Below, you’ll find our bug out bag weight calculator that shows the total combined weight as you select your items.
Not every item on the list is a must-have. I’ve included multiple options in each category, allowing you to customize your gear based on your priorities and needs.
I’ve outlined our recommended Bug Out Bag List previously, and this calculator is built on that. If you have any questions on what you need, head there first and build your bag here as you read it. Also make sure you review our Favorite Bug Out Bag Backpacks.
How did I decide which gear to include in the calculator? I drew on real-world bug-out experience, including insights from experts like Blake, to curate practical product recommendations for this list. Our experts have tested the items below hands-on and recommend them.
Some Instructions
Using the calculator is easy. Just drag the items you want into the “your bag” category, and the calculator will do the rest. To remove an item, double-click it or use the reset button at the bottom.
This calculator works on most browsers. However, there may be some mobile browsers where it doesn’t work seamlessly. If it isn’t working for you, we recommend visiting on your desktop (just search “survival stoic bug out bag calculator”) or trying a different mobile browser.
Bug Out Bag Weight Calculator
Items
Medical
Shelter and Bedding
Clothing
Fire
Water and Hydration
Food
Tools
Lighting
Storage & Organization
Self Defense
Communication and Navigation
Power
Mental Health
Documents
Backpacks
Your Bag
How Much Should Your Bug Out Bag Weigh?
A good rule of thumb is that your bug-out bag should weigh no more than 10-20% of your body weight. For most people, this means keeping the bag under 25-35 pounds to ensure it’s manageable during an emergency.
Of course, this is for adults. Children can often carry much less than 20% of their body weight as their bones are still developing. Having them carry too much for too long can lead to long-term problems. However, teens can typically carry around 10-15% of their body weight.
I highly suggest building bug out bags as a family. You and your spouse don’t need to carry the exact same things. In many cases, you may only need one of a certain item for the whole family (though everyone should carry necessities, just in case you get separated). Splitting up these nice-to-have-but-not-essential items between all the adults can help reduce the weight of each bag.
Make sure you read our full Get Home Bag Guide as well as our other Emergency Preparedness Guides!
