Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Plan ahead
• Method 2 of 4: Dress for the night
• Method 3 of 4: Sneak out
• Method 4 of 4: Going back home
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities
• The base
• For serious people

Stealth is a fun, interesting, and incredibly useful skill. In fact, some would say its usefulness equals (or even greater than) learning parkour. Whether you want to sneak out of the house to go to a party, gaze at the stars, or just for fun, there is certainly a right and wrong way to do it. And of course, sneaking in general means you don't want to get caught. So today's topic is how to sneak out of the house at night without getting caught.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Plan ahead

1. Have a plan where you are going. Meet up with someone or have someone together while you slip out. (A girlfriend / boyfriend or group of friends is common, but don't make the group too big or you will be noticed).
2. Make a plan how you get out and where you are going, and how much time this takes you (do this during the day when no one is watching). Do not write this down on paper, as it can be proof to your parents. Make plans in mind for the following:
   • Fences, grounds, lights, and places to hide
   • Blind spots from the windows of nearby houses
   • Creaking floorboards or squeaky doors and windows
   • Naturally occurring things, such as the weather and the moon phase
   • The time you leave
   • Your escape method - it should be quiet
   • Be aware of dogs in the neighborhood that may bark and avoid them, as well as all other animals
   • Your route to your goal
   • Your route back home
   • Your method of getting home
   • Stay away from main streets
   • An estimate of how long everything will take
   • Apologies, backup plans, whatever you need, etc.
3. Prepare physically and mentally for your big night. Eat two hours in advance and drink some an hour before. Get dressed 15 minutes in advance, but not sooner or you risk being caught by your parents. Also take an energy gel about 15 minutes beforehand - they are soft and usually contain caffeine and complex sugars. Pack all the supplies you will need, but make sure it is not too heavy. Remember, you are just sneaking out of the house, don't overthink it.
   • Stretch before sneaking. In the middle of the night, joints that crack and pop can sound a lot louder than you might think. Stretching before you go out is a great way to move smoothly without cracking all your joints.
4. Have an excuse ready in case your parents wake up. The classic "glass of water" excuse seems to work quite well. If you are caught entering you can say you were just admiring the stars. It's always good to have multiple excuses for every possible situation. Another thing to remember is to have an excuse ready before sneaking away. If you have already scheduled a call, they are less likely to discover that you are lying.
   • Know how your parents wake up. Some people take a moment to wake up, while others are immediately alert from the moment they open their eyes. Sometimes it is better to forgo the sneaking and quickly run to your room before their sleepy minds can process what they just heard. However, if your parents have the ears of secret agents, then your best bet is probably to sneak back to your room but start walking normally as soon as they can see you. Don't forget to think of a good excuse.

Method 2 of 4: Dress for the night

1. Dress in an appropriate color.
   • Black: rarely found in nature, actually a bad choice. Only good for asphalt and parking spaces.
   • Slate Gray: Good for concrete and other urban environments.
   • Navy / Midnight Blue: The general color of the night, versatile in applications in most situations.
   • Olive brown / army green /: Good for both dense and sparse green foliage - in suburban areas you will likely often find shelter in bushes and grassy mounds, and this is a good choice.
   • Persimmon: Good for dead foliage and desert environments.
   • White: Good with snow - a white outfit with a few smudged black and gray speckles works best.
   • Brown: Good for crawling through large areas with only soil and no plants.

Method 3 of 4: Sneak out

1. Make sure you get out of the house unnoticed. Everyone's house is different, so you will have to find out a few things for yourself. Walk slowly and avoid squeaky spots in the floor. Make sure you get out of the furthest window or door from your parents. Try not to bump into furniture, as this both hurts and makes noise. Take everything you need with you depending on where you are going. For example: money, a flashlight, a pocket knife, etc.
   • Leave a screwdriver or butter knife in your window or door. This is so that it remains ajar and does not fall into the lock. Bring a front door key to be on the safe side. If you sleep on the second floor, consider using a rope ladder. Put some stuffed animals under your covers to make it look like you're in bed. Leave your door as usual, so as not to alarm your parents - and don't lock it! In case they find out you're not there, leave a note saying it's okay, you have money to call and they don't need to call the police.
2. Be quiet when you walk around your house. Here are some things to keep in mind:
   • Try to stay close to the walls while climbing stairs (especially those creaking). This is where the shelves are supported the most. It is also a good idea to check the stairs during the day to see which steps are creaking.
   • If you have to, press against the walls with your hands to transfer as much weight on your arms as possible. This takes some of the weight off your feet and reduces the creaking noise.
   • Turn the door handles very slowly. Also know what your door will do when you open it. Some squeaky doors can be opened gently by opening them quickly before it has a chance to squeak, while other doors need to be opened very slowly. Know your surroundings.
3. Bring a watch. Make sure you know what time it is and how long it will take to get to the desired place. Make sure you get back at least an hour before your parents usually get up.
4. Walk out slowly and breathe in the cool, moist air of the night. Take a moment to enjoy the crickets and the distant sound of traffic and airplanes, gaze at the moon and stars, with wisps of clouds drifting by. This helps create the right attitude and teaches you to be still like a ninja and become one with nature. If you are really nervous, stay in the garden and appreciate the night. This will make you more comfortable so that you feel more confident when you go out.
5. Start sneaking around. Now that you are off the lawn, it is time for rock and roll. Stay low, calm and alert. Have eyes in your back and walk quietly.

