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Can anyone recommend a good Bugout Bag for a SHTF situation? I've been eyeing either a military style Alice pack or a Sandpiper Three Day Pass backpack but want to see all my options.
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A good BOB pack recommendation
- Thread starter Sharp Knives 86
- Start date
After a dozen or so failed experiments, I've settled on a maxpedition Condor II. It is as wide as a pack should be, but rides high on the back, being kind of squarish. It has enough room for a poncho, poncho liner, spare clothing, first aid, tools, water bladder, etc. I don't keep much food in it, that is not absoutely needed for a short trip, just some snacks (MRE snacks and bags of tuna). I keep a smaller duffel with food and even more water.
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Before making the decision on the pack, I recommend you define your situation. People say SHTF/Bug-Out, but you really need to figure out if you have a place to go; are you trying to get home? Get to a relative’s/friend’s home? Are you planning on 72 hours or more?
Another consideration is changes in season. Do you want a little extra room for more clothing?
I always recommend laying all the gear you’ve decided on, used and plan to pack and then start focusing on the pack itself. If this is just a “sit-by-the-door” pack, a cheaper surplus pack is a good choice. I wouldn’t spend several hundred dollars on a Kifaru if you don’t plan to actually use it.
ROCK6
Another consideration is changes in season. Do you want a little extra room for more clothing?
I always recommend laying all the gear you’ve decided on, used and plan to pack and then start focusing on the pack itself. If this is just a “sit-by-the-door” pack, a cheaper surplus pack is a good choice. I wouldn’t spend several hundred dollars on a Kifaru if you don’t plan to actually use it.
ROCK6
Under some circumstances, I could bug out for a couple of days with my Maxpedition Devildog, other situations I load the back of the Trailblazer.
My "always packed"- long day hike/weekend essential bag is a Maxpedition Baby Condor with a couple of extra pouches on the outside.
I keep a seperate combat ruck(no frame-early Blackhawk Raptor) with shelter and cold weather gear/extra food/tools in the closet. So if the situation is unclear, I can grab both and throw them in the car.
Bill
My "always packed"- long day hike/weekend essential bag is a Maxpedition Baby Condor with a couple of extra pouches on the outside.
I keep a seperate combat ruck(no frame-early Blackhawk Raptor) with shelter and cold weather gear/extra food/tools in the closet. So if the situation is unclear, I can grab both and throw them in the car.
Bill
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Listen to Rock6.
Your 4 Step Plan to BugOut Happiness:
1. Define the problem.
2. Identify several possible likely solutions.
3. Winnow them down to the single best option.
4. Implement.
Don't get ahead of yourself. You're only on step #1.
Good luck with this process.
Your 4 Step Plan to BugOut Happiness:
1. Define the problem.
2. Identify several possible likely solutions.
3. Winnow them down to the single best option.
4. Implement.
Don't get ahead of yourself. You're only on step #1.
Good luck with this process.
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- Aug 4, 2010
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- 1,638
I have a Maxpedition Falcon II that I keep in the car as a "get home bag" and I like it just fine. Very durable and a lot of organization with the pack.
Two things I'd say about the pack (and all Maxpedition packs I think).
1.) As others have said they do ride high, especially if you are taller. I'm 6'2 and the waist belt on the Falcon doesn't really come close to my waist.
2.) Since the torso is short the weight doesn't rest on your hips at all, meaning I wouldn't want to be carrying a lot of weight. A lot of weight on your shoulders = not so comfortable.
Two things I'd say about the pack (and all Maxpedition packs I think).
1.) As others have said they do ride high, especially if you are taller. I'm 6'2 and the waist belt on the Falcon doesn't really come close to my waist.
2.) Since the torso is short the weight doesn't rest on your hips at all, meaning I wouldn't want to be carrying a lot of weight. A lot of weight on your shoulders = not so comfortable.
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- Oct 27, 2009
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Thanks for the advice guys 
When I think of a SHTF situation, I'm thinking of either a pandemic or chaos and anarchy has broken out. I'd probably head towards the mountains in my area. On foot, it would take a few days assuming I can't get to a car for some reason. I'm basically trying to pack only essentials such as extra clothes including a heavy parka for colder weather, at least 3 days worth of food and water, a canteen, first aid kit, a sleeping bag, utensils, a machete or hatchet, a fire starter and a portable stove and water filter in case I'm on foot longer than expected. Of course if I'm missing something or I have something on my list you don't think is nessissary, I'd like to know.
