With climate change intensifying the damage natural disasters cause, economic or political instability leading to social unrest, and so much more, people are increasingly finding themselves needing to bug out. The term “bug out” means to evacuate your current location or home to head for safety.
However, while there are several interpretations of what bugging out looks like, doing so requires carrying certain essentials, one of which is power backup. Jackery Solar Generators are a useful power backup option that you can use to run appliances like your smartphones, radios, CPAP machines, and so much more. These solar generators can be used at home or carried in your bug-out vehicle, making them incredibly versatile.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of the key points discussed in this detailed guide:
- Bugging out refers to evacuating your home to escape a dangerous situation.
- Bugging in is hunkering down at your own house and riding out an emergency.
- A bug-out or survival kit is essential no matter what approach you take, as you’ll need to ensure you have enough supplies for each family member to last at least 72 hours.
- While many often choose between a bug-out boat or a vehicle, a vehicle is more convenient and reliable.
- Jackery Solar Generators are a reliable power backup solution that can run most of your essential appliances during an emergency.
Latest News About Bugging Out in the US
The US is witnessing a spurt of disasters, many of which are seasonal but whose natures are changing due to climate change. The Cow Valley Fire in Oregon, for example, burned 132,528 acres as of July 16, 2024, and has been declared a “megafire,” having crossed the 100,000-acre mark. The Westfall area has been put under a “get ready” status for evacuation, urging residents to keep all their supplies ready should the need arise.
Forecasters are also bracing themselves for a far more active hurricane season this year, with as many as 25 named storms forming between July 2024 and November 2024. Warmer ocean temperatures and a La Nina are some of the factors leading to this. These situations will call for increased preparedness and, in some cases, evacuation orders that will require individuals to bug out.
What is Bug Out?
Bugging out refers to the process of evacuating or abandoning your home in the event of an emergency. People typically do this when they anticipate they won’t be safe at home and would rather be away from the effects of the disaster. These could include floods, droughts, wildfires, civil unrest, or riots.
While some people decide to bug out of their own accord, it often also happens when local authorities ask you to do so. For example, if you're caught in the wildfires in Texas, and the rapid spread of the fire leads to your local authorities asking you to evacuate your home, you’ll be doing what’s known as bugging out.
However, bugging out doesn’t just mean leaving your home without any preparation. It requires thorough planning and a bug-out bag or survival kit. A bug-out bag is an essential kit containing supplies like enough food, water, medicines, and a power backup solution, among other things, to last several days of being away from home. As a result, you could also call this a survival bug-out bag.
Like the example of the Texas wildfires, other examples include evacuating during similar wildfires in other states or when someone would have prepared for Hurricane Beryl, which recently hit Texas.
Bug Out Planning
As you’ve gathered, bugging out is a process that takes some time to prepare for. From preparing your essential supplies to familiarizing your family with survival tactics, escape routes during a calamity, or even developing a communication plan, it requires a lot of consideration.
This section explains each step of the process in detail.
Pre-planning
Pre-planning includes a whole gamut of activities, from gathering supplies to training yourself in medical procedures like administering first aid and CPR, among several other things. Identifying the skills you have and those you need to acquire is the first step in this process.
Aside from practicing certain useful skills, it also includes buying yourself and each member of your family a bug-out bag, maps, and communication devices like radios if needed, as well as non-perishable food and water.
Bug-Out Bag
While “bug-out bag” is a generic term that refers to a kit with essential supplies, there are three main types of bags you can prepare depending on how long you’re bugging out for. As a result, all you need could be a backpack, whereas other situations may call for a larger duffel bag that can carry more supplies.
24-Hour Bag: A 24-hour bug-out bag contains all the basic supplies you’ll need if you’re bugging out for a day. Some key supplies could include a knife or a multitool, food and water for a day or so, a map, flashlights, an N-95 mask, a first-aid kit, and a whistle.
The 36- to 72-Hour Bag: This is the most popular type of bug-out bag and is designed to carry three days of supplies. It can include all the items mentioned above and a Jackery Solar Generator to charge your devices and run essential appliances like a CPAP machine or an electric kettle.
