looking for a good bug out bag recomendations ..

I've got a 5.11 Rush 72 bag. IMO it's a very well thought out bag, though almost too well. There's a little bit too much in terms of organizational features for me, I don't make use of a lot of it. You can see some good pics of it HERE.

The area between the front pocket panel and the main bag was a big selling point for me. It's a perfect spot to put tarps, jackets, etc. especially if they're wet and you don't want it in your bag with the rest of your gear.

I gave a bit of a more detailed opinion on the bag in the link above, just scroll down a bit. Overall I'd recommend it as a BOB platform.

At some point I'd like to get a Kifaru bag, but I don't think I'll have $5-700 to drop on a bag any time soon:rolleyes:
 
sammtv said:
looking for a good bug out bag, what do you guys use???
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I have a few different bags, but it really depends on your use, location and health. Some guys really have small loads and can keep them between 20-30 pounds. A small 3-day pack (~1500-2000 cu in) will work, but I really recommend at least one of those plastic sheet frames. Once you get over 30 pounds, you really need a decent frame of some type to stabilize the load and keep your back and shoulders from taking too much stress.

A waist belt is another consideration...especially one that actually works to shift the weight to your waist and legs.

You really need to determine how long you'll be bugging out...how far if you have a destination? Is it for the vehicle/office at work and be used as a "bug-home-bag"; how far is that? This is the critical part, because you could have a bag weighing 30 pounds or 130! As to carrying weight, make sure you're healthy enough and try and get out and carry your pack once a month (or more). I often recommend people actually take their BOB out for a weekend in the back yard or nearest backpacking/camping area for working out the kinks and figuring out what is really needed or not.

I've have/had several bag set ups:

Cold weather 10+days = Kifaru EMR/Scout combo

I have a couple of different truck bags = Large Becker Patrol Pack and the Snugpak's Rocket pack.

I have a couple of light weight bags that we take for backpacking, and they are always packed. I'm currently using a Gregory Z65 (it's about 4000 cut in) and my wife is using an Osprey Aura which is about the same size.

I have a Kifaru Zulu loaded up for field or traveling (Army) here in the states, and I have an older HSGI-modified Large ALICE ruck for deployments that's usually pre-packed and ready to go.

I use a Kifaru Pointman for hunting and summer time BOB and it's usually loaded up.

My work pack is a small RAID pack with some essentials.

Define what you think you'll need and then look at choosing a pack. I've seen guys as places like REI carry their backpacking loads in garbage bags to find the right size/capacity of backpack. That's a little extreme, but there is something to be said for loading a pack. Many people figure if they have a 7000 cu inch pack, they'll continue adding stuff (most unnecessary) and increasing the weight to where they can't even carry it to the car much less down the road or trail on their back. You want just enough room to expand as you don/doff clothes. A pack that compresses is good so you don't have a half-empty flopping pack on your back.

I don't want to address construction too much, but if you plan to keep it in the car and don't expect much "off-trail" use, most quality brand-name backpacking packs will do fine and be much lighter. However, if you expect to hike cross country, you really need to consider with a more stout and durable construction. I dislike the term "tactical", but there are some excellent (and expensive) brands that are built for deep backcountry/combat zone use...Arc'Teyrx, Kifaru, Mystery Ranch, etc. What you gain in robust construction, you often gain additional weight as well...just something to consider....

Last couple of things to consider is organization and hydration. My HSGI large ALICE pack has several external pouches. It's handy, but makes the pack bulky if you plan to hike around dense foliage. The benefit is quickly accessing necessary items such as FAK, binoculars, rations, shelter, jacket, etc. The opposite end of the spectrum is just the simple tube pack construction found on most internal frames. They are typically lighter and more streamlined, but you have to take care on packing so you can access them without have to fully dump your pack every time.

Hydration is critical as we all know. I like both hydration bladders and bottle pouches. Most packs have their water bladders on the inside and it's a pain to access when you need to refill. I like using the bladders for hydration on the move and use the bottles when I stop to take a break. Also, having a water bottle makes it much easier to purify/filter water and then use the bottle to refill your bladder.

