Bugging Out Part 4 - Seasonal Considerations

Bugging Out can be hugely different depending on the time of year! Anyone considering evacuation should periodically evaluate their gear in accordance with their particular location. We all know that there are 4 seasons on Earth, but depending on where you live, these seasons have huge implications on the terrain and environment around us. This could range in variety from the Polar regions to the Temperate zones.

Polar - Tundra - Boreal - Mountain - Temperate - Mediterranean - Desert - Dry Grassland - Tropics - MicroclimatesWet & Dry seasons | Spring-Summer-Autumn-Winter | Ice & Thaw | Monsoon & Prewinter | Light & DarkIt is very important to evaluate and change out the contents of your Bug Out Bag (BOB) in accordance with your particular varying weather or seasons. Evacuating, ultimately on foot, in the Winter with a BOB packed full of Summer gear will prove extremely challenging and uncomfortable.
As i live in a temperate zone, Britain is my main focus. My preps centre around the implications of the possible heat of Summer and misery of the British Wet & Icy Winter.

Considerations

I for one feel a sense of ease and relief for the approaching transition into Spring and Summer. This shift enables me to kick-start my change from a Winter bug out scenario. I carry out the same evaluation for the transition to Autumn/Winter. I consider my emergency evacuation / bug out scenario and adapt accordingly. Below i have detailed some of the actions and implications i consider and carry out.

Spring & Summer (Temperate)

• The days get longer - the nights shorter, providing extended ease of travel time. Navigation becomes easier.
• The tracks and paths dry and harden, making cross country travel easy.
• Increase in temperatures enable me to swap out my winter clothes and winter sleeping system for lighter gear.
• As it gets hotter the increase risk of heat injuries and water reliance increase.
• Additional medications may be required, especially if you have Hay-Fever (Anithistamines).
• Hot food may not be so essential if weight is an issue.
• Mosquitos, midges and other biting insects will become not only a nuisance but a potential hazard, so include repellent and a good midge net (essential)!
  

Autumn & Winter (Temperate)

• A time of diminishing daylight hours and longer nights. This reduces travel time, but also can see longer rest times too.
• Higher risk of cold injury including frost-nip and hypothermia exist, therefore i ensure warm clothing and my cold weather sleeping system is in my BOB. As a result my Winter BOB always tends to be heavier.
• Outdoor tasks increase in difficulty as dexterity diminishes. Gloves and hat are essential.
• Transit routes become difficult. Vehicles have an increased risk of getting bogged in and travel along un-treated/gritted road surfaces may become problematic due to ice.
• The end of Summer heralds the bounty and opportunity to supplement food supplies.
• I ensure my Bug Out vehicle is sufficiently winterised against cold damage.
• I regularly take out and aerate my gear to avoid any trapped moisture, fuelling any dreaded, mould build-up.
  

Transitions in the seasons are inevitable. Any good #prepper will have a system of checks in place to ensure their plan has maximum flexibility and efficiency. If you do not evaluate your bug out gear in accordance with the seasons, you will be setting yourself up for a harder ride! The examples above only relate to my Temperate zone. Other zones may require a more comprehensive change-out. We all know the climatic conditions in our respective environments, the question is, do you adapt your gear with the seasons?

GOOD LUCK!