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We did our first bug out drill! Comprehensive review inside. Don't be shy, come on in!
4/25/2012 1:35:50 PM
So, I went on an impromptu camping trip and decided to do a 5 mile hike/bug out drill.
Conditions:
1. First time using our equipment to 100% capacity, and we took a full loadout. 4 sleeping bags, 5 person tent, cooler, etc. I treated it like a camping trip. I did however pack my assault pack (Camelbak BFM) and also my 3 day SHTF pack (Eberlestock GSII). The Camelbak was empty and the GSII was loaded with my fighting(ish) loadout, along with emergency gear.(More on that later...)
2. Wife as given 15 minutes to pack, and was not told the nature of the exercise (for the sake of fun...) but instead I told her we were going to watch the Lyrid meteor shower. (Which DID happen, it was awesome.)
3. Took $100 to walmart for stuff we might miss. We left at 1730 and arrived at walmart with a list in hand. My list was minimal, she came back with a whole cart FULL of stuff. Total in all actuallity came out to $128 plus change. Items included paper plates, cups, hotdogs, stuff for cooler, etc. I was ok with her getting that as she did not know what we were doing. So, that was our walmart trip.
Our travel to the site was uneventful. We took out Toyota Camry with us and it was CRAMMED to the gills with gear. When attempted to go to the first site, it was closed. Forest service does not open it until May 1. So at 1930 with the sun going down, we went to site #2. Site #2 was not what she wanted. We looked at it, AND the inhabitants and quickly left. Then the fun began. We went to where we go shooting, there were plenty of places to set up, but I had not brought a shovel of some kind to dig a pit for a fire. Now, mind you it is dark and about 60* outside, oh and we had a 3 and 5 year old with us too, so time was kinda running otu. (Which is what I wanted for the experience of the exercise.) So, we called a relative (who was in on this with me) to see if we could go there. She said NO, (hehehe, as planned) so we went to a mountain campsite ran by the Forestry service. Ended up begining to set up camp at 2000 hours, in the dark. Now, I am in Oregon and firewood is at a premium here in the spring, due to winter rains. I bought soem of the chemical logs (a case of 6) and used them to start the fire. It worked, and worked very well. She attempted to, and succeeded in setting up a tent in the dark. All of this took some serious time. All told it was an hour. The kids were fed snacks to keep them happy and we settled in to a dinner of hotdogs and such at 2100 hours. Kids went to bed.
Then we waited for them to go to sleep and I began going over the shortcomings of that night, with a small AAR for myself and her. I told her the nature of the exercise, and she smiled, figuring out that was what I had in mind. Here is what we came up with-
#1 Having gear READY TO GO, RTF, is probably the most important. Instead of being quick and streamlined, we ended up taking not 15 minutes, but 45 to get out the door. In an emergency, that would have been VERY bad.
#2 Knowing your gear and how it all works together (sinergy) is highly important. Everybody is going to want to know "what kind of gun did you bring?" "Ammo?" Carry concealed? Etc etc, ad nauseum. That did not come into play that night, and it was not an issue. In fact we were more concerned with shelter, hydration and food for kids, and fire. Defense was last on my list at that point in time. Since we split the duties of setting up a camp, it went fairly well. Doing things in the dark really does slow a person down. It most certainly wasnt like the Army where I had night vision, plenty of light if needed from a multitude of other Joes, etc.
Speaking of light and gear, and all that. I brought a weaponlight. Due to the other 3 lights being too dim, I used that as a primary light (after detaching it from the pistol) and it worked fine. Now, the stuff in my GSII? Well it had just bare emergency supplies. Water filter, emergency rations, (small blue cube USCG type) firestarter, emergency essentials bivvy bags x2, a Gerber LMF knife (small type) ammo for pistol, spare batteries for light, and a few other things. All in all, an honestly piss poor setup for what we were doing, or anything outside of a 1% "oh shit" gotta go now event. And even then, it was not set up anywhere near what it should have been.
Anyhow, back to the AAR/review.
