. Some of you may already be aware of the title if you've visited my author's page on Amazon lately, as the new book is now listed on Amazon along with the cover. Here is the first version of the cover, which will be changed as the vehicle shown is not really representative of the type of vehicles the book describes, but was simply used by the designer to have something to tie the concept together: 
As you know, the original Bug Out covers bug-out vehicles and transportation options in Chapter Four. I feel this subject easily merits expansion into a full-book, however, as your means of getting out of a danger zone to your safe bug-out location is a large part of any bug-out plan.
Bug Out Vehicles and Shelters: Build and Outfit Your Life-Saving Escape
will cover not only the kinds of vehicles you might chose to make your escape, but also those vehicles that can be set up to become mobile retreats on their own. These escape vehicles and mobile retreats will include options for overland travel as well as on the water, depending on your particular needs. In addition, there will be a section on a variety of shelters both movable and fixed that can be set up in advance in your bug-out location. This sort of pre-planned bug-out retreat will enable you to be even more prepared for a stay away from home than you would be if you were simply carrying everything on your back, and will also make the bug-out option more viable for families. As was touched on briefly in Chapter Four of Bug Out, there will be a section on additional equipment or back-up alternatives such as bicycles, ATVs, canoes, kayaks, etc. that can be used when conventional vehicles cannot. The reason I feel a book is needed on this subject is to provide much more detail in how to choose, outfit and use these various options. It is this kind of knowledge and preparation that will make your bug-out plan work and that will separate you from the refugees who might be haphazardly fleeing a SHTF scenario with no idea where they are are going.
But whether they are ever needed or not, unlike many other forms of prepping, you'll likely find that researching, acquiring and setting up bug-out vehicles and shelters can be an enjoyable form of recreation in an of itself. Writing about them is equally enjoyable, but it's hard to sit at a computer and do so without wanting to shut it down and bug-out if only for a few hours, as many of these vehicles are also a great means to escape the everyday world and head out into the woods or onto the water. But since it is scheduled to be published in September this year, I've got a lot of work to do. Look for updates in the coming weeks and months.
Now THATS a book I can sink my teeth into, I appreciate that topic quite a bit. Transportation is often covered in a book chapter - far too little content. Nearly everyone bugging out needs to hear their options covered in more depth.
ReplyDeleteThere are already a large number of aviation campers in the U.S. and Canada. Might bear mentioning.
ReplyDeleteThese large capacity STOL aircraft (some with floats/skis) represent another means of high-speed bugout. That is, assuming that the military isn't shooting flying things down. It would take a crazy bad incident/disaster, but it happened on 911.
Many of them are designed to lay the seats down and/or with large areas in the tailcone for sleeping. The more spectacular versions can take off in less than 75 feet and land in a spot as small as 150 feet. Here are some common models:
http://www.aerocompinc.com/
http://www.zenithair.com/stolch801/index1.html
http://www.pattersonaerosales.com/Aircraft/Moose/Moose.html
http://www.preceptoraircraft.com/stolking.html
http://www.sherpaaircraft.com/
And if you want to see a crazy-short landing, this one is amazing! This guy lands on a mountainside in less than 30 feet. Faster than a helicopter, much more fuel efficient, and can land in nearly as small of a space.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd_4FD1bv68
A caldera explodes? Assuming you get off the runway ahead of it, you can evacuate much more quickly than by land. A radio-active emergency/incident in a large city? If you get out ahead of the radioactive cloud/winds, you'll do well (if not; seal the house and stay put). A natural disaster (hurricane/earthquake) occurs? In this case, you may want to head TO the incident with an aircraft that can drop or deliver critical supplies.
Definitely not right for every mission, but right for a lot of applications.
Just pre-purchased my copy... I am looking forward reading through it...
ReplyDeleteJack,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pre-order. That reminds me I have to get in gear and get a lot of writing done before my July 1 deadline on this one!
Scott I can't wait for this book to come out. I have read your other books and this one should be another great one!!
ReplyDeleteBad VooDooDaddy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review of Bug Out on your blog: The Retreat (and on Amazon). I've added you to my blogroll.
Scott, thanks so much for the blog roll add and can't wait to see the new book. Bug Out was excellent and a must read for anyone into survival and preparedness. Keep up the great work your doing!
ReplyDeleteI'm just wrapping up reading this book, excellent content, you did a great job. I'll probably be lending out this book to someone I think is beginning to wonder if preppers are all that paranoid.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thanks for letting me know you liked it!
ReplyDelete