Sustainability Bug-Out Bag: A sustainability bug-out bag can sustain you for longer durations away from home. Depending on the situation, it could include some self-defense equipment, food and water for a week or more, a Jackery Solar Generator to charge and run most of your essential appliances, and so on. The more supplies you carry, the heavier your bag will be. 
Gear
When planning what gear to carry, the first thing to keep in mind is the three 3s of survival: 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, and 3 days without food can put you in a life-threatening situation. These offer a basic framework that can help you understand how to prioritize and how much of each supply you need to carry.
Some of the key supplies or gear you’ll need include:
- Bag: The bag you choose should have wide shoulder straps to help distribute its weight and must have more than enough capacity to last you anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Longer durations will likely require a larger duffle bag.
- Shelter:Carrying a waterproof bivy sack, a wool blanket, and a well-insulated sleeping bag is ideal.
- Water:The Department of Homeland Security recommends one gallon of water per person daily when bugging out. Remember this quantity when deciding how much water you need to carry based on the number of people in your family and the duration you’re evacuating.
- Food:The food items you choose must be non-perishable and last several days. Ideally, carbs, fats, and protein-rich foods are the best options.
- Medical Supplies:Carrying a basic first aid kit and all the essential medicines is essential. When you’re bugging out, your biggest advantage is your health. If you fall sick, the process becomes a lot harder. While packing medicines, also account for any prescription and medical equipment you require.
- Clothing:Packing the right clothing is key to remaining comfortable outside your home. Ensure that you layer your clothing so you’re free to add or remove layers based on the weather conditions in your area.
- Power Backup:Power backup is crucial to your bug-out bag. A Jackery Solar Generator, for example, can help you run most of the appliances you’ll need while bugging out. It ensures you can remain connected with your loved ones and the rescue services if you ever need to count on them.
Evacuation Plan
An evacuation plan is critical to any emergency, be it man-made or natural. Create a comprehensive evacuation plan that includes at least two escape routes, and familiarize every family member with them, including your kids. Here are a few key aspects to consider:
- Escape Routes:As mentioned earlier, you should have at least two escape routes from your home and your locality. Practice these routes with your family occasionally to ensure everyone knows where to go when an emergency strikes.
- Communication Plan:Create a plan for communicating with one another. Further, you should designate a family member or a friend as a point of contact for your entire family and familiarize them with your evacuation plan so they can contact rescue services if needed.
- Pets:If you have pets, find places that accept pets on their premises so that you can bug out there if you need to evacuate your home. Consider them in your evacuation plan and ensure all their supplies, essential documents, food, water, grooming, and sanitation products are packed and ready when you leave.
- Bug-Out Vehicle:Ensure that your bug-out vehicle or car is in good condition to keep you going for as long as you need it. Fill the tank with gas, top up the air pressure in the tires, and ensure that no major electrical or mechanical issues could slow you down.
Communications
Not every place you go will have a network for you to use your smartphones, but that doesn’t mean they won’t work at all. However, your communication plan must also incorporate the use of walkie-talkies or two-way radios that you can use to communicate with loved ones or rescue services in an emergency.
Lastly, you must also communicate your evacuation or bug-out plan to someone outside your family so they know your movements. This will allow you to have a third person contact the rescue services if you’re ever in danger.
Security
Bugging out is a challenging process, and the last thing you want to do is draw attention to and put yourself in harm’s way. This is because trying times often bring out the worst in people, and you could have to protect yourself. However, always remember that the best strategy is to avoid conflict at all costs.
For starters, you can board up the doors and windows in your house with plywood well in advance so you minimize the chances of a break-in while you’re away. Next, remember that many potential conflicts can be avoided with something as simple as your body language and how you interact with someone. A friendly, rather than a combative tone could sometimes help.
Bug Out Vs Bug In
Deciding between bugging out and bugging in can be challenging, and you must consider many factors. This section explains these two terms and lists their pros and cons to help you identify the best approach to dealing with a dangerous situation.
