Kayak Bug Out – Important Gear Listing

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Image this: a disaster strikes your metropolis, chaos engulfs the streets, and conventional bug out routes are nothing however an countless sea of site visitors. How do you escape the turmoil and safe your security?

A kayak bug out just isn’t typically mentioned in prepper circles and I’m undecided why. Kayaks are an unconventional bug out car, for certain, however in the proper scenario they’ll supply a speedy escape from a harmful scenario. Everybody thinks about their automobile or truck, however when a disaster strikes, roads and highways rapidly turn out to be jammed with site visitors. Automobiles hit a standstill.

Kayaks will help you escape extra rapidly if you happen to reside close to a river, lake, or ocean.

With a kayak, you possibly can rise above the turmoil and entry distant areas that others can’t attain. A kayak can turn out to be the life boat in a sea of chaos (excuse the puns), a lot in the identical means a bug out canoe can.

Historic Significance of Waterways and Kayaks

Throughout history, civilizations flourished round waterways, and for good purpose. Rivers, lakes, and coastlines offered the means for transportation, commerce, and sustenance. That is exactly why giant cities and cities are nearly at all times situated alongside the coast, rivers, or giant lakes. For that purpose, a big share of the inhabitants is close to navigable water – exactly why a kayak bug out must be thought-about as an alternate, if not major, bug out technique.

Within the early days, water served as a lifeline, facilitating transportation for items and folks. It allowed for commerce to flourish, connecting distant communities, and fostering cultural change. Waterways have been the highways of the previous, enabling the expansion of mighty empires and bustling commerce hubs.

Furthermore, water provided a dependable supply of sustenance. Fishing offered communities with a gentle provide of meals, whereas fertile lands close to rivers and lakes supported agriculture. The shut relationship between people and water instilled a profound respect for these pure sources.

As time went on, people developed ingenious methods to navigate these waterways, creating numerous kinds of watercraft to go well with their wants. And one of the crucial exceptional amongst them—the kayak—has stood the check of time.

The kayak, initially utilized by indigenous peoples in Arctic areas, was an ingenious invention designed for survival and transportation. These light-weight and maneuverable vessels allowed them to navigate icy waters and attain locations that bigger boats couldn’t entry.

Immediately, we’ve taken this historical idea and tailored it to fashionable instances. Kayaking has developed into a preferred leisure exercise, nevertheless it additionally holds unimaginable potential as a survival software throughout crises.

Historical past has proven us that when chaos strikes, highways can become traps. However by returning to our roots and embracing the kayak, we achieve a singular benefit—the power to flee and survive when others are caught within the chaos.

Kayak Bug Out Disaster Situations

Life is unpredictable, and when disaster strikes, it might probably catch us off guard. Whether or not it’s a pure catastrophe, civil unrest, or any other possible SHTF event, typically staying put just isn’t the most secure possibility. That’s the place bugging out turns into an important survival technique.

Crises can escalate quickly, leaving us with little time to make life-saving selections. When the scenario turns into dire, bugging out turns into a prudent selection—a strategic retreat to a safer location.

However let’s be clear: Bugging out doesn’t imply operating away out of worry. It’s a calculated response to protect your well-being and that of your family members. You should be knowledgeable, ready, and outfitted to execute your bug out plan successfully.

So, when may bugging out turn out to be crucial? Effectively, contemplate some disaster eventualities the place a bug out technique might be a game-changer.

• Pure Disasters – Mom Nature will be relentless, and when a strong hurricane, flood, or wildfire strikes, it might probably rapidly flip areas into hazard zones. In such conditions, evacuating to increased floor or safer areas turns into paramount.
• Civil Unrest – Civil unrest can erupt unexpectedly on account of numerous elements, and it might probably result in violence and widespread disruptions. Throughout such occasions, you could have to swiftly evacuate to guard your self from hurt.
• Infrastructure Breakdown – Infrastructure breakdowns, like energy outages or constructing collapses, can go away city facilities paralyzed. If staying turns into untenable, having a bug out plan with a dependable escape route generally is a lifesaver.

In the end, bugging out by way of kayak offers an alternate escape route—one which means that you can bypass highway congestion and entry areas inaccessible to automobiles. However keep in mind, planning forward and staying knowledgeable are very important to executing a profitable bug out.

Keep vigilant and monitor native authorities’ steering throughout a disaster. Develop a complete bug out plan that features a designated assembly level for your loved ones or group, pre-selected evacuation routes, and contingency plans for numerous eventualities.

Benefits of Bugging Out by Kayak

Let’s dive into some great benefits of utilizing a kayak for evacuation, as a result of there are greater than most individuals assume!

