Constructing a Shelter While Bugging Out on Foot
If you’re in a grid-down situation or dealing with a natural disaster, there’s a good chance you’ll be on foot at some point.
You can’t exactly pitch a tent in the middle of a chaotic bug-out, so knowing how to build a fast (and effective) shelter with minimal gear is an absolute must.
I learned this the hard way on a solo test trip through the Ozarks.
It wasn’t a full-on bug-out scenario, but I made it one just to see how well I could survive with only my bug-out bag.
Of course, I got caught in a downpour, no shelter, and just the gear I had on me. It wasn’t fun, but I made it work.
That day taught me more about improvising with what’s available than any book or prepper forum ever could.
And if you ever find yourself in a bug-out situation, that same mindset of using what you have (quickly and effectively) is going to be your best friend.
When you’re on foot, speed and stealth are your biggest priorities. You don’t want to be spending hours building a fancy shelter; you just need something that’ll keep you dry, warm, and protected from the elements.
A simple hammock with a tarp overlaying it is an easy (and comfortable) way to keep yourself protected in the wild.
Here’s what works:
Tarp Shelter: This is my go-to. A small and lightweight tarp can really save your life when you’re bugging out. You can rig it up as a lean-to, an A-frame, or just a simple overhang to keep the rain off. I’ve set up tarps in all kinds of conditions, and the best part is that it’s quick to set up and lightweight to carry. All you need is a couple of trees or branches to support it, and you’re good to go.
Bivy Sack: A bivy sack is a lightweight and waterproof bag that fits over your sleeping bag. If you’ve got one, it’s an excellent option for a quick shelter. Not as comfortable as a full tent, but if the weather is bad, it’ll keep you dry and protected without taking up much space in your bag!
Poncho Shelter: Don’t overlook your rain poncho because it’s not just for the rain! If you’ve got a larger poncho, you can use it to create a makeshift shelter. I’ve used my poncho to drape over a couple of branches to keep me dry when I had no other option. It’s light, packs down small, and it’ll protect you from both the rain and wind. Plus, if you really need to, you can wear it to stay dry while you sleep.
To make any of these shelters work, you need the right gear.
The trick is to pack light while still carrying what you need to make a functional shelter.
Here’s what I always make sure to pack:
Tarp (small, lightweight): A compact tarp (about 5x7 feet) is great. You can use it for everything from shelter to rainwater collection. It’s super lightweight and folds up small, but it can be rigged in a variety of ways to give you shelter.
Paracord (50 feet): Paracord is one of those things I wouldn’t leave home without. It’s versatile, lightweight, and strong enough to hold up your tarp, tie down branches, or even make a shelter frame. I always carry at least 50 feet of it. It doesn’t take up much room, but it’s worth its weight in gold.
Emergency Space Blanket: These things weigh next to nothing and take up almost no space, but they can keep you warm in cold conditions. If you’re stuck somewhere and need to keep your body heat in, an emergency space blanket is smart to have. t’s a quick, cheap way to add warmth to your shelter without carrying extra gear.
Multi-tool or Knife: A good multi-tool or knife is essential for shelter construction. I’ve used mine to cut branches, set up tarps, and even make repairs when things break. A small folding saw can be useful if you need to cut through thicker branches, but a knife or multi-tool is usually enough to get the job done.
Stay prepared, stay resourceful, and keep practicing those skills!
Recipe of the Week: One Pot Chili
Now let’s get to the real good stuff: food.
When you’re dealing with a disaster scenario or just need a warm, filling meal after a long day of prepping, there’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of chili.
It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s perfect for cooking with minimal equipment.
I’ve made this chili more times than I can count, especially during colder months when staying warm and well-fed is crucial.
Plus, it’s a flexible recipe: you can throw in whatever you have on hand, and it’s still going to taste great. I’ve made this chili in a small camp pot, and even on my camping stove, it works every time.
Here’s what you’ll need to get:
2 cans of diced tomatoes (about 14 oz each)
1 can of kidney beans (or any beans you’ve got)
1 lb of ground meat (beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils or tempeh)
1-2 tablespoons of chili powder (adjust to your taste)
Garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning)
Now follow these steps:
In your pot or camp stove, start by browning your ground meat. If you’re using something like turkey or lentils, just heat it through until it’s nice and warm. If you’re using ground beef, make sure it’s browned and drained of excess fat (if you want to keep it lighter).
