Layman's Guide to Bugging In or Out (A Collective Work in Progress)

[PA PATRIOT]

Seems like a lot of questions come up about Bugging In or Out and maybe a dedicated thread can serve as a reference point for those seeking answers or wishing to post helpful tips and advise.

[docsherm]

What is the plan if you cannot get to your bug out location by vehicle due to whatever reason...EMP, roads unpassable, etc.? Bug in or walk?

I have many routes set up. There are no major bridges or other significant terrain features that would prevent me from getting to my ranch. As for EMP….prep your transportation also. Worse case we can get there on Horseback.

I also have 90% of my “stuff” there. I keep a solid 30 day plus stash at my home. I set time tables for the need to Bug out or Bug in. If it is something that I can ride out at home (lasting a few days to a week or so) then I will Bug in. If it is going to be longer then that time or if it is a true SHTF situation then I activate my Bug Out plan.

[Warp]

I have many routes set up. There are no major bridges or other significant terrain features that would prevent me from getting to my ranch. As for EMP….prep your transportation also. Worse case we can get there on Horseback.

I also have 90% of my “stuff” there. I keep a solid 30 day plus stash at my home. I set time tables for the need to Bug out or Bug in. If it is something that I can ride out at home (lasting a few days to a week or so) then I will Bug in. If it is going to be longer then that time or if it is a true SHTF situation then I activate my Bug Out plan.

I would be extremely hesitant to have 90% of my stuff off-site. I would be worried about any and every kind of eventuality that might make travel a no-go, and I would worry a lot about the security of the stuff at the BOL. What kind of steps can one take to REALLY secure their stuff when nobody is there? (or is somebody there, in which case are they 100.000% trustworthy?)

[PA PATRIOT]

I think the amount of gear one stores at secondary locations depends on where the locations are and how they can be secured.

A remote ranch or mountain house can have hidden storage locations with in the home that are very difficult to find.

I feel a 90 day minimum food supply should be stored at a bug-out location since if you had to roll out from your primary location then most likely any chance of immediate resupply would be extremely limited if the event is large enough in scale. Full replacement gear and repair parts would also be stored to replace anything lost or damage while in transit.

While I realize security and cost is a major concern with preps such as these its all about keeping your family safe during a time unrest and creative persons can think up and install some very good hiding spaces with in the structure.

[docsherm]

I would be extremely hesitant to have 90% of my stuff off-site. I would be worried about any and every kind of eventuality that might make travel a no-go, and I would worry a lot about the security of the stuff at the BOL. What kind of steps can one take to REALLY secure their stuff when nobody is there? (or is somebody there, in which case are they 100.000% trustworthy?)

Some good points. I do not have those concerns about my bug out location. Staying put is not an option for me. I have several people meeting me there and my current home is not suited for any long term situation. I have people there, family.

[Warp]

Some good points. I do not have those concerns about my bug out location. Staying put is not an option for me. I have several people meeting me there and my current home is not suited for any long term situation. I have people there, family.

That seems about perfect

[docsherm]

That seems about perfect

I wish......it still has some holes that i am fixing.....but it is currently my 80% solution. Always looking to improve it.

[cobb1873]

If the troubles seem likely to last longer than a couple weeks my family will be changing location. But something to remember is the time of year.
Will you have time to establish a garden or have fodder for any livestock you may be bringing. Livestock at this point could be a breeding pair of rabbits or guinea pigs. I have small children so there pets could be a mid-term food source solution. Some protein is better than none. Also if your bol has a pond or lake introducing some domestic ducks or swans could be a viable option.

[docsherm]

Good points about the time of year. If up north the winter might be challenging to travel in. Down south not so much. Animals can also pose a problem transporting to a new location.

[Dave L.]

Good points about the time of year. If up north the winter might be challenging to travel in...

Once nice thing I like about winter is that travel will be hard on everyone. Hypothermia will cure many possible problems and would therefore buy you some time to stay bugged in.

I guess the caveat would be that wood-burner smoke might attract people like magnet.