• Agile and Stealthy Motion – A kayak’s biggest power lies in its agility and stealth. In contrast to bigger boats or automobiles, kayaks can navigate by means of tight spots, shallow waters, and slender channels with ease. This skill means that you can keep away from congested roads and attain locations that could be off-limits to different modes of transportation.
• Entry to Distant Areas – Give it some thought—in a disaster, everybody else could be making an attempt to flee by means of the identical routes. However with a kayak, you possibly can take a less-traveled path. Distant waterways, hidden coves, and small islands turn out to be accessible havens, providing security and seclusion.
• Self-Sufficiency – Your bug out kayak will be your self-sufficient survival capsule. With correct planning and packing, you possibly can carry important provides and kit to maintain your self for an prolonged interval. It’s like having your emergency equipment on the water—a compact and environment friendly resolution.
• Restricted Dependency on Infrastructure – Throughout crises, infrastructures like roads, bridges, and public transportation might turn out to be unreliable and even unusable. However with a kayak, you’re not depending on such infrastructure. Your bug out route lies on the water, free from site visitors jams and obstructions.
• Stealth Tenting – When bugging out by way of kayak, you possibly can make the most of stealth tenting methods. Discover hidden spots alongside the shoreline or small islands to arrange camp. This low-profile strategy helps you keep inconspicuous and ensures your security all through the journey.
• Lowered Encounters with Others – In a disaster, encounters with others could be unpredictable. By selecting a waterway route, you possibly can scale back the probabilities of surprising interactions and preserve a decrease profile. It means that you can focus in your security and escape, minimizing potential dangers.

Bear in mind, the important thing to efficiently utilizing a bug out kayak is preparation and apply. Familiarize your self with the kayak, construct your paddling abilities, and check your bug out route earlier than an emergency strikes.

Kayak Bug Out Gear Listing

Within the video I embedded above, you possibly can see me undergo my kayak bug out gear. I’m additionally detailing the checklist under, and in order for you, you possibly can obtain the complete checklist under to print for reference.

Download My Bug Out Kayak Gear List

The gear is listed in alphabetical order. What works for me might not give you the results you want, so use my checklist as a information and customise your equipment to fulfill your scenario. Keep aware that that is primarily gear chosen for a freshwater kayak bug out. Should you plan to bug out over salt water, your checklist will probably embrace another objects.

Your bug out kayak is your lifeline, and with these rigorously chosen objects, you’ll be well-prepared to deal with numerous survival challenges. Usually assessment and replace your kayak bug out equipment, making certain that every thing stays in good situation and inside the expiry dates. Regulate it to suit the seasons.

Bear in mind, the aim is to be self-sufficient throughout at the very least a three-day bug out interval. Prioritize the necessities and keep away from pointless objects that will weigh you down. Maintain your bug out kayak organized and accessible, so you possibly can rapidly entry what you want whenever you want it.

Redundancy can also be one thing that it’s best to goal for. In prepping, two is one and one is none. It’s too straightforward for one thing to interrupt or fail. You want redundancy to account for gear failure, dropping an merchandise, and so on. This can be a idea it’s best to use in all of your preps, not simply bug out gear.

