How much is too much?

[sci]

As I accumulate more bug out gear, I am beginning to wonder how much is too much. My current ruck, a three-day BlackHawk X1 RAPTOR, is a bit cramped and I've debated going to a CFP-90 or a civilian hiking ruck.

Even though carrying a large ruck has it positives (greater space for extra and weather-appropriate clothing, small tent, sleeping bag system, more food, more food, etc.), I'm wonder what the general opinion would be towards a smaller pack with less gear.

Essentially, would you rather be light on gear and "live off the land," or be self-sufficient on all the gear you carry?

I certainly realize it'd be a bit too dramatic to only carry a small LBE (but damn, it'd be cheap) or carry the largest ruck available, but what are your plans?

 

[beezaur]

By the time your BOB is a full backpack, you basically have become a backpacker with really wierd gear.

To me, it seems that a person should be prepared to do with whatever they find themselves with. More than building up a bunch of equipment, that means building up a bunch of skills. This can easily go down the wrong path, but acquisition is a key aspect: starting with nothing in a bad situation and ending up with something and being more secure.

There was a retired Army Corps of Engineers Colonel who taught at my old engineering school. We used to say you could drop that guy off on a deserted island in his underwear, and if you came back for him six months later, he would have built roads, all utilities, tall buildings, and a functioning international airport. That's the guy you want to be, not some guy with chipmunk pockets and no skills.

I guess I would go minimalist for an actual bail out pack. But if you are talking wilderness treck type bailing out, I would just go straight for the regular backpacking gear. Earthy colors are popular now, so it is easy to set up a pack that hides well and also blends in. If you go tactical, you will be a highly observable and memorable traveller. Presumably that's not what you want in an actual bail out.

You can keep a pack completely loaded. I used to do that when I was in a search and rescue unit. You usually want to leave out the sleeping bag until you actually leave, to preserve its loft. That is a good way to go if you want to maintain readiness.

The big qualifier is whether you will have access to your pack. The usual contradiction is that if you are out somewhere, like work or travelling, you don't have the pack. If you are home with the pack, you probably don't really want to go anywhere. So it is of limited utility.

Scott

 

[2dogs]

What are you bailing out from? How far do you expect to go? I organise my needs this way: water, shelter, fire, food, health, and security. My needs are based on a hot environment where I used to spend my summers. YMMV. I think if you are bailing from a city it would be good to carry every neded for 24 hours and after that time begin use what you find. By that I mean water for the most part. You physical condition and strength will determine the maximum weight you can hump. A practice run will be of great benefit.

 

[Zombie Zeke]

By the time your BOB is a full backpack, you basically have become a backpacker with really wierd gear.

To me, it seems that a person should be prepared to do with whatever they find themselves with. More than building up a bunch of equipment, that means building up a bunch of skills. This can easily go down the wrong path, but acquisition is a key aspect: starting with nothing in a bad situation and ending up with something and being more secure.

There was a retired Army Corps of Engineers Colonel who taught at my old engineering school. We used to say you could drop that guy off on a deserted island in his underwear, and if you came back for him six months later, he would have built roads, all utilities, tall buildings, and a functioning international airport. That's the guy you want to be, not some guy with chipmunk pockets and no skills.

I guess I would go minimalist for an actual bail out pack. But if you are talking wilderness treck type bailing out, I would just go straight for the regular backpacking gear. Earthy colors are popular now, so it is easy to set up a pack that hides well and also blends in. If you go tactical, you will be a highly observable and memorable traveller. Presumably that's not what you want in an actual bail out.

You can keep a pack completely loaded. I used to do that when I was in a search and rescue unit. You usually want to leave out the sleeping bag until you actually leave, to preserve its loft. That is a good way to go if you want to maintain readiness.

The big qualifier is whether you will have access to your pack. The usual contradiction is that if you are out somewhere, like work or travelling, you don't have the pack. If you are home with the pack, you probably don't really want to go anywhere. So it is of limited utility.

Scott

Amen. Good Post

 

[sci]

Thanks for the good input! I keep my pack at home, but when I'm out and about I carry a combat first aid kit, an SOG PowerLock, and a flint.

I'm trying to get a pack ready for needing to go on an extended trek to a certain location, and possibly laying low out in the wilderness. As I make out a list of items to pack, it seems to add up, even with just a a sleeping bag, extra clothing, etc.

Thanks all for the input! Keep it coming!

