Go Bag

[Jack Callahan]

Personally I use a Bugout Bag ( www.bugoutgear.com ). It's been my tried and true Go bag for the past 3 Iraq rotations. My first bag lasted 10 years (1 year flying in Kosovo, 2 in Iraq.) and I had to part ways with it at the end of last rotation because the bottom had a slit in it (probably from snagging something on the helicopter). I have moved on to another one. The bag is tough and dependable. Just my two cents.

Jack

 

[untamed]

Yeah, messenger style bags are a PITA if you plan on doing anything on foot over distance. I'm no fan of the gearslinger style bags either, once you load them down they're constantly sliding downward and the one shoulder thing offers no support.

Gospel! :thumbup:

As a rule, asymmetrical or single-shoulder carry bags are cool for EDC but definitely have a weight limit. Hauling a large sling or shoulder bag for over long distances will have you cursing like sailor when all that weight starts digging into your shoulder.

The ergo's of two-shoulder carry function because the load is carried by the body as one whole unit, carried by the shoulders and core; the spine and lower back.

 

[sadiejane]

I've been reading up on go bags for a while now. Haven't pulled the trigger on a pack yet, but I really like this one:

Mystery Ranch Dragon Slayer

I think it might work great as a go bag/hunting/2-3 day camping pack. A little on the expensive side, but I read really good things about Mystery Ranch. I'm interested to see what other guys are using..

ya might check out the camelbak tri-zip. based on this mystery ranch design. and includes the mystery ranch harness system. picked one up last yr. nice pack. im really enjoying it for day trips and overniters(on foot-not car camping..tho i like to do that too)

check out this review(from a respected bladeforum member):
http://www.woodsmonkey.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=439:camelbak-trizip-review&catid=38acks-bags-a-pouches&Itemid=58

 

[sadiejane]

Does anyone here actually HAVE a Mystery Ranch pack? I hear good things about them but don't know anyone that has one. They seem a little overly complicated. I don't know when it became necessary for a pack to have 12 feet of straps, extra zippers, belts, 3 100oz Hydration pockets and enough Molle to attach 5 more packs together. Things have gotten so tactisexual these days, I wouldn't be surprised to find out they sell subdued rainbow flag patches.

I'm still on my search for just a regular, basic black Eagle Becker Patrol Pack but they are backordered for 6 months. (Anyone want to sell me one?????????????????????????)

In the meantime, I'm looking at the Maxpedition Vulture, Kifaru Zulu or maybe something from Mystery Ranch if I can figure out that they really will hold up.

i use the camelbak version(see previous post for link)and it really meets my needs which include multiple day hikes. yeah theres LOTS of molle straps and i dont need(or would anyone need) that many. nevertheless its a great pack. im really happy with it. that mystery ranch harness system is the best ive ever had. dude that pack creates no hot spots. its comfortable and doesnt hurt me even with 30+ lbs all day.
have to be honest tho-i went with the camelbak based on price. found it for $180 shipped on fleabay in the color i was wanted. it is the first time ive bought a backpack online without trying on-but im very familar with mystery ranch. which is the only reason i thought id be ok not trying it out first.

for edc i use the maxpedition mongo. had the fatboy jumbo first but found it really too small for the things i carry everyday(which often includes books)the mango is perfect for me(the difficult task of recommendation of gear-we all have different ideas of whats necesary/needed. and body structure, past injuries etc make it impossible for one bag/style to be good for everyone...)

 

[Vic303]

I use a 5.11 bailout bag for in-car on trips. It'll hold my PSK, compass, O-RAT3, XD45, 3 spare mags, flashlight, batteries etc and more, plus up to 3 AR/AK mags in the outer pouches.

For a pack-sized kit I use a Mountainsmith Ascent 2. Nice, 'urbanite-friendly' pack that carries stuff better on my back than any Camelbak I've seen. Then if I am planning on a real hike, I have an old Montan-made Dana Designs pack...

 

[texastonydobbs]

I have several bags for different application.
here is my truck bag .travel to & from Truck daily(yes only pics I have and there old)the 4 was replaced by the 5(due to window knocker outer pommel)

 

[MrCoffee]

I have several bags for different application.

