Even though bugging out would be the last resort for most preppers, it remains one of the most popular subjects in preparedness circles. This is because while none of us want to leave everything we own behind, it may become necessary.

Because there are so many variables when it comes to bugging in, bugging out and bug out bags in general, there is no end to the articles written on the subject. As you can see from the links above, I have quite a few as well.  

When it comes to purchasing a bug out location or survival retreat, there is no exact blueprint. While there are some best practices for picking a BOL, how you go about it depends on your personal situation. 

We all have ideas about our dream bug out location, but usually the realities of life make that unattainable…at least in the short term. This doesn’t mean however that we give up, it just means that some concessions may need to be made. 

Our Bug Out Location Thought Process

In the replay (click the player above) of a podcast Lisa and I did a few years ago, we went over what our thought process was for choosing our property. We also went over some of the concessions we were willing to make, as well as some of the things that were deal breakers.

While there are some things we can do to save money, there are some things that are an absolute necessity for it to qualify as a bug out location, rather than just a plot of land. Here are some of the topics we covered this week.

Location: Everything listed below goes into picking the location, but what you can afford plays just as big of a role. Purchasing our dream location may be out of the question, but there are viable alternatives. 

What’s Your Plan: Planning not only involves how you plan to use the location, but how you plan to build up the location. Some people have more time than money, and if that is you long term & short term goals will be needed.

Survival Skills: You’ve probably heard this 100 times, but skills are a very important part of prepping. Building and maintaining a  bug out location will require much more work. Not to mention