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Skilled Survival's In Depth Articles To Help You Plan The Perfect Bug Out

Planning a successful Bug Out is complex and should never be taken lightly.

Below you'll find Skilled Survival's best bug out related articles laid out in a systematic approach.

We'll share all of our best articles in the following bug out topics:

  • Finding and Choosing Your Bug Out Location
  • Preparing and Planning Your Bug Out Location
  • Building The Perfect Bug Out Bag
  • Bug Out Route Selection and Escape Strategies
  • Alternative Bug Out Options
  • Recommended Bug Out Food and Gear Options

Editors Note: Before reading on, you might want to take a second to bookmark this webpage. Putting together a successful Bug Out takes time.

You'll want to come back to this page often as you progress towards your ultimate goal of creating the perfect bug out plan.

Plus, we update this page often as new articles are published.

Finding and Choosing Your Bug Out Location

It all starts with finding a good bug out location. Here are our in-depth articles covering this topic in detail:

Strategic Relocation - How To Find A Safe Haven For Survival

Strategic Relocation

While this article does not cover bug out locations specifically, it's looking at the safest regions in the country to relocate or bug out to.

It including the following strategic factors:

  • Population Density
  • Natural Disasters
  • Nuclear Considerations
  • Quality Of Life
  • Political Identity

Bug Out Location - 7 Essential Qualities For Your Secret Setup

Bug Out Location

This article provides important factors to seek out and ones to avoid when scouting out bug out locations.

Plus, it gives specific examples of how to find and purchase an actual bug out property in your chosen region.

A must-read for anyone actively pursuing a remote bug out location.

Preparing and Planning Your Bug Out Location

Once you've got a location locked down, you should spend time planning and preparing it to sustain you when the time comes to use it.

Survival Retreat - How To Plan and Build Your Own

Survival Retreat - remote cabin in woods

This article covers all facets of finding and creating your own survival retreat.

It including:

  • Budget and Legal Considerations
  • Site Planning and Best Bug Out Shelter Options
  • Key Survival Retreat Supplies
  • Concealment and Defense Strategies

Homestead Survival - 6 Steps To Prepare Your Homestead For Survival

This article deep dives into the nitty-gritty of planning a bug out location or homestead for long-term survival.

It covers:

  • Decide What Sort of Roof You Want Over Your Head
  • Quench Your Thirst With Less Effort
  • Layout Matters - So Do It Right The First Time
  • Survival Will Eventually Come Down To Food
  • Accessibility - The Doubled-Edged Sword
  • What It Takes To Go From Survive To Thrive

Building The Perfect Bug Out Bag

After you've figured that out, you need to research information on good bug out bags and also decide what gear to put in it.

How To Find The Best Bug Out Bag For All Your Survival Gear

Selecting a poor quality bug out bag can put your entire bug out in jeopardy. But what features and specifications make for a quality bug out bag?

That's what this article is all about.

Plus, at the end of this article, we give you our best bug out bag recommendations.

Free 104 Item Bug Out Bag Checklist: Not Just What But Why

Bug Out Bag Checklist

This is our flagship bug out bag gear article.

It's one of our most popular articles on our entire site. Why? Because it provides a high level of detail to help you build out your perfect bug out bag.

We not only tell you what gear to put into your bug out bag but we take the time to tell you why you should add it. Because the why matters more than the what.

How To Build Your Ultimate Get Home Bag From Scratch

Get Home Bag

This article is NOT about building a bug out bag, it's about building a get home bag.

Most people leave their bug out bags at home, ready to go in an instant. But what if you're all the way across town with SHTF? What if the freeways are on lockdown and you have to walk home?

Everyone and I mean EVERYONE, should have a get home bag. It's a smaller bag with some key survival supplies to help you get back to home base.

How To Build An INCH Bag - "I'm Never Coming Home"

Survivalist Hiker With An INCH Bag

This bag build is the opposite of the get home bag, it's an INCH bag. I.N.C.H. is an acronym that stands for I'm Never Coming Home. 

So it's a huge bag that you pack with survival gear that will allow you to live off the land. To live a nomadic survival life after a widespread collapse.

This article is for those who are serious about getting out of dodge and staying on the move permanently.

Bug Out Bag Weight - It Can Add Up Fast

Target Bug Out Bag Weight

Most peoples bug out bags end up being way too heavy. Why? Because it's hard to stop adding useful survival gear.

As you build your bag, you keep thinking of more and more gear you want to take with you. But all that extra gear comes at a heavy price.

So this article provides target bug out bag weights and tips on how to reduce your load.

Minimalist Camping - Taking Only What You Need To Survive

Minimalist CampingHere's another bug out article on weight management.

One of the best ways to figure out what you really need and what you can leave behind is to go camping. 

But not car camping or RV camping, to go minimalist camping.

Bug Out Documents - The Most Important Papers For Surviving

Bug Out Bag Documents In A Pack With Hiking BootsDocuments are not sexy and they're not exciting.

However, for emergency survival situations, they're critical.