That describes my setup pretty well too. At the house it is just a ALICE pack, large for me (and one for the wife, kids get modified daypacks til they are bigger). Car is a Camelbak Motherload or my Maxpedition Typhoon (these double as my CERT/ARES go bags). Work is a simple "Jack Bauer-24" style messenger bag and a small Victorinox Swiss Army daypack in the bottom desk draw. Each has at least basic water/food/first aid/flashlight/fire starting gear in them. Anyone of them could get me home if need be.

 

[koda]

I love this thread. It's fun to see everyones gear. Currently I have a Kelty Tornado 4200 But I plan on getting a Maxpedition Vulture 2 pretty soon.

 

[imaginefj]

Badlands is the ONLY pack with a warranty as good as ESEEs. I sold my kifaru packs, which I had several of and got a 2200. Kifaru does make excellent packs, if I was in the military that is what I would have.

There are alot of good pack makers out there though.

I had a pygmy falcon but it was too small for me. Its not that I carry that much crap but I want to be able to stuff it in a hurry and have my gear fit. The pygmy was just that though a pygmy.

 

[PayetteRucker]

I love this thread. It's fun to see everyones gear. Currently I have a Kelty Tornado 4200 But I plan on getting a Maxpedition Vulture 2 pretty soon.

IMO unless you need a daypack, stick with the Kelty. Damn good pack, overall construction and ergonomics I'd say are better. I just picked up an older kelty too, it's great.

 

[abolt2]

Iam going with the camelbak motherlode. My son in law has one in afganistan, and has had no problems with his. There sure are a lot of different chioces now.

 

[LittleSpartan]

Expat: Whats an Operator? And my Messenger bag is just for school I am looking for a seperate bag for BOB duty. I am ganna check out the link you gave

Payette: Its just for school as I mentioned to Expat, I hate if theres to much stuff in the bag though, its sliding movements are extremely notibable. Its a bit irritating. But usually its just a molleskine for notes, laptop, and other misc little things. I originally was going to go with a Falcon from Max, but it seemed a little over kill. When I start attending Art Center Pasadena, I will probably get it though or a Pyg from Maxped so hold all the art supplies and stuff.

Jack: thanks! I will check out the link! Heavy wear is an issue with me, cause I do alot of bicycling, and motor cycling, and running around. Normal bags for generic school use like jansport and etc, seem to snap straps, with my heavy books, so if I had gear and misc items for a bob bag and had to run around with it, I worry.

Sadie: I use the Mongo for daily use too I like it, but with alot of stuff in it, it kills to carry lol. I love the nifty little pockets, every single one is used its awesome!

Tex: Could you type a list of whats all in there? I see cordage, 2 esee knives, etc but want to confirm what I may be seeing Is that an XDM?





Thank you guys so much for all the input! Awesome help! I am still going to wait to see the Esee bag, because it looks good and could be a strong candidate, however alot of the other bags you guys are posting are awesome too! SO I will wait, but keep the post coming I agree Koda, this is an awesome thread!

Its interesting to see what you guys are packing and helps me formulate what I need to stuff into my bag too.

I am going to start putting away $ too so I can take the courses Jeff and Mike are offering, so hopefully everything pans out great! Heres hoping to a trip next year! Thanks again for all the helpful post guys!

 

[texastonydobbs]

Expat:

Tex: Could you type a list of whats all in there? I see cordage, 2 esee knives, etc but want to confirm what I may be seeing Is that an XDM?

XD 9 SC and alot of gear....... I'll get a list together in a bit...:thumbup:


ALOK bag w/FAK
ALOK bag w/Fishing gear
Poncho
orange Bandana
AMK HEET Sheet & Bivy sack
MP1 Tablets & Camelback Elixir electrolyte(orange flavor tablets)
Nalgene W/pre-filter & SS cup ( 2nd Nalgene was left out for food)
50Ft paracord
Brunton compass
EZlap sharpen rod
DMT dual C/F folding sharpener(not pic)
Tikka II headlamp
Inova LED light
big ole firesteel w/striker
LM wave, SAK(lanyard has sharpen rod,mini LMF & container w/match heads only) ,Izula,ESEE5,Kershaw hand saw
Bushnell binoculars
Springfield XD9SC
yellow otter1k box fire kit(tinder etc.)
Bic w/kydex holster
photon freedom
G-shock watch
Whistle
LED angle light
bug spray
waterproof matches
spork(not in pic)
ESEE Zippo in leather sheath
Aluminum match case w/ wind/waterproof matches
not in pic ( write in rain 3X5 and small sharpie& pencil) & wire/cable cutter(model PWC 8) I do not condone cutting thru chainlink or any style fencing but if it is an E&E situation I will snip it with the quickness