Bugging Out
Bugging out is evacuating your home after it’s deemed unsafe to live in due to a disaster. When you bug out, you typically have to be prepared to leave with only the essentials, leaving behind many of your home's comforts.
Pros
- It helps you move away from a place of danger.
- It can take you to a superior environment where you can access supplies and other services easily.
- You’re mobile with all your assets being safe with you.
Cons
- You face the risk of not reaching your bug-out destination.
- The possibility of running out of resources during extended disasters.
- Lack of professional healthcare leads to greater reliance on basic first aid skills.
Bug-Out Strategies
You can consider some key strategies if you decide to bug out. These include:
- Having an Evacuation Plan:The success of your plan to bug out depends on how comprehensive and well-rehearsed your evacuation plan is. You should pre-determine routes to your bug-out location and a few evacuation routes.
- Preparing Your Transport:If you plan to evacuate your home, you'll need a reliable vehicle. Prepare your vehicle in advance and ensure it’s stocked up on gas and in good condition.
- Have an Alternative Plan:Emergencies call for an alternative plan if your main evacuation plan doesn’t work.
Bugging In
Bugging in is staying put in a specific location (your home) and riding out the disaster. Like bugging out, this approach also requires stocking up on essentials to ensure you have enough supplies for as long as the disaster may supply chains in your area.
Pros
- The advantage of familiar surroundings.
- Allows for preemptive planning and preparations.
- Safer for elderly members and children.
Cons
- You could become a target to burglars and looters during challenging times.
- Your neighbors may increasingly rely on you for help.
- Limited ability to restock and gather more resources based on your needs.
- There is a risk of cabin fever from being closed in for extended durations.
Bug In Strategies
Even if you decide to bug in, some strategies can be followed to make the process easier. These include:
- Preparing Your Shelter:Different situations will require you to prepare your home differently. If you’re facing a hurricane, you’ll have to board up your doors and windows, whereas during a wildfire, you’ll have to ensure no flammable objects around your house.
- Building an Essentials Kit:Your survival kit will need adequate food, water, medicines, and other supplies, such as flashlights, extra batteries, and a Jackery Solar Generator.
- Plan for Your Security:Difficult situations often lead to burglaries and looting, and preparing for your home’s security will be crucial. You can consider different surveillance methods and keep basic self-defense equipment.
- Access to Information:Access to reliable and timely communication is essential to knowing how long you’ll have to bug in or if you need to evacuate mid-way.
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Differences |
Bug-Out |
Bug-In |
|
Definition |
Bugging out refers to evacuating your home in a dangerous situation with emergency supplies. |
Bugging in is the process of hunkering down at home till an emergency passes. |
|
Benefits |
● It helps you move away from a place of danger. ● It can take you to a superior environment where you can access supplies and other services easily. ● You’re mobile with all your assets being safe with you. |
● The advantage of familiar surroundings. ● Allows for preemptive planning and preparations. ● Safer for elderly members and children. |
|
Dangers |
● You face the risk of not reaching your bug-out destination. ● The possibility of running out of resources during extended disasters. ● Lack of professional healthcare leads to greater reliance on basic first aid skills. |
● You could become a target to burglars and looters during challenging times. ● Your neighbors may increasingly rely on you for help. ● Limited ability to restock and gather more resources based on your needs. |
|
When To |
You should bug out when your home is unsafe or if your local authorities have asked you to evacuate. |
You should stay home if there is no danger there and you have children or elderly family members. |
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Strategies |
● Have a comprehensive evacuation plan in place. ● Ensure you have a reliable means of transport. ● Have an alternative plan or a Plan B. |
● Prepare your shelter depending on the demands of the emergency. ● Build an emergency kit with all your emergency supplies. ● Plan for your home’s security, as it could be prone to burglaries. ● Ensure you have access to information from official sources. |
Bug Out Bag
A bug-out bag is a kit that contains all the essentials you need to survive for anywhere between 24 hours to a few weeks in the event of a calamity. It contains food, water, clothing, medicines, and so on. The comprehensive list is mentioned below:
- Non-perishable food items
- Potable drinking water
- Water for sanitation
- A comprehensive first aid kit, including any prescription medication
- Physical maps and a GPS
- Important financial, medical, and insurance-related documents
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Jackery Solar Generator
- Multitool
- Matches
- Clothing, including protective and warm clothing
- Pet carrier, along with any documents, food, and water
- Emergency cash and credit cards
What Makes a Good Bug Out Bag?