So this article tells you all the critical documents you should take with you when you bug out.

Bug Out Route Selection and Escape Strategies

You'll also need to work on your actual bug out route paths - which must include at least one back up route. Your routes should include strategic rest locations with natural water sources.

Urban Escape and Evasion Techniques After The Collapse

Not everyone can relocate to a safe region of the country today. Instead, you may need to bug out from an urban city.

This is a must-read article if you're bug out plan includes leaving a large urban environment.

High-density urban environments add an extra level of danger when SHTF. Getting out takes a unique set of escape and evasion techniques.

How To Build, Plan and Bury A Survival Cache

Survival Cache - Shovel and Bear BinA survival cache is a bundle of survival supplies you hide for future use.

This bug out article provides all the necessary skills related to utilizing survival caches along your bug out route. 

It includes critical information such as were to bury a cache, how to bury a cache and what survival supplies to put in a cache.

Long Term Fuel Storage For SHTF Preparedness

Long Term Fuel StorageThis topic is for anyone who plans to bug out OR stay put. But if you intend to drive to your bug out location, you sure as hell better have a fuel storage plan.

One that includes stockpiling enough fuel to get to your bug out location. Don't assume you'll be able to fill up before you leave or while on your route.

If the grid's down and all hell breaks loose, gas stations will not be online.

Alternative Bug Out Options

Maybe bugging out on foot is not an option or not your first choice. Now what?

You should consider some alternative bug out transportation options.

Bug Out Vehicles - Lessons Learned From These Badass Setups

I'll be honest, bugging out on foot sucks.

As an avid backpacker I know it's slow, it's tedious and it's an insane workout, especially if you're talking days of walking.

So why not bug out with a vehicle? Heck, a vehicle is my primary bug out choice.

Sure, you need a backup plan in case vehicle travel is not an option, but if it is, then you need a bug out vehicle up to the challenge.

Bug Out Trailers - The Best Rigs We Can Learn From

If you plan on having a bug out vehicle it only makes sense to pair it with a bug out trailer.

A trailer allows you to bug out with a ton of survival gear and supplies.

Getting a bug out vehicle/trailer setup in place is not cheap. But for those who can afford it - it's an ideal bug out setup. 

Bug Out Bike - What You Need To Know To Survive

Another smart alternative bug out option is using a bike.

Now doing this right takes some serious planning. You need to get a bike worthy of bugging out and deck it out with saddlebags and a small pull behind trailer.

For some people, a bug out bike makes a lot of sense. Don't knock it until you see some of these bug out bike setups. 

Recommended Bug Out Food and Gear Options

Finally, we have several articles related to specific bug out gear and food we recommend you pack.

These items will give help make your bug out more efficient and up your odds of success.

11 Best Survival Shovels For Your Bug Out Bag

survival shovels with a bunch of gearSurvival shovels are excellent multi-functional survival tools. They can dig, chop, cut and many also have other survival tools built-in as well.

Tools such as fire starters, saws, compasses, etc.

Making them a smart choice to add to your bug out bag. 

Mountain House Review - Read This Before You Buy

Mountain House ReviewEvery bug out bag should be packed with a few calories. But there's a lot of options for adding food to your bag.

We think Mountain House is the best option, here's why...

First, freeze-dried food has an extremely long shelf life and its lightweight. Both of those factors make Mountain House a wise choice.

However, what makes Mountain House better for bug out bags than other freeze-dried meal companies is its pouches.

You can cook the food (by adding boiling water) right in the pouch itself.

This saves you from having to pack a separate stove which saves you precious weight.

6 Best Survival Playing Cards That Are Worth The Weight

6 best survival playing cardsMost people think some future widespread emergency will be full of chaos and excitement. But the reality is, there will likely be a lot of downtimes.

You need a plan to deal with boredom- so you should stash a set of playing cards in your bug out bag.

So get a deck with useful survival information on them. 

Wrap Up

Again, you may want to take a second to bookmark this webpage. Putting together a successful Bug Out takes time and is never 100% complete.

You'll want to come back to this page often as you progress towards your ultimate goal of creating the perfect bug out plan.

Plus, we update this page often as new bug out articles are published.

Prepare, Adapt and Overcome,
"Just In Case" Jack

5 Best Survival Backpacks On The Market Today – 2019

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Survival BackpackIf you’re on the hunt for a new survival backpack, you’ve come to the right place.

But what exactly IS a survival backpack?

Well…it’s a backpack tough enough for survival – it’s as simple as that. And a backpack is just a durable container, for your gear, you take everywhere.

Because in an emergency, there’s nothing better than having the right tool for the job.

And nothing worse than having to make do with the wrong tool…

Why? Because your odds of success are significantly better with the proper gear.

Sure, expert survivalists can often make do with what nature provides. Bushcraft can come in handy. [Read more…]

Go Bag: How To Build The Perfect Emergency Go Bag

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Ultimate Go Bag ListNo two emergency go bag lists are the same.

A well-packed go bag will fit YOU and YOUR needs, skills, and situation.