• Aquaquest Tarp – A tarp is a flexible software in any bug out scenario, however much more so in a kayak bug out equipment. It could possibly present safety from the weather, cowl your gear, create a shelter, or assist cover your kayaks. I like the Aquaquest tarp as a result of it’s a mission-built tarp. It’s designed for preppers. If price is a priority, a less expensive tarp will do, however the Aquaquest tarp has extra attachment factors, stronger stitching, and higher total high quality. I lined this tarp in additional element in my Tarp vs Tent article.
• Backpacking Range – Backpacking stoves are good for a kayak bug out as a result of they’re compact and light-weight. I exploit the Jetboil as a result of it’s so handy, however another choice is the MSR Whisperlite, which I’d used for a few years previous to the Jetboil.
• Bic Lighter – Easy and low cost. Pack just a few.
• Billy Pot – These are a bushcraft primary, a easy stainless-steel pot that may cling over an open fireplace. You’ll be able to boil water (purify it) and prepare dinner meals. You may also retailer meals and kit in it to preserve area. If price is a priority, simply minimize out a big tin can and add a wire deal with, just like the hobos did.
• Boonie Hat – You want a hat that can preserve the solar out of your eyes and off your face and neck. A daily solar hat can work, however I just like the boonie-style hat as a result of it additionally retains a bug web away from my face.
• Bug Net – Biting bugs won’t be a problem the place you’re at, however bug nets are so compact, low cost, and light-weight that I’ve one in each bug out bag and car.
• Bushcraft Knife – You want an excellent, mounted blade knife, and a powerful mounted blade often means a bushcraft knife. Want recommendation? See my video on the best bushcraft knife.
• Caffeine Pills – Bugging out might require you to push your physique past its regular limits. Caffeine drugs can provide the power wanted to maintain shifting.
• Cellphone – This most likely doesn’t even must be on the checklist as most individuals by no means go away the home with out one. Their worth can’t be understated, nonetheless. The fashionable cellphone is way more than only a phone. It’s a small pc in your hand that may maintain contact info, maps, digital recordsdata, and so on.
• Garments – Fast drying is the important thing right here. Oh, and don’t overlook additional socks!
• Emergency Whistle – Odds are being discovered is the very last thing you need in a bug out, however you possibly can’t take probabilities on the water. A whistle is louder and takes lots much less effort than hollering. They’re low cost, tiny, and weigh nearly nothing. Each member of your celebration ought to have one.
• Further Batteries – Clearly.
• Ferro Rod – A Ferro rod can begin numerous fires. One be aware: apply utilizing one prematurely. There’s extra to creating a hearth with a Ferro rod than simply placing it with metal. Know the fundamentals of beginning a hearth within the outdoor.
• First Help Package – That is one other “no duh” merchandise. Don’t overlook private prescribed drugs.
• Meals – The standard bug out bag is designed for 3 days. Give attention to calorie-dense meals. Freeze-dried packaged meals and MREs are nice selections. Their packaging can also be waterproof. Power bars are additionally good.
• Handheld GPS – A map and compass are foolproof. A handheld GPS is quick, handy, and efficient. Carry each.
• Handheld Radio – I exploit the Baofeng UV-5R radio with upgraded antenna. It’s a preferred radio with preppers for good purpose. It’s low cost sufficient that everybody in your celebration ought to carry one.
• Headlamp – I exploit the Petzl ACTIK CORE as a result of I exploit mine daily and I don’t need to preserve changing batteries. It’s rechargeable, but additionally takes AAA batteries. I like the choice to both recharge the sunshine or use batteries.
• Map and Compass – Ideally you understand how to make use of a map and compass for navigation, however even with out in-depth land navigation data, they’ll nonetheless be utilized by a novice to assist navigation. I deal with my maps with a waterproofing product to assist preserve them protected in moist environments.
• Multi-tool – These are crucial in any bug out bag.
• Paracord – Preppers know the worth of Paracord.
• PFD and Paddle – Don’t skimp on high quality or consolation.
• Tactical Mild – I carry the Olight Odin Mini. I prefer it as a result of it’s highly effective and rechargeable, however the draw back is it doesn’t take exterior batteries, so that you want a way to recharge it within the discipline.
• Bathroom Paper – It’s higher than utilizing leaves.
• Pack Noticed – This could be elective for some individuals, however I prefer it along with a bushcraft knife. It’s nice for gathering firewood or different bushcraft makes use of like fixing your shelter.
• Sunscreen – You don’t need to take care of a extreme sunburn on day one.
• Utensils – Give attention to light-weight right here. Purchase a cheap but durable fork/spoon combo or some titanium utensils.
• Water Filter – This can be a should. I exploit the Katadyn Vario. It’s dependable and pumps out a number of clear water in a brief period of time. It’s nice for a gaggle of individuals, however there are cheaper choices such because the Water Straw.
• Water Knife – By “water knife” I largely imply a diving-style knife, one that enables fast entry whereas within the water in case you could minimize one thing (typically straps or rope) however doesn’t have the purpose that would trigger unintended hurt. I strap mine to my PFD.

Extra Kayak Bug Out Suggestions

1. Pre-plan and Rehearse Your Route: The important thing to a easy bug out is correct planning. Examine your space’s waterways and establish potential routes that result in safer places. Have various routes in thoughts in case sure paths turn out to be blocked or unsafe. Rehearse your bug out route in calm situations to familiarize your self with the journey.

2. Apply Paddling and Primary Kayak Expertise: Kayaking might sound simple, however paddling effectively requires apply. Spend time paddling on calm waters to construct your abilities and confidence. Learn to maneuver, carry out turns, and preserve stability, so that you’re ready for any challenges throughout your bug out journey.

3. Carry out Common Upkeep Checks: Usually examine your bug out kayak and kit. Verify for any indicators of wear and tear and tear, and promptly deal with any points. Be sure that all compartments are watertight and check your communication gadgets and navigation instruments to ensure they’re in working order.

4. Manage Your Bug Out Kayak: An organized bug out kayak can prevent priceless time throughout an emergency. Maintain your important objects in simply accessible compartments. Use dry baggage or waterproof containers to guard gear from water. Apply loading and unloading your kayak effectively to optimize your bug out course of.

5. Keep Knowledgeable and Up to date: Keep knowledgeable about native climate situations, emergency alerts, and potential hazards. Being conscious of the scenario in real-time will help you make higher selections throughout your bug out. Maintain a climate radio or a dependable communication system useful to remain up to date.

6. Contain Your Bug Out Group: Should you’re bugging out with a gaggle or household, contain them within the planning course of. Talk about the bug out technique, roles, and duties. Be sure that everybody is aware of use the kayak and understands the evacuation plan in case you get separated.

By making ready prematurely and following these sensible suggestions, you’ll be able to embark in your kayak bug out with confidence. Bear in mind, apply makes good, so make kayaking a daily a part of your out of doors routine. Keep ready and vigilant, and also you’ll be well-equipped to face any challenges that come your means.