15 Bug Out Vehicles

We spend a lot of time talking about bug out bags, survival gear, long term food storage and weapons here at SurvivalCache.com, but we haven’t spent a lot of time debating the Ultimate Survival Vehicle (Bug Out Vehicle).

In the event of a major crisis, there is a very real possibility (especially if you live in a more urban area) that you may have to leave your primary refuge.  During a disaster, following your Plan A and staying in your home fortress might be derailed due to any number of reasons (ex: flooding, urban unrest, biological/chemical, nuclear fallout, viral pandemic, economic collapse, TEOTWAWKI, etc.).  When you have to turn to a Plan B and you have your bug out bag in hand, which method of transportation do you turn to?

But also remember that it’s not always simple to have a perfect ready-to-go vehicle, and in that case, it’s best to put together a proper vehicle ops kit. Check out the book below which covers everything you need to know: How Alexander Hamilton... Brion McClanahan Best Price: $4.09 Buy New $5.99 (as of 06:55 UTC - Details)

Best Bug Out Vehicle: Top 15 Picks

Let’s go over the the different bug out vehicles. By no means is this an exhaustive list. The list is also not ranked in any particular order. Each vehicle has pros and cons.

1.  Earth Roamer LTi

Let’s just start off by saying this Ultimate Bug Out Vehicle is pretty cool.  If you have 5 people or less and had to make it to your Bug Out location during TEOTWAWKI, this would be a very nice way to get there.  This is basically a modified truck bed camper attached to a Ford Super Duty F-550 truck chassis and then totally tricked out

This Ultimate Survival Vehicle comes with a twin-turbo diesel engine, 10,000-pound towing capacity, solar power with large battery back up pack, 85 gallons of freshwater, dual water filtration system, cassette waste management system, propane free appliances (everything runs on diesel fuel).  This rig also comes with heavy-duty off-road tires, brush guard, full-size spare tire, 16,500-pound front winch, 9,500-pound rear winch, 90-gallon optional fuel tank, on the board air compressor, and much much more.  If James Bond had a survival vehicle, this might be it.

Pro’s – too many to list, this thing is a beast.  We are sure that there is an option for a twin .50 cal machine gun turret on top of this thing, we just could not find it on the Earth Roamer website.

Con’s – If you are the Octomom with 8 or more people in your family this might not be the best choice, take a look at a school bus.  Needs fuel to run.  The Earth Roamer LTi isn’t cheap, with a price tag of $225k to $300k you might have to sell your baseball card collection to get it.

2.  All Terrain Vehicle (ATV):

There are a lot of people out there who own ATVs and they make a pretty good argument for the Ultimate Survival Vehicle.  With powerful engines, 4 wheel drive, aggressive tires, and a width of only 48 inches (or less), this Ultimate Survival Vehicle can go anywhere and over almost any obstacle.  There are many aftermarket options for ATVs and a lot of those options make sense for an Ultimate Survival Vehicle such as a small utility trailer to go behind your ATVs for added carrying capacity.

Pro’s – Can go almost anywhere, Can cover difficult ground at great speeds, Fairly fuel-efficient, Built for the extreme so they are fairly reliable if you buy a solid brand (ex: Honda, Polaris), Affordable (you can pick up a used one pretty cheap)

Con’s – Limited protection from the elements, Limited range (bring a fuel can), Limited carrying capacity (even with trailer), requires fuel, Limited number of passengers

3.  The Human Body:

This can be your first option and it most certainly will be your last resort regardless of any other fancy options you may use along the way.  When everything else fails your body will still be there with you.

Hopefully, you’ve been able to take care of it along the way so that it can help you “save your skin” literally.  Let’s face it, you and your body have a vested interest in survival.  When thinking about a bug-out situation, you might end up walking, climbing, running, or swimming.  You may have to huddle for long periods in dark places or uncomfortable positions while you wait for a “clear” path to freedom.  Here are some things to think about:  How much weight can you functionally carry and for how long?

Do you have a bug out bag, does it contain truly useful items?  Have you hiked with it before?  Do you have a good pair of broken-in shoes or boots?  When is the last time you walked more than 10 miles in those shoes/boots?  Are they waterproof or can they dry out quickly?  Consider breath-ability vs. waterproof features.

Pro’s – The Human Body can go almost anywhere and cross any type of terrain.  It does not require any type of processed fossil fuel (user-level energy procurement from raw materials), very cost-effective (for a small amount of money you can outfit your whole body) and it can be very quiet.

Con’s – Very limited carrying capacity, Low speed, Limited protection from the elements, difficult to move the young and the old by this method T. S. Eliot: Collected... T. S. Eliot Best Price: $13.07 Buy New $30.00 (as of 04:16 UTC - Details)

4.  Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV):

The SUV is another good choice for the Ultimate Bug Out Vehicle.  They have a good range on a full tank of gas and with 4 wheel drive and fairly aggressive tires they can traverse most terrains you will encounter.  With a roof rack, towing capacity and seating for five or more, the SUV can carry a large family and a lot of gear.

Pro’s – Diversity (Can be your everyday vehicle and your Bug Out Vehicle), Good carry capacity, Good range, Decent off-road capability depending on model and set up, Can double as a place to sleep for a small family.

Con’s – Not very fuel efficient, requires fuel, Cannot handle extreme terrain unless modified

5.  BMW R 1200 GS Adventure:

This BMW Motorcycle is built with the extreme in mind.  With an 8.7 Gallon fuel tank and an estimated cruising range of 465 miles, compared to other motorcycles this thing can go along way before it becomes thirsty.  With 1200cc and 110 Hp, this bike will take you and whatever you can pile on it (including extra gas) almost anywhere.  It also comes with reinforced aluminum side bags and a top case for extra secure storage.

Pro’s – For a single person this is a great Ultimate Survival Vehicle, Great range, Very fuel efficient, Good off road capability, It is fast, Can double as your everyday vehicle if you like motorcycles

Con’s– Limited carrying capacity, requires fuel, exposure to the elements

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