Replay: The Challenges of Bugging Out

One of our most popular podcasts here at Survivalist Prepper is the podcast we did about the challenges of bugging out. This week we decided to replay the podcast, along with adding some updated information.

Why Bugging Out is More Complicated Than You Think

This podcast was first published around 3 years ago. Since then our audience has grown, and we have quite a bit more information on bugging out and bug out bags here at Survivalist prepper.

At the end of these show notes I added some of our other articles and podcasts on bugging out that go into more detail if you are interested in digging a little deeper.

IN THIS ARTICLE (Jump to a Topic)

The Challenges of Bugging Out

As preppers we love to watch movies about apocalyptic scenarios and even TV shows like The Walking Dead. While these shows are great for giving us food for thought, bugging out will be more of a challenge than it is in these moveies and TV shows.

Below is a list of what we talked about in the show, and some things we need to think about if we plan on being realistic about what bugging out will really be like.

When All Else Fails

None of us want to bug out, or even rank bugging out high on our prepping priorities list. But the truth is, in some scenarios it may be unavoidable.

In the show we shared some of the responses we received from our audience about what it would take for them to bug out and leave all their prepping supplies behind.

A few of the responses included natural disasters, the neighborhood or home becoming unsafe overrun, as well as nuclear disasters and pandemics.

Bug Out Planning

Planning is one of the most important aspects of bugging out. Bugging out basically makes us a refugee, and we are far more likely to survive if we have a plan.

Having a plan not only means knowing where you are going, it also means taking into account your current personal situation and environment.

Bug Out Locations

We’ve all heard the statement “If you are planning on bugging out into the woods you are doomed.” While there are some people where this situation would be feasible, it’s not a good survival strategy for most of us.

Not only do we need to think about where we re going, but also our timing, escape routes, and other challenges we might face while bugging out.

Getting out of the immediate danger zone, avoiding hazards (including people) and picking the right time to evacuate all need to be considered depending on your geographical location, and disaster scenario.

Family Coordination

As a prepper you plobably have a great bug out plan laid out in your head, but what happens when your family members don’t follow that plan?

Getting the whole family on board can be a challenge in all areas of preparedness. If we can’t depend on them to react appropriately in a bugging out situation, our plans go right out the window.

Bug Out Communications

Prepper Comms (Communications) is important in all areas of preparedness. When and if the grid goes down there will be no cell phones, no email, and no internet.

Communications are not only important as you are beginning your bugging out plans, but also during and after. having a few handheld radios will help if you have a group that is either on foot or diving.

Practicing Your Plans

This may go without saying, but as they say “practice makes perfect.” While there is no such thing as perfect when it comes to disaster plans, practice will increase our chances.

The more we do something, the more we learn about how our plan will actually work. A plan that works out perfectly in our heads may not be so perfect when we execute it in real life.

Resources and Other Bug Out Links

Here are a few other links to article we have written here at Survivalist Prepper that might help with you bugging out plans…

The Bug Out Bag Checklist

Having a bug out bag is important for everyone because we don’t get to choose when disaster strikes. This bug out bag checklist will help you build the perfect go bag with the prepper gear that fits your needs.

Read the Bug Out Bag Checklist Here

Family Planning Tips

This is part 2 of a 2 part podcast going to go over some techniques you might be able to use to get your family interested in prepping. This article goes over some best practices, and how to approach different types of people.

Read About Getting Your Family Interested in Preparedness Here

Is Ham Radio Right For You?

Ham radio (Amateur Radio) is a very popular subject in the preparedness community, and for good reason. Being able to communicate and gather information in a disaster or SHTF scenario can and will be a game changer.

This article doesn’t just go over ham radio, but also covers the other radio types to help you decide if ham radio is right for you.

Bug Out Location Ideas

Why would you need multiple bug out locations? Isn’t one enough? In my opinion, the more the better and I wanted to write this article to explain why and, possibly, shatter some limiting beliefs.