 

[borommokot]

Here is my 5.11 Rush 72 pack, it's a work in progress. I live in an urban environment, surrounded by more urban environment, so i tried to design my pack with that in mind. Hence the can opener and very little for wilderness survival. open to any questions, ideas or suggestions.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Yeah, messenger style bags are a PITA if you plan on doing anything on foot over distance. I'm no fan of the gearslinger style bags either, once you load them down they're constantly sliding downward and the one shoulder thing offers no support. The first pack with a cross-strap system is going to make BIG bucks-allows for easy access mounting of gear, plus gives the full support of two straps.

I took my Maxped Jumbo Versipack out for a day hike the other day and the difference in carry once you engage the waist strap is huge. Very comfortable for the entire day and I had it fully loaded up.

 

[LittleSpartan]

Tex: Thanks so much for the list Tex! I like the orange flavor tablets! Does the Kershaw hand saw work well?

Boro: Could you post more pics of and around the bag? Hows the quality of the stitching? What kind of goggles are those? Is your sport a brunton? Whats the small black round rings or wires near the goggles? And is that medical tape near surefire? Does that light have the click on and off tail cape or press and hold/twist one?







We have this machine at home that can seal food and stuff in heavy plastic for freezer or etc storage, was thinking of doing that with some of the stuff I have, for compactment and sterile/clean reasons. Anyone else done this? Sounds like a good idea to me, just wondering!

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Tex: Thanks so much for the list Tex! I like the orange flavor tablets! Does the Kershaw hand saw work well?

Boro: Could you post more pics of and around the bag? Hows the quality of the stitching? What kind of goggles are those? Is your sport a brunton? Whats the small black round rings or wires near the goggles? And is that medical tape near surefire? Does that light have the click on and off tail cape or press and hold/twist one?







We have this machine at home that can seal food and stuff in heavy plastic for freezer or etc storage, was thinking of doing that with some of the stuff I have, for compactment and sterile/clean reasons. Anyone else done this? Sounds like a good idea to me, just wondering!

I just got a vacuum sealer based on the recommendations of NutnFancy and USNERDOC on Youtube. I was able to compress an entire Level 1 FAK into my thigh pocket for use at work. That and it is very handy around the kitchen...best $50 I have every spent at Wally World...make sure you get one that allows you to heat seal.

 

[PayetteRucker]

I took my Maxped Jumbo Versipack out for a day hike the other day and the difference in carry once you engage the waist strap is huge. Very comfortable for the entire day and I had it fully loaded up.

I'm talking about the gearslinger, the one strap backpack-not the versipack lumbar style packs.

 

[PayetteRucker]

borrommokot, not sure how much experience you have with that Prodigy, but mine won't hold an edge to save it's life. I love the design, I love the ergo... I just wish the thing would cut more than once between passes with the arkansas stone...

 

[borommokot]

Tex: Thanks so much for the list Tex! I like the orange flavor tablets! Does the Kershaw hand saw work well?

Boro: Could you post more pics of and around the bag? Hows the quality of the stitching? What kind of goggles are those? Is your sport a brunton? Whats the small black round rings or wires near the goggles? And is that medical tape near surefire? Does that light have the click on and off tail cape or press and hold/twist one?







We have this machine at home that can seal food and stuff in heavy plastic for freezer or etc storage, was thinking of doing that with some of the stuff I have, for compactment and sterile/clean reasons. Anyone else done this? Sounds like a good idea to me, just wondering!

sure, i'll try to get some better quality pics tmrw. i won't be around my bag tonight, but i do have my rush 24 pack on hand(same thing but slightly smaller). The stitching is holding up great, i have heard one negative review about the grab handle basically tearing. mine is holding up great, and i grab and throw the bag around when moving it from place to place(if any of the gear can't survive being tossed around a bit i don't really want it for a bug out). Goggles i honestly can't help you there, i got em from my dad who got them while he was a mechanic. i'll check for a brand. the black rings/wires are earplugs with the little plastic cord to attach them to one another. Medical tape, yes. i use it all the time for cuts and scratches cause band aids never last. The small silver thing between the med tape and the earplugs is duct tape btw. And for the light, both; You can twist the handle all the way in or out to keep the light on or off, or you can twist it in about half way so you can use the button to click it on and off. Also sorry but i'm not too clear on your question about a brunton.