Wal-Mart has these Fieldline backpacks for $40. http://www.amazon.com/Fieldline-Tac...=1384124397&sr=8-6&keywords=fieldline+daypack Are they good for outdoor activities and carrying considerable weight? Do they make a good bug out bag?
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Looking for a good backpack
- Thread starter Charlie_K
- Start date
What kind of bugging out are you planning on doing? The term "bug out" in reference to bags is as ambiguous as the term "survival" in reference to knives. The bag needs to fit what you are doing. Is this an urban or rural environment? Are we talking civil unrest, a forest fire, military coupe or a hurricane? Will you be walking 100 miles to get to your destination or hopping into a vehicle. Do you need to carry supplies for family members?
The load outs are as varied as the scenarios. The modern man has a pretty poor chance of survival traversing the world on foot and you can't live unsupported from a backpack long term so bugging out really is a last resort. You are infinitely better off staying put if that is possible.
My system is an extra large rolling suitcase. The kind you see pack-rats with at airports. The suitcase is much larger than I would actually carry on foot for any distance. Inside is a hiking backpack and season appropriate comfortable clothing. Both bags are old because I re-purposed bags that had gotten too rough around the edged for their primary function. The same goes for the clothes and shoes inside, it is all broken in stuff taken out of my EDC rotation.
The backpack is filled with the core survival gear like copies of important docs and a 72 hour hiking load out. The rest of the suitcase space is for water, food and anything else I might like to have if I can take the extra weight, i.e. my vehicle is functioning. I also have a few specialty items in there that I would not necessarily carry in my main load out depending on the scenario. There is also some cash money inside because cash is king.
I have not used that particular backpack you linked to but just looking at it I'd say it is a poor bug out bag. It lacks the adjustment options you would normally see on a hiking backpack. The outdoor gear industry makes packs for people who want to hike long distances often times with far too much weight on their backs. Why use anything else? That bag also screams military which depending on your area might make you stand out.
The load outs are as varied as the scenarios. The modern man has a pretty poor chance of survival traversing the world on foot and you can't live unsupported from a backpack long term so bugging out really is a last resort. You are infinitely better off staying put if that is possible.
My system is an extra large rolling suitcase. The kind you see pack-rats with at airports. The suitcase is much larger than I would actually carry on foot for any distance. Inside is a hiking backpack and season appropriate comfortable clothing. Both bags are old because I re-purposed bags that had gotten too rough around the edged for their primary function. The same goes for the clothes and shoes inside, it is all broken in stuff taken out of my EDC rotation.
The backpack is filled with the core survival gear like copies of important docs and a 72 hour hiking load out. The rest of the suitcase space is for water, food and anything else I might like to have if I can take the extra weight, i.e. my vehicle is functioning. I also have a few specialty items in there that I would not necessarily carry in my main load out depending on the scenario. There is also some cash money inside because cash is king.
I have not used that particular backpack you linked to but just looking at it I'd say it is a poor bug out bag. It lacks the adjustment options you would normally see on a hiking backpack. The outdoor gear industry makes packs for people who want to hike long distances often times with far too much weight on their backs. Why use anything else? That bag also screams military which depending on your area might make you stand out.
- Joined
- May 10, 2012
- Messages
- 1,812
Head to REI and get one of the guys in the backpack section to help you load up a pack and try it on. Jog around the store with it on and see how it feels with 30 lbs inside.
Whether or not you ever actually need to bug out with your bag, you might as well get something that works well for you.
Whether or not you ever actually need to bug out with your bag, you might as well get something that works well for you.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2011
- Messages
- 139
I have never had any luck with Fieldline packs. Either the stiching rips at the shoulder straps or at the seams.
I have several Maxpedition packs and they are very good quality.
I would look around for a used Falcon, Condor, or Pygmy II depending on your size needs.
Another great choice I have is the Spec-Ops T.H.E. Pack it is very large and well made.
If you are not picky on color you can usually find them on closeout from the manufacturer for about a $100.
Of course non of these have the internal frame but for how I use mine I have never needed it.
I have several Maxpedition packs and they are very good quality.
I would look around for a used Falcon, Condor, or Pygmy II depending on your size needs.
Another great choice I have is the Spec-Ops T.H.E. Pack it is very large and well made.
If you are not picky on color you can usually find them on closeout from the manufacturer for about a $100.
