Bug Out Night or Day?

reply to post by Catalyst317


It depends really on the dynamics of the local situation.
If you had a choice, and say could wait, safely, then I would prefer a night time exit. Cover of night is a great thing.

But, if the situation is dangerous, and growing, getting out quickly trumps cover of darkness.

I completely agree with Catalyst317. That being said....

How many of you guys live near water? Lakes, rivers, oceans, or any man made canals? People are programmed to assume that everyones main means of transport will be the roads in a vehicle with wheels. It may take you longer but water is also can be a safe way to travel. Preferably at night, but daytime will work also considering the lack of traffic or awarness..

It all depends on the situation, where you are at, who you are with, etc. Other than those in highly populated cities, most people will be much better off staying put. Obviously there are some situations where you would have to leave, but I can't think of many that would make me have to leave my somewhat rural area. If it gets bad enough to force me and my family to leave, I don't think day/night would matter.

Gotta be ready to bug out at any time .. day or night.
That being said, I think I'd rather travel at night.
But in those kinds of situations, you don't often get to pick what you want.

I would go with the 4am - 12pm route as well. This would allow for covert enough travel initially and would allow you to be out of the afternoon sun conserving some energy along the way. If you did encounter people during the morning hours you would appear as less of a threat because you are showing yourself. Great post OP.

Originally posted by benrl
Depends entirely on the situation.

A person walking at night lights up an thermal cam like a flare.

Can you wait or is it a RUN FOR YOUR LIFE situation?
What is the weather like, raining, snowing, freezing cold or 105 in the shade?
What or who are you running from?
What are the tracking abilities or the willing to chase feelings of what you are running from?
It it human, non-human ,animal, biological or radioactive that is the threat?

There is no right answer to your question. You have to make plans to leave in a split second but be prepared to wait for days if need be to leave.

Depends entirely on the situation.

reply to post by Catalyst317


The idea of bugging out to avoid danger suggests a short time frame when bugging out. I think the best time to officially "bug out" would be when staying at your home with your shelter and resources is no longer an option. It could be the middle of the night, or the middle of the day. It is a good idea to plan for midnight bugouts though.

If you have a choice of when to simply leave, I would say go at the time you have the biggest advantage. If zombie vampires with night vision are after you, night may not be the best time to leave. Otherwise night time travel has good potential.

You should prepare to leave night OR day, because depending on the scenario, you may not have time to wait around for day or night to come.

But if you do have a little time, then chose carefully. Once again, it depends on the scenario, if WW3 is happening, or a natural disaster, martial law & roundups, or economic collapse and civil unrest. And, you may not have to bug out at all--I would prefer to bug in, lock the fort down with you and your loved ones inside, and if needed, fend off any potential threats.

During serious civil unrest, I would think you could move around less noticed by authorities during the night time, but there would also be quite a bit more looters and rioters to avoid. During the day, you'd draw more attention from authorities, but less from criminals.

During WW3, if your area isn't safe, you should bug out via vehicle, and go in the opposite direction of the drama.

You shouldn't bug out on foot during any natural disaster, but if you can outrun the storm with a car, go for it... unless you believe your home is safer.

During roundups--taking people off to FEMA camps--bug out. Take a bike or car, if you can. Or, arrange a plan with friends or loved ones... establish a meet-up point where you would meet up during roundups, then you could all pile into a vehicle and drive off.

That's what I think, anyway...

reply to post by FlyersFan


If it ever gets to the point where "bugging out" is mandatory; Here's the question...

Who is out there waiting that didn't "bug out"

Not a pretty picture is it. Chaos and anarchy usually isn't!!

Perhaps we should work for peace and justice and avoid all the S that will hit the fan.

I don't care either way...my 500cc is fitted out for travel to the most inaccessible spot you can imagine.

Have your bag ready day or night, you might not have the choice of what time to bolt.

I think a lot of people missed the point of this post. I think everyone understands that it's all situational and depends upon a number of different factors. The question pertained to IF you could choose, which would you choose and why.