I’ve seen folks load up what they intended to be a “72-hour pack” or a “Bug Out Bag” and think they are going to hike 1,000 miles to safety with it. But hang on a second – How much does that thing weigh?

A toughened, physically fit soldier can carry about 70 – 90 pounds of gear for a while. Are you one of them?

I am in good physical condition, workout regularly, and carry a 45 pound pack as part of my job during fire season. And let me tell you that is a heck of a chore! So, load up your “bag” (whatever you want to call it) and then go for a good hard mountainous hike for 6 – 8 hours and tell me how you feel afterwards.

Hey, you might even find out some interesting things about your boots and come to understand “Mole Skin” or “Second Skin” as your new best friend. But try out your pack before you think you have it loaded for the ultimate bug-out.