When preparing a bug-out bag, you’ll likely have two options: buying a mass-produced bug-out bag or creating one yourself with all the specific essentials you need. Here are a few qualities that make for a good bug-out bag:
- Should Be Comfortable:You’ll often face situations in which you’ll have to carry your bug-out bag for long durations. As a result, you’ll have to ensure that it fits well and is comfortable for you to carry for longer durations.
- Keep Your Bag Simple:Many bug-out bags contain all kinds of essentials and electronics, many of which you won’t need and will only be an added burden. Ensure that your bug-out bag only has the essentials you need for survival.
- Only Pack Items That Make You Self-Sufficient: Your bug-out bag should contain items that increase your self-sufficiency and do not make you more dependent on resources.
- Plan With a Defined Period:Your approach to your survival kit should be based on a specific period, be it 72 hours or 7 days. This will dictate how much of each item you need on your list and ensure you have enough to survive for the entire duration.
Jackery Solar Generators for Bugging Out
Jackery is among the most reputable brands of solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. The Jackery Solar Generators are a combination of the Jackery Portable Power Stations and the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels.
When you place the solar panels under direct sunlight, they absorb solar energy from the sun’s rays and convert it into DC. This is passed through the pure sine wave inverter in the portable power station to produce AC.
These solar generators are highly portable: You can fold the solar panels to carry them around, while the portable power stations come with wheels and a handle.
Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus is a lightweight, portable power solution that can be a good addition to your bug-out bag. It supports various outdoor appliances, from coolers to camping lights. The fast charging ensures that you can quickly charge most of your devices, such as smartphones and laptops. The versatility of the solar panels and the portable power station allows you to keep it at home to help in the event of a brief power outage or if you need to take it with you in your bug-out vehicle.
Appliances Running Time:
- Camping Light (3W) = 179.1H
- Portable Refrigerator (60W) = 8.9H
- Laptop (70W) = 7.6H
- Smartphone (29W) = 18.5H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 13.3H
Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is a compact and lightweight solar generator that you can easily carry with you if you plan on bugging out. With solar panels that fold into the size of a book and a portable power station that you can easily carry, you can take this with you no matter where you are and what the emergency is. The solar generator offers fast solar charging, so you can always run most of your essential devices when you’ve evacuated your home.
Appliances Running Time:
- Camping Light (3W) = 81.6H
- Portable Refrigerator (60W) = 4H
- Laptop (70W) = 3.4H
- Smartphone (29W) = 8.4H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 6.1H
Customer Review:
“So glad I decided to get my Jackery. It's small but powerful. I was able during a recent power outage due to a freak cold streak in Georgia to keep my laptop and phone powered until my work was done.” - Anne.
Jackery Solar Generator 500
The Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a solar generator with a decent capacity to charge many outdoor devices. It offers multiple outlets for charging these devices and recharges in three different ways. The whole system is waterproof, making it safe to use outdoors. Its compact size allows you to carry it easily, and the foldable solar panels mean you can fit the entire solar generator into your bug-out vehicle if you need to evacuate your home.
Appliances Running Time:
- Camping Light (3W) = 146.7H
- Portable Refrigerator (60W) = 7.3H
- Laptop (70W) = 6.2H
- Smartphone (29W) = 15.1H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 11H
Customer Review:
“We purchased the Explorer 500 as a backup source for an oxygen concentrator in the event of a power failure. So far, it is operating as promised and will handle numerous other devices as well. It is very portable and operates intuitively. Would recommend for a similar application.” - Kevin.
