Do your prepping plans include measures for bugging out when SHTF? Preppers are knowledgeable when it comes to survival skills, but not everyone has a backup plan for bugging out.

While things are relatively quiet, consider setting up shelter. You can store your gear and supplies in a shelter, but it must be inaccessible to potential attackers. When deciding where to set up a bug-out location, decide on an area that is hard to reach even with a vehicle. Always add security measures around the perimeter.

If you’re at a loss where to set up your bug-out shelter, consider a log cabin. With enough preparation, you can set up a log cabin in under several weeks. And if you get a log cabin kit, it will blend in if you build it in a wooded environment. (h/t to Survivopedia.com)

The benefits of a log cabin kit

A log cabin kit comes with all the important materials you need to build a log cabin. A kit will usually include:

• Flooring (optional)
• Log walls
• Roofing
• Windows and doors

With a log cabin kit, you can set up a log cabin by following a pre-designed and step-by-step guide which adheres to building codes and permits. More than 30,000 kits are made in the U.S. yearly and these are the reasons why they are popular with preppers:

1. It doesn’t take that much time to set them up – Not everyone has the spare time to build a log cabin from scratch and it’s not always easy to get the materials to build one. With a log cabin kit, even preppers who aren’t as experienced when it comes to woodworking can set up a log cabin. Unlike a temporary shelter, a cabin has a greater lifetime build value.
2. Kits are cost-effective – A kit is a bit more expensive than building your own cabin, but it is definitely more cost-effective. The final price for a kit will vary depending on the level of finish that you want. For example, a “shell-only” package will include the log wall system and the roof, and it can cost anywhere from $50 to $80 per square foot. A “dry-in” package will have all the materials you need to build the exterior of the log cabin and it can cost from $70 to $130 per square foot. The last option is a “turn-key” package which comes with all the materials you need. Once built you can move into a log cabin made from a turn-key package, but it will cost about $130 to$180 per square foot. For prepping, a shell-only package will suffice.
3. Log cabin manufacturers can meet most of your needs – If you’re not happy with your kit options, there are manufacturers who can help you create a kit that meets your requirements. You can ask them to use a different type of wood. Pine is the most popular and its one of the cheapest options, while cedar is a premium wood that is much pricier. Other options include notch and finish type. You can also personalize the cabin’s layout and size. Kits can be as compact as 150 square feet or much larger. Do take note that a smaller survival shelter is better for staying hidden. It’s also easier to heat.
4. They blend in – Since log cabins can blend in, you can stay off-grid when SHTF. Precautionary measures can help hide the cabin, and you can build it in an area with thick growth to deter strangers from stumbling into your shelter.
5. They can function off-grid – Prep ahead of time so you can cook and keep it heated. With a medium-sized cabin, you can include a chimney. You can heat the cabin with a fire, with the option to cook as well. Depending on the cabin’s location, you can have access to a water source. This takes care of your need for water to drink, cook, and wash with.
6. They’re easy to build – Since the manufacturer has taken care of most of the work, you just have to follow the instructions that come with the kit. The logs will be scribed and notched so they’ll fit properly once you start building. You don’t even have to worry about delivery because the kit materials can be sent directly to the construction site. Depending on the size of the cabin, it can be done in under a week or two. (Related: Top 10 Tips For Bugging Out When The SHTF!)
7. They’re multi-functional – Until SHTF, you can use the log cabin as a vacation spot. You can also visit it if you need to practice your survival skills, rent it out, or use it as storage for your prepper equipment.

When to get a log cabin

If the benefits sound good, a log cabin might be just the thing for you. Start looking for a piece of land to build one on so you can stay safe with your loved ones when SHTF.

You can read more articles about the benefits of off-the-grid living at Bugout.news.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

LogCabinHub.com