastic bivi bag,couple of black bin bags,Sawyer water filter ( just the filter and straw,as this is an ' on the hoof' kit),space blanket ( a proper heavy duty one with grommets,not the foil rubbish),bit of cordage,three mars bars,caffeine 'Pro Plus' energy tablets,a few plasters and a large ambulance dressing,two x 500 ml water bottles.On the top is a mini Anker powerpack for my phone,and an LED headlamp and spare button batteries.That's it.It all fits in an 'urban' shoulder bag and weighs about five pounds.No obvious blades,it won't get me arrested.I always wear cargo trousers and work boots,and have a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman.

In the car,I always have my trusty Barbour wax jacket.In the pockets are wool hat,gloves and waterproof trousers,and a small umberella.Last but not least,my folding hiking pole.With that gear I can yomp home looking like the middle aged man that I am,and do an overnighter IF I have to.

[Deeps]

So many factors, I tend to pack the kitchen sink (literally sometimes, a collapsible one, doubles up as a dug bowl amongst other things) and can do a good distance on the flat. Throw some hills in and the weight catches up, duration of your expected 'trip' also plays a part, its just one of those things you need to figure out on an individual level. If you're planning on running off to the woods for an extended period you need to think about tools etc so that will be at the expense of other stuff. Don't know if this is any use to you but Paul Kirtley does a great vid on how small a weeks worth of food can be.



I've found, especially when out of condition its not the first day that's the problem, its getting up the next day and doing it all again... you do get back into the swing of it, looking after your feet becomes very important if you're planning on covering a lot of miles.

[grenfell]

As to essentials in the bug out bag the nature of the event will have a great bearing on what you pack. Chances are it's not going to be the end of the world and there's a very good possibility that you'll be able to return to your home. Take all the relevant paperwork pertaining to your home , deeds , insurance documents and the like , bank books and so on. If it's possible that the house will be demolished by the event you may find it a good idea to pack some personal sentimental items , the kitchen sink can be replaced the picture of your four year old can't be. It may seem like unnecessary weight and not things that will keep you alive but again therre's more than likely going to be active emerrgency services to provide lukewarm soup and a blanket in a sports hall somewhere.
I don't think there's a numerical figure for how much one can carry , there are lots of variables , age , distance , weather , companions and so on.

[jansman]

I agree with grenfell there.When I was 19 and serving as a bootneck,we were expected to yomp up to 40 miles with a 70+ lb loadout.Christ I was fit back then! Now,as a very middle aged chap, with shot knees and a permanent bad back,its as much as I can do to walk half a mile with my fishing kit!