Best Bug Out Transportation
One of the most important aspects of bugging out successfully is having a reliable mode of transportation. Having your vehicle is key to ensuring your self-sufficiency during trying times. One of the most common debates when discussing the best bug-out vehicle is between a vehicle and a boat.
Here are a few key characteristics the ideal bug-out vehicle must have:
- Durability:The ideal vehicle is robust and can handle bad road conditions, harsh weather, and other challenges.
- Off-road Capabilities:Some situations might call for traveling off-road, and the ideal vehicle must have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to ensure it can traverse stickier conditions.
- Reliability:Your bug-out vehicle must also be reliable and not throw up any mechanical or other issues, especially when you need it to perform problem-free during a disaster.
The next section explores the pros and cons of each, along with a list of which will prove to be the better option.
Advantages of a Vehicle as Bug Out Transportation
Given below are some of the key advantages of using a vehicle as your bug-out transportation:
- Off-road Capabilities:A four-wheel-drive bug-out vehicle's advantage is that it can drive through muddy, sandy, slippery, or rocky terrains with relative ease.
- Cargo Space:A vehicle also offers plenty of cargo space, allowing you to store all the essentials you need for extended durations away from home.
- Mobile Home:If worst comes to worst, your vehicle can also serve as a mobile home if you’re stuck somewhere and can’t find accommodation.
Advantages of a Bug Out Boat
Given below are some of the key advantages of using a boat as your bug-out transportation:
- Shelter-cum-Vehicle:A bug-out boat or a sailboat offers you the benefit of being a shelter and a vehicle simultaneously.
- Food Supply:If you have the skill for fishing, you could benefit from an almost endless food supply.
- Helpful During Wildfires:If you are evacuating due to a wildfire or any other kind of fire, the water is the safest place to be.
How to Decide
You must consider the maintenance issue when choosing between a boat and a vehicle as your bug-out transportation. Sailboats can be challenging to maintain, especially since they rely on many specialized parts such as winches, pulleys, buckles, and so on, and if these were to break, you’d have to find ways to improvise.
Another key issue to consider is piracy. This will largely depend on which area you’re in, but the risk of piracy can be a major consideration. Considering these considerations, a vehicle will stand out as a more reliable alternative, particularly since a well-maintained one shouldn’t trouble you. Additionally, if you encounter some trouble, it won’t be as challenging to find help as it would be if you were on a sailboat.
Bug Out FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for bugging out?
The size of the solar generator you need in an emergency like a wildfire will depend on how many appliances you need to run. For example, if you're using the Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus to run your portable refrigerator (60W) and smartphone (29W), you can calculate the working hours as follows:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliance = 632.3Wh × 0.85 ÷ 89W = 6.0H
Note: The 0.85 is the power conversion factor multiplied by the battery capacity to account for power loss when charging the appliances.
What does bug out mean to preppers?
Bug out is a military term that preppers often use to describe a situation in which one needs to evaluate their home immediately due to a dangerous situation. It doesn’t always involve going out and living in the wilderness.
Why are they called bug-out bags?
The term “bug out bag” is potentially derived from “ball out bag,” a term military aviators use to refer to an emergency supply kit.
Why a 72-hour survival kit?
A 72-hour survival kit helps ensure you have enough supplies for you and your family for three days during an emergency, especially since rescue services will be busy assisting those in immediate danger.
How long should a bug-out bag last?
A bug-out bag should typically last you at least 72 hours. This ensures you have enough supplies for yourself and your family in a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or other natural disaster.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between bugging out and bugging in can be challenging. Your decision will rest on a host of different factors, including the nature of the emergency and whether or not your home is a safe place to stay in the first place. When evacuating, a bug-out bag is crucial to ensuring you have enough supplies to last you at least 72 hours without any access to supplies.
A backup power option like a Jackery Solar Generator should be a key component of your bug-out bag. It gives you adequate capacity to run most of your essential appliances and devices, ensuring you’re never left without information and communication.
Did you ever face a situation where you had to choose between bugging out and bugging in? What did you decide to do, and what essential supplies did you stock up on? Tell us in the comments below!
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