Aditi Pai

 Your Ultimate Bugging Out Guide A camping tent is fundamental to survival. This basic form of shelter provides a roof, four walls, and keeps you: Safe Warm Contained Dry However, finding a place to seek shelter is not always possible in a survival or bugging out situation. Lady luck might be on your side and you find an abandoned cave or vacant cabin. If not, you may be able to construct a quick shelter out of logs and branches. However, this is possible if you’re a survival expert. Although, these are all acceptable ways of obtaining shelter, you’re relying solely on luck- and in a bugging out situation, this is a terrible idea! The reality is, most of us are not survival specialists. This means, our next best option is to carry a survival tent. Tents have been a part of human survival for more than 40,000 years. In fact, they are the most effective survival equipment. Human beings learned to make transportable shelters before they acquired the skills for farming. This means we’ve had quite a bit of time to master our survival shelter technologies. Modern tents are far more sophisticated and complex than ever before. And this is where the problem starts- selecting the best one! Options range from single person, group, to eight-person tents. In addition, there are insect tents, rain tents, high altitude tents, cold-weather tents, and much more. Regardless of the adventure you choose or situation you’re facing, there’s a camping tent out there suited for your purpose. In our ultimate bugging out guide, we will look at the following: Things to look for in a Tent Additional Considerations Types of Survival Tents Top Bugging Out Tent Brands Conclusion Things To Look For In A Survival Tent When looking at bug-out tents, there are three key features to look for. These are: Waterproof and weatherproof Easy set-up 1) Waterproof and Weatherproof It takes one night of freezing rain and gusty winds to figure out how important it is to have tent that can withstand ALL the elements. For maximum protection from rain, snow, and winds, a tent with a rainfly, bath-tub bottom, protected seams, and extra tarp is recommended. Rainfly Look for a double-walled camping tent with a corresponding rainfly. This can be pulled back to gain entry into the tent. This is a simple yet effective way of protecting yourself from water and the weather. Bathtub Bottom When looking for a tent, the first thing you’ll probably consider is size. After all, the more people it can accommodate, the better, right? Wrong! Your first priority is preventing rain and moisture from seeping into your tent. This is where a bathtub bottom tent comes in handy. The floor of this tent type extend up by several inches. Its seams join the tent walls. This ensures there are no seams at ground level. The floor is treated with polyurethane or another chemical water sealant for moisture barrier. In case it rains or snows heavily, you don’t have to be concerned about water flowing into your tent. You will have a pleasant night. Protected Seams To ensure that the elements stay out at all times, opt for double stitched, folded seams over single stitched seams. The former is more effective and durable at preventing water from entering your tent. Taped seams have an additional fabric layer sewn in between the seams. These are even more effective at providing protection and strength. Apply an extra layer of protection from the elements to the seams by pre-treating them with a water sealant. To apply water sealant, start by opening your tent in your back or front yard, on a sunny and dry day. Apply the water sealant to all the seams, on the outside and inside. Don’t forget to put the sealant along the rainfly and doors. Allow several hours for the seams to dry thoroughly. Repeat this process again. For optimum performance, consider applying the water sealant every year. Test your seams for water tightness by giving them a pull. If you feel tension on the seam or are able to see light shining through the stitched holes, then the water sealant wasn’t correctly applied. Extra Tarp Extra tarp acts like a buffer between the rocks, sticks, and roots on the ground and bottom of your tent. A survival tent kit will usually be equipped with an extra, custom-sized tarp. However, if yours doesn’t have one, you may use a regular sized tarp. Simply remember to tuck in the edges of the tarp inside the tent’s perimeter. If you forget to do so, rain water may collect and flow in between your tent and the tarp. It’s better if the rain simply rolls of your tent walls and into the ground. 2) Easy Set-Up What’s the best way to be prepared for a real bug-out situation? Practice. The worst thing you can do is wait till an actual bug-out or camping situation occurs, and it’s the first time you’re setting up the tent. Everyone knows that plenty of practice will prepare you the real situation, but there are a few features that can make it really easy for you to set up your tent. These are: Guylines, Stakes, and Stake Loops What’s the best way to prevent your survival tent from flying through the trees in a breeze? Drive some stakes through it! Stakes are vital for keeping your tent affixed to the ground. They prevent strong gusts of wind from blowing your tent away. You need to know how to use them properly. This is especially important in areas with high winds, rain, and snow. The last thing you want it to lose your tent in the forest in the middle of a snow storm. Pick the right stakes for your bugging out shelter kit. To place your stakes properly, drive them into earth at an angle that is away from the direction of the line. Ultralight titanium stakes, weighing 0.2 oz. each, are perfect stakes for most terrains except very loose or soft ground. Don’t let their thin appearance fool you. Titanium stakes are the less prone to bending if hammered into the ground. Aluminium stakes are another sturdy