Bug Out is well written, well organized, and well researched. Included within its contents are the essential skills, items, and preparedness needed to survive away from civilization in the event of a calamity. In addition to this information, the book provides regional-specific information for numerous bug out locations throughout the lower 48 states. Although the regional information is brief for each region, it is lengthy overall (as there are so many areas listed) and is very helpful, and includes tidbits relative to each region and pertinent to the topic of the text, along with very nice maps identifying these locations. This one book could not cover these regions in detail as that text would be voluminous, but it does provide a fantastic Bibliography/Recommended Reading section selected by the author from which one may glean any additional information needed about these regions.
One theme central to the text is that of opportunistically surviving unnoticed. This is key. The author realizes that preparedness for bug out survival doesn't come from exactly following a prescribed survival blueprint as it would be impossible to have such a blueprint prepared for every possible situation. Instead, the author advocates developing a keen awareness of one's surroundings and environment. This is a theme common to martial arts and is a key survival concept. An example of this related to martial arts is that of identifying exits when entering a building, making note of items that may pose dangers or may be useful in emergencies, observing and noting physical and emotional traits of occupants, identifying leaders and followers and unspoken social rules, finding ways to use the things and people around you to your benefit, and keeping a low profile (fight as a last resort). This is practicing evasion, and a goal of bugging out is really to evade catastrophe. This is an important distinction from what may be advocated elsewhere.
Throughout the book the author reminds the reader of the importance of stealth. For example, he may contrast a canoe with a sailing vessel and point out fine distinctions between the two relative to the central topic, that of survival. The book is replete with such details, and the author never fails to remind the reader of the basic tenants of this type of survival that he advocates so well. To read the book and miss these key concepts would be unfortunate, as these are the essentials of bugging out successfully.
Having taken the reader through the thought process of preparing for survival in a calamitous situation, the author offers personally tested recommendations of various equipment, supplies, and modes of transportation, and provides key insights into such things as building dependable fires and shelters. The tip (complete with photo) of setting up a cooking put over a small fire (as detailed on pages 38 and 39) is an example of one of the many such expert suggestions found throughout the text. Of all of the various methods, equipment, checklists, etc., available for bugging out, the author offers his personal recommendations along with details to help the reader decide what would be best in his or her situation. These should not be taken lightly, as the author has travelled extensively and has rigorously tested and written detailed reviews of many items used in wilderness survival (which may be found in numerous issues of various magazines or sometimes in documentaries that he has participated in).
This really is a book that needs to be read thoughtfully so that the mindset of the author is captured by the reader. Many of the tips offered will likely apply directly in the event of a calamity, while others will generally apply but may be easily tailored with mastery of the concepts the text lays out. My suggestion would be to read the first 100 pages of the text very thoughtfully and to make note of the central concepts that are repeated throughout. Then, one should read the regionally-specific section pertinent to the area of interest. In other words, one shouldn't just skip to the end of the text, pick a place to bug out in, and set off, believing to be sufficiently prepared for survival with just these maps, regional details, and mentions of warnings and hazards. One needs to take the time to develop the skills necessary for survival before one sets off on that journey, and this book provides a template for doing just that. Once this has been mastered, then one could supplement the regionally-specific information provided with information from one of the many pertinent texts noted in the reference section, selected by the author. This then could be the complete plan for bugging out (which of course must be tailored to fit the situation at hand).
I have known Mr. Williams most of my life, but I did take the time to read this book before offering this review. I have great respect for Mr. Williams and I sincerely hope that the insights he provides in Bug Out will be widely accepted or at least considered as I think his advice in this area is extremely sound and is offered with meticulous research and validation by the author. He has not written fictitiously as one who only supposes or pretends to have life experience relevant to bugging out -- he is authentic.
