In his follow up to Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag, Creek Stewart does to vehicles what he did to survival kits. This book is easily one of the most detailed guides to outfitting a bug out vehicle I’ve ever seen.

In 220+ pages and 17 chapters, Creek outlines how you should go about choosing a bug out vehicle then assembling the necessary gear and supplies to keep in or on the vehicle so it is ready to go at all times.

Right off the bat in Chapter 1, Creek makes it clear that you should not become emotionally invested in your chosen BOV (Bug Out Vehicle). As we have no way to reliably know exactly what the future holds, it is conceivable that the BOV might need to be ditched or abandoned at some point. It is better to come to terms with this now, rather than later.

Chapter 2 shows you the lifestyle considerations to bear in mind when choosing a BOV. A married prepper with multiple children is going to have vastly different needs than a single person with no dependents.

Chapter 3 discusses the essential elements common to all BOVs, such as reliability, ability to go off-road, and blending in. While some of the information here sounds like common sense, it is critical one fully understands these needs so they can make an informed decision.

Chapter 4 goes into the various and sundry supplies one should have in their BOV. Creek looks at his BOV as a giant, mobile bug out bag, which makes perfect sense. While the discussion here isn’t nearly as detailed as his book on bug out bags, which stands to reason as the focus here is on the vehicle, not the kit, there is a fair amount of info here that is great for the newbie as well as the old curly wolf.

Chapter 5 is on maintaining your BOV. The importance of being able to make simple repairs as well as conduct routine inspections and maintenance cannot be overemphasized.

Traveling off road is the focus of Chapter 6. For the uninitiated, leaving the pavement behind can be dicey but it is important to know the basics at the minimum.

Communication, navigation, and security are all important components to any bug out plan and these are covered in Chapters 7 and 8. There is discussion on GPS units, two-way radios, amateur radio transceivers, as well as firearms, camouflage, and concealment options.

Chapter 9 tells you how to go about packing and storing all your goodies for the long haul. Creek outlines several available options, including everything from second-hand coolers to truck boxes and rooftop carrier units.

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is something to bear in mind when choosing and outfitting a BOV. As such, the topic gets its own discussion in Chapter 10. Here, the basic facts about EMP and its likely effect on vehicles is outlined, as well as instructions on building a Faraday cage to protect vulnerable electronics.

Chapters 11-16 concentrates the discussion on all the different types of vehicles one might consider for bugging out. While the focus is on gasoline or diesel cars and trucks, there is some coverage of alternate considerations, including options such as bicycles, ATVs, boats, horse and wagon, even small aircraft. At each step along the way, Creek gives you the pros and cons for each option, allowing you to decide for yourself what might be best for your individual circumstances.

The final chapter, one of my favorites in the book, gives excellent ideas for practicing various bug out skills at home as well as presenting resources for additional study. It is those exercises, call them drills if you want, that will take your bug out skills to the next level and ensure you’re still among the living when all is said and done.

One of the things I always appreciate in Creek’s books is his attention to detail. As with others he’s written, this book is profusely illustrated, leaving little to the imagination whether he’s talking about DIY spray pain camouflage or loading a deer cart with survival supplies.

If bugging out is one of your likely responses to disaster, I’d highly recommend you check out Build the Perfect Bug Out Vehicle so you can make sure you get to where you’re going.

You can find Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag just about anywhere books are sold, including here on Amazon.