How To Bug-Out On Foot Safely


How To Bug-Out On Foot Safely

The bug-out strategy should be considered if everything else fails.

Imagine your home and your backup shelter are not safe for use. You have a fail-safe plan, enough supplies to last several months, and a cabin on a mountain where no one can reach you. But what happens when using your car is not an option?

Having a backup bug-out plan is always a good idea.

You would need to find a secure location not that far from your home that you can get to on foot.

As always, you need to carefully plan that as well.

Bug-out With Minimal Requirements

You already have your supplies ready, and bug-out bag prepared, but did you take into consideration going out on foot?

It changes the game substantially. Namely, one would need to think of essentials only in such cases.

First, you would need to find a walking distance location to bug-out to

It might even take you a day or a couple of days to get there. This will be the most determining factor for preparing to bug-out on foot. In most cases escape locations are within 1 hour walk from a home.

It will set the frame for the amount of food you can carry, the type of equipment you need, clothes and footwear, and most importantly it will require more physical effort on your side.

You should take this seriously and pack up your backpack and do a test walk to your location to see how much effort it takes on your part.

It would be recommended to always pack more food and water than you need (just 1-2 meals more per person) in case your bug-out trip takes longer than expected.

In a crisis situation you never know what you will come up against.

Get Prepared To Bug-out

When you have made your mind up on your secondary bug-out location, thoroughly research all the routes that lead to it.

That would mean hiking those routes first. That would be the best way to stay in shape and move your strength limits up. Start by exercising at home before you begin climbing hills.

Some people even have planned a 2nd location to go to if the first location is comprimised or impossible to get to.

Eventually, you would need to train while carrying your bug-out bag, as well. All of this will possibly change your plans several times until you find the right solutions for the problems at hand.

This is a good thing, it will allow you to know your limits and separate the important items you carry from the ones you can live without. In some cases if its a permanent camp or shelter that is already stocked with supplies you can carry less in your pack.

When you have finally set your mind on the bug-out location, and have proven to yourself that you can reach it no matter what, begin factoring in the weather issues.

What is the climate you live in? Do you need a raincoat and the best shoes possible?

Will rain influence your mobility or would heat require more water to carry? Be sure to have water filters or learn how to make your own for such cases.

Your footwear can make or break your trip, so invest in a good pair of boots or running shoes.

Make sure you’ve broken them in, though, and wear socks. Blisters are your worst enemy when you hike and can lead to infection. It’s better to avoid them than to deal with all the hassle.

TIP: Oh, and add a pair of socks or two to your bug-out bag!!

If you’re backpacking in the summer, wear something light enough to prevent heat exhaustion but can still protect you from sunburn. Heading out during the colder months? Then wear a beanie, parka, and gloves or mittens to stop yourself from freezing to death.

The point is: to dress accordingly.

Having Survival Caches Along The Way, Don’t Pack Too Much!

It’s a good idea to leave a few survival caches along the longer backup routes so you can replenish your supplies if you run out. This also eliminates the need to carry more things in your bug-out bag.

Walking long distances is a challenge in itself. Hiking with a bug-out bag in tow? Now that’s twice the test.

But here’s a secret: how you pack your bug-out bag will make all the difference.
If you stash your things without thinking twice, your bug-out bag won’t only slow you down.
It might also cause serious injury.

Try to find the perfect balance of the bag. Place smaller items that you need more often in outer pockets. Fill the bottom of the bug-out bag with heavier stuff then balance it on the top so your back won’t hurt. Try out several ways of packing until you find the right one.

Consider this as an ultimate prepping training.

You will try so many different options and test your abilities on so many levels that will get you prepared for any eventuality that may occur.

Your confidence will rise along with your strength, which will, in turn, enable you to rise to any challenge yet unfamiliar.

Tap yourself on the back, you deserve it.

Greg - Prepping Insider

Hey, I'm a prepping enthusiast. Prepping for me is simply something of a passion. I have personally lived in many different rural properties that have given me a wealth of knoweldge and experience in practically living out survival and preparation situations. It’s not about getting the latest survival gadgets or buckets of food as its more of a lifestyle.

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