While I may use an RV for bugging out and since they generally come with a means of keeping warm much of what I am about to say would no longer apply to me. Unfortunately not everyone has a Motor home for a bug out vehicle so other methods must be employed.
Many people state that there is simply no way that they would ever consider going camping in the winter time but we as survivalists just cqn not predict when an emergency condition will occur forcing us to consider alternative living arrangements. On the other hand there are many people that would perhaps welcome the quiet and peaceful relaxation that can be afforded by nature even in an emergency situation. All this peace and quiet can quickly be disturbed and result in a nightmare if the proper precautions are not taken to stay warm. Even in mid April as here in Delaware the nights have been very cool causing some sort of heat to be necessary. In such cases here are some tips on how to stay warm when surviving in the outdoors.
Foremost you should ensure that you have the proper equipment for the season. Most survivalists have both a winter bug out kit as well as a summer one. Just because the calendar says its spring don’t automatically assume that you can pack up the winter kit and switch to the spring one. When preparing to bug out always try to check the weather condition in the area that you are heading to. In my case that’s easy since I plan to bug out within a 400 mile radius of my home. Others may have different plans and should follow the above rule carefully. Pay particular attention to the minimum temperatures where you are heading. If you know that you will be using a tent and a sleeping bag then make certain that these items are rated properly for these temperatures.
You may wish to consider the use of a sleeping pad even if your sleeping bag is properly rated for the temperature conditions you are about to encounter. It is highly likely that you can still find yourself freezing at night if you fail to use such a device. What happens is the weight of your body will compress the sleeping bag filling as you lay on it and ultimately reduce its effectiveness. The ground is usually very cold even within the confines of a tent.
The weather can be very unpredictable and as such you should take the proper precautions against water and rain. Rain can not only be very uncomfortable but can also eliminate any warmth that may be provided by your clothing. Down sleeping bags as well as cotton fabric clothing are useless for warmth if they get wet. Make sure that you have rain covers for your survival gear and ponchos for yourself.
Although one should not have to be told you would be surprised at the number of people who fail to bring extra clothing with them. Even if it appears that you will have mild temperatures during your bug out and expect warm weather you should always be prepared for a worst case scenario. Bring plenty of extra socks, some long insulated underwear, a hat, a scarf and gloves.
Here is a trick that I learned a long time ago when I went camping. Bring a heat-proof water bottle and during the day fill it with drinking water for drinking while at night place boiling water in it and wrap it in cloth to use as a hot water bottle. If its properly sealed you can place it in your sleeping bag prior to going to bed and it will help keep you warm overnight.
There are many hints and rules that you can follow to keep warm and being a survivalist or prepper you should avail yourself with as many as you can. By continuing to learn you can assure yourself and your family some warm nights ahead when bugging out.
Copyright @2010 Joseph Parish