Food for bug out? Quantities

[Omega]

How much food in days per person you would take if you need to evacuate in the worst case scenario, i.e. you are unlikely return home? Thinking about the worst - a nuclear strike
I do not have a big car, and probably many of us will use only one car for evacuation, so require space for additional items
I watched videos about refugees, the current worst evacuation of refugees is probably from Israel vs Hamas war as it is not well organised leading to lots of suffering. So, a preparation for such a scenario is required
From reading leaflets issued in other countries, I believe the recommendation is for 3 days only. Do you think you will take more than 3 days? I think 3 days is a good amount if you travel using a public transport, but it can be increased if you use a personal vehicle. However, there might be a need to abandon your car, for example, if you need to take a ferry to the continent, and the government will prohibit taking vehicles to increase the number of people on the ferry

[Frnc]

I have no car, no dependants. I would use my bike if I could. I see no reason why I couldn't. I can carry more than if I was walking.

For a 2-3 day evacuation, I have packed just under 5,000 calories. 2,500 is in a pack of Seven Oceans ration bars (9 bars of 271 calories each). About 2,400 is in 5 freeze dried meals of 340-590 cals each. You can split the larger ones if you buy a few stand-up heavy duty freezer bags, I can tell you the make, and I've tested one with boiled water.

To boil the water I have a 1.1l pot. Inside that is a tiny stove and a small gas canister. If I run out of gas, I have a hanging chain, to suspend the pot over an open fire. It creates a tripod using 3 branches/sticks.

If I thought I was going to be more than 3 days, I would try to take more food. Pasta is a good choice as you only need to add hot water and leave it for a bit. I made a pot cosy out of foil backed bubble wrap. I've not tested it, but I bought it from a backpacking website. The pot is packed inside it. The spare material can insulate freeze dried meals or make a windshield. Tins of tuna are good, and the plastic Fridge Pots are even better, but are are more expensive. Maybe a tube of tomato puree and you have several completer meals.

Personally I try to learn edible wild plants, as a backup. Even in a long bug-in. Some restaurants forage for wild edibles, and charge a fortune for them. Also you could carry some fishing gear like a hobo reel and try that.

Water is more critical than food. But heavy. I only have one litre in my BOB, but I would take several if using my bike, plus filters and puri tabs of course.

[pseudonym]

Too many variables to say. When I was of Military fighting age, I would say 7-10 days worth on my back not including water.

Now I am no longer fit for Government use, Bugging in is my go to at all costs.

[jennyjj01]

Never considered it. Car post nuclear will be logjammed within a day. drive to a shop or foodbank, maybe commandeer it and bug in there would be in my mind.

[PPrep]

In a car or small van, maybe aim for around a week, including water. Depending on physical fitness, around 3 days on foot; this would depend on having access to a water supply such as a clean stream from which to filter water.

As far as I know, according to studies, there's an 18 to 24 hour window between a major rapid crisis happening and road travel being reasonably safe. After this time roads would be dangerous and jampacked. How to react depends on individual circumstances such as living in a city or in the country. To bug out successfully needs very good training, high motivation and a high level of physical and mental fitness. This can be done on foot or bicycle, so avoiding roads. This counts the vast majority of us out. Also, what would one find on returning home, if that's the plan?

[grenfell]

Too many variables to say. When I was of Military fighting age, I would say 7-10 days worth on my back not including water.

Agreed far to many variables. Middle of winter is going to be harder to carry a large amount than it is in summer . A fit young soldier can carry a week or mores worth but then the people he'd be marching with won't generally be thinking of pinching what he's got. If the bug out involves children or infants then it's unlikely they'll be carrying their own or at least much of their own. Dried foods are lightweight but require water which may be a problem depending on the event.
Really for these "what ifs" we should have an actual scenerio . What is forcing us to leave home , for how long , or where we aim to get to , state of the weather and environment , how many people are making the move and so on. Anything else isn't even an educated guess really...

[Insulin]

I’d say three days is a good starting point, especially if you’re relying on public transport, since it’s easy to carry a small amount of food. But if you’re using a personal car, you can probably stretch it to a week or so, depending on space. I’d recommend packing lightweight, non-perishable items like canned food, dried fruit, and energy bars. Also, it’s always smart to think ahead for water, hygiene supplies, and anything else you'll need to stay comfortable. If you have to leave your car, though, you’ll want to make sure your supplies are easy to carry.

[grenfell]

I would say if you're taking a car then cram it as full as possible with as much food , water and other stuff that you can but be prepared to lose most of it if you need to abandon the car , then carry as much as you are comfortable with rather than aiming for a certain amount of days worth. Again it depends on the scenerio , what has happened , where you're headed to , is travelling as,light as,possible necessary or can you afford to be slower with more baggage...