The next morning, my wife was raring to go. She quickly packed the tent, I got the kids fed and we were ready to roll in about 30 minutes. This is a HUGE improvement ofer the night before, mainly because she knew what we were doing, and that it was not dark out. Upon getting into the car, we agreed that we had failed ourselves and that another exercise was in order. So, we decided to go to on a hike to test our on foot capabilities...
We went to Cape Lookout state park and decided to do a 2.4 mile hike to the end of the cape with a 2.4 mile return on the same trail. We took only the following: the Camelbak filled with a box of gold fish crackers, two bottles of gatorade, a quarts of water, and 12 snack sized Hershey chocolate bars, the pistol w/light, and a single mag with 15 rounds. This part was just plain fun. The trail was nice, it was gorgeous out and overall a fun hike. For us it was about testing endurance with children. The trail itself is a bit dangerousa points, rather muddy, and has plenty of ups and downs. The kids ended up doing well on the way out, but we had to take breaks about every hour. On the way back both kids were pretty well done at mile 4. We ended up carrying our 3 year old and had to take more breaks. Total time to do 4.8 miles, almost 5 hours. Keep in mind this is over rough terrain, but it is doable. As far as what we were carrying/wearing for the weather, it was fine. On this part of it, everything was ok and while I would have changed what I carried for basic provisions, it worked out fine. We left and ended up going out for pizza and then towards home happy and full.
The things I learned from this were invaluable. First, I cannot say enough, you need to get out there and DO IT. Buying a ton of gear and putting it in your closet does you no good at all. Now that I have done this I figured out what works for us and what does not. Leading into the point of what works and what does not:
#1 Simplicity of gear is the first priority. Take my GSII pack for example. It was poorly packed and set up. I have decided to dump all of that gear into two different sets, one for each car and keep it as bare bones essentials (the Camelbak will be used for this.) The GS pack will have enough for 3 days in it, but mainly focus on the basics with a core of lightweight, compact gear. Also, everything needs to be tested monthly as well. My wife's bug out bag has not been updated since our son was 1 or so. He is 3 and while I was deployed she didnt have the time to do updates. So, this too has to be addressed. Make sure that if you have meds for example, that they are in date and good to go. Get proficient with a firearm, or arms, and leave it at that. No amount of going out and buying multiple guns will save you if you have not gone out and started a fire with wet wood in the middle of the night.
#2 Bare minimum type gear is good if you are alone. If you have kids, not so much. They need to have a few simple things to keep them busy. Even if it is a die-cast toy car or two or even a couple of dolls for the princess in your family, it is worth it. Also, the best thing I had was a wind up flashlight for my daughter. She loved it and now will not part with it. Just keep in mind, if you have others with you to include what they will use. My wife forgot to pack extra socks, so we had to buy some for the kids. I keep 2 pair in my GSII for example. As I learned, the big ticket items that you normally do not think about, you end up packing. The small time stuff that makes a HUGE difference, well we often forget about.
#3 Having a plan in place for where you are going, and what you are doing. I set up the exercise so that we would not, and on purpose- just to see what would happen. We we quickly went through not only having improper gear for our expedition, but also it took us 3 attempts to find a place to go. If it was serious, we would have been out of luck. Also, have a plan once you get there. Myself and my wife work well together so it was not a big deal. But had things been different such as rain/high winds/snow or a crap ton of people being there, things would have gone south for us.
#4 People like to camp, but imagine everyone from a large city fleeing. In reality if Portland Oregon decided to "hit the woods" of the great northwest it would be pretty ugly quickly. This point goes along with having a plan of where to go. Do not assume that leaving in your car to venture into the wilderness to "ride out the storm" is going to work. I can tell you know that it will not. I believe that here in Oregon, the woods would be the last safe place due to not only the number of people out on a nice weeked, but also the number of hunters out during hunting season. Best bet is family or friends, and if that fails, get a hotel room as far from the source of your problems as you can, and keep going the next morning if you can. If this is not possible...find somewhere safe.
Finally,I cannot stress it enough, get out there and have fun with the idea of leaving. Yes bugging out for fun is well, fun. In a real situation, you would want to know wat works, what does not, how far you can in terms of fuel and personal endurance, and the limits (and limitations) of those who are closest to you. It all goes back to having a plan, practicing it, and not filling ones head with unrealistic expectations of carrying 60-80 pounds 20 miles a day on foot for example.
