Bugging out on water may sound disturbing to some, and that’s perfectly understandable. It’s like a foray into another planet: a total pull out of your element (comfort zone or whatever you choose to call it). The sudden transit from daily land chauffeuring to aqua navigation is bound to be troubling, and here’s what makes it worse: it’s a bug-out trip, not an ordinary cruise.
4 Things To Know Before Bugging Out on Water
Bugging out by boat does not have to top your list of scariest experiences. With the right mindset and adequate preparations (which are expected from every prepper), escaping water can be enjoyable. Let us look at how you can be appropriately prepared for your boat bug-out.
The following are considerations to know or sort out before hitting the waves.
Current Location & Planned Destination
Before bugging out by boat, you have to be aware of where you currently are and where you are going to. This will offer a clear sense of direction and clarity. By being aware of your current geolocation, I’m including the nearest water body to set sail from. After all, it’d be frustrating or uncomfortable to have to travel out on foot for long before getting to a suitable river or sea.
Your destination has to be prefixed too. Find out if you’ll be heading straight ahead to the eventual location or will be making stops along the way. Also, map out positions or places where you can seek shelter on the journey. These places should be able to protect you from adversities, whether harsh weather or dangerous elements. It would be very nice to find a spot where you can be hidden & safe yet have a clear, unrestricted view of the vast plains.
But here’s something even better: a location with a supply of drinkable (fresh) water. Being close to the river, stream, lake, or ocean will make several activities much easier. As you wait to pass the night, catching fish or fetching water to drink will not require much.
Selecting A Vehicle
There are several types of water vehicles, all of which are good enough to smoothly navigate the water. Whether a canoe, boat, raft, or kayak, you can successfully navigate the waters if you take enough consideration of convenience, accessibility, security (depending on the water’s reputation), and other factors.
The kayak and canoe have been useful vehicles of water transportation since the days of the pioneers, so there’s no reason not to use one if available. However, I’d understand your concern if you would prefer another vehicle to either of the two, considering how far we’ve come.
A raft will also work as fine as a canoe or kayak, but it is not as durable or resilient as the duo. So, if that’s what you have available for use, travel light, be sure of the weather forecasts, and avoid treacherous waters. Most importantly, come along with a spare, which thankfully you’ll be able to (thanks to the sizable space when inflated).
Selecting the right water vehicles takes thorough planning. Have a defined range of cash to fork out, the size of the boat, space to be required, maintenance, and what tool should be packed along for repairs. I’m pretty sure this is a piece of cake to handle. Is it?
Gear To Be Packed Along
Depending on your choice of selection, there are various gear to include in your traveling kit, and I’m not referring to your foods, drinks, or clothes. I mean actual gear. The first thing is to have a clear idea of the boat’s size to estimate the boarders’ number. With this sort out, gear to pack becomes easier to determine.
To begin, wind turbines, ham radios, solar power, generators, television, freezers, shower, GPS, and many more may be useful to pack along — all while paying attention to the size of your vehicle. Meanwhile, a water maker converts salty water to freshwater and is therefore highly important for obvious reasons.
By the way, regardless of other items to be packed or the size of your boat, the following are a necessity:
- Life Jackets: As they say, safety first! With this in mind, there’s no reason not to have a bunch of life jackets on your vessel as you board. In case of any happenstance, these jackets will help to stay afloat and alive. Yes, no one wants a mishap, but preparations must be made. No? Remember to have enough life jackets for every occupant of the boat. Also, everyone should have his handy, prepped to be used.
- Portable Toilet: As long as you aren’t using a yacht, a portable toilet should be included in your gear. This often depends on the boat’s size, but I advocate that you always have one or two. If impossible due to size, pack disposable sachet toilets for use, although the river will be contaminated.
Security Aboard The Canoe
Of course, you’re more likely to make it with protection. There’s no questioning that everyone aboard a vessel has to be conscious of whatever’s happening at all times. An effective technique is to use a drone scout or organize a watch program. What am I driving at? I suppose detecting what’s coming your way before it becomes too late can save your lives.
Stock available space with weapons and ammo, although you have to secure the legal permission to do so beforehand. Whether you’re a sucker for peace or not, being prepared for likely threats (marauding pirates or extreme locals) is the best for you.
With your eyelids peeled and a filled arsenal, troubles shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Be thorough and particularly careful with this specific consideration, as things can hit thick & fast out there. Underestimating the possibility of dangers to come across can be disastrous.
Be wary, alert & most pertinently, never panic.
Conclusion On Bugging Out on Water
Bugging out on water doesn’t have to be a panicky experience, but only if you are adequately prepared for whatever may be coming. With sufficient attention to the considerations looked at above, your bug-out trip by boat may be one very remarkable adventure. We’ll look at more factors to consider subsequently, but before then, what do you think of the ones above?