When I think of a SHTF situation, I'm thinking of either a pandemic or chaos and anarchy has broken out. I'd probably head towards the mountains in my area. On foot, it would take a few days assuming I can't get to a car for some reason. I'm basically trying to pack only essentials such as extra clothes including a heavy parka for colder weather, at least 3 days worth of food and water, a canteen, first aid kit, a sleeping bag, utensils, a machete or hatchet, a fire starter and a portable stove and water filter in case I'm on foot longer than expected. Of course if I'm missing something or I have something on my list you don't think is nessissary, I'd like to know.
Very few of us have identical situations and yet 90% of the BOB's I see posted have the same contents.
-It was 12* last night where I live. It was 62* last night in Miami.
-I live 400 yards from National Forest land. Someone in Atlanta has an entirely different situation.
-In Summer, a decent backpack would work for my BOB. In Winter it'll need to hold a lot more gear to survive the cold even for one night out.
Or, I could just buy a Maxpedition bag and fit in with everyone else with their machete, flint, and paracord...
-It was 12* last night where I live. It was 62* last night in Miami.
-I live 400 yards from National Forest land. Someone in Atlanta has an entirely different situation.
-In Summer, a decent backpack would work for my BOB. In Winter it'll need to hold a lot more gear to survive the cold even for one night out.
Or, I could just buy a Maxpedition bag and fit in with everyone else with their machete, flint, and paracord...
Sharp,
Sounds like you are looking at a full size backpacking bag with maybe a camo raincover if you feel the need to hide it. Bulky items and a good ways to move before you settle down.
For the short packs that ride high. I recently saw a thread where people were attaching a waist type bag with a good belt under them to add support and modularity. Neat idea.
I tend to stay with solid colors, light tan,coyote or foliage green. Blends in with civvies and the woods well enough.
Bill
Sounds like you are looking at a full size backpacking bag with maybe a camo raincover if you feel the need to hide it. Bulky items and a good ways to move before you settle down.
For the short packs that ride high. I recently saw a thread where people were attaching a waist type bag with a good belt under them to add support and modularity. Neat idea.
I tend to stay with solid colors, light tan,coyote or foliage green. Blends in with civvies and the woods well enough.
Bill
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2010
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- 52
There are a few different scenarios to take into account 1) bug out bag 2) get home bag 3) i'm never coming home bag. The best all around bag i've ever used is the CamelBak/Mystery Ranch Linchpin http://www.camelbak.com/Military-Tactical/Packs/Linchpin.aspx . My bigger bag is an Osprey Aether 85. My smaller bag is a Black Diamond Bullet. I've gone through alot of other pieces of gear---these 3 have really proven themselves
I do think if you're thinking of a hiking situation then a regular backpack, rather than a high riding one might be worth a look. My "The PACK" is for throwing in the back of my vehicle, if I was to walk anywhere of distance I would prefer a regular rucksack. I'm presently looking at the Fjallraven range, not sure how easy they are to pick up Stateside though.
The difference is that the regular rucksack distributes the weight to the hips and your not carrying the whole weight on your shoulders. Sorry if you're already aware of the differences, but for me (I have a back issue) it makes a big difference when your putting out the miles.
hth, John
The difference is that the regular rucksack distributes the weight to the hips and your not carrying the whole weight on your shoulders. Sorry if you're already aware of the differences, but for me (I have a back issue) it makes a big difference when your putting out the miles.
hth, John
Something to remember, most people aren't even capable of carrying very much weight.
I'm a big dude, 6' tall 225lbs with a 52" chest and a 34" waist, and I started my preps with a big, heavy pack. After actually hiking around with my pack on, I learned that I'm not conditioned to carry more than 30 lbs or so. My pack now weighs 20 lbs, without water. It's just enough to get me through a few nights sleeping in a car, in a hotel, or in the woods, and it keeps me mobile enough to jump over rocks or haul ass around the next corner if trouble finds me.
Another point, "survival" does not mean "being comfortable". You don't need your fluffy sleeping pad, big poofy sleeping bag, tent, freezedried steak dinner, etc. to survive. You can make it through the night (a few nights even) with a warm coat, waterproof poncho, canteen of water, and a small fire.
Building a BoB is a long process, that has to include more time spent testing gear than ordering it on the internet:
Step 1: Order crap that other people say you need, and order too much of it.
Step 2: Pack it into a bag that is way too big, that you aren't capable of carrying because it is too heavy because you packed too much crap that you don't need, and don't know how to use.
Step 3: Use it, overnight hiking or whatever, and realize what you used, what you didn't, and what you had no idea what to do with
Step 4: Redo pack completely, knowing what you are doing now
You'll probably end up with more water, less food, less comfort items, etc. than you started with.