option. These can handle more wear and tear, especially when they’re hammered into the ground. However, aluminium stakes weigh more than titanium ones. Steel stakes are some of the best, but they weight the most. The stake’s shape will affect how easily it can be pushed into the ground and how well it stays affixed. ‘V’ and ‘Y’ beam stakes work well in conditions where the soil is loose or sandy. Aluminium stakes work best in this condition. In terrains with lots of snow, a curved stake is handy. Another point worth mentioning is how the tent fastens to the stakes. Many survival tents have nylon web loops at the corners, midway up and sometimes also on the rainfly. These loops will attach directly to the guylines and then the stakes or the stakes directly. This keeps your tent secure and helps holds its shape. To provide better grips to the stakes, tie the paracord into small loops and attach it to the webbing. Paracord is a durable material because it has a high tendency for resisting fraying arising from friction. To prepare yourself for a bug-out situation, measure the required amount of paracord for your camping tent and pack it into your survival kit. To keep the lines taut, use guyline tensioners. These are plastic sliding devices that simplify guyline adjustments than tying knots. Poles When you’re shopping for a camping tent, you’ll come across poles made from fiberglass or aluminium. Sometimes there are no poles. For bugging out or backpacking purposes, aluminium poles are recommended over fiberglass. These are usually stronger, easy to repair, and has less weight. Although aluminium is a sturdier material than fiberglass, it requires less to obtain the same amount of strength. When you’re practicing setting up your tent in the backyard, the added weight of the fiberglass won’t matter. However, when you’re trekking up the hills or across the field in two feet of snow, the extra weight will feel too much. Aluminium is also an easier material to repair compared to fiberglass. If the fiberglass pole fractures in your tent, it can cause tears. The poles are difficult to repair and most are usually replaced if broken. In contrast, aluminium will first bend before breaking. This acts like a warning signal beckoning you to perform repairs. This is vital for long-term survival. Fiberglass poles have their benefits as well. Firstly, they’re fairly inexpensive compared to aluminium ones. Secondly, fiberglass won’t corrode like aluminium. However, the aluminium poles may be treated with an anti-corrosive coat. This will quickly wear off in moist climates. You will be required to reapply the coat. Additional Considerations When selecting the best bugging out tent, you should also examine the following considerations: Storage Pouches and Vestibules Are you planning to bug out in the wilderness for a long time? If so, you’re going to need lots of storage space. This is not a necessity, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra room. A-frame tents have a vestibule on either end for storing additional materials. Dome-shaped tents are equipped with a rainfly that will extend past the entrance. This creates a small but sheltered space for storing items. The interior of survival tent will have mesh pockets to store small gear like tools and flashlights. It’s important to have these within arm’s reach in case of an emergency. Having a loop at the apex is a good addition to have because it enables you to hang up a lantern or light source in your tent. Vestibules are similar to a mudroom. You may use these to sore muddy gear and boots. It’s a handy feature to keep your footwear dry from snow and rain. Shape Tents are available in two shapes: Dome and A-shaped. Dome shaped tents have a square base and provide more vertical space near the sides. This makes them the ideal choice for families or multiple people living in the tent. Dome tents are also better at weatherproofing. The rain slides easily off the sides. The aerodynamic shape facilitates easy passage of heavy winds. These benefits lessen as the size of the dome gets bigger. A-shaped tents don’t provide sufficient headroom, especially along the sides. It is ideal for single or two people rather than a family. Capacity This refers to the number of people that can be accommodated inside the survival shelter. The manufacturer will provide the maximum number of sleeping bags that can fit inside the tent. This will make your tent environment comfortable and cozy. People who are tall or with a large build will benefit from a tent that is a size larger than the recommended number of people for the tent. You can also opt for an A-frame style which is usually longer. If you’re a single person looking for a bug-out option, a one-person tent will suffice. As a back-up option, a mylar tent is also a good option but it’s for a one-time use only. If you’re headed for an area with precipitation and low temperatures, then consider a full, one-person tent. This type of tent is useful for journeys that last for more than a night. One-person tents are easy to take down, pack, and set up. Color The color of your tent will depend on the terrain. Dark colors absorb a lot of light energy. This can easily increase the temperature inside the tent. Of course, this is beneficial in cold areas and harmful in warmer regions. Bright colors like orange and yellow don’t blend into the environment. In fact, these can be easily seen. If you’re bugging out in an area where rescue is desirable, then orange works very well. If you plan to stay hidden, then opt for camouflage patterns or earth tones. Neutral tones and natural colors merge into the surrounding environment. Weight Don’t let the weight of a tent fool you about its sturdiness. A heavy tent can be tiring to lug around a steep mountain terrain. If you plan to carry the tent in your pack, the weight will matter. Portable tents are your