With that said, I believe EVERYONE should build one!

Every evening I turn on the news and far too often I witness another community in turmoil.

From wildfires and blizzards to social unrest, mass shootings, and terrorism…

It never seems to end!

It saddens me to watch the tear-filled interviews with those who’ve lost everything. Often left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. [Read more…]

7 Best Tactical Pants On The Market Today – 2019

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Tactical PantsIf you’re looking for men’s tactical pants OR women’s tactical pants – you’re in the right place.

Why? Because I absolutely love my new survival pants!

Since I’ve made the switch from jeans to tactical pants I’m more comfortable and more prepared for anything!

No matter what your day brings, from the job site to the backcountry, good tactical pants are a lifesaver.

I’m talking about lightweight, abrasion-resistant materials with built-in stain resistance.

Pants specifically made to combat the harsh sun, fierce wind, and torrential downpours.

Pants with lots of pockets for all your tactical gear and anything else you need. [Read more…]

How To Find Fallout Shelters Close To Where You Live Within Minutes

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Fallout Shelters Near MeI don’t know about you, but nukes scare the hell out of me.

There’s just something wrong with an engineered chunk of metal possessing the ability obliterating an entire city. It’s not right.

And honestly, we’ve all been extremely lucky so far. Fortunate this power hasn’t been unleashed on us.

But it’s starting to feel like we’re on borrowed time…

And it’s not just the initial blast either – as if that’s not bad enough.

When these bombs detonate they scatter nuclear-charged particulates into the air we breathe.

This nuclear dust is called fallout, and it’s an invisible assassin. [Read more…]

6 Best Bivy Sacks On The Market Right Now – 2019

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Bivy Sack On Mountain In MorningIn backpacking and survival – “every ounce counts.”

That’s a saying I learned years ago when I first began backpacking.

Every bit of weight you put into your pack must have a very good reason to be there.

Every piece of gear has to be useful.

When you’re packing for a long trip, it’s crucial to trim your pack weight down to just the bare essentials.

Otherwise, you’ll struggle through the day and get to camp exhausted.

Day after day, too much weight will grind you down and make a backpacking trip (or bug out) a real drag. [Read more…]

7 Best Tactical Backpacks On The Market Right Now – 2019

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Best Tactical BackpackThere’s just something badass about carrying everything you need to survive on your back.

It’s a feeling of intense satisfaction.

Completely confident you have what you need to disappear into the wilderness or survive an urban combat zone.

Armed to the teeth and prepared to deal with whatever comes your way.

That’s power.

And it’s something all survival backpacks (and tactical backpacks in particular) make possible.

Having a tactical backpack packed and stacked in your home ready to deploy at a moments notice. [Read more…]

10 Best Hammocks For Camping, Backpacking, Relaxing, and Survival

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Best Hammock Hanging Near A Fire In A Wilderness CampsiteHere’s one thing I know with an absolute certainty.

If you put a hammock up, someone will get in it.

There’s just something everyone loves about hammocks.

They are a universal symbol of relaxation. An iconic image of the “good life”.

They draw humans in like a moth to flame.

And a quality hammock makes a camping trip, backyard BBQ, or wilderness adventure better.

They can even make a dire survival situation (or bug out) a little bit better as well.

Because everyone agrees – sleeping on the cold hard ground sucks. [Read more…]

How To Disappear Completely – The Great Vanishing Act

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How To Disappear CompletelyHow To Disappear Completely Without A Trace

I’m not here to question the reasons why you want to disappear.

I’m sure your interest in disappearing are complicated, diverse and very personal.

  • Maybe you are a curious surfer, casually perusing the Skilled Survival site.
  • Maybe you owe the mob a fortune in money you don’t have, and they’re going to break your legs and feed you to the sharks.
  • Or perhaps you are preparing to do something so dastardly – so sinister – so illegal – you’re going to need to vanish from the face of this earth.

Whatever your motivation, be it for good or evil, the following is a guide to disappearing entirely. [Read more…]

3 Easy Methods To How To Siphon Gas In A Survival Emergency

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How To Siphon GasIt doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, your age, your political views or you’re income level –

EVERYONE agrees:

Running out of gas sucks – BIG TIME.

It’s one of the most helpless and miserable feelings you can ever experience.

And if running out of gas is bad enough, running out in the middle of nowhere is even worse.

Becoming stranded in the boondocks, where there’s not a gas station for miles.

And this is during normal times, what about in widespread emergencies? [Read more…]

7 Best Affordable Tactical Knives On The Market Today – 2019

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Best Tactical KnivesI’m sure you’ve heard the old saying,

“Never bring a knife to a gunfight?”

And while it holds a seed of truth, it’s an incomplete and misleading statement.

There’s more to it than that.

Sure, I get the point it’s trying to make; how dumb it would be to show up to a gunfight with just a knife (and without a gun).

No arguments here – that would be stupid.

However, you should absolutely show up to a gunfight with a gun AND a tactical knife.

Here’s why: [Read more…]

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