I would like to share an account of my mock bug out I carried out the after our snow storm here in Ontario. I decided to test my gear and myself by going to my BOL in the worst non simulated conditions available to me. With more than 40 cm of snow on the ground, I figured this was it. I will share with you what I endured, what I learned, and what I need to change to increase my chances of survival in a real bug out scenario.
Saturday morning after the storm I left for my BOL (2 hour drive) with my rifle, 100 rounds of ammo, three day supply of food and water, My BOB, a pair of snow shoes, and deep hulled toboggan to cart my gear. Now keep on mind, no matter how prepared you are or think you are obstacles will usually present themselves which did upon my arrival. From where I usually park in winter months to enter the trail into my BOL which is 1.2 Km was not plowed. I had an additional 1 km to hike. This doesn’t sound like much in ideal conditions but with the snow….you get the idea. Already committed I assembled my gear and started the 2.2km hike in. After the first 600 meters I stopped and turned to have last look at my van before I proceeded into the woods, then pressed on. After the first 1000 meters I was only able to snow shoe 50 to 60 feet at a time before stopping to rest and catch my breath. I then repacked my gear leaving behind my toboggan, non essential gear, and water supply on the trail to be picked up on my way out. I finally made to my cabin after a brutal 3 hour hike. Since I abandoned my water supply on the trail the first order of business was to light the wood stove and begin melting snow for drinking, cooking and washing. I then prepared a meal to replenish the thousands of calories I burned on the way in. Once settled in I was quite comfortable for my 2 days there, as I have everything else in place for my stay..firewood, backup supplies…etc.
My hike out was much easier as I was travelling lighter, and the trail was packed from my hike in. I made it back to my van in half the time and drove home.
Now what I’ve learned from this exercise has changed the way I will look at bugging out. I will first consider staying (or bugging in) in similar conditions till things improve as my BOL is very difficult to get to with minimum gear let alone a truck load of preps. I also have come to learn a lot of my physical limitations in such a scenario. Also if I should need to bug out I have to consider my family and their physical limitations and general health. This exercise has given me plenty to think about in the way that I plan and prepare, as well as what I need to do to ensure the safety and well being of me and mine.