How to Cross a Barbed Wire Fence

A barbed wire fence is a nuisance in any situation where you're trying to make time. Torn clothing, nicked fingers and lost minutes are just a few of the inconveniences you have to endure to cross a barbed wire fence. So, follow these steps to cross a barbed wire fence correctly and you should come out unscathed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Go under. If there's any chance of going under a barbed wire fence you should take it. Find the midpoint between to posts of the fence where the fencing is likely to have the most slack. Pull the fencing up towards you and then use a stick or large stone to prop it up. Slide under the fence, remove the stick and be on your way.
2. Throw a blanket. If you need to go over the fence then your best shot is to neutralize the barbed wire with a blanket. You need to use a heavy wool blanket or a mover's blanket that can protect you from the sharp edges of the fence. Throw the blanket over as close to a post as possible and in such a way that it covers about a foot in length of the barbed wire. Use the post to pull yourself up and throw a leg over the blanket once you're high enough. Stay low against the fence and throw the other leg to get yourself across.
3. Cut the wire. If you have the time and tools to do it, you can cut the wire of the barbed fence. If you can reach the barbed wire from the ground, use some bolt cutters to snap 2 parts of the barbed wire and let that section fall away. If you have to climb to get to the barbed wire, attach the cutters to you with some rope and get as close to the wire as possible. Then use one hand to leverage the cutters against a post or the fence in order to cut the fence.
4. Use a Fence Buddy. A Fence Buddy is a small, simple contraption that allows you to easily cross barbed wire fences like those found on farms or the side of roads. The Fence Buddy attaches to either side of the wire on the fence's post and then lets you push the wire up or down so you can cross without snagging yourself on the barbs or wasting too much time with acrobatic feats.