Once your meat (or veggie alternative) is cooked, add your cans of diced tomatoes and kidney beans (drained and rinsed if you want to cut down on some of the sodium). Stir it all together. You want to let the tomatoes and beans mingle with the meat for a few minutes before adding the spices.
This is where you can get creative: add the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. I usually go with about a tablespoon or two of chili powder, but it depends on how spicy you want it. Stir the spices in well, then let the chili simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to let the flavors come together.
Keep stirring every few minutes to ensure nothing’s sticking to the bottom. If the chili gets too thick, add a bit of water (or broth, if you’ve got it). Let it simmer until it’s heated through and the flavors are melded together.
Once it’s all simmered down and smelling delicious, serve it hot! If you’ve got any cheese, sour cream, or crackers on hand, go ahead and top it off for some extra flavor.
Here are some of my extra tips you can apply as well:
If you’re trying to make it vegetarian or just don’t have meat, throw in some lentils, tempeh, or even mushrooms. They’ll soak up all that chili goodness and give you a hearty base.
If you’ve got any canned or fresh veggies lying around (like bell peppers or corn), throw them in! They’ll add flavor and texture.
The beauty of chili is in the spices. If you have any cumin, paprika, or even cinnamon, throw a pinch in for extra depth. You can always adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or jalapenos, depending on your taste.
This one-pot chili is perfect for when you don’t have much time, but you need to fuel up. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of flavor to keep you going through tough situations.
Stay full and stay warm!
Lessons Learned From A Real-Life Disaster: The 2023 Maui Wildfires
In August 2023, Maui was hit by wildfires like no one had ever seen before.
The combination of dry weather, strong winds from Hurricane Dora, and months of drought turned the island into a ticking time bomb.
In just a few hours, entire neighborhoods in Lahaina were destroyed, with more than 100 people losing their lives.
Over 2,200 buildings were burned, many of them homes, and the damage topped nearly $6 billion.
It was a disaster that really made me think about what I would’ve done if I had been there:
Have an Evacuation Plan Ready to Go The first thing that really hit home was how fast everything moved. People didn’t get much of a warning, so by the time they knew how bad it was, the fire was already at their doorsteps. Traffic turned into a nightmare as people tried to flee, and many got stuck. This is why having a clear evacuation plan is crucial. Know your routes, and have backup plans. Don’t wait until you see smoke to figure it out. The quicker you can act, the safer you’ll be.
Weather Can Turn Everything in an Instant Maui’s wildfires were made worse by hurricane-force winds and dry conditions. The flames spread like wildfire (literally) and it didn’t take much to make the situation spiral. Wind and drought warnings aren’t just weather alerts, they’re life-saving reminders. In fire-prone areas, always keep an eye on the weather. And when the winds pick up, you’ve got to be ready because things can escalate fast.
Communication Is Key When Everything Goes Dark When the fires hit, cell towers were knocked out, leaving people unable to reach their families or even get updates on what was happening. Without power or proper communication, many were left in the dark. This shows how vital it is to have backup communication plans. Things like satellite phones, radios, or even just an out-of-area contact. Don’t just rely on your cell phone, especially when things go south.
Clear Space Around Your Home One thing that made the fires worse was the lack of defensible space around homes. Many areas were surrounded by dry, non-native grasses that acted as fuel for the flames. If you live in a wildfire zone, you’ve got to keep that defensible space clear; trim back vegetation, clear dry brush, and maintain your property. It might not stop the fire, but it can slow it down long enough for you to get to safety.
Always Be Ready for the Unexpected The thing about wildfires (and disasters in general) is that they can hit without warning. People thought they’d have more time to evacuate, but the fire moved so fast that they had no choice but to flee without much preparation. Having a bug-out bag packed and ready to go at all times is wise. Food, water, first aid supplies, and important documents….it’s amazing how quickly you can grab everything and go when you’ve got it all in one place.
The Maui wildfires were a wake-up call.
They reminded us just how quickly things can go from normal to life-threatening.
And in those moments, it’s your preparation (and your ability to think fast) that can make all the difference.
DIY Survival Project: Crafting a Simple Fire Starter Kit
Alright, let’s talk about one of my favorite survival projects: a fire starter kit.
A fire is everything: warmth, cooking, signaling for help, and even boosting your morale.
So today, I’m going to show you how to make a simple, effective fire starter kit that’s small, cheap, and easy to put together.