Any specific questions you all may have I would be willing to answer...I am going to add some pics tonight once my wife gets home with our camera.
Conditions:
1. First time using our equipment to 100% capacity, and we took a full loadout. 4 sleeping bags, 5 person tent, cooler, etc. I treated it like a camping trip. I did however pack my assault pack (Camelbak BFM) and also my 3 day SHTF pack (Eberlestock GSII). The Camelbak was empty and the GSII was loaded with my fighting(ish) loadout, along with emergency gear.(More on that later...)
2. Wife as given 15 minutes to pack, and was not told the nature of the exercise (for the sake of fun...) but instead I told her we were going to watch the Lyrid meteor shower. (Which DID happen, it was awesome.)
3. Took $100 to walmart for stuff we might miss. We left at 1730 and arrived at walmart with a list in hand. My list was minimal, she came back with a whole cart FULL of stuff. Total in all actuallity came out to $128 plus change. Items included paper plates, cups, hotdogs, stuff for cooler, etc. I was ok with her getting that as she did not know what we were doing. So, that was our walmart trip.
Our travel to the site was uneventful. We took out Toyota Camry with us and it was CRAMMED to the gills with gear. When attempted to go to the first site, it was closed. Forest service does not open it until May 1. So at 1930 with the sun going down, we went to site #2. Site #2 was not what she wanted. We looked at it, AND the inhabitants and quickly left. Then the fun began. We went to where we go shooting, there were plenty of places to set up, but I had not brought a shovel of some kind to dig a pit for a fire. Now, mind you it is dark and about 60* outside, oh and we had a 3 and 5 year old with us too, so time was kinda running otu. (Which is what I wanted for the experience of the exercise.) So, we called a relative (who was in on this with me) to see if we could go there. She said NO, (hehehe, as planned) so we went to a mountain campsite ran by the Forestry service. Ended up begining to set up camp at 2000 hours, in the dark. Now, I am in Oregon and firewood is at a premium here in the spring, due to winter rains. I bought soem of the chemical logs (a case of 6) and used them to start the fire. It worked, and worked very well. She attempted to, and succeeded in setting up a tent in the dark. All of this took some serious time. All told it was an hour. The kids were fed snacks to keep them happy and we settled in to a dinner of hotdogs and such at 2100 hours. Kids went to bed.
Then we waited for them to go to sleep and I began going over the shortcomings of that night, with a small AAR for myself and her. I told her the nature of the exercise, and she smiled, figuring out that was what I had in mind. Here is what we came up with-
#1 Having gear READY TO GO, RTF, is probably the most important. Instead of being quick and streamlined, we ended up taking not 15 minutes, but 45 to get out the door. In an emergency, that would have been VERY bad.
#2 Knowing your gear and how it all works together (sinergy) is highly important. Everybody is going to want to know "what kind of gun did you bring?" "Ammo?" Carry concealed? Etc etc, ad nauseum. That did not come into play that night, and it was not an issue. In fact we were more concerned with shelter, hydration and food for kids, and fire. Defense was last on my list at that point in time. Since we split the duties of setting up a camp, it went fairly well. Doing things in the dark really does slow a person down. It most certainly wasnt like the Army where I had night vision, plenty of light if needed from a multitude of other Joes, etc.
Speaking of light and gear, and all that. I brought a weaponlight. Due to the other 3 lights being too dim, I used that as a primary light (after detaching it from the pistol) and it worked fine. Now, the stuff in my GSII? Well it had just bare emergency supplies. Water filter, emergency rations, (small blue cube USCG type) firestarter, emergency essentials bivvy bags x2, a Gerber LMF knife (small type) ammo for pistol, spare batteries for light, and a few other things. All in all, an honestly piss poor setup for what we were doing, or anything outside of a 1% "oh shit" gotta go now event. And even then, it was not set up anywhere near what it should have been.
Anyhow, back to the AAR/review.
