Winter weather is not like the summer
While you know this fact, you may not be aware that you need special equipment in your bug-out bag.
That is if you have to go on the road during those cold winter months.
This may mean that you would have to create 2 bug-out bags.
One for the colder seasons of the year and one for the warmer seasons.
The reason you have to have different gear in the winter bug-out bag is that you are facing different risks.
Those risks with winter weather conditions are not always easy to see or guard against.
You have to be more careful in the winter time as well as you could easily slip, twist or break an ankle, and so on.
It is best to be prepared with a different bug-out bag for the cold weather months.
Some of the risks involved with a winter bug out
These are risks you may not think about as you rarely go out during the winter without good clothing, a car, and a heater that works.
But when it comes to a winter bug out, you may not have that heater along to help keep you warm.
There are some extra risks you take when moving around during the winter season.
These are risks you may not think about as you rarely go out during the winter without good clothing, a car, and a heater that works.
But when you are bugging out, you may not have that heater along to help keep you warm.
Here are some of the extra risks you take when moving around during the winter season:
Slipping
The path or sidewalk, etc., are very slick- you may have a hard time getting your footing so walking will be a lot slower and slippier.
You could slip and fall, twisting an ankle, breaking a bone, including an arm bone if you use it to break your fall, and so on.
There is less humidity
This means that you can dehydrate faster which is not going to be good.
Windchill factor
The wind brings winter temperatures down to very dangerous levels and you may not be prepared for that big drop in temperature.
Freezing is a possibility as is frostbite.
A lack of food
During the Spring and Summer seasons you can always find food items growing somewhere.
In the Fall and Winter, you won’t have that luxury.
Hypothermia and frostbit
These are an ever-present danger and if you do not dress warmly or have a good heat source, then you can fall victim to these deadly ailments very quickly.
One other risk that you may not have thought about is you may not have the materials to start a fire readily available.
Keeping warm is going to be a difficult task to perform.
Winter bag Essentials
This list is by no means exhaustive but like the summer you may not have a car to transport your gear.
You may be limited to what you can lift in your bag so be selective and prepare for the worst.
All your clothing and other gear need to be rated for the extreme temperatures in your area or the area you are traveling to.
Winter clothing
Good winter boots are a must have as they not only keep you warm but they also protect your ankles from being twisted.
Then you will want good winter shirts, pants, socks, vests, and jacket to wear and protect you from the elements.
Not to mention snow gloves, hats, face or ski mask, and so on.
If you cannot get snow gloves, look into tactical work gloves instead.
You may need more than one of each if you get wet.
Winter clothes will not only help you stay dry, but dry quickly too.
Polyethylene Foam
This is light and can be rolled up very tightly when not needed.
But you want it along because it provides excellent insulation against the cold ground.
Or if you find a shelter, it can help keep the cold out and the heat inside.
Make sure to have enough to cover the length of your body at a minimum.
Mylar blanket
Along with the foam, this tough material can keep you nice and warm throughout the night.
They have the ability to reflect light as well as keep your body heat close to you.
It folds up nicely and is small also, and it is not very heavy.
These beat a traditional wool blanket and comforters by far.
Weatherproof fire-starting items
These are always a must as you never know when you will need to build a fire to stay warm.
These tools will not be affected by the weather and you can use them almost anywhere.
Folding shovel
They may also be called a camp shovel but they are very handy if you need to build a snow shelter or dig your car out of the snow.
Once folded up, they do not take up much room in your bug-out bag.
Sunglasses
Or some other tinted eye protection.
Snow blindness is real and can happen in an urban setting as well as a rural one.
The snow reflects the sun’s brightness very effectively and your eyes will suffer if you do not protect them.
Hand axe or hatchet
This is another good tool to have along as you will need to chop wood to make a good fire.
It also helps shape wood in case you need to build a quick shelter.
When worse comes to worst, it is a handy self-defense weapon.
It is a triple threat bug-out tool.
Insulated water bottles
water will freeze in the winter and if it does, you have nothing to drink until you thaw it out.
These little thermoses help keep the water inside from freezing so you can always have something to drink to avoid dehydration.
Access to drinking water is vital.
Sleeping bag & tent
Both are lightweight and the modern tents are easier than ever to put up.
Ensure you invest in a waterproof tent
You can get out of the cold faster with a tent than you can if you have to build a shelter.
Then a sleeping bag with a good fleece lining should help keep you warm over night.
Miscellaneous for your winter survival kit
This grouping includes food for winter.
You’ll need more calories than normal so take that into consideration.
A portable stove will help in food preparation.
And snack on dried fruits.
Pepper spray, hand sanitizers, and a first aid kit are also needed.
Also pack a Swiss army knife, maps of the area, lights, extra batteries, duct tape, a two way radio and so on.
Everything you can carry can come in handy when the situation calls for it.
Other important winter bug out suggestions
These tips are for when you are on the road and making your way to your next destination.
Never eat fresh or any snow
You will need to boil it down first and then add some purification tablets to the water when you are done.
Also, use some water filtration methods that won’t get clogged up.
Build a fire to melt the snow if you do not have a cook stove along with you.
Know the natural resources of the area you are going to
You will need to know what plants and bushes are nearby and if they are safe to eat, including their roots.
Know where fresh water sources are.
Do some good research to make sure you understand the topography as well as what is in the area that is healthy for you to eat and use.
Pack your bag carefully
You will want to distribute the weight evenly so your back does not get hurt carrying it.
Make sure the bag is either water-resistant or waterproof.
You want to keep the moisture out of the bag as much as possible.
The weight distribution will also help reduce fatigue, which can be a danger during the winter months.
Be smart so you do not have to work too hard.
Avoid frozen ponds, rivers, etc.
You never know how thick the ice is at any time.
It is better to be safe than sorry as if you fall through the ice with the bag on, you may not resurface again.
Find good paths around these frozen areas to make sure you do not put yourself at greater risk.
Also, do not break the ice to check to see how thick it is.
Those blows could send cracks far ahead of you adding to your danger if you walk on the ice.
Eat well
The winter is a time when your body needs more a significant amount of fuel.
It has a difficult time maintaining body temperature with the cold air.
So make sure you eat a lot more food at this time.
You want to stock up on those calorie-laden foods and make sure to eat plenty of fat and protein.
These food items can range from fresh meat, root vegetables, beans, coconut oil, dried food, and herbal teas.
You want to make sure you do not skip a meal during this bug-out time.
The winter will have you using more energy than usual, so plan your diet well.
Every experienced survivalist knows this.
Before You go
If you already have a summer or warm weather bug-out bag ready to go, you can always switch the items when the colder months start.
Or, and this is better, you can just create a second bag filled with these bag essentials.
Make sure your family has two bug-out bags as well.
That way you can bring more winter gear and supplies and make sure you got every situation covered.
Don’t forget to do more winter bug-out bag research as not everything is on this list.
Choose the best items possible so you survive the elements better.
A successful winter bug out bag will prepare you for cold temperatures and even the extreme cold.
Make sure the bag is not too heavy to carry.
Always be prepared so that a worst case scenario does not happen and you and your loved ones remain safe and warm in Winter.
Originally posted 2023-03-01 04:29:46.
