I need a new BOB

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paleo25

Joined
Jun 16, 2002
Messages
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I am looking for a new bag for my BOB that I keep in my commuter car. I want it to be 2500-3000 cubic inches. I am also looking for something not too tactical looking so it wouldnt look so suspicious.

Thanks
 
If you won't ever have to carry it and it will simply stay in the vehicle, sport duffle bags are ubiquitous enough to be totally camouflaged in an urban situation. My choice for an "in the car" container is a $4 lidded 18-gallon Rubbermaid tub from Wally World. Mine holds spare warm clothes, cheap vinyl poncho, first aid kit, a few liters of water, Power Bars & snacky foods, butane BBQ lighter & candles, duct tape, cheap tools like pliers/screwdrivers/crescent wrench, SAK, and a Cold Steel Bushman. And there's room for more stuff if need be.

If you have to carry it or it will be in outdoor environments, then Scott's recommendation for a backpack (or a bookbag depending on the amount of stuff it has to hold) is on the mark. IMHO getting a pack in flat & neutral colors like mud brown, medium gray, brick red, or dull blue makes the pack less conspicuous, even in an urban crowd, than if it is made with light/bright/neon colors. While I advocate getting a hydration pack for ease of always having water with you, in a SHTF situation you may want to retract the tubing inside the pack to reduce the "tactical" profile of the pack.
 
I would recommend a North Face duffle bag, which can also be carried like a backpack using the straps. It is fairly bomb-proof as materials go since it uses a pvc coated nylon of sorts. I have used a few of them to hold things for years and they are indestructable. These are the ones used to carry loads up Everest...
 
I'd get something commercial, like a jansport or kelty bag if you want to maintain a social camoflauge. Throw a set of comfortable hiking boots next to the bag. Makes a useful prop if the car goes to hell.
 
I just switched from a backpack to a low profile sports duffle bag. My reasoning is that 1. it holds everything I carry with room to spare, 2. I have plenty of room left over, 3. It caaries comfortably when slung across my back, and 4. It doesn't scream "ROB ME CUZ I'M PREPARED!"
 
An Outdoor Products Cordura duffle bag would work fine. Sometimes you can find them on sale for under $20.

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The Cordura Nylon and webbing are first quality--the same as on higher priced bags. The seams are not taped, however, and are probably only single stitched, but you can protect them by turning the bag inside out and coating all the seams with Seam Grip That will protect the seams from internal abrasion and make the bag last a lot longer.

If you can find a plain duffle with double-stitched or better yet taped seams, IMO that would be the ticket based on what you have told us.

Brigade Quartermaster or the US Cavalry Store sells an OD duffle marked "US" if you prefer a more "tactical" style. Whatever you choose, I agree a plain duffle bag (preferably a little dirty) won't be as attractive to thiefs as a nice backpack. Good luck :)
 
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