The Proper Bug Out Mindset

RED DAWN TYPES

If you think an AR15 with twelve 30rd magazines is needed for a bug-out then you either need to move to a more secure location or aren't very mature. Don't be offended - I was like you from 1984 until roughly 1998. Many "gun nuts" (I'm probably the best gun nut at the Yard and Swamp) are naturally drawn to survivalism. The two topics cannot be separated, and I'm glad that gun people tend to be more self reliant. However, visions or plans of a Red Dawn type bug-out are only going to get you killed. Survivalism is about....survival......and the best way to succeed is to avoid conflict at all costs.

By adopting a "shoot only to eat and when there is literally no where else to run and/or hide" mentality will help ensure your survival. This mentality will also free up valuable weight in your kit.

FEED THE WORLD TYPES

I love those of you who have the "I'll share my supplies with everyone" mentality. Unfortunately, you're going to make it to Heaven before me, because you're either starve or when you're out of supplies those dependent on your generosity are going to turn on you. Research Battle of Stalingrad.

Don't be a victim of your own generosity. God commands people to take care of themselves too.

The above two issues are the most common mistakes I see in people's planning and/or mindset as it relates to bugging out. There is another common issue though...

GEAR WHORE vs MOUNTAIN MAN

Don't be a "gear whore". As your skills and knowledge increase your dependence on gear decreases. This is great, because it frees up weight in your ruck for more "durables" that will enable you to live more comfortably off the land.

The last issue I see is...

GADGET GEEKS

Don't waste precious weight on big and heavy gear when a smaller / lighter / more simple (and therefore more durable) item will suffice. A great example of this is GPS devices. LEARN TO USE A COMPASS!!! A compass will never run out of batteries, isn't affected by submersion, and weighs a fraction of that of a GPS.