The next morning, my wife was raring to go. She quickly packed the tent, I got the kids fed and we were ready to roll in about 30 minutes. This is a HUGE improvement ofer the night before, mainly because she knew what we were doing, and that it was not dark out. Upon getting into the car, we agreed that we had failed ourselves and that another exercise was in order. So, we decided to go to on a hike to test our on foot capabilities...
We went to Cape Lookout state park and decided to do a 2.4 mile hike to the end of the cape with a 2.4 mile return on the same trail. We took only the following: the Camelbak filled with a box of gold fish crackers, two bottles of gatorade, a quarts of water, and 12 snack sized Hershey chocolate bars, the pistol w/light, and a single mag with 15 rounds. This part was just plain fun. The trail was nice, it was gorgeous out and overall a fun hike. For us it was about testing endurance with children. The trail itself is a bit dangerousa points, rather muddy, and has plenty of ups and downs. The kids ended up doing well on the way out, but we had to take breaks about every hour. On the way back both kids were pretty well done at mile 4. We ended up carrying our 3 year old and had to take more breaks. Total time to do 4.8 miles, almost 5 hours. Keep in mind this is over rough terrain, but it is doable. As far as what we were carrying/wearing for the weather, it was fine. On this part of it, everything was ok and while I would have changed what I carried for basic provisions, it worked out fine. We left and ended up going out for pizza and then towards home happy and full.
The things I learned from this were invaluable. First, I cannot say enough, you need to get out there and DO IT. Buying a ton of gear and putting it in your closet does you no good at all. Now that I have done this I figured out what works for us and what does not. Leading into the point of what works and what does not:
#1 Simplicity of gear is the first priority. Take my GSII pack for example. It was poorly packed and set up. I have decided to dump all of that gear into two different sets, one for each car and keep it as bare bones essentials (the Camelbak will be used for this.) The GS pack will have enough for 3 days in it, but mainly focus on the basics with a core of lightweight, compact gear. Also, everything needs to be tested monthly as well. My wife's bug out bag has not been updated since our son was 1 or so. He is 3 and while I was deployed she didnt have the time to do updates. So, this too has to be addressed. Make sure that if you have meds for example, that they are in date and good to go. Get proficient with a firearm, or arms, and leave it at that. No amount of going out and buying multiple guns will save you if you have not gone out and started a fire with wet wood in the middle of the night.
#2 Bare minimum type gear is good if you are alone. If you have kids, not so much. They need to have a few simple things to keep them busy. Even if it is a die-cast toy car or two or even a couple of dolls for the princess in your family, it is worth it. Also, the best thing I had was a wind up flashlight for my daughter. She loved it and now will not part with it. Just keep in mind, if you have others with you to include what they will use. My wife forgot to pack extra socks, so we had to buy some for the kids. I keep 2 pair in my GSII for example. As I learned, the big ticket items that you normally do not think about, you end up packing. The small time stuff that makes a HUGE difference, well we often forget about.
#3 Having a plan in place for where you are going, and what you are doing. I set up the exercise so that we would not, and on purpose- just to see what would happen. We we quickly went through not only having improper gear for our expedition, but also it took us 3 attempts to find a place to go. If it was serious, we would have been out of luck. Also, have a plan once you get there. Myself and my wife work well together so it was not a big deal. But had things been different such as rain/high winds/snow or a crap ton of people being there, things would have gone south for us.
#4 People like to camp, but imagine everyone from a large city fleeing. In reality if Portland Oregon decided to "hit the woods" of the great northwest it would be pretty ugly quickly. This point goes along with having a plan of where to go. Do not assume that leaving in your car to venture into the wilderness to "ride out the storm" is going to work. I can tell you know that it will not. I believe that here in Oregon, the woods would be the last safe place due to not only the number of people out on a nice weeked, but also the number of hunters out during hunting season. Best bet is family or friends, and if that fails, get a hotel room as far from the source of your problems as you can, and keep going the next morning if you can. If this is not possible...find somewhere safe.
