Converting your bug out bag to a minimalist backpack is a pretty easy thing to do, as long as you’re willing to cut out the baggage. What I’ve noticed is that most times, what we pack far supersedes what we need. Let’s see how to turn your BOB into an item you can easily carry & hit the wild with.
Steps for Converting Your Bug Out Bag to a Minimalist Backpack
Become a Minimalist
There is a general belief that “more is better” in prepping. In fact, that’s the motto of most preppers, especially when the focus is on food, water & supplies.
But let’s be realistic when the focus is on living: there’s no way you’ll be switching between 10 boots when SHTF. Disasters will always have you sticking to the most available options, which are typically 2-3.
Why not get on with this lifestyle from now? What if you had to leave your properties behind tomorrow?
Anyway, the key concept here is this: becoming a minimalist is key to designing a minimalist backpack. I don’t see how a “more is better” prepper would pack only what he needs.
Ascertain Wants Vs. Need
You have to be deliberate with cutting down on unnecessary belongings. Your mindset has to be fixed on doing so.
You can begin with a room to room assessment of every property in the house to determine if what you’ve got are want items or need items.
Keep at this process until most of your unnecessary stuff is cut out. This extends to your BOB too. It is common to have plenty of items in the bugout bag, and while this isn’t necessarily bad, some of us deliberately come with items we won’t need — maybe to show luxury or whatever.
The basic items for your minimalist backpack are a small first-aid kit, water filter, canteen, purification tablets, water & canteen, lighter, small tarp flashlight, knife & a multipurpose tool, rope or cord, waterproof pen, cash & essential docs, sanitizer & soap, toilet paper, practical clothing, a weapon for self-defense & an address book containing contacts that matter.
Get a Smaller Bag
It’s easy to understand the psychology behind getting a small bag for minimalist backpacking. No one wants to carry a big bag that looks like it is empty.
Also, a smart bag is typically easier to carry for long hours. What you need to make sure of is that your bag has plenty of pockets to keep items in. I suggest something waterproof too.
Having already determined what you want to keep in & what you have to take out, filling your small minimalist bag won’t be a problem at all.
By the way, a backpack is preferable to a duffel bag.
Conclusion on Converting Your Bug Out Bag to a Minimalist Backpack
Converting your bug out bag to a minimalist backpack is an advisable step to take. Although it’s clear that not everyone has to be a minimalist, I advise that you at least have a minimalist BOB that you can grab when push turns to grab & survive on for a while. Remember that minimalism is more about optimizing your environment than what you pack. Let’s hear you: what other tips for adopting a minimalist backpack can you offer?