Of course non of these have the internal frame but for how I use mine I have never needed it.
Not sure what sort of packing or "bugging out" you anticipate, but I can't see strapping a tent and sleeping bag to that Fieldline bag. It's also very small - good for a daypack perhaps, depending on the quality and comfort of the waist and shoulder straps. Guess you could "bug out" for a few hours with a pack like that. In fact the company calls it a "day pack" at their website.
If you're interested in a multi-season backpack large enough for a few days' food, stove, tent, clothes, sleeping bag, etc. get a real backpack.
I use a full frame pack. Old School.
The Mother of All Frame Packs. Close to 5,000 cubic inches. It weighs a ton, but it allows me to be completely independent and self-sufficient for a week or longer. Rugged as hell, and comfortable too with all of the adjustment possibilities.
If you're interested in a multi-season backpack large enough for a few days' food, stove, tent, clothes, sleeping bag, etc. get a real backpack.
I use a full frame pack. Old School.
The Mother of All Frame Packs. Close to 5,000 cubic inches. It weighs a ton, but it allows me to be completely independent and self-sufficient for a week or longer. Rugged as hell, and comfortable too with all of the adjustment possibilities.
I guess I really should've specified what I had in mind for a bug out bag. I was going by the basic idea of a kit for 72 hours of survival, built by someone without a great deal of understanding of what would be needed.
At the moment the kit I have contains one ballcap, compass, whistle, mirror, 100' of 550 paracord, small first aid kid, short spade, hatchet, a spare of set of clothes, suede work gloves, two tarps, roll of duct tape, batteries, flashlight, water purification tablets, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, medicine, emergency blanket, waterproof matches, candles, and several glowsticks, all assembled in a duffel bag. Still looking to complete the setup.
At the moment the kit I have contains one ballcap, compass, whistle, mirror, 100' of 550 paracord, small first aid kid, short spade, hatchet, a spare of set of clothes, suede work gloves, two tarps, roll of duct tape, batteries, flashlight, water purification tablets, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, medicine, emergency blanket, waterproof matches, candles, and several glowsticks, all assembled in a duffel bag. Still looking to complete the setup.
We had a great discussion recently in the Outdoor Gear forum regarding "bugging out" and survival packing. Check it out.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...pse-trading-bin-instead-of-a-backpacking-pack
72 hours isn't very long at all; my longest solo backpacking trip was a week. Others backpack frequently for weeks or months at a time with only occasional resupply points. Forget about the Youtube "bug out bag" videos and look at what real backpackers have been carry day after day for the last fifty years.
(random backpacking picture found online)
72 hours = 9 meals. Sure you can eat nine consecutive no-cook meals, but it sucks. Hot food is nourishing, comforting, and uplifting. Add a stove, fuel, pan, and spoon.
That's also 3 nights. Tent and sleeping bag are critical in cooler temperatures.
Extra clothes are important, as you mentioned. I wear the same shorts and jacket for an entire trip, but fresh socks and underwear daily. Of course clothing needs are going to change seasonally. Extra shoes too.
This time of the year I wouldn't go overnight without long underwear, rain gear, and warm fleece in my pack. Hat and insulated gloves too.
Hygiene is important when traveling. Toothbrush, soap, etc.
Are you prepared to leave your home in case of a natural disaster, like the recent typhoon in the Philippines? The Red Cross has an excellent preparation list of necessary items here:
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit
I'd emphasize food, water, important papers like financial and insurance documents.
The single most important piece of advice I can give, get some experience using and carrying whatever gear you select. If you're comfortable and secure for a week on the trail when it's not an emergency, you'll be more comfortable and secure when it is. The best gear in the world isn't worth a crap if you don't know how to use it.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...pse-trading-bin-instead-of-a-backpacking-pack
72 hours isn't very long at all; my longest solo backpacking trip was a week. Others backpack frequently for weeks or months at a time with only occasional resupply points. Forget about the Youtube "bug out bag" videos and look at what real backpackers have been carry day after day for the last fifty years.
(random backpacking picture found online)
72 hours = 9 meals. Sure you can eat nine consecutive no-cook meals, but it sucks. Hot food is nourishing, comforting, and uplifting. Add a stove, fuel, pan, and spoon.
That's also 3 nights. Tent and sleeping bag are critical in cooler temperatures.
Extra clothes are important, as you mentioned. I wear the same shorts and jacket for an entire trip, but fresh socks and underwear daily. Of course clothing needs are going to change seasonally. Extra shoes too.