Finally,I cannot stress it enough, get out there and have fun with the idea of leaving. Yes bugging out for fun is well, fun. In a real situation, you would want to know wat works, what does not, how far you can in terms of fuel and personal endurance, and the limits (and limitations) of those who are closest to you. It all goes back to having a plan, practicing it, and not filling ones head with unrealistic expectations of carrying 60-80 pounds 20 miles a day on foot for example.
Any specific questions you all may have I would be willing to answer...I am going to add some pics tonight once my wife gets home with our camera.
4/25/2012 2:53:58 PM
Sounds like a fun time! 
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
4/25/2012 2:57:36 PM
Originally Posted By 155mm:
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
I did a quick run through, mainly the lights, locks, and safe. Other than that, none. This was a leave right now scenario.
4/25/2012 3:07:18 PM
When you get a chance, could you do a quick list of what your bare-bones bug out bag is now going to contain?
4/25/2012 3:20:39 PM
Originally Posted By Kilroytheknifesnob:
When you get a chance, could you do a quick list of what your bare-bones bug out bag is now going to contain?
When you get a chance, could you do a quick list of what your bare-bones bug out bag is now going to contain?
Of course. It might be a couple of days from now, but yes I can and will.
4/25/2012 8:03:12 PM
Originally Posted By 155mm:
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
That's a good idea.
4/25/2012 8:25:03 PM
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
That's a good idea.
Originally Posted By 155mm:
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
That's a good idea.
Totally agree.
Gonna have a powwow with the wife regarding just that.
jim
4/26/2012 12:08:36 PM
Originally Posted By NexQuietus:
Totally agree.
Gonna have a powwow with the wife regarding just that.
jim
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
That's a good idea.
Originally Posted By 155mm:
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
That's a good idea.
Totally agree.
Gonna have a powwow with the wife regarding just that.
jim
I think a quick checklist would be a good thing to have. I should make one as well, as I am sure that I missed out on some of the stuff I could have done and in a real emergency I am sure that I would miss things.
4/26/2012 4:54:05 PM
Originally Posted By callahan318:
I think a quick checklist would be a good thing to have. I should make one as well, as I am sure that I missed out on some of the stuff I could have done and in a real emergency I am sure that I would miss things.
Originally Posted By NexQuietus:
Totally agree.
Gonna have a powwow with the wife regarding just that.
jim
Originally Posted By Bubbatheredneck:
That's a good idea.
Originally Posted By 155mm:
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
Sounds like a fun time!
During the 45 min. packing/exiting, did you all do any simulations on securing the house before leaving? Stuff like turning off water, adjusting thermostats, manually locking garage door, etc.? I'm just curious because it made me think that I need to create a checklist to follow.
That's a good idea.
Totally agree.
Gonna have a powwow with the wife regarding just that.
jim
I think a quick checklist would be a good thing to have. I should make one as well, as I am sure that I missed out on some of the stuff I could have done and in a real emergency I am sure that I would miss things.
Listening To Katrina is a fantastic site with some bug out lists.
4/26/2012 7:48:03 PM
I haven't planned and done such as you did this last weekend but I do carry a "24 hour" pack in my pu along with a duffel full of other stuff - making a "48 hour pack". I am with a local Sheriffs office SAR team. What I have had to do is leave from where ever I am and go to another location with my pack, not knowing when I will return. The longest has been around 27 hours, and I was fine. The consideration here in Oregon (I am 100 miles south of you) as I'm sure you know, is the rain/wet factor 3/4 of the year. This is a big deal! Usually on one of our missions we go out for one operantioal periond (12+hours) only. I have no family and don't have the added burden of the population numbers you have up north. I think that you have done well.
4/27/2012 2:32:37 AM
Checklists are mandatory for my house. Often our “bug-out” scenarios revolve around my work schedule and getting up into the mountains or a familiar backpacking area with only a couple hour-notices. With kids, checklists really hone in on them making sure they’re packed properly. My son is 13 and I still need to make sure he follows his checklist…getting six miles down the trail and forgetting you sleeping bag, extra socks or rain jacket can turn into a disaster pretty quick. Even I still use a checklist. If I’m driving home from work and tell my wife I want to be packed up and ready to go within the hour, I really have to make sure they competed their own checklists (my son specifically) and the I check mine which makes getting on the road much faster with less worry about forgetting something.