best option because they’re light weight and tough as well. If you’re looking for a family tent, then a portable one will still be a good option. Durability Fabrics in modern tents are far more advanced than ever before. Some camping tents are even ‘bomb proof’. Generally speaking, the more durable a tent is in an extreme environment, the better quality it is. Cost A camping tent can vary in cost depending on the material, size, special features, and of course, the brand. Choose a tent based on your budget and ability to your needs. Keep in mind, if you go for something really cheap, don’t expect it to last forever. Types of Survival Tents Believe it or not, there’s a tent for every survival scenario. It’s impossible to capture all the models in a single blog. However, the following are some of the most popular types of camping tents available: Four Season Tents You may use these tents throughout the year. Four season tents have sufficient insulation to keep you warm throughout the autumn and winter season. There’s plenty of waterproofing to keep you dry through a wet spring. There’s also a removable rain fly that you can lift up to allow air to circulate during a hot summer’s day. Tactical Bivvy This is camping minimalism at its best. Bivvies resemble a body sack or a tent coffin, but they’re designed to keep you sheltered from mild elements. It’s easy to pack a bivvy. They’re a quick life-saving option in case of an emergency. Some bivvies are designed with Mylar, a NASA tech material. It’s designed to trap your body heat so that you can stay warm in freezing cold temperatures. Bivvy tents are ideal for quick bug-out situations. You can easily stash one in your glove compartment. However, they’re not a suitable choice for long term survival. Backpacking Tents These tents are designed to be carried around on your back so you can expect them to be very compact and lightweight. Many people prefer this tent for bugging out situations. You can easily fit a backpacking tent into your bug-out bag. They’re convenient to carry on long distances because they require very little storage room. Backpacking tents are quick to set up and easily fold down. Cold Weather Tents These survival tents tend to be on the pricey side because they often have small heaters or stoves. In addition, they’re engineered in a way to pack in heat and keep out the cold. They’re definitely your best bet for snowy regions. Dome Tents If you’re looking for a lot of head room, a dome tent is your best option. Many professional expeditions rely on dome tents. This enables them to fit as many people in a tent as possible, including necessary gear. Since dome tents don’t have flat walls, they’re excellent for high winds, rain, and high altitude situations. Hammocks This is a tent and hammock all rolled into one portable housing unit. Hammock tents are superb for getting you off the ground. This is especially if the terrain is damp and wet. These are multi-purpose, comfortable, and lightweight. You can lug them around in your backpack. Hammocks are often paired with a piece of tarp which gives you a multipurpose shelter. Most have a mesh net that allows you sleep without mosquitoes buzzing around your face. Unlike a regular tent, you only two strong trees to tie each end and get your survival shelter off the ground. Tarps Being inside a tarp will make you feel warm and cozy like you’re in a rabbit hole. They’re often associated with military poncho shelters. This unique tent structure is available in a myriad of sizes, materials, and colors. They’re highly flexible and can be set up to take on any configuration. Tarps are wonderful at blocking the sun, wind, rain, and snow. Sturdy tarps are draped in canvas which is definitely weightier than nylon but more durable. Tepees When most of us think of tepees, images of Native Indians hunting bison resonate in our minds. Interestingly, tepees were introduced and popularized by Plains Indians. They’re still used today. Many modern tents are designed in tepee shape. The design is quite simple. A single, long, vertical pole is placed in the centre. The walls are staked around the ground. This creates a circular floor space inside the tepee. Yurts Yurts are invented and used by the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. They are commonly used in mountainous areas around the world. Yurts are not portable. A yurt is placed on a concrete foundation. It takes a crew to build a functional yurt. However, once a yurt is erected, it provides a luxurious tent experience. Yurts are very spacious. They help you stay warm when it gets cold outside. Yurts are ideal for long term bugging out situations. Top Bugging Out Tents Brands Here are some of the leading survival tents manufacturers in the world: MSR- Mountain Safety Research Since the 1960s, MSR has been creating dependable tents, suited for all types of weather. Their products can endure different types of environments such as harsh terrains, mountains, forests, etc. MSR tents are a backpacker’s dream. The company is well-known for creating robust tents, particularly backpacking tents, all-season tents, gear tents, and minimalist tents. If you’re planning a bug-out in the tundra, MSR’s tents is your best option. It can withstand freezing temperatures and still function well in the summer. Although MSR tents are slightly pricey, you are making a long-term invest in a reliable camping tent. