Even if you build a fortress of a home, you should still be prepared to leave on your bug out vehicle when SHTF. Not only do you need a bug-out bag to grab on your way out, you should also have a vehicle prepped up for the apocalypse.
Not everyone can buy a tank, an APC or a Paramount Marauder. Few can jack up their truck like the zombie-proof 2002 Ford E-350 with bad-ass shark teeth in Dawn of the Dead. Most preppers can only do so much. The best way to prepare for any disaster is simply to have a bug out vehicle packed with the right survival gear and ample supplies.
Choosing a bug out vehicle
You need the right car for the job. While it’s cool to speed down the highway to outrun zombies in a red Dodge Challenger, it’s wiser to drive a bigger and sturdier bug out vehicle. A four-wheel drive diesel SUV or pickup truck with canopy works on any terrain, provides space for your stuff, and protects you from the elements.
Your bug out vehicle will likely be your home until you reach your destination or find a long term shelter. In the 2016 zombie/survival film Here Alone, the protagonist made a home out of her car right smack in the wilderness. A vehicle with lots of legroom would be best in this scenario.
What to pack in your bug out vehicle
Aside from the obvious, like food and water, you need to fill your bug out vehicle with survival gear. You need another bug out bag in the car aside from the one you grab while fleeing home. Both BOBs should contain the essentials.
Multi-tool
A pocket multi-tool is a no-brainer since it’s considered an Every Day Carry (EDC) item. You can McGyver your way out of dire situations like when you lose your keys and has to hot wire your car. A multi-tool will always come in handy even if the EOTW does not come.
Paracord
A paracord is another prepper must-have. It’s used for medical emergencies such as suturing lacerations (if you somehow forgot to pack a suture kit), splinting an injury, making a tourniquet, and even a stretcher. A paracord is also useful in hunting, fishing, self-defense, and for towing your bug out vehicle. Wrap your steering wheel with paracord to get a firmer grip and to be ready for emergencies.
Window Punch
Since you’re in your bug out vehicle trying to get away from a twister, a raging inferno or a horde of zombies, the risk of an accident is always there. If an accident does happen and you’re trapped in your vehicle, a window punch can save your life.
Portable Stove and Cookware
Driving for hours during the end of the world can be taxing. Lessen the stress by helping yourself to cooked meals. A cup of coffee will also be good for long drives. A portable stove and cookware will help do the trick.
Source of Fire
You can’t cook or boil water without fire. Pack waterproof matches, lighters and fire starters. There are lightweight fire starters you can put on your key chain.
Hydration Bag
The Walking Dead fans know how important it is to keep your eyes on the road while driving (we’re looking at you Lori). If you can’t stop for anything, a hydration bag will keep you, well, hydrated without the need to grab and open a bottle. Also, if you need to look at a map, stop the vehicle.
Weapons
During a disaster, assume that there’ll be people desperate enough to steal your bug out vehicle and supplies. Firearms and bladed weapons will protect yourself and your family from the Golden Horde and mutant zombie bikers. Machetes and hatchets will also be useful in chopping down fallen trees blocking the road and fighting off mutated killer tomatoes.
Maintaining your bug out vehicle
Based on disaster movies, the roads will not be a pretty sight when SHTF. Keep your bug out vehicle in tiptop shape so it won’t easily bog down, especially when you have to go off-road. Also, your survival gear should include items your car needs to keep running.
Car Survival Kit
Anyone who owns a car needs an auto survival kit. Such a kit includes items needed in emergencies like when your bug out vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere or when you fall into a ditch.
Jump Starter
A portable jump starter brings life back to your drained car battery and even your phone. This is great for emergency situations on the road.
Rechargeable Light
Your bug out bags should have flashlights and headlamps in them while your bug out vehicle has to have a lantern or a rechargeable light that would make it easier to do emergency repairs in the dark.
The items listed here are in no way the only things you need to survive on the road. You must have a first aid kit, thermal blanket, a tent, sleeping bag, toiletries, extra clothes, zip ties, duct tape, shovel, maps, compass, and a lot more. For your bug out vehicle to survive, you need car tools and spare parts, vehicle fluids (oil, coolant, radiator fluid, and wiper fluid), fire extinguisher, chain, a spare tire, and a patch kit or foam tire sealant. Extra fuel is certainly useful but at the same time hazardous. If you don’t want to take risks, simply bring empty fuel containers and fill ‘er up along the way.
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