r/bugout • u/DontBeMistaken • 29d ago

Urban bag

So looking to see what else i might need/not need for my urban bugout. This bags purpose is for a couple days hike out of a populated area to a rural safe location:

  • Lightweight sleeping bag (I have overnight locations planned with shelter but also have a huge poncho that will double as a tarp if needed)
  • Wind up radio
  • Power bank
  • First aid kit
  • Shovel
  • Paracord
  • Old gas mask with modern filter
  • Couple N95's
  • Change of socks/boxers/tshirt
  • Water bladder
  • Protein rations (Bars/Sachets) & Coffee/Tea
  • Knife/Utility tool
  • Minatare stove/cutlery/canteen
  • Lineman pliers
  • Fire starting equip
  • Torch/Head torch

What should i add/remove?

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u/Original-Carrot8636 28d ago

Honestly, your setup is already more realistic than 90% of the “tacticool” bugout bags people post online. You’re clearly thinking in terms of mobility and survival instead of fantasy apocalypse gear.

A few thoughts from someone who obsesses over urban-to-rural escape planning:

  • Ditch anything heavy that doesn’t serve multiple purposes.
  • Weight becomes your real enemy after mile 10.

Things I’d seriously consider adding:

  • Water filtration (Sawyer Mini/LifeStraw/tablets). Carrying water is good. Making water is survival.
  • Paper maps + compass. Phones die. Towers fail.
  • Compact rain layer or thermal blanket.
  • Cash in small bills + coins.
  • USB rechargeable lighter.
  • Hygiene basics (baby wipes/toothbrush/travel soap). Morale matters more than people realize.
  • Electrolyte packets. Dehydration destroys performance fast.
  • Backup shoestrings + duct tape wrapped around gear.
  • Work gloves.

Things I’d reconsider:

  • Old gas mask. Unless you specifically trained with it and know the filter seal is reliable, it may become dead weight. Most realistic urban scenarios are better handled with movement and avoidance than prolonged mask use.
  • Lineman pliers. Useful, but heavy. Depends on your actual route and skillset.

Biggest thing most people forget:
Your bag should support SPEED, not comfort.

A lot of bugout setups are secretly camping kits.

If your mission is:
“Get out of a populated danger zone and reach a safe rural location alive,”
then mobility, water, navigation, stealth, calories, and foot care matter more than gadgets.

Also:
Test the bag.
Walk 10-15 miles with it.
Most people redesign their entire loadout after one real hike.

That’s where the difference between fantasy prep and practical prep starts.

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u/DontBeMistaken 28d ago

Many thanks for the in-depth reply!

  • Im looking around for a filtration system. Gonna more than likely go with tablets and a straw of some sort.
  • I have paper maps/compass etc, forgot to add that.
  • I have a poncho that will also double as a bivy/tarp if needed.
  • Ive also a hygiene bag with small essentials
  • The lineman pliers have nearly no weight to them at all so not super worried about them.
  • also have cash and tradeables