My son wears contacts, and he’s forgotten his solution and eye case. My daughter is the only one with necessary medication and she’s forgotten that before. My son forgot his sleeping bag, but had 10 extra pounds of blades in his pack!
Realistically, the wife and son’s bug-out bags are their backpacking bags. They are pre-packed and ready to go minus a few snacks and, depending on the activity, specific meal plans. We do pack freeze-dried stuff, but my wife likes to experiment with campfire cooking; so much like you, we’ll hit a WalMart or grocery store on the way out or the night prior…more of a “good to have”.
Good on you and family for making a camping trip into a rehearsal exercise. The more you do that the less stress during a necessary bug out. I’m deployed now, but we are planning a few trips already and will most likely be trying to get out and on the road as soon as I can pop-smoke from work for a weekend trip. When the kids were younger (much like yours), it’s hard for the ruck-march-mentality as you do have to move at the speed of your children and you do have to take breaks. This can be frustrating unless you do several hikes and learn to move slower…I know it was hard for me when I was packing pretty much for four and carrying 80+ pounds over a rough trail for 5-6 miles is not something I like to saunter along and take breaks every half mile…I want to hump to our campsite destination as quickly as possible.
As was pointed out, it’s not a bad idea to have a checklist for home-departure which was mentioned; turning off the water, adjusting thermostats, etc. I would also include checking on your critical documents (insurance paper work, vehicle titles, deeds, wills, birth/social security certificates, etc.); not saying you should grab them for the backpacking trip, but going through the motions is good practice.
ROCK6
My son wears contacts, and he’s forgotten his solution and eye case. My daughter is the only one with necessary medication and she’s forgotten that before. My son forgot his sleeping bag, but had 10 extra pounds of blades in his pack!
Realistically, the wife and son’s bug-out bags are their backpacking bags. They are pre-packed and ready to go minus a few snacks and, depending on the activity, specific meal plans. We do pack freeze-dried stuff, but my wife likes to experiment with campfire cooking; so much like you, we’ll hit a WalMart or grocery store on the way out or the night prior…more of a “good to have”.
Good on you and family for making a camping trip into a rehearsal exercise. The more you do that the less stress during a necessary bug out. I’m deployed now, but we are planning a few trips already and will most likely be trying to get out and on the road as soon as I can pop-smoke from work for a weekend trip. When the kids were younger (much like yours), it’s hard for the ruck-march-mentality as you do have to move at the speed of your children and you do have to take breaks. This can be frustrating unless you do several hikes and learn to move slower…I know it was hard for me when I was packing pretty much for four and carrying 80+ pounds over a rough trail for 5-6 miles is not something I like to saunter along and take breaks every half mile…I want to hump to our campsite destination as quickly as possible.
As was pointed out, it’s not a bad idea to have a checklist for home-departure which was mentioned; turning off the water, adjusting thermostats, etc. I would also include checking on your critical documents (insurance paper work, vehicle titles, deeds, wills, birth/social security certificates, etc.); not saying you should grab them for the backpacking trip, but going through the motions is good practice.
ROCK6
4/27/2012 2:00:54 PM
We did something similar twice with like-minded friends back when we were younger (survival hike-out). The result BOTH TIMES: We ALL decided bugging out was to be done only as a very last resort. The reality is staying home (if possible) is way more likely to keep you alive, safe, well and comfortable.
4/27/2012 6:00:09 PM
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart 
4/27/2012 11:49:59 PM
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
Most likely not. Buy my take on it is if that the SHTF is pending and you've made the decision to get out prior to full scale chaos. Having a list and cash to hit a grocery store or Wal Mart on the way home to pack up isn't un-realistic. Even though my own personal plans are centered around bugging in, I have two small towns and two grocery stores I pass on the way home and my plan is to hit both if conditions allow...having a checklist and cash are integral parts. I do agree that if the plan on bugging out from the house, then getting to a grocery store is probably not going to happen. The AAR needs to capture what was needed and then make sure your bug out plan includes those in advance for next time.
