does a b.o.b. have to be a bag?

[csp20108]

There's a lot of debate about what should go in a B.O.B (bug out bag), but no one ever talks about what the actual bag is. I've been thinking lately about using a hard case instead of a backpack to help in locating particular contents quickly. Here are some samples: http://www.plasticase.com/main/products.htmlWhat's your opinion?

(see prior thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=2030779#post2030779 as a starting point)

 

[Josh Feltman]

One disadvantage of those hard cases as opposed to a bag is that it doesn't have shoulder straps, so you have to carry it. This leaves you with only one free hand. I guess it would depend on how much travelling you are expecting to do with your BOB. If I were going to be hiking, moving through rubble, etc, I would want both hands free. I suppose that you could put one of those plastic cases in a backpack and then you would have the best of both worlds.
--Josh

 

[Angus McGunnigl]

I use a mellow colored(gray) Jansport backpack. Small pelican case holds fragiles.

 

[Crayola]

Skip a ahrd case. You'll need your hands free for mobility and such. if you have items you'll want to get to quickly, there are 2 things I think that can help. First, get a bag that has quick axxess external pockets. Something like the Eagle Becker Patrol Pack has six external pouches that allow quick access to gear. The other tip I have is a British military tip. Pack material in your bag organized in plastic bags. That way, you just grab whatever plastic bag you need to get your item from. You could do something like clothes in one bag, food and medical items in another, and weapon/tools in a third bag.