This time of the year I wouldn't go overnight without long underwear, rain gear, and warm fleece in my pack. Hat and insulated gloves too.
Hygiene is important when traveling. Toothbrush, soap, etc.
Are you prepared to leave your home in case of a natural disaster, like the recent typhoon in the Philippines? The Red Cross has an excellent preparation list of necessary items here:
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit
I'd emphasize food, water, important papers like financial and insurance documents.
The single most important piece of advice I can give, get some experience using and carrying whatever gear you select. If you're comfortable and secure for a week on the trail when it's not an emergency, you'll be more comfortable and secure when it is. The best gear in the world isn't worth a crap if you don't know how to use it.
Sulaco
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2003
- Messages
- 2,421
Those Blackhawk knock-off bags from Walmart are fine for starting out. I wouldn't have a problem loading one with stuff and leaving it in a vehicle or something. If you are going to carry it more frequently though you'd probably want something more substantial with a frame and adjustable height.
For stowing gear in a vehicle, I highly recommend these North Face duffel bags. Weather proof, very rugged and durable, a variety of sizes, and can be worn with shoulder straps for hiking short distances.
If you want to stow gear and you know you'll never have to carry it, Rubbermaid tubs are an incredible value. They don't get brittle and crack like other tubs. Worth their weight in gold.
If you want to stow gear and you know you'll never have to carry it, Rubbermaid tubs are an incredible value. They don't get brittle and crack like other tubs. Worth their weight in gold.
I have a helly hansen equivalent of that north face duffle. Very useful for throwing a bunch of stuff into as long as you don't have to carry it long distance or pack it with heavy oddly shaped items. Any pointy items _will_ stick into your back and there is no hip belt. If you go with rubbermaid tubs make sure they are the see through variety. It saves a lot of hassle when you have multiple tubs with lots of gear.
Don't forget. Even if you have to carry tubs or dufflebags you can always strap them to a folding cart (or sled in winter). Wheels make life a lot easier. That is why my kit resides in a rolling suitcase. Well that and I live in an urban environment and a suitcase gets less attention.
I agree with the advice to test your pack on a hiking trip. The limitations of your kit become clear when you put them to the test.
Don't forget. Even if you have to carry tubs or dufflebags you can always strap them to a folding cart (or sled in winter). Wheels make life a lot easier. That is why my kit resides in a rolling suitcase. Well that and I live in an urban environment and a suitcase gets less attention.
I agree with the advice to test your pack on a hiking trip. The limitations of your kit become clear when you put them to the test.
- Joined
- May 19, 2007
- Messages
- 7,745
Start from the beginning of the plan and work from there. how far will you have to bug out, and by what means? then decide on gear, clothes, tools (no need for a shovel if the first three days walking are concrete jungle) first aid stuff is great, do you have enough water to flush wounds? alcohol and peroxide suck for that, and really shouldn't be used anyway. Can you afford to leave gear/supplies sitting, or do you need to plan to rotate your supplies through normal use, and make sure you have enough to go if needed? What are you bugging out from? and is the most you'll need extra socks and deodorant for hanging out in the local school gym for a couple nights? I know lots of us plan for worst case, but what is likely case? Do you want to look like someone with lots of high-dollar gear, or just another guy who tossed the last cans in the cupboard into a duffel bag so he drag himself to the shelter point. Will you be able to get home to your bag of gooddies if the big bad hits while you are away? Just some things to think about.
Good backpacks can often be found at local hiker swap meets. lots of folks upgrade and pass off older but still serviceable gear, or simply stuff that doesn't fit. try craigslist and such, you'll get a decent bit of gear for less than retail, and won't be stuck with WW crap. you will have to do some research on brands and stuff, but a trip through REI should be a good primer.
Good backpacks can often be found at local hiker swap meets. lots of folks upgrade and pass off older but still serviceable gear, or simply stuff that doesn't fit. try craigslist and such, you'll get a decent bit of gear for less than retail, and won't be stuck with WW crap. you will have to do some research on brands and stuff, but a trip through REI should be a good primer.
I use the Protech SDS Engage backpack which is really well made even though you will pay a little more than the walmart pack. The most important things are not having any of the main straps ever fail and having a serious hip belt system to take the weight. The shoulder straps are just to keep it upright and tight against your back.