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What does Bug Out mean? 4 important words explained: BOP, BOB, BOV and BOL

What does the term Bug Out mean? In what context does it relate to prepping and survival? You will learn what Bug Out, BOP, BOB, BOV, BOL mean.

from Martin Gebhardt | Prepping | no comment yet | reading time 4 Min
Updated on 12 June 2024 25.245 views 92% found this guide helpful
What does Bug Out mean? 4 important words explained: BOP, BOB, BOV and BOL

Martin Gebhardt

From Martin Gebhardt. Check out my “About me” page.


👉 The key facts from this guide

  • Bug Out means quickly leaving an unsafe situation to protect the life of yourself or your family.
  • A Bug Out Plan (BOP) is an emergency evacuation plan that defines who is responsible for what, where to meet, and where to go.
  • A Bug Out Bag (BOB) is a backpack equipped with everything necessary for at least 72 hours of survival.
  • A Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) is your transportation that is well-equipped and prepared to take you to your Bug Out Location (BOL).
  • A Bug Out Location (BOL) is a predetermined location far away from the city where you stay in case of a Bug Out.
  • It is important that you prepare for all these aspects and have a plan to effectively act in case of an emergency.

If you're interested in prepping and survival, you've probably come across the term Bug Out. In this article, you'll learn what Bug Out means and the four aspects that belong to it.

Let's get started.

What does Bug Out mean?

To Bug Out means to leave an unsafe situation quickly. You have to escape the situation immediately because your life or the life of your family is in danger.

Usually, you have to leave your position, like your home, and retreat to a different location. The "Bug Out" is initiated by you when there is an emergency or a disaster is imminent (when "S.H.T.F." occurs).

A disaster can be anything, including a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans. In my article "What is Prepping?" I have listed even more such events.

Whatever the reason is, Bug Out is defined as: leaving your position as quickly as possible to bring yourself or your family to safety.

When people discuss "Bugging Out", they often use terms like "Bug Out Bag" and "Bug Out this" and "Bug Out that".

Let's clarify what it's all about. There are 4 "Bug Out" aspects that we will distinguish more precisely:

  1. Bug Out Plan (BOP)
  2. Bug Out Bag (BOB)
  3. Bug Out Vehicle (BOV)
  4. Bug Out Location (BOL)

Now let's take a detailed look at the 4 aspects. But please note: This is a general overview, and in the future I will go into more detail on each aspect.

What is a Bug Out Plan (BOP)?

The Bug Out Plan (BOP) describes where to go when it gets dangerous
The Bug Out Plan (BOP) describes where to go when it gets dangerous

The Bug Out Plan (BOP) is an emergency evacuation plan.

Once you and your family have decided that it is best to leave the city, you follow the Bug Out Plan.

The Bug Out Plan also determines who is responsible for what. Everyone knows what they need to leave the position. Everyone knows where to meet. And everyone knows where to go.

If families are not together in one house or if you plan to escape with friends, you have previously agreed uniformly.

The Bug-Out Plan is a well-planned plan to get you and your family from point A to point B.

It's clear: every Bug Out Plan is different and adapted to the specific emergency.

In general, however, all of this should be included in your Bug Out Plan:

  • Where are you and your family going?
  • What vehicle are you using? Or are you going on foot?
  • How are you getting there? (multiple alternative routes)
  • How is the bug-out location (destination) equipped with supplies, fuel, power, etc.?
  • What supplies are you bringing?
  • How are you securing your home?
  • How are you securing valuables, documents, and personal items (family photos)?
  • Should water, electricity, gas, telephone be turned off?

I understand that this is not a complete list, but it covers many important areas. A detailed article will follow.

What is a Bug Out Bag (BOB)?

The Bug Out Bag is your 72-hour emergency kit that you wear on your person
The Bug Out Bag is your 72-hour emergency kit that you wear on your person

With your Bug Out Bag (BOB), you ideally survive up to 3 days (72 hours). It is filled to the brim with things that ensure your survival. Each person in the family has such an emergency bag.

You should cover the following categories:

Each category is its topic to be explored in more detail in the future. There is a lot to know and learn about them.

However, here are a few tips that I recommend:

  • If you are traveling with family or friends, everyone does not need to carry a tarp or a tent. Coordinate who will carry what.
  • Make sure there are multiple options. That means:

Did you know that you can buy pre-assembled bug-out bags?

