I'm putting together a bug out bag and I want to make sure it's not too heavy. Are there any guidelines on how much the pack can weigh?

I've heard as a rule of thumb that your pack should not be any more than 25% of your total body weight. So for example, a person weighing 200 pounds, the maximum pack weight should be 50 pounds.

Not exactly sure if this theory is correct, but for some reason I thought I came accross this as a rule of thumb somewhere in the past.

_________________
If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

I think this depends on what kind of pack you are using. I know that the packs with external frames do a better job of distributing the weight which allows you to carry more weight with less strain. Of course, it's important to pack your bag evenly as well. If there is more weight on one side that can make a pack difficult to carry for a long period as your back muscles will be overcompensating to adjust the weight. Bottom line is this: as long as you're comfortable, you're pack if fine.

The 25% rule is indeed a standard backpacking rule of thumb. However, I find that when I keep my backpack weight down, I can move further, faster and I enjoy myself more. I figure if I had to bug out I would also need that same extra energy dealing with whatever caused the bug.

My BOB weighs 29 pounds and my wife's is 18 pounds. This leaves room/weight for additional stuff that we could grab on our way out to wherever. I prefer to carry the most important stuff between my ears. that's why I'm here. I'm always looking for good ideas.

Welcome to the forum, Wild Bill. Thanks for joining the rest of us. I think you'll find plenty to learn and share on this board. The site is just taking off, but there are a handful of knowledgeable members already. I'm looking forward to seeing how this site progresses in the coming months.

_________________
If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

That's a good point WildBill, about leaving some extra free space in your bag in order to throw in last minute items. There's always something else that needs to go with you when the moment arrives.

a little lesser than 25 % would help move faster..
again it depends wat emergency it is...
if getting away fast is not an issue , a heavier bag would do...

My bugout bag is deliberately light. I kind of assume that if/when it becomes time to bug out, I will also be able to throw too much stuff into the back of my pickup. those will all be the luxuries, like the potty bucket, extra H2O. If/when I run out of gas or road or whatever, I'll cherry pick from the stuff in the truck, or trade it for other useful items. the BOB is just for the stuff I NEED.

My view is it should be something that you can carry on a hike without trouble for several miles. You want something that isn't going to be terribly bulky so that you will actually carry it with you. Mine stays in the back seat of my truck as well as my .22 rifle. I am always carrying my .40 Glock (I have a CHL) so I am always ready in case something happens.

It depends on the capacity of the person, if you are muscular and energetic , then you would be in a position of carrying more weight. It also depends on the stamina of the person. The lesser the weight, faster the person travels.