Hello my friend and welcome back to today’s post! Today we are going to discuss the reality of bugging out…It’s not as simple as it sounds! Many people have different ideas about just what bugging out means. Some think of it as a stroll in the park, like hiking or playing hide and seek when you were a child. In this case however, losing could mean your life. Grab a cup of coffee and have a seat while we take a look at this subject.
As a young boy, I loved to play hide and seek in the dark, and I was always pretty good at it. The thing is however that I have no illusions that hiding from a friend in the dark will in any way be the same as hiding from enemy soldiers in the dark. All of the rules have changed and traveling long distances from one location to another while avoiding military troops, hungry people and even roving bands of gang members will be something out of a nightmare, to be sure.
When I first started prepping, I believed that all I would need to do is to grab my bug out bag and take off when the time comes. Now I know that really isn’t true, if you want to survive. Granted, the bug out bag is the absolute most essential piece of equipment to have when the time comes, but you need to be prepared to encounter situations where not only your strength is challenged, but your very concept of humanity and survival as well. Mental and physical exhaustion combined with seeing things you never imagined you would, can take their toll. Many will never make it to their destination, simply because they are not prepared mentally for the challenges they will face.
Even when you are bugging out in a vehicle of some type, your journey could be fraught with unexpected challenges. Now we all spend a great deal of time and money trying to prepare for the unexpected, but no one can prepare for the mental challenges you will face. Only those who have lived through combat have any idea of what to expect. If you ask anyone who has walked through the fires of hell and lived to tell about it, they will tell you what they can, but some things just can’t be explained.
What if one of your spare gas cans gets a bullet hole in it and you don’t have enough gas to make it? What if your tires get shot out and you can no longer drive on them? What then? Desperate and hungry people are the most resourceful people there are. They will place tack strips across the roads as well as nails and broken glass and even roadblocks. They will do anything they can think of to stop you.
If you are on a bicycle or dirt bike, they will do the same to the trails that pass through their area. Traveling from point “A” to “B” will not be as simple as you might imagine. I mean, have you ever tried to change a tire in the middle of a gun battle or even put gas in it while someone is taking pot shots at you? Trust me when I say it’s not something you should ever try. Wait until the gun battle is over and then do it unless you are completely outnumbered and have no chance of winning. If this is the case, then you would do well to just abandon you vehicle, no matter what it is.
There are certain things that you should always have attached to your body once SHTF hits, that way if you do have to run for your life and abandon your supplies, all will not be lost. So, what are these items? Here is my list; Rifle, pistol, fixed blade knife, flashlight, compass, paper map of your area, emergency trauma kit and food and water for 24 hours. I know this may sound like a lot, but what price do you put on your life? All of these items can easily fit in a light day pack that can be easily carried at all times. Well, with the exclusion of the rifle and that you need to keep slung across your shoulder when not needed.
Life after SHTF will be completely different world and to allow yourself to think that bugging out will be a simple journey, could get you killed. The best advice I can offer to help mitigate any of these hazards is to tell you to leave within the first 24 hours of an SHTF event. While there is always the possibility of jumping the gun, the alternative is far worse!
Well, that is it for today’s post and I hope you have enjoyed it. Until next time, stay safe, stay strong and stay prepared. God Bless America!
-The Sargent-
the article was well worth the read.
Thank you for you post. I’ve run many scenarios through my mind that might happen. I think I’ve done a decent job of preparing, but the mental aspect is one I think will be the most challenging. Networking with vets, and documentaries on war are all I really have. I trust that the Lord will guide me through these times. Thanks again and look forward to your next post!
Excellent post
Thanks Yooper!