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is their most popular tent. This is a 2-person, lightweight tent that weighs only 4 pounds. Kodiak Canvas The Kodiak Canvas Tent Company grew out of the Rockies. It has been around for more than a decade. In that time, they’ve developed a reputation for having some of the best quality tents in the market. Campers can count on a Kodiak tent to be comfortable, dependable, and suitable for meeting all their needs. Kodiak’s Hydra-shield adds a unique touch to their tents. It provides air flow and breathability that you won’t find in most tents. In addition, Kodiak tents are superb and rugged- meant to outlive any other product you purchase. Most of their tents are made using high-grade canvas, so they’re not easily prone to tears and rips. Kodiak tents is are also equipped with a limited lifetime warranty- ensuring customer satisfaction and quality. The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 6 is their best-selling tent. It can accommodate up to four people. The tent’s spacious interiors features 100 square feet of space. Coleman This is a family-owned company that has been around for more than 100 years. It’s known for producing quality outdoor products, especially survival tents. In fact, Coleman has the most best-selling tents on leading e-commerce sites. The company creates versatile and fun tent styles that are suitable for different camping needs. For example, the Hooligan Tent is a unique option for campers. It sleeps up to four people and transforms into a fun place to sit and look at rain falls. The Coleman name is renowned for making big family tents. Their cabin tent is a behemoth that can sleep up to nine people. No matter what type of Coleman tent you get, you can always count on their reliable rainflys. The company has a varied price range for every type of budget, so there’s something for everyone. Big Agnes “Life is too short to use bad camping gear”- a motto that Big Agnes stands by! This outdoor company has been designing top quality bugging out gear for more than fifteen years. They also design equipment to meet individual needs. Their tent plans take advantage of space and comfort while reducing the total weight. This feature is central to creating a great outdoor experience for campers. Big Agnes tents are available in a variety of cool colors, shapes, and price points. They’re also easy to assemble, dismantle, and ultra-light to transport. Kelty Kelty is a subsidiary of Exxcel Outdoors, LLC. Based out of Boulder, Colorado, the company is known for designing and manufacturing various types of outdoor gear. Their first product, an outdoor back pack, was designed in 1919 by founder and owner Asher Kelty. Today, the company creates sleeping bags, back packs, tents, etc. The Kelty brand is known for affordability and superior quality. The company is credited for introducing the world’s first aluminium backpack. Their designs keep great camping and backpacking experience in mind. Kelty makes survival tents for numerous bugging out experiences. The Mirada, TN2, and Outback are some of their top models. There’s a Kelty tent available for all types of camping experiences. A special feature campers can find in every Kelty tent is their removal rainfly. This lets campers gaze up at the stars. Their fly vents are rugged and known for keeping the tiniest critters out. REI- Recreational Equipment Incorporated Established in 1938, REI is a famous outdoor company. It has created several award-wining camping products. The company also donates millions of dollars every year towards environmental causes. Their tough gear and great cause makes them one of the top contenders for the best bug out tents. REI designs and manufacturers camping tents for people with different needs and requirements. They have a collection of unique and well-crafted tents such as the Tepui Tent. Perfect for the first-time camper, this tent slides over your car and is easy to transport. REI tents have a huge price range. They’ve got tents suited for every budget. Some tents can cost around $1,000 while others can range around $200. Nevertheless, consumers can expect durability and quality from all their products. REI tents are a great option for first time campers and people with a limited budget. The North Face Another top leader in survival shelters, North Face Is a company based in San Francisco, founded by Douglas Thompkins. Although the company was sold a few years later, its mission has remained- to deliver gear for the north face of a mountain. North Face designs and manufactures different types of outdoor gear. In the northern hemisphere, the north face is the coldest part of a mountain. It’s also the iciest and therefore the hardest aspect to climb. Even though the company’s most popular products are outfitting and backpacks, they also create top-notch tents designed for extreme cold weather. North Face tents are suitable for up to four people. Although their tents cannot accommodate more people, it can tolerate crazy temperatures while retaining its shape and function. Their product design is another stand-out feature. North Face’s most popular camping tent is the Stormbreak 2. Conclusion A natural or man-made disaster can strike at any time. The best way to deal with such calamities is by being prepared! Having a survival shelter and kit at the ready is your best bet. A lightweight tent can provide you and your family an immediate shelter and a chance to stay safe. Tents are an essential survival necessity. They’ve been around since early human civilization. Tents have changed the way interact with nature and the way we live in the wild. Modern tents continue to play a significant role in our lives. They continue to keep us safe from the elements while providing many comforts such as storage, space, and safety. Tents are used by nature lovers, professional expeditions, and bug-out enthusiasts. Whether you choose a lightweight tent, tactical bivvy, tepee, or backpack tent, these are all viable shelter options that can help you endure in a life and death situation. When selecting a bugging out tent, consider features like weight, capacity, durability, size, color, shape, and cost. Remember, this is going to be your home for some times so do make an informed decision. Preparing a survival tent ahead of time is the key to weathering the storm.