ROCK6
 
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Three question for you guys:

  1. If we're talking about a BOB, I would assume it means something larger then just an "EDC bag", because you will be carrying more gear. With that in mind I would also assume that a backpack bag would be better then a hand or shoulder bag. Right?
  2. In case I would use a backpack, is there a bag that's basically a "tube" model but does have MOLLE attachments (or something like that) that you could attach external pouches if needed AND some sort of internal framework to better distribute the load?
  3. A backpack with an internal framework is just for heavy loads? I mean, if you're carrying light, is there any advantage of an internal frame? And what would you consider heavy?
 
The Maxpedition Condor II works great as a BOB, as I've used one for mine before. Just recently I decided to increase the size and number of internal items so I moved up to a Kifaru XRay. If you look at the sq. inches the manuf. give they are the same size, but not all companies measure the same way. The XRay is quite a bit larger and is capable of carrying much more substanstial pouches on it's outside. Anyway all Maxpedition bags work great, as do Eagle, who makes some great stuff and has a GREAT warranty. If you have the will to spend a lot, Kifaru is great also, bombproof and tons of options, thry'll even custom makes your bag if you pay for it. The 5.11 Rush bag is pretty good also, I've never used one but know a lot of people who have and they all love them. Check out www.EDCForums.com and look around at the bags they rate over there. They are total pack maniacs and they rate just about every bag out there and use them in the real world to boot.
 
Any decent size Camelbak, Mountainsmith, Maxpedition, etc will work. Is it something you'll carry backpacking, hiking, etc; or will it be something that sits in your car or house? Do you need it for a day or two of supplies or do you plan on living out of it for weeks? Be realistic with yourself. Will it hold a small survival and first aid kit or a weeks worth of camping supplies? Overkill is overburden and then it will just end up in a closet.
 
Those are good bags for 72 hour kits. I really like that Rush bag. You really do need about 3000 cubic inches to get all the gear in it if it is an internal frame pack.

For long term, I like an external frame like the Kellty Trekker. Its 3900 cubic inches and all my long term gear can be stored in the bag and a game bag or other items can be carried where normally the sleeping bag goes at the bottom of the frame on the outside.

What ever you do, make sure it works for you. If you live in snow country it changes the whole equation and a lot more storage and gear will be required.

Personally, I like to have a little extra room in the bag so I can carry things like some starter fire wood from my last fire for the next fire if it's winter. Also, if I have to hunt, I do not like to carry game in my bag, I like it on the outside.

Those are my preferences, others may see it different.

Geoff
 
I keep my main BOB in the trunk of my car at all times. Because I'm not using it consistently, I didn't want to spend a fortune on an expensive "tactical bag." I simply used a spare bookbag I had lying around. It's big enough for the basic supplies I envision using, and it's something I wouldn't mind losing if it got stolen or lost. I may regret not having a better bag in a SHTF situation, but for now I feel pretty good about the situation, having not spent a fortune on something that may never be used. The tools I keep in the bag are the same idea: a mora knife and a fiskars hatchet are cheap, replaceable, but perfectly serviceable in an emergency.
 
6shooter said:
I've got a 5.11 Rush 72 bag. IMO it's a very well thought out bag, though almost too well. There's a little bit too much in terms of organizational features for me, I don't make use of a lot of it. You can see some good pics of it HERE.
Click to expand...

Agreed. EXCELLENT bag with an amazing amount of organizational abilities. Every pocket has 4-6 smaller pockets or pouches inside. I like it far more than I expected. I spent a lot of time looking at the Maxpedions but they just aren't large enough for my tastes.
 
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sammtv said:
looking for a good bug out bag, what do you guys use???
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I use a hard-sided, heavy duty plastic, hinged tool box like can be found at Home Depot. Has an extendable handle on one side, wheels on the other, and can be locked. Pull it out, throw it in the vehicle, away we go.

Andy
 
Sounds like it would be uncomfortable. How did you attach the shoulder straps.

:)

I've heard that some people, :furtive glances left and right:, suggest a tactical wheelbarrow.
 
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