Trust me, you’ll want this in your bug-out bag or emergency kit.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Cotton balls (the fluffier, the better)
Petroleum jelly (yep, Vaseline works like a charm)
Waterproof container (a pill bottle, old tin, or anything that seals tight)
Now follow these tips:
First, grab your cotton balls. I like to gently pull them apart to make them extra fluffy. The more air in there, the better they’ll burn. You want the cotton to be light and airy, so it’s easy to ignite and burns for a good amount of time.
Next, take your petroleum jelly (yes, the same stuff you probably use for chapped lips) and rub it into the cotton balls. Don’t go crazy with it, but make sure they’re well coated. The goal here is to saturate the cotton enough that it burns long enough to get your fire going but not so much that it’s a greasy mess.
Now, grab a waterproof container…anything that seals up tight. I’ve used old pill bottles, small plastic containers, and even tin cans. The idea is to keep the cotton balls dry. You don’t want your fire starters getting soaked if you ever have to use them in the rain or a wet environment.
If you need to, throw a label on your container so you don’t forget what it is when you dig through your gear. Then, toss it in your bag or stash it in your emergency kit. This is the kind of thing you just forget about until you really need it, and then you’ll be glad it’s there.
When it’s time to use your fire starter, just pull one of the cotton balls apart. Expose some of those fibers to help it catch quicker. I’ve used everything from a lighter to matches to a fire steel to get it going.
Once it’s lit, it’ll burn for a solid few minutes; just enough to catch your kindling on fire.
These fire starter kits are easy to make, don’t cost much, and can literally save your life in a tough situation. This is something you don’t want to skip when you’re prepping your gear.
Stay warm!
Wendy’s Corner: Building a Go-To Kit For Kids
Hey guys, Wendy here!
I’m all about family preparedness…especially now that I’ve got my own little crew to look after.
Steve, Luke, Charlotte, and I live in the great state of Oregon east of the Cascades, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned since moving here, it’s that you can never be too prepared.
Earthquakes (from the Cascadia subduction zone), wildfires, power outages…they can happen at any time.
And, as much as I’d like to think we’re invincible, the reality is, we have to plan for the unexpected.
One of the most important things we’ve done since settling here is create a solid family communication plan. It’s something my dad always preached about, and now that I’ve got kids of my own, I realize just how crucial it is.
Identifying Communication Needs and Resources
When you start thinking about your family’s communication needs, you’ve got to start with a simple question:
How will you get in touch if something goes wrong?
If you live in a big city with great cell service, this may be an easy answer.
But for us? It’s a little trickier. Our cell service can get pretty spotty, especially in bad weather, and we’ve definitely lost power a few times.
During one of those snowstorms, Steve and I were frantically trying to get in touch with each other when the cell towers went down. After that, we decided we needed a plan B )and a plan C, and maybe even a plan D).
Here’s what we rely on now:
Landline phone
I know, I know, it sounds old-school, but it’s a great backup. Even when the power’s out, a landline can often still work (depending on your setup). So we’ve made sure our landline is plugged in and ready to go.
Walkie-talkies
We live in a rural area, so walkie-talkies come in handy when we’re out on the property and can’t get a signal on our phones. We’ve got a set that works up to 10 miles, which covers most of our needs. Plus, the kids love using them during family hikes, so it’s a win-win.
Battery-powered radio
If the power goes out, I always grab our battery-powered radio. We live in a place where natural disasters can knock out power for days, so staying informed is crucial. Having a way to hear news updates without relying on the internet is key.
Takeaway: Think about how your family communicates now, but also think about what you’d do if that tech stopped working.
Setting Up Emergency Contact Lists and Meeting Points
I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t really think about how important a simple emergency contact list is until we had a big wildfire scare last year. Steve was at work in town, and I was at home with Luke and Charlotte when we got an evacuation notice.
We were scrambling to figure out what to do, but I realized we didn’t have a clear contact list for situations like this. So, we sat down as a family and made one.
We keep a hard copy of the list in our emergency kit, and everyone has a copy on their phone. It’s got the numbers for relatives, neighbors, and a few key friends we’d need to reach out to if the phones are still working.
But here’s the twist: we also have an out-of-state contact.
In case we can’t reach each other, we’ve got Aunt Rachel down in northern Cali who’s our “go-between.” If the family is separated, we’ll all check in with her and figure out the next step.
Then, we set up meeting points. This was an interesting conversation with Luke and Charlotte.
