You gotta bug out - do you stop to change clothes or gear

and dress out in something tactical or grab your bag and go in whats on your back?


Me, I'm building two categories of bug out bag:

1. Civillian: Your basic backpack/72 hour kit for short duration emergencies (though I'll still have my pistol and extra mags)

2. Millitary: For when you got to get out for a LONG TIME maybe permently. This will consist of a tactical vest with back-up supplies and an ALICE with "everything" this will be AK based.

Which brings up another point, when your bugging out do you WANT to look millitary? Or do you want to look like a hiker/camper thusly less threatening?


Slàinte mhath
-rob

 

The only way I'm/we're bugging out is in an absolutely-gotta-ain't-no-other-choice situation. As such, I'm going with what's on my back - and hope it's not in the middle of the night 'cause we don't wear jammies .

 

If it's time to go I don't think I'll be taking the time to change my clothes, unless I knew there was going to be an immediate threat, weather or something else warrants it.

Regardless of which bag I grab I'll be looking like the guy who wants to get the **** out of dodge

 

I stay away from military clothing due to the fact that they are expensive when new and not as durable as denim jeans and jackets. Camo has its place, but there are civi cammo paterns that outdo the military paterns when it comes to the actual aspects of cammoflauge and blending in with your enviornment. The durability of the new army ACU's is somehing to be desired, especialy when a new set of ACU's will run you over 100.00 at the post cloathing sales.

 

The situation is going to have to dictate a lot of things, including the clothes you wear and the amount of time you've got. For me, camo will look a little strange.

 

Stick with dark colours, Thats what I do. Dark jeans and a darkened hoodie for me (student and its the fall) I would blend right in, and THAT is the true purpose of Camo.

 

Dress for the conditions; blend in and be comfortable. Military togs will more than likely get you a premium seat on the FEMA camp bus.

 

Ditto, Tracy. Basic Hunting Camo is the fashion out here in the western half of the county - all the stylin' bubbas are wearing it!

Military camo and uniform items are so .... eighties. The bubbas will laugh you back to town.

I'd probably stick with blue jean pants, and the RealTree Hardwoods shirt and jacket - best camo for my AO.
I only BO if one of two things happens....
1) A Cat Four or Five 'cane is coming down our throats - my doublewide won't survive that!
2) The Storm Troopers are coming to round up us Conservatives for 'The Camps' - I head into the deep swamp for the duration.
Gator meat ain't bad......

 

+1 on blending in.

I would be hesitant to dress a lot like US military unless you are a former service member. I doubt real military will be amused at a dress up wanna-be during the height of confusion of a disaster, even if that was not your intention and you just wanted proven, rugged gear.

If US camo is commonly worn in your area then why not? But if it is NOT common, then you will stand out and draw attention, especially from anyone in authority. If they encounter you wearing full camo and web gear they are going to be immediately prejudiced and weary. On the other hand if you are just wearing what looks like labor clothes and a backpack and duffle bag then you are much less interesting.

There are plenty of hunter camo patterns or just "grey man" civilian colors that are low profile. Browns, greys, black, dark blue, khaki, etc. I purposely buy all my casual, outdoor work, hiking and camping clothes in these colors so that they do not stand out. If I have to bu out (last resort) then chances are I will already be wearing low profile clothes and gear. Same for backpack, etc.

Having web gear etc. may be great for some situations, but may not be what you want to start the bug out in.

 

For me it would all be situation dependent. If Im home then the only ways we plan to BO is if its a localized event thats a high threat (think chemical tanker wipes out up wind, brush fire or some such) or possibly if things get SO bad localy that we have to try to get away/get better position for a fight. In those cases Im just grabing BOBs and other priorities as time permits and heading for a safe place for a few days.

Now if its like my current situation, Im over 1k miles from home working on the road. Just like home, if there is a localized situation then I will jump in my truck and be gone in whatever I was wearing, if cold I may take the time to put my coat on before I start moveing and WILL put on the gun (concealed) if it was off. Truck is never allowed under 1/4 tank on the road which will get me around 100 miles and another 10 gallons (200 miles worth of fuel) is kept in cans in the back along with my other gear. Now if it is a situation that would not have me bugging out from home but TSHTF then if it seems like it will be long term and national (TEOTWAWKI) then while I know it would not be a happy chore, I would be buging home and understanding how hard say a 1500 mile trip could be in those conditions I probably would NOT rush out the door (unless I got ahead of the rush which would be unlikely due to lack of news most of the time as to whats going on) and would instead take my time to observe the situation, determine the best coarse of action to give me the best odds of makeing the trip in one piece. That might well include 'true cammo' if in an urban area and forced to go on foot with something like takeing advantage of my scruffy looks by adding to them (and likely my smell) to make sure I looked and smelled like the nastiest bum on the streets so no one would figure I had anything to steal, was of no threat or value and NO cop or soldier is going to be likely to want to be the one that has to have a big ugly dirty bum that smells like a mixture of feces, urine, vomit, booze and grime in the vehicle they are going to be rideing in for some time if there is any way they can claim they didnt notice him. The basic skunk defense both in odor and appearence would be my 'camo' IF I needed to 'dres up' for the occasion.

 

I think if I were trying to bug out I'd have to take the time to put on my fire department uniform or ambulance uniform.

Either would ease any problems with roadblocks or travel restrictions without screaming that I was going tactical.

Failing that, I'd want to look like a regular "Joe" to the PTB and casual onlookers so I'd wear "street clothes".

I don't wear my FD "turnouts" unless I am fighting a fire, and I don't wear "cammies" unless I'm in the woods.
Both look pretty stupid when worn out of context.

 

Medicineman; It all depends upon the local where you live, about wearing camo. In my part of the woods, camo is "everyday" wear. Of course, we live in the woods/lakes/river areas. During hunting season, and deer season is quite long,considering bow season, runs from Oct 1 to Feb 28. So anytime you will see the camo as "normal" clothing.

 

Actually, I've been to 'estate' auctions where nearly everyone was in hunter's camo --- and I was one of the few not! Men, women and older kids. Only deference they paid besides not carrying their guns or bows was leaving the hunter's orange hat/vest in the truck . Around here, about the only place camo of some sort isn't worn is church and during the workday if you have a white collar job (well, ok, some blue collar jobs, too ).

But yeah, the decisions are situational.

 

As the saying goes: "When in Rome....Do as the Romans"
I'd just go.
As long as I'm NOT in spandex, or my boxers!
I'd just get out, and keep moving.
1 worry, what "if", you're in the shower?
I am NOT running around in a towel!
I just won't do it,...... I'd be shot!
I have literally packed all but 2 days worth of clothes into totes, and they are in a trailer to go asap.
I keep just the basics available so I can go, when and if the time should give me enough warning.
Bill

 

I always wear earth tone colors so I am always wearing camo, even though they are non military clothes. As a added bonus I am always dressed for shtf.

 

Camo and tactical,military, is going to put you firmly in my sights. What is it that you are trying to convey? Trying to scare me is not going to work. Grow up! Children should be seen and not heard!

 

Where i live half the pop.where camo year round,come sept when archery season opens things get outta hand lol. I have a couple pair of cold weather army cargo pants i wear them out hiking or hunting but i also where th in town sometimes especially if its really cold out. I dont think it wpuld matter too much anout wearing camo......now tactical gear might be a different story