Grey Man

Ahh, the cool wanderer of the apocalypse, grey hoodie pulled low over his eyes to obscure his face. Jeans, sneakers and a small backpack complete the ensemble.

This is the trope of the 'Grey Man' you often see, but while it could be true, it might just be the opposite of what you need.

The idea of the 'Grey Man' is to not stand out. Don't call any attention to yourself. Take the wanderer above and put him in a wedding, art museum opening, and guess who the cops are questioning first!

In any 'on edge' situation, the last thig you want to do is call attention to yourself. Imagine what the majority of people like you will be looking like, and try to fit in.

A Tale of two Bug Out Bags:

Every article on bug out bags has a list of cutting edge gear and bags covered in army quality MOLLE.

During a disaster this is great an all, but you are going to be the guy sticking out who has all the equipment everyone wants. To the guy who doesn't have a lot, you probably look like a great target to crack in the head as soon as you dose off, and take all your stuff.

My guess is during a disaster there will be lots of school, or hiking backpacks pressed into service as bug out bags. Stuffed with whatever people could throw together at the last minute. Kids walking around with pink backpacks and stuffies, crying.

Make no mistake, I understand that someone with nothing would happily split my head open for any advantage he could get, but this is what I want to look like.

I won't necessarily look dangerous but I also won't have a target on my back any bigger than everyone else's.