Some thoughts on what prepping really encompasses.

I started this as a simple recommendation for a free addition to a bug out bag, but a conversation by email made me realize that more needs to be discussed!

Prepping is not a camping outing, with tulips and unicorns!!!!! Prepping is preparation for total war.

A bug out bag is a tactic, to bridge your Survival; from where you live to where you need to go, to avoid the consequences of the breakdown of society. Do not take this to be a condemnation of a bug out bag (BOB), tactics are important to win battles. But logistics are what wins wars!

So here's the free tactic to make your bug out bag work better in a SHTF scenario:

When you stop somewhere to eat, there are packets of these condiments you can pick up for free. Grab a few, and they will quickly build up. Fill a zip lock bag, and it takes up little space and adds little weight in your BOB. This was my initial message, but more must be said!

Now a word of caution...catsup, picante sauce, mustard, and hot sauce have penetrating odors, and could get you killed. When you put on your BOB, until you reach your destination; you are in enemy territory! Take the road less traveled by, and live. Keep a cold camp, smoke draws in people who didn't plan; unless you are prepared to kill these intruders!

And one can get by for a limited time on cold rations, bring hunting and fishing supplies in limited quantities; in case you break a leg or something equally dramatic, planning to never use these supplies in transit. Using these kinds of equipment moves from tactics, towards logistics. This will slow you to a crawl, and increases the risk of getting you killed!

Once you get to your fortress of solitude, cook only at night for months; placing the food in a sealed container (like a pressure cooker), in a straw box or in an ice chest to keep hot. A Dakota hole fire, or today's equivalent the rocket stove cooks quickly, with no smoke or light. Your goal is to disappear and stay gone! If you heat dry beans to boiling, and put them in your straw box, the will slow cook until you open it back up. This is a homestead equivalent of a crockpot.

So many preppers seem to think that bugging out is going to be a walk in the park...No...No...No! The only single item that will keep you alive is your brain, USE It!!!!

Use the BOB tactic to reach your fortress of solitude, then switch to logistics to win the inevitable war; that will follow for years to come. Look at silent weapon systems for hunting, because a gunshot travels for miles; and can draw scavengers!

Remember, when the SHTF; the Rule of Law disappears, be ready to project power to protect yourself! The SHTF sucks, but with planning and logistics; you can come through stronger. The fortress of solitude should be a community, because no one can stay awake forever. Neighbors can make the small community a tough nut to crack...again, logistics and planning!

If you have a dog, who will keep his yap shut; he can save your life! He will be a good addition to your BOB, and can carry his own gear. Training him to get serious when you put on his BOB, can help keep you safe as you travel! This is another tactic, that can help you get to your fortress of solitude safely.

Just remember, you are going to War...not a camping trip; plan accordingly!

If you think you need 100 pounds of some type of dry goods, stock in 400 pounds; now while it's available! Store it in smaller containers in case some vermin gets in one container; so you don't loose much. The excess will make up for any mistakes you might make, and give you barter supplies for later; because you Will forget something!

Prepping is logistics for long term survival, few can survive on on a BOB only. I do know one person experienced enough to handle that (besides myself); and they are planning to head up on the mountains , and disappear. My BOB is a 27 foot travel trailer. My wife's in a wheelchair, so I need to bug in....

Use your best tool...your brain; to ensure that you come out the other side, and you're safe when the SHTF!