BACK TO BASICS: BUG OUT LOCATIONS

When the world decides to go sideways, having a solid Bug Out Location (BOL) could be the difference between thriving and just barely surviving. In our latest episode of the Back to Basics series, we break down everything you need to know about finding, securing, and maintaining the perfect bug out spot.

WHY A BUG OUT LOCATION MATTERS

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that disasters can happen fast, and cities are not always the place you want to be when things go south. A well-prepared BOL gives you a safe retreat, away from chaos, where you can regroup, ride out the storm, and keep your family protected.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BOL

Not all locations are created equal. Your ideal bug out location should have a few key things:

Water Access – Without water, you won’t last long. Streams, lakes, wells—make sure you have a steady supply.
Defensibility – If you need to defend your space, can you do it effectively?
Sustainability – Hunting, gardening, and natural resources help keep you there long-term.
Distance & Accessibility – Far enough to escape the danger, close enough to reach before it’s too late.
Low Profile – The last thing you want is every desperate person knowing where you are.

SETTING UP YOUR BOL

Once you’ve got a location, it’s time to make it work for you:

Stockpiling Essentials – Food, water, medical supplies, and security tools.
Shelter & Comfort – A solid structure or prepped campsite to keep you protected.
Security Measures – Fences, cameras, traps—whatever it takes to keep you safe.
Backup Plans – If your BOL is compromised, what’s your next move?

IS A BOL RIGHT FOR YOU?

Some preppers live at their BOL full-time, while others keep it as a backup. Not everyone needs one, but if you live in an urban area or a place prone to disasters, having a secondary location could be a game-changer. Even if you can’t afford a full-blown off-grid cabin, having a plan for where you’d go and how you’d get there is a huge step in the right direction.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Prepping isn’t about paranoia—it’s about being smart. A Bug Out Location isn’t a luxury; for many, it’s a necessity. If you haven’t thought about where you’d go in an emergency, now’s the time to start.

🔊 Want the full breakdown? We dive deep into all this and more in the latest episode of Casual Preppers Podcast.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube. #StaySurvived