Evacuating during the harsh winter elements is already a difficult feat, but what if you find yourself in a post-EMP environment while driving and have to bug out in the snow? There is no vehicle to comfortably take you to your bug out location. For many, you will be on foot and all you have to get you through this disaster is what is in your car. Do you have the preps and the skills to make this icy trek?
Honestly, ask yourself, what will you do? Well, there are some options, and we’re going to cover them. Naturally, many of these will not apply if you live in a state that doesn’t receive much snow, such as in the deserts or the more “balmy” states. Still, you may be able to take a few things away from this. Let’s do it!
How to Get Out of Dodge in the Snow
First, are your “Go/Bug-Out” bags ready? If you’re traveling somewhere together as a family and the distance is more than a few miles, emergency bags and gear should be in the vehicle for every member of the family: no exceptions! We’ve covered bags until we’re blue in the face. Here are some essential gear must-haves (just to “refresh” your memory):
- Fire-starting equipment
- Small first aid kit
- Compass
- Cold weather gear
- Poncho/tarp with grommets and bungees (for a lean-to)
- Three days of food (minimum)
- Water
- Water-purification equipment (filter, or iodine tablets)
- Knife
- A weapon and ammo
- Radio
Protecting Your Feet is a Top Priority for Winter Survival
Remember, your basic survival needs are your top priority when the conditions are harsh. Now, the snow! Myself? I cannot (repeat, cannot) go anywhere at all unless I have my snowshoes with me. Another option and one that I mentioned before is to find the kind of snowshoes made of durable plastic and either orange or yellow, used by the utility and electric companies for a song. Yeah, they’re not exactly “tactical” in color, but if you desire, you can paint them with spray paint. They’re that color to enable guys who are working to be able to find them after their lunch break is over, not to run with…but they work and are strong.
There are plenty of other “high-end” snowshoes, and you’ll have to shop the market. You want a pair that can carry your weight and at least 20 lbs. The contractor ones will do this, and they’re not very large or cumbersome. Keep them together with 2 D-hooks, and throw them in the back of the vehicle. Next, you need to practice on them. If you’ve never done it, walking on the snow is a different task, especially if you’re carrying gear.
Winter Clothing
Gore-Tex is ideal for shielding your body from the relentless winter weather. A word to the wise – if you can cover yourself in Gore-Tex – do it! Just one below freezing night out in the backyard without it, and you’ll run to the store when the day comes. That Gore-Tex enables you to stay warm and dry, and it “breathes,” keeping you from being a humidifier and soaked to the skin. You need good, thick socks and quality boots…I recommend Rocky Gore-Tex boots with at least 1000 grams of Thinsulate, for starters.
On a side note, make sure a good ground pad is with you. In the wintertime, you’ll need all the insulation that you can get from the ground. I jump back to the toboggans again: if you have a light rucksack as a “go” bag, you may be able to tote it…and haul other stuff in the toboggan, such as tools, clothes, and have space for extra food and supplies you may pick up on the way.