Sirius: Pre-Packed Bug Out Bag - 72 Hour Kit for 2 People - Bugout Backpack Survival Kit - Premium 50L Go Bag Tactical Backpack - Essential Bug Out Gear - Upgraded Survival Backpack (Camo)

Data updated 4 hours ago

Sirius: Pre-Packed Bug Out Bag - 72 Hour Kit for 2 People - Bugout Backpack Survival Kit - Premium 50L Go Bag Tactical Backpack - Essential Bug Out Gear - Upgraded Survival Backpack (Camo)

  • PEACE OF MIND IN A BACKPACK: Will you be ready the next time disaster strikes? Know you and your loved ones will be with this bugout backpack loaded with bug out bag supplies. It’s pre-packed and designed for any situation, ready to grab and go at a moment’s notice. Be prepared for: Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Fires, Floods, Tornados, Zombies, Aliens, etc.
  • ULTIMATE QUALITY PREMIUM GEAR: We use a high density 900D Oxford 50L tactical backpack for a reason, it’s the most important part. Extremely durable, water resistant, high utility with comfortable padded back and shoulder straps. Our Food is SOS Labs’s 100% US Made food rations that last.
  • UNMATCHED VALUE & CONVENIENCE: Save yourself time & money by letting our expertise do the work for you. You certainly could build your own bag, but how long until it’s ready? Do you have a bug out list started? This kit comes with all bug out bag essentials & more, meaning you’re buying in bulk. This lets us pass significant savings to you. Try building this kit individually and see for yourself, it’s significantly cheaper to buy this kit.
  • ULTIMATE GEAR COLLECTION: 7200 calories of food rations for 2 people, multiple water filtration means, solar AM/FM/NOAA radio, first aid, shelter & warmth, entertainment, soap, multiple fire starters, paracord, stainless multi-tool, compass, whistle, solar power bank, solar flashlight, gloves, ponchos, bivvys and more.
  • READY ON A MOMENT’S NOTICE: This kit is ready to grab and go as is, but it still has ample room left over for personalization. Pack important documents, cash, medications, clothing & more. Your kit ships with a guide on what else to include & general survival tips & advice.

$299.97

View Product

If you want to put together your own, and I strongly recommend it, then read my comprehensive guide on the Bug Out Bag. There I explain everything - really everything.

What is a Bug Out Vehicle (BOV)?

The Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) - your means of transport to quickly leave the dangerous situation
The Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) - your means of transport to quickly leave the dangerous situation

Your Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) is your means of transport. It is well-equipped and prepared. You drive it to your Bug Out Location (BOL, more on that later) and leave the crisis and disaster zone.

A means of transport can be anything you consider suitable. Off-road jeep, camping van, family car, bike, motorcycle, horse.

If you do not have your own and specific BOV, then when buying your everyday vehicle, you should consider a few things.

  • Low maintenance
  • Off-road capabilities
  • Fuel consumption
  • Load capacity
  • Accessories

All these topics related to your means of transport are so extensive that I wrote more about them in my guide "Motor home and Prepping: self-sufficient and mobile in a crisis".

What is a Bug Out Location (BOL)?

The Bug Out Location is your refuge
The Bug Out Location is your refuge

The Bug Out Location (BOL) is a predetermined destination when a Bug Out occurs. The refuge is usually located far away from the city.

I understand that this is difficult in Germany. We don't have many remote places because of our high population density. However, there are places that are not busy and few people wander there. It could even be your garden shed with a self-sufficient garden outside the city. The important thing is that you escape the danger.

You equip your Bug Out Location in advance with all the necessary materials, such as drinking water (calculate here), food (that are long-lasting), tools (my survival equipment), etc.

Ideally, you and your family can even be self-sufficient. Therefore, a location with water and farmland is advantageous. Or does a part of your family live in the countryside? Then this location would also be a good refuge.

Also read the complete guide

What is a Bug Out Location (BOB)? What do you need to think about? - Learn in detail what a Bug Out Location is and how to build your refuge. Being prepared is the basis of prepping and survival.

Summary

Now you know what a BOP, BOB, BOV and BOL is. Furthermore, It is clear that a catastrophe is not likely to happen anytime soon, and I would rather not spread panic.

But the fact is that in our modern world there are "bug out" scenarios. For example, there were floods on the Elbe in 2002, 2006 and 2013 (read here). Families had to flee to leave the dangerous flood areas (read here about how to prepare for that).

If you take care of just ONE of these "bug-out" aspects, you will definitely have an advantage.

The concept is not new. Even the German government (like any other) has refuge sites (BOLs) so that it can continue to govern in the event of a crisis.

I hope it has helped you to understand the terms of bugging out and get started yourself.


Could I clarify a concept and do you now know what it means?

Take care, Martin
Martin Gebhardt

Author of the guide


Martin Gebhardt

Hey, I'm Martin. On my blog, you will learn the basics and numerous details about living in the wild. I think survival, bushcraft and the good life in nature are the keys to happiness. Find me here on Instagram or on YouTube. You can find more about my mission on the About Me page.

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Free 35 Survival Hacks you'll love!

You will get 35 easy-to-implement survival hacks so that you don't have to stand aimlessly in the forest from tomorrow when things get tough. Take your skills to the next level!

DOWNLOAD HERE FOR FREE