Why Your Bug Out Bag Shouldn’t Carry Everything
When disaster strikes, your Bug Out Bag is your lifeline. But here’s the harsh truth:
It doesn’t matter how much gear you pack—if you can’t carry it over distance, it won’t help you survive.
One of the biggest mistakes I see new preppers make is stuffing their bag with every possible item they might need. The result? Overloaded packs that slow you down, make you a target, and drain your energy.
The smarter way? Use a Survival Cache system.
What Is a Survival Cache?
A Survival Cache is a secure stash of supplies hidden along your bug out route or in strategic locations you may need to reach. Think of it as an underground resupply station.
Caches allow you to:
- Keep your Bug Out Bag light for mobility
- Pre-stage gear you’ll need only in specific areas
- Create fallback points if you can’t reach your destination in one push
I’ve used caches for years—both in my military career and as a civilian prepper. When planned correctly, they can be a game-changer.
Supply vs. Resupply Caches
I break caches down into two main types:
1. Supply Cache
A Supply Cache holds gear you don’t need to carry through the entire journey.
Example: Fishing gear. It’s dead weight until you hit a body of water. By stashing it near a stream or lake along your route, you have it when you need it—and not a minute sooner.
2. Resupply Cache
A Resupply Cache contains expendables to top off your Bug Out Bag.
My go-to list?
- Beans (food rations)
- Bullets (ammunition)
- Bandages (medical supplies)
- Batteries (for critical electronics)
Sometimes, I combine the two—like a cache with fishing gear and extra ammo and batteries. This way, I cover both mission-specific needs and long-term sustainment.
The One Thing No One Else Puts in Their Cache…
Every cache I bury contains one item most preppers overlook:
A morale booster.
For me, that’s a pack or two of Twinkies. Laugh if you want, but after three days in the bush, a Twinkie can do wonders for your mental state. Survival isn’t just about calories—it’s about morale, focus, and keeping your head in the fight.
Why I Switched to the DirtyMan Safe
Recently, I relocated and had to rebuild my entire cache network to match my new PACE plan (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency routes). That meant digging up old caches and rethinking my storage system.
After testing various DIY solutions over the years, I found something far better: the DirtyMan Safe.
Here’s why it’s now my go-to cache container:
- Vertical Design – Smaller footprint, less digging, harder to detect.
- Burial Sleeve – Keeps dirt from collapsing in, making service and reburying faster.
- 316 Stainless Steel Hardware – Corrosion-resistant and harder for detectors to pick up.
- Industrial-Grade ABS Plastic – Same material as underground plumbing. 50-year lifespan.
- Included Salting Metals + Silica Packs – Many overlook these essentials.
- American Made – Small business, high-quality construction.
Best Practices for Burying Your Survival Cache
A great container is only part of the equation. Here’s how I ensure my caches stay safe, waterproof, and undetectable:
- Remove sod in one piece so it blends seamlessly when replaced.
- Use a poncho or ground cloth to collect dug-out dirt and spread it elsewhere—minimizing visual disturbance.
- Bury at least 12 inches deep to protect from wildfires and most consumer-grade metal detectors.
- Salt the area with scrap metal about 6 inches down to throw off sweeps.
Why Caches Are Essential for Every Prepper
Mobility equals survivability. A heavy Bug Out Bag slows you down, makes you easier to track, and burns valuable energy. By using a Survival Cache system, you carry only what you need for the leg you’re on—and know exactly where to pick up the rest.
Whether you’re just starting your preparedness journey or refining an advanced plan, caches are an essential part of any serious bug out strategy.
Watch the Full Breakdown
This post is just the beginning. In my latest Green Beret’s No-Nonsense Bug Out video, I will:
- Show my full DirtyMan Safe setup
- Explain how I choose cache locations
- Reveal the Twinkie morale booster in action
▶ Watch it here: Lighten Your Load with Caches
Get Your DirtyMan Safe
If you’re ready to upgrade your cache system, check out the DirtyMan Safe here: https://dirtymansafe.com (Use Code Graybeard for 10% Off while the offer lasts).
Stay light. Stay mobile. Stay alive.