ROCK6
4/28/2012 2:52:39 AM
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
Well, thanks I guess.
You mostly miss the point I think.
It is about figuring out what works and what does not.
And Wal-Mart helped me round out a few items for future camping trips.
If you refused to read past #3, your loss.
4/28/2012 2:56:24 AM
Originally Posted By ROCK6:
Most likely not. Buy my take on it is if that the SHTF is pending and you've made the decision to get out prior to full scale chaos. Having a list and cash to hit a grocery store or Wal Mart on the way home to pack up isn't un-realistic. Even though my own personal plans are centered around bugging in, I have two small towns and two grocery stores I pass on the way home and my plan is to hit both if conditions allow...having a checklist and cash are integral parts. I do agree that if the plan on bugging out from the house, then getting to a grocery store is probably not going to happen. The AAR needs to capture what was needed and then make sure your bug out plan includes those in advance for next time.
ROCK6
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
Most likely not. Buy my take on it is if that the SHTF is pending and you've made the decision to get out prior to full scale chaos. Having a list and cash to hit a grocery store or Wal Mart on the way home to pack up isn't un-realistic. Even though my own personal plans are centered around bugging in, I have two small towns and two grocery stores I pass on the way home and my plan is to hit both if conditions allow...having a checklist and cash are integral parts. I do agree that if the plan on bugging out from the house, then getting to a grocery store is probably not going to happen. The AAR needs to capture what was needed and then make sure your bug out plan includes those in advance for next time.
ROCK6
Thanks Rock. I have no illusions that should something happen I will be able to get to any sort of convienence store of any kind. However, it did give me insight into really what I was lacking and how to fix it with available resources.
The experience did give me a serious amount of insight when the soldier in me said to drive on, my children wanted to slow down. Bugging in if at all possible, and bugging out as a last resort.
4/28/2012 12:04:53 PM
Originally Posted By callahan318:
Well, thanks I guess.
You mostly miss the point I think.
It is about figuring out what works and what does not.
And Wal-Mart helped me round out a few items for future camping trips.
If you refused to read past #3, your loss.
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
Well, thanks I guess.
You mostly miss the point I think.
It is about figuring out what works and what does not.
And Wal-Mart helped me round out a few items for future camping trips.
If you refused to read past #3, your loss.
Camping trips vs bugging out are two entirely different scenerios. You gave your wife but a few minutes to get ready but yet spent an hour in walmart. That absolutely makes zero sense. If that was the case, you couldve gone to walmart while she packs and come back and get her. You went on a camping trip, while thats cool, its hardly a bug out drill. If your going to play the "game" dont 1/2 ass it.
4/28/2012 12:07:41 PM
Originally Posted By ROCK6:
Most likely not. Buy my take on it is if that the SHTF is pending and you've made the decision to get out prior to full scale chaos. Having a list and cash to hit a grocery store or Wal Mart on the way home to pack up isn't un-realistic. Even though my own personal plans are centered around bugging in, I have two small towns and two grocery stores I pass on the way home and my plan is to hit both if conditions allow...having a checklist and cash are integral parts. I do agree that if the plan on bugging out from the house, then getting to a grocery store is probably not going to happen. The AAR needs to capture what was needed and then make sure your bug out plan includes those in advance for next time.
ROCK6
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
Most likely not. Buy my take on it is if that the SHTF is pending and you've made the decision to get out prior to full scale chaos. Having a list and cash to hit a grocery store or Wal Mart on the way home to pack up isn't un-realistic. Even though my own personal plans are centered around bugging in, I have two small towns and two grocery stores I pass on the way home and my plan is to hit both if conditions allow...having a checklist and cash are integral parts. I do agree that if the plan on bugging out from the house, then getting to a grocery store is probably not going to happen. The AAR needs to capture what was needed and then make sure your bug out plan includes those in advance for next time.
ROCK6
I see a different take on it. come SHTF, those are going to be "Hot Spots" , A place Id rather avoid to pick up a few extra supplies. Why put one at risk. Obvioiusly it would depend on the scale of the SHTF, but Id prefer to be low key and out of sight. You will have zero control and protection going out in the "public" like that. Along with the other hundreds of people doing the same thing.
