Bug Out or Bug In Bag

Here’s a question for your weekend cogitation. Actually, here’s two. No, make it three:


1. What are some key differences in items you’d put in a bug-out bag and a bug-in bag?
2. Given your location and circumstances, how do you decide whether you’re more likely to need to bug out or bug in?
3. Assuming you conclude that you’re more likely to have to bug in than bug out, is a special bag for the purpose even necessary? I mean, after all, if you’re bugging-in can you presume you’ll already have everything you need right at hand in your home?


Here’s why I’ve been thinking about this: When I lived on my glorious hilltop in Cabin Sweet Cabin, and when I was in that borrowed fifth-wheel in the high desert, nearly every emergency scenario I could think of involved staying put. I was on high ground. In the middle of nowhere. With local resources.


Now … different situation. I’m in a small town and not that high above the normal level of the local river. Something happens (big storm, flood, earthquake that shuts off power and water), I most likely could just retreat to my upstairs and “bug in.” OTOH, something happens (really big flood, earthquake that damages the house, etc.), I could potentially be forced, or impelled, to bug out. But it’s a tossup.


Having both a bug-out and bug-in bag is a great thing. Or having a dual-purpose bag. But assume both resources and bag space are limited here.


BTW, I’ll answer question 3 for myself. I do think a bug-in bag is needed, just to have emergency gear handy in one spot. I might, in theory, have all the food, water, and flashlights (always flashlights!) I need right here in the house, no bag needed. But what if I were forced to retreat upstairs? Nothing up there but a cat and a lot of junk waiting to be hauled away. That’s where the bug-in bag goes.


A bug-in bag could also be helpful at your office, your mother’s house, etc.


Claire Wolfe Backwoods Home magazine