For weeks, I kept telling them, “If something happens, we’ll meet at the old oak tree in the backyard.” And one day, Luke said, “What if the tree falls down?”
Great point, buddy! So, we ended up choosing a few options: one is just outside our front door (because hopefully, that’s still standing), and the other is at a neighbor’s house just down the street.
Takeaway: Make sure everyone knows where to meet in case you get separated. And don’t just pick one spot. Have at least two.
Incorporating Children into the Plan Through Simple Drills and Discussions
This is one part of the plan that I think gets overlooked sometimes: teaching your kids the plan.
Luke and Charlotte are 10 and 8 now, and I’m always surprised by how much they actually get about emergencies. When we first started practicing our drills, it felt silly. “Okay, guys, we’re pretending there’s a fire! Go to the oak tree!”
But then, one afternoon, we had a real fire drill, and I watched Luke grab his little sister’s hand and head straight for the meeting spot. They knew exactly what to do.
We also talk about the plan regularly. Whenever we drive somewhere, I’ll ask, “What would you do if we got separated during a disaster?” or “Where’s our backup meeting place?”
I make it casual, but I want them to have these answers at the ready. And it works! Last year, when Steve and I were trying to find each other during a power outage, Luke kept calling me on the walkie-talkie, saying, “Mom, are we safe?”
As a mother, it gave me peace of mind knowing that they knew exactly what to do.
Takeaway: Get the kids involved. The more they know about the plan, the more confident they’ll feel when it’s needed. Do some drills and keep the discussions light, but make sure they understand their role.
Weekly Prepper Challenge: Assemble a Personal First Aid Kit
Alright, folks, this week’s challenge is all about building your own personal first-aid kit.
I know, I know, it sounds a little like one of those things that can wait, but trust me, when you’re out there in the field or even at home dealing with an unexpected injury, you’ll be grateful you took the time to put it together.
The goal here is to create a compact first-aid kit that’s tailored to your needs, whether you’re hiking, camping, or just want to have something on hand in case of an emergency.
Here are the must-have items to include in your first-aid kit:
Adhesive Bandages: You need a variety of sizes for those little cuts and scrapes. My go-to is Nexcare Waterproof Bandages. They stay put even when wet and won’t peel off when you’re sweating or in the rain. Grab a couple of different sizes to cover all bases.
Antiseptic Wipes: These are crucial for cleaning up wounds and preventing infection. Medique Alcohol-Free Antiseptic Wipes are a great option. They’re gentle on the skin and do the job without that stingy burn. Pack a bunch because they come in handy for all kinds of things.
Sterile Gauze: If you end up with a more serious cut or wound, sterile gauze is a must. I recommend Curad Sterile Gauze Pads. They’re large enough to cover most wounds, easy to pack, and super affordable. Make sure you have a few in your kit.
Medical Tape: You’ll need something to hold your gauze or bandages in place. 3M Micropore Surgical Tape is perfect. It’s gentle on the skin, breathable, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue, which is great if you need to remove it later without any pain.
Tweezers and Scissors: For splinters, ticks, or cutting tape, you’ll need a good pair of tweezers. I like the Tweezerman Slant Tweezers for precision and easy handling. For scissors, the Swiss Army Victorinox Classic SD is a compact multi-tool with small, sharp scissors that work great for cutting bandages or gauze in a pinch.
Here’s where you can really personalize your kit based on your needs, lifestyle, and health conditions.
Think about what you or your family members might need, and add these items to your kit:
Medications: If you take any prescription medications, be sure to include a few doses in your first-aid kit. For those of us with allergies, don’t forget an EpiPen or similar epinephrine injector. If you're hiking, consider packing Benadryl (for allergic reactions) or Aspirin (for pain relief). These can make a huge difference in an emergency.
Blister Pads: If you’re active, blisters can quickly become a nightmare. I’ve had great success with Compeed Blister Pads. They cushion the blister, prevent friction, and help it heal faster. Make sure to add a few to your kit if you’re going to be on your feet a lot.
Snake Bite Kit: If you live in an area where snake bites are a concern, a snake bite kit can be a lifesaver. I recommend the Adventure Medical Kits Snake Bite Kit. It’s compact, easy to use, and comes with instructions.
Burn Cream: If you’re cooking over a campfire or dealing with heat, Burn-Free Burn Gel is a great product to have on hand. It soothes burns and helps prevent infection.
Feel free to include other items as well, but the above I believe is a great start.
Stay safe and take care of yourselves,
Kyle