4/28/2012 12:10:59 PM
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
Camping trips vs bugging out are two entirely different scenerios. You gave your wife but a few minutes to get ready but yet spent an hour in walmart. That absolutely makes zero sense. If that was the case, you couldve gone to walmart while she packs and come back and get her. You went on a camping trip, while thats cool, its hardly a bug out drill.
Originally Posted By callahan318:
Well, thanks I guess.
You mostly miss the point I think.
It is about figuring out what works and what does not.
And Wal-Mart helped me round out a few items for future camping trips.
If you refused to read past #3, your loss.
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
Well, thanks I guess.
You mostly miss the point I think.
It is about figuring out what works and what does not.
And Wal-Mart helped me round out a few items for future camping trips.
If you refused to read past #3, your loss.
Camping trips vs bugging out are two entirely different scenerios. You gave your wife but a few minutes to get ready but yet spent an hour in walmart. That absolutely makes zero sense. If that was the case, you couldve gone to walmart while she packs and come back and get her. You went on a camping trip, while thats cool, its hardly a bug out drill.
I can concede that it is two different scenarios. How would a realistic bug out drill be different? Are you thinking more or less just grab and go?
We are planning out next one right now and trying to make it more realistic, in addition to weeding out the things we need vs the things we do not.
4/28/2012 12:32:21 PM
Originally Posted By callahan318:
I can concede that it is two different scenarios. How would a realistic bug out drill be different? Are you thinking more or less just grab and go?
We are planning out next one right now and trying to make it more realistic, in addition to weeding out the things we need vs the things we do not.
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
Camping trips vs bugging out are two entirely different scenerios. You gave your wife but a few minutes to get ready but yet spent an hour in walmart. That absolutely makes zero sense. If that was the case, you couldve gone to walmart while she packs and come back and get her. You went on a camping trip, while thats cool, its hardly a bug out drill.
Originally Posted By callahan318:
Well, thanks I guess.
You mostly miss the point I think.
It is about figuring out what works and what does not.
And Wal-Mart helped me round out a few items for future camping trips.
If you refused to read past #3, your loss.
Originally Posted By die-tryin:
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
I stopped reading when I got to #3. In SHTF your not going to be stopping at walmart
Well, thanks I guess.
You mostly miss the point I think.
It is about figuring out what works and what does not.
And Wal-Mart helped me round out a few items for future camping trips.
If you refused to read past #3, your loss.
Camping trips vs bugging out are two entirely different scenerios. You gave your wife but a few minutes to get ready but yet spent an hour in walmart. That absolutely makes zero sense. If that was the case, you couldve gone to walmart while she packs and come back and get her. You went on a camping trip, while thats cool, its hardly a bug out drill.
I can concede that it is two different scenarios. How would a realistic bug out drill be different? Are you thinking more or less just grab and go?
We are planning out next one right now and trying to make it more realistic, in addition to weeding out the things we need vs the things we do not.
First problem is, you cant really "Plan" a SHTF but I understand that you need to for the sake of training.
Honestly, YOU should be the only one to set up this scenerio. It can be fun actually, but I would come home from work and tell your wife there was a chemical spill up the road and you need to leave in 10minutes and that the highways are clogged. Be safe in getting everyone out but make it serious enough to have some "stress under pressure" and see how the family really reacts.
Get the gear in the vehicle and get out, take back roads and completely avoid mainstream roads. Have a destination and see how long it takes to get there and what routes. If you really want to have some fun, depending on your area, have some of your buddies do a "pre-stage" ambush a few miles from your destination, make it realistic. but the idea is to learn alternative routes, etc. You could even go as far as being sick or injuried and see how your spouse handles taking care of the things during SHTF. You cant do it all yourself and your spouse and family should be active participants in the planning and execution of all this.
Anyways, there a million lil fun "games" you could play to get things going. Dont get me wrong, I think its great what your doing but the whole walmart thing didnt do it for me. You shouldve bugged out and worked with what you had on hand and then learn from that. Plus it would teach everyone how to improvise with what is on hand.
