Consider purchasing a small, canister stove that you can use to cook meals on the go. Having a portable stove allows you to bring light, hearty foods such as rice and oatmeal that can keep you satiated for long periods of time. [4] X Research source Try and pack healthy, natural foods such as dried fruit and vegetables, energy bars, nuts such as cashews and almonds, trail mix, jerky, bread, and nut butters. [5] X Research source Perishable items such as cold cuts and cheeses are nutritious as well but need to be eaten quickly to avoid getting stale. Save space in your pack by consolidating foods as much as possible to bigger containers. Use large, resealable plastic bags instead of bulky hard plastic containers. [6] X Research source
Bring a warm sleeping bag, preferably a mummy sleeping bag that will keep you toasty during cold evenings. Keep a small but firm pillow with you as well. [8] X Research source A large flashlight is crucial for navigating in the night, whether you’re on city streets or in the woods. Be sure to pack extra batteries. A compass is necessary to orient yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. You won’t have the luxury of a smartphone so learn to use the compass before leaving. A swiss army knife is an essential tool. Not only will the knife prove endlessly useful for defending yourself, but the assorted attachments will be important for opening cans or other daily necessities
Outerwear is necessary to have layers that repel rain and snow. Pack jackets or coats that are completely waterproof, equipped with features such as zipper guards, sealed seams, and cinchable hoods. The outerwear will keep you dry but staying warm is equally as crucial. Look up the temperatures for the area you will be traveling in and pack accordingly. For colder temperatures bring fleeces, wool, or light down jackets. Underwear might seem like an afterthought but having high-quality protection is vitally important. Stay away from cotton underwear as it absorbs moisture, which can become problematic when you sweat or during heavy rainstorms. Find synthetic fabrics that are water resistant or waterproof. [9] X Research source
Your first thought may be to drive one of your cars. However, if you’re sure there will be people trying to find you then you should leave your cars at home. Your license plates will be easy ways for people to locate your car, so consider trading your car with a friend’s if possible. The bus is one of the easiest and most inconspicuous methods of transportation. Take a look at the bus schedules and plan your route ahead of time. If you’re going across borders try to travel within the first day before the police notify authorities to look out for your passport photos. Trains are a quicker but more expensive route. In the USA, most mid-size to large cities have an Amtrak station that can easily criss-cross the country. Flights should be reserved at least three months in advance and must be booked without the knowledge of those who you are trying to run away from. Be sure you are committed to running away before booking a flight as you often cannot cancel your flight without spending a significant amount of money.
Check out bakeries and places where they serve fresh bread. Go to these places right before they close as they often have old bread and pastries that get thrown away at the end of the day. Even chain bakeries like Panera will be likely to give you their dated bakery goods if you ask nicely. Go to farmer’s markets and ask farmers for their wilted produce. Farmers typically have a batch of wilted or misshaped produce that they would throw away otherwise. Consider dumpster diving. Lots of restaurants have decent food they throw away at the end of the day, making it worth your while to explore their dumpsters. Be sure to avoid moldy or contaminated food.
WWOOF, or the Worldwide Organization of Organic Farmers, represents a network of farms that give you a place to stay in return for manual labor, sometimes even a stipend. WWOOFing can be a great way to discover temporary shelters while learning marketable skills. [11] X Research source Try looking for online work if either of you have laptops. You can easily get part-time sources of income through online transcription work, content writing, or search engine evaluation. [12] X Research source Check craigslist often to see what work is available. There are almost always entry level positions such as dishwasher jobs that are available with little requirements. If either of you have good interviewing skills then you could land a job above your skill level to make a little more money. [13] X Research source craigslist. org
Violence often sprouts from verbal arguments that become heated. If someone is being verbally aggressive, or you see an argument bordering on violent, walk away from the situation. An argument is never worth getting hurt over. Stay away from situations where alcohol or drugs are involved. Drunkenness and addictive substances such as crack-cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines exacerbate violent behavior and make people prone to desperate actions they wouldn’t consider otherwise. Avoid areas where alcohol and drug use is prevalent. Above all, never fight. If you do find yourself in a violent situation, the best course of action is to run away. Pay attention to your surroundings and know what routes you can use to escape. Stay to the edge of groups of people so you don’t get surrounded by multiple violent attackers. Make sure you have a safe haven in mind so you’re not potentially running away to another unsafe area.
