It’s amazing how much information you can find on what essentials you have to pack into your bug out bag, but very little on what you should avoid. Knowing what will inconvenience you is just as important as knowing what will help when an emergency appears. Here are a few things that should definitely not go into the bug out bag, not even as last minute additions:

Perishables

Fruit is known to contain vitamins we need, hydration we’ll require, and satisfy our hunger. But are they a feasible option? What do they offer?

• Vitamins, definitely contained in fruit – but what vitamins depend on the fruit, you get a much broader vitamin coverage with a multi vitamin tablet, which is a lot less weight to carry and will last much longer.
• Liquid – no doubt about it, most fruits can quench our thirst in the short-term. But they also contain sugars and will make you thirsty later on (not to mention they can become a sticky mess if they aren’t properly contained.)
• Satisfying – yes, but they won’t keep you as satisfied at high fiber and protein loaded foods would. This is important to know, because if you are on the move you will require more energy than you would with a normal diet.

Another factor with perishables, including meats or other unprepared foods, is that they usually go bad quickly without refrigeration. Their weight and dimensions are yet another aspect why to avoid them. Freeze dried fruits, fruit leather, and dried meats are much better choices. They are dense, light-weight, and have a long shelf life. The other perk of these preserved versions is that you won’t have to worry about them spilling into your bag, which just might put the “bugs