 

[dizos]

A "do everything" BOB doesn't make sense, too unwieldy. I organize my kit into functional groups and store them in seperate pouches on several gear-dedicated shelves. Then you just mix and match as needed depending on what you are up to. I day hike daily in tropical rainforest so I have a specific set of gear I use in a small daypack for that, but can pull and dump those kits into a larger 3-day pack and then add additional capacity (water filter, gas stove, sleeping bag, extra clothers, food, tarp etc.) for more extended forays up to a fullsize backpacking rig. I'm a fan of Arcteryx for tough distance-hiking products.

 

[ERdept]

By the time your BOB is a full backpack, you basically have become a backpacker with really wierd gear.

To me, it seems that a person should be prepared to do with whatever they find themselves with. More than building up a bunch of equipment, that means building up a bunch of skills. This can easily go down the wrong path, but acquisition is a key aspect: starting with nothing in a bad situation and ending up with something and being more secure.

There was a retired Army Corps of Engineers Colonel who taught at my old engineering school. We used to say you could drop that guy off on a deserted island in his underwear, and if you came back for him six months later, he would have built roads, all utilities, tall buildings, and a functioning international airport. That's the guy you want to be, not some guy with chipmunk pockets and no skills.

I guess I would go minimalist for an actual bail out pack. But if you are talking wilderness treck type bailing out, I would just go straight for the regular backpacking gear. Earthy colors are popular now, so it is easy to set up a pack that hides well and also blends in. If you go tactical, you will be a highly observable and memorable traveller. Presumably that's not what you want in an actual bail out.

You can keep a pack completely loaded. I used to do that when I was in a search and rescue unit. You usually want to leave out the sleeping bag until you actually leave, to preserve its loft. That is a good way to go if you want to maintain readiness.

The big qualifier is whether you will have access to your pack. The usual contradiction is that if you are out somewhere, like work or travelling, you don't have the pack. If you are home with the pack, you probably don't really want to go anywhere. So it is of limited utility.

Scott

I used to take my BOB into work with me. My thinking was that I always wanted access to it. I work in a large building in socal, and if an quake happened, I'd want the bag with me immediately.

I have only used it once when the power went out and I was the only person with my own personal flashlight. There were others who had company supplied ones. We worked for severl minutes in the dark.

I don't bring the pack in now because people think that I'm one of those crazy survivalist/gun guys (I am), but have it near me.

I think your post is right on target.

I have three BOB's, one always in the car. One always at home. And one mini one that I cant take with me into places and not scare people.

 

[mewolf1]

BoB threads pop up alot, I don't post much about them cause I don't pack them Maybe an occasional "what is the kitchen sink for?"smartass remark , but if I was going to build a bob it would be full of food. Oh, I can gather wild food right along with the best of them, but if I don't have to....

Food, clothes, and shelter are needs. Shelter is an easy one unless you're on the Salt Flats. Clothes can be taylored in layers so that you can survive most anything as long as you're dry(dry=warm, wet=cold), food, food is what will get you through Hell. I always carry a knife and fire,ALWAYS.
Keep it light, light is faster, you can run if need be.
As far as vehical gear, load up! Here in MN you'd be a damn fool not to be ready to get stuck in a snow drift. Consider where you live and prepare accordingly.

There is NO substitute for skill.

 

[hikeeba]

Me, I guess I'm not too concerned with 'bugging out,' but I do carry some basic items with me on a daily basis. I only work about 9 miles from home, so if something were to happen, I am pretty confident I'd be able to get home where all our serious gear is. If we did need to leave town, the gear is neatly organized and would take mere minutes to load out.

I guess I don't necessarily carry my EDC items just for my own use, but also in case someone else is in need. Therefore, my EDC kit is total overkill, in my opinion. But you never know what is going to come in handy, and when.

I think the only items I haven't used in a normal work day has been the fire starting kit I have on the knife sheath. Granted, I haven't used all the items in the AMK Pocket Survival Kit or in the first aid kit, but I have tapped into them for different things.

Everything fits neatly into the Jumbo Versipack while leaving the main compartment open for lunch, snacks, etc. It works well when I do not need to take more than lunch to work.

Edit: As mentioned, the above is my usual EDC compliment, and makes up most of the core of my minimalist camping/day hiking/kayaking kit. But as mentioned before, gear does not make up for dull skills. Read lots, practice often, and consult with others on forum boards such as this. And whatever you do, be safe.