To be invisible, unremarkable, forgettable. Being a Gray Man is often referred to as the ultimate survival skill.
To be invisible, unremarkable, forgettable. This is the essence of a gray man. It is often referred to as the ultimate survival skill, and is one that every serious survivalist should become familiar with.
Being a gray man is sometimes criticized as extreme or only for those who believe in conspiracies.
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What does the ultimate gray man look like?
The expert gray man (or woman) is hiding in plain sight.
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Being a gray man means keeping a low profile. Avoid flashy and colorful clothing as well as tactical and military camouflage.
How to dress as a gray man
When you think “survivalist” you may imagine a person dressed in camouflage pants, big leather boots, a paracord belt and military-style backpack.
This is not the essence of a gray man! This is just a sure-fire way to paint a giant target on your back.
The key is to be unnoticed and indistinct. Wear what those around you are wearing, with no obvious emblems or slogans which might be remembered.
If you live in a suburban area: choose plain, casual clothes that one would wear day-to-day.
If you live in a city with lots of offices and corporate workers: consider a casual suit or smart attire that your average city worker wears. Your clothes should reflect the world around you, as the key is to totally blend in.
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Try to conceal carry any gear (such as a survival knife, GPS, self defense pistol and so on) in other ways: under your shirt, in inside pockets or tucked inside your bag.
In a survival situation, a gray man will want to be able to move swiftly and silently.
Don’t dress in anything too tight, boots that make a lot of sound or jackets that crinkle as you move. Make sure you can walk easily in your chosen attire – and even run comfortably should you need to.
How to move as a gray man
A gray man wants to move with purpose and agility, but without drawing unwanted attention from onlookers or others in the crowd.
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If you walk too slowly or start to run, you’ll be an immediate source of attention.
Don’t cut through the crowd at sharp angles. Try to follow the flow of people, gradually making your way to your chosen escape point.
How to carry your survival gear as a gray man
You will draw a lot of attention if you are seen carrying anything out of the ordinary. This means no camouflage backpacks, no clip-on accessories and no heavy-duty pocket-pants or jackets.
There are some simple things you can do to maximize your carrying capacity whilst not restricting your normal movement. Choose an everyday bag such as a simple duffle or messenger bag – common packs you see people carrying.
If you live in a more rural area then a sports or outdoor backpack would also be an acceptable option. Choose an overcoat with plenty of interior pockets for a knife, flashlight, cord and so on.
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How to interact with others as a gray man
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Try to maintain conversation within the limits of the group. Engage in small talk, discussions and plans but do not take charge.
Keep your opinions fairly neutral and try not to form close bonds as this will likely lead to personal questions, where others may become suspicious if you seem untruthful.
If you are asked direct questions, do not become standoffish; nor be honest about your levels of preparedness. Find a good middle-ground that sounds plausible but does not prompt further questions.
Try not to hold eye contact for too long when talking with others.
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How to act at home as a gray man
With the exception of extreme survival scenarios, most situations can be played out comfortably from home.
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Start preparing yourself early and bring home only slightly more food than you usually would each time you go to the store.
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Try to disguise your survival shelter.
The same goes for any survival gear. Do not make it obvious that you are loading up on technical gear, and transport it to the house in several goes.
If you are building a structure or shelter somewhere on your property, try your best to disguise it as something else.
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What to do as a gray man when disaster strikes
“Disaster” may come in many forms. One of the trickiest parts of being a gray man is not knowing what your survival scenario looks like, so you have to be prepared for them all.
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If you are able to get to your safe zone
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- Limit your comings and goings. If you must leave the house to get extra supplies or run errands, try and do them all at once to limit your exposure time outside of your house.
- If the power goes out, keep your house as dark as your neighbors’ even if you have extra power.
- If you live in a densely populated area, try not to make it obvious that you are cooking many meals a day. The smell of food wafting through an open window is a sure giveaway! Close ventilation when you cook, try to boil and not fry food and try not to cook anything too potent.
- Go offline. Don’t use social media, online credit cards or open email accounts. This is one of the easiest ways for you to leave a footprint and be tracked. Use a secure VPN and encrypted email client if you must communicate with anyone.
If you are unable to get to your safe zone
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- Get out of crowded areas immediately. Refrain from panic-buying goods or looting – even if that is what everyone else is doing. The biggest threat to your survival will likely be the panicked actions of others, so use these precious moments to distance yourself as much as possible.
- Try not to make friends. Yes, really! Although it may seem natural to band together or to help those in need, the harsh reality is that these people may only end up slowing you down; or turn on you if it comes to a you vs. them scenario. It is unlikely that they will be as prepared as you are, and you will likely end up sharing your supplies, rations and gear with them which ultimately has a negative effect on your chances of survival.
- Make your clothes and belongings look undesirable. Stick tape on your rain gear and sew some stitches into backpacks to make them look old. Keep your hair untidy and refrain from using cologne or deodorant – sweet smells can alert peoples’ attention and trigger their memories.
- Move as much as you can by night. Wear dark clothes and use ambient or street lights. If you have to use a flashlight, use the red light only for very short periods of time.
One of the trickiest parts of being a gray man is not knowing what your survival scenario looks like, so you have to be prepared for all of them.
Gray Man Guide Conclusions
The art of being a gray man takes practice and patience. If you start now, you will increase your chances of being well-equipped should you ever need to disappear.
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Full text - How To Be A Gray Man [A Prepper Guide]
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