Method 4 of 4: Going back home

1. Sneak back into your house the same way you went. Remember - you are more likely to get caught trying to sneak into the house than to get out. Don't be cocky into thinking you've already passed. Stay very quiet - the best thing to do right now is to undress, tangle your hair, and get some water in the kitchen so that you have an excuse if your parents heard you come upstairs, and make sure that you locked the door through which you came in so that your parents don't notice that there is anything wrong.
2. Keep some caffeine or any other form of artificial energy in your room. Your parents will be suspicious if you sleep until noon (unless that's your normal sleeping habit) or if you are clearly very tired the next day. Have some energy drink or caffeinated soda so that you are not too tired.

Tips

• Bring extra cash in case you need to call home in an emergency or have something to eat.
• If you have a pet and you know you're going to sleep, say your pet kept you up all night.
• Stay out of the light as much as possible.
• Trust your brain and methods more than your gear.
• Wash your clothes with fabric softener to make them quieter.
• White noise such as a fan is useful.
• Record your own snoring with your cell phone or digital recorder so that your parents think you are asleep.
• If there are streetlights, stay out of the light and wear dark clothes.
• If you have a screen in front of your window, know in advance how to detach it.
• Better to sneak out of the house when your parents aren't around.

Warnings

• If you live in a dangerous area where you need a weapon at night, don't go out at night.
• Make sure to turn off any kind of sensor light (note: reset it before going back to bed, so as not to make it look suspicious.
• Do not carry a gun (or anything illegal) with you: if you get caught you will be in big trouble.
• Avoid bright or fluorescent colored clothing or gear.
• Eating too much sugar can give you a boost for a few hours, but will give you a huge sugar dip afterwards, which is not good.
• Don't run from the police when they see you.
• Do not bring an iPod or MP3 player - you will be less alert to other sounds.
• Don't get around or talk to people who look dangerous. Stay alert so no one can sneak up behind you.
• Don't break in or graffiti, you'll have a lot more fun without stealing or damaging other people's property.
• Don't forget to leave no proof. It's easier to sneak out when you have a window that goes straight up.

Necessities

The base

• It is usually not against the law to be out at night. Only the most paranoid and / or worried neighbors will have a problem with someone walking around the street at 2 AM.
• Mobile phone (for time keeping and for emergencies).
• Small flashlight - an AA Maglite is great
• House key
• Shoes - boots for ankle support and for climbing, shoes for speed and not to be noticed
• Socks - if your floor isn't carpeted, your feet will likely stick to the floor and make noise when you lift your feet
• First aid kit (in case of an accident), in a peppermint tin filled with band-aids, tweezers and alcohol wipes for the treatment of minor wounds. Pack toilet paper to make sure it is not noisy.
• Extra money
• Don't bring too many things that can give away your sneak.
• If you are caught, do not act suspicious, but answer questions calmly.

For serious people

• Headwear - A balaclava (ski mask) covers most of your face, but looks suspicious and can get very hot. A beanie is the best choice, followed by a baseball cap or boonie. Don't wear sunglasses, they make your night vision worse and are reflective. You can also camouflage your face.
• Monocular with a belt pouch
• Belt
• Belt pouch for flashlight
• Compass - if you plan on trekking through the woods it is easy to get lost.
• First aid can (fill a peppermint can with band-aids, tweezers and alcohol wipes to treat minor wounds. Put some toilet paper in it so that it doesn't make a noise).
• Extra flashlight batteries - optional
• Eating - when you're on the road longer
• One liter canteen - if you know that tap water is not available. Always keep it completely full or empty to prevent it from making noise.
• Rope - use as a lasso or tie for climbing.
• Extra clothing - put pajamas in your backpack, in case you need to look like you slept