Trying to cut through a 5/8" chain link with one of those
would take a lifetime. To cut through both sides of
the link took me about 15 minutes with a carbide wire
saw.

My thoughts, and I have actually thought about this topic:

Barbed Wire fences can be gone through after dropping your pack to the ground, cross between the wires, and then pull your pack through, under the wires. No need to carry a Fencing Tool, IMHO.

Gates usually have chains and would require bolt cutters, which have significant weight. Gates usually close the gap between barbed wire fences; see the paragraph above. No need to carry Bolt Cutters, IMHO.

Cutting a fence or chained gate leaves a calling card broadcasting your presence. A decent tracker can tell how long you were at that location and which direction you were travelling in, and usually how loaded that you are, which then tells him/her how fast you are likely travelling. IMHO, NOT a good idea.

If you are "Bugging Out or Bugging In", advertising your passage/presence is never going to be a good idea, generally speaking, IMHO.

It is definitely a better idea to adopt the US Navy SEAL atitude of moving like a Ghost and leaving as much of a trail as a Ghost!

Of course one can get around barb wire fences easily on foot.

But if you are in a vehicle/animal of some type, you may need to
get through the gate or fence. Lots of gated backcountry roads
around here, both public and private that are gated, and if
you got stuck behind one with heavy snow or wildfire blocking
the usual egress, being able to keep your vehicle could be
an advantage.

wildman800 - thoughts on chain link fences and gates, especially those topped with razor wire?

When you can't be a ghost?

Good point, carry a fencing tool or go around.

I would generally go around because that kind of fencing indicates superior forces within, that most likely have a good reason for keeping people out!!!

That also indicates a willingness on the part of the Defenders to shoot first and ask questions later!

I'll remain a ghost who skirts around the perimeter, Thank-You.

If it's topped with razor wire it's probably a prison, military base, or some other place you'd probably want to avoid in the first place. Anything with with razor wire around it may also be guarded.

A plain old chain link fence is easily climbed by anyone fit enought to walk cross country with bolt cutters in his backpack.

If in a car, simply keep bolt cutters in the trunk to avoid those gate type situation.

The question is, how to proceed when getting by a chain link fence topped by razor wire is a survival imperative?

My shoes and boots are too big to fit into chain link mesh holes, so I have to hit the fence running and try to pull my self over. Not too bad when I was younger and lighter; a challenge now. And what if you or someone you are with is injured or sick?

Everybody leaves sign...just some more than others.

Having just built a dog kennel, I know bolt cutters make
quick work of chain link. An 18" harbor freight special
pair weigh 3.5 lbs. They also make fixing
tire chains easy when you need to cut links.