Good luck in the Mountains, between the people who live there and don't want you there using their resources, and others who plan to "head for the hills" and might need your nice gear.
Do what you have to do, but "heading for the hills" is a bad idea, generally.
First aid supplies. If you aren't trained in its use, get the training.
Injuries and the elements are more likely to kill you faster than starvation or dehydration. Your BoB should include what you know that you can use to put yourself back together (temporarily) and stay warm and dry first. Then comes hydration, as much water as you can carry which again is a personal thing and varies from person to person.
I'm a big dude, 6' tall 225lbs with a 52" chest and a 34" waist, and I started my preps with a big, heavy pack. After actually hiking around with my pack on, I learned that I'm not conditioned to carry more than 30 lbs or so. My pack now weighs 20 lbs, without water. It's just enough to get me through a few nights sleeping in a car, in a hotel, or in the woods, and it keeps me mobile enough to jump over rocks or haul ass around the next corner if trouble finds me.
Another point, "survival" does not mean "being comfortable". You don't need your fluffy sleeping pad, big poofy sleeping bag, tent, freezedried steak dinner, etc. to survive. You can make it through the night (a few nights even) with a warm coat, waterproof poncho, canteen of water, and a small fire.
Building a BoB is a long process, that has to include more time spent testing gear than ordering it on the internet:
Step 1: Order crap that other people say you need, and order too much of it.
Step 2: Pack it into a bag that is way too big, that you aren't capable of carrying because it is too heavy because you packed too much crap that you don't need, and don't know how to use.
Step 3: Use it, overnight hiking or whatever, and realize what you used, what you didn't, and what you had no idea what to do with
Step 4: Redo pack completely, knowing what you are doing now
You'll probably end up with more water, less food, less comfort items, etc. than you started with.
Good luck in the Mountains, between the people who live there and don't want you there using their resources, and others who plan to "head for the hills" and might need your nice gear.
Do what you have to do, but "heading for the hills" is a bad idea, generally.
First aid supplies. If you aren't trained in its use, get the training.
Injuries and the elements are more likely to kill you faster than starvation or dehydration. Your BoB should include what you know that you can use to put yourself back together (temporarily) and stay warm and dry first. Then comes hydration, as much water as you can carry which again is a personal thing and varies from person to person.
Codger_64
Moderator
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For many if not most people, an inexpensive mil-surp duffle bag behind the couch or in the car trunk would work as well as an expensive backpack. Making a plan and going by it is a good suggestion. If you plan to travel, be sure to include maps and a compass. Also having a definate destination in mind would be a good thing, as well as at least a few alternative destinations, preferably where you know you would be welcomed and have access to resources.
Just as options- My bug outs are
1) Bugging "in"
2) My parents home to help them across town
3) worst case- an abandoned family farmhouse 100 miles south. - Worst case- ATV's and railroad tracks to get there.
Everyones situation can be different. In the above the pack carries things I will need once I am there and a few things to help me get where I am going should problems arise and it take me a day or so to get there. Long term living in the hills is not a plan for me but something I keep in mind. Around here, there will be alot of people taking to the hills(& going through homes) and not all will be nice cooperative people.
Bill
1) Bugging "in"
2) My parents home to help them across town
3) worst case- an abandoned family farmhouse 100 miles south. - Worst case- ATV's and railroad tracks to get there.
Everyones situation can be different. In the above the pack carries things I will need once I am there and a few things to help me get where I am going should problems arise and it take me a day or so to get there. Long term living in the hills is not a plan for me but something I keep in mind. Around here, there will be alot of people taking to the hills(& going through homes) and not all will be nice cooperative people.
Bill
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- Sep 14, 2006
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I don't have a bug out BAG, I have a bug out BOX, which contains a bug out bag. The box is a Stanley locker box with wheels on one end and a pull-out handle on the other. It is heavy duty, water resistant, and lockable. My supplies go in the box, but the box also contains a medium sized back pack which could be loaded out with essentials in case I can't take the much larger box with me. The box can be stored in a garage or a large closet, and can be loaded into the back end of an SUV or pickup easily.
The box looks like this -
If heavy items such as bottle water are stored on the end closest to the wheels, the box can be lifted by the pull out handle and pulled quite easily on a smooth surface when fully loaded by one person.
Andy
The box looks like this -
If heavy items such as bottle water are stored on the end closest to the wheels, the box can be lifted by the pull out handle and pulled quite easily on a smooth surface when fully loaded by one person.
Andy