This past weekend, I joined my son’s scout troop for a camping trip.
Now, my son and I look at “camping” a little differently than the rest of the scouts and parents.
In fact, if it weren’t for my military background giving me some professional credibility, I think they’d have labeled me a wing-nut a long time ago.
But my son and I look at these trips as “bug-out training” and an opportunity to hone our skills without the comforts most people are used to. For example…
Here Are 3 “Disaster Bugout Survival Lessons”
From My Son’s Last Boy Scout Campout…
1. Find A “Covert Location”
It’s hard to tell from the photo, but my “bugout hooch” is on a high elevation, about 100 meters uphill from where the rest of the troop is (you actually can’t see me from down below).
On scouting trips, the distance and seclusion helps me get some sleep while all the boys are staying up late chatting loudly about their latest video game stats.
When bugging out, you want to find a hidden spot with good drainage and that doesn’t stick you near civilization – including other pods of people, heavily traveled roads or trails.
2. Poncho “Tent”
In the military, we NEVER used a tent – even the one that was issued to us – when we went on long-distance missions.
Tents take up way too much room and are insanely heavy for your bug out bag when you’re on foot.
A poncho and a few bungee cords will give you a low-profile hooch (again, think “covert”) that goes up and comes down in a matter of just a couple minutes AND won’t weigh you down when you’re walking.
3. Mosquito Netting
You might not think this is a necessity, but it absolutely IS in my book.
When bugging out, you have to take advantage of every chance you can to get some rest and keep up your travels – and swatting at (or itching from) mosquitos and flies all night is going to rob you of precious sleep.
Besides, it’s very light-weight… helps camouflage my location… and in my best-selling bug out bag manual, I show how to use netting for other survival uses to keep you alive.
Look, take my example and seize every opportunity you can to fine-tune your survival skills and test out your survival gear.
The time to prepare ISN’T when danger is forcing you out your front door.
