10/25/2014
A Careful Look at Bugging In VS Bugging Out
September 25, 2014 By Thomas Xavier | Updated: October 22, 2014 29 Comments
No topic has proved as divisive on prepper and survival forums as the choice to bug in or bug out. The reality is that the choice is not always clean cut, and whether you bug in or bug out may actually be forced upon you based on changing environmental factors.
Personally, I find the ability to adapt to be one of the key denominators in determining how well a prepper or survivalist does in bad situations. It’s ridiculous to get hung up on using a specific plan, as the future may not turn out how we imagine. Sometimes life throws a curveball in your direction, and in cases like those, you should be ready to change plans to whatever’s now best in a heartbeat.
With the understanding that both options are completely viable in their own ways, here is a quick overview illustrating the main differences between between bugging in and bugging out, also including each of the approaches’ pros and cons.
prepper article bugging in vs bugging out
Bugging In
Bugging in is typically the most favourable options to those who have large stockpiles, underground bunkers, and self-sufficient food and water options in their own homes. You lose out on all those preps if you choose to bug out, which is why many who have a well built up home base feel it’s foolish to leave it.
But what happens if you come home one day and find looters have raided your house? They could even come back later if they feel there’s more to be had (ex, from a self-sufficient garden or livestock prep). Always weigh the benefits with any disadvantages when trying to decide what to do next. You may find it’s actually better to change your plans after all.
Considerations
Is your home adequately safe against environmental factors that could leave you trapped? Take floods, wildfires, etc. into account.
Can you defend your home against desperate opportunists (looters)?
Is your home off the grid and/or can you survive for an extended period of time without having to restock or using outside help?
Pros
Familiarity of your surroundings makes staging a defense easier, as its on your own turf. You’re already aware of your surroundings.
Familiar environment reduces panic and fear.
Can pre-emptively work on defensive structures, stockpiling, and self-sufficiency techniques (water collection, garden, livestock, renewable energy, etc).
How prepared you are is ultimately up to you, not your environment.
The elderly, children, those physically injured, and other family members who may not have the physical strength to handle bugging out can be kept safe.
Avoiding the panicked rush as people clog the main highways to get away.
Way more storage space for all types of preps.
Cons
Neighbors may come asking for help, especially if they remember you as being the “prepared” type.
Limited opportunity to restock/gather more resources as the situation deteriorates.
Hygiene is a major concern with staying put in a post-collapse environment; your home better have adequate sanitation in place or you’re likely to get sick.
Once you’re bugged in, evasion will become much harder, as the remainder of society may be hostile to well-prepped people traveling through a city.
