Rural Bug Out Backpack - which one?

Pygmalion

Pygmalion

Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
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I am looking to put together a bug out backpack for use in a rural area. I'm thinking the best type would be a MOLLE backpack. I plan to pack for a 3 day event. I would love to hear what you "in the know" folks recommend as far as which pack is best.
I plan to carry:
Energy bars, Canteen w/ss cup, Water purification tabs, compass, small sewing kit, Poncho, firesteel (and bic lighter), paracord, knife, whistle, Glock 26 w/100 rounds, multi-tool, hammock, tarp, sm mosq net, gloves, fresh clothes (1 change), bar soap, toothbrush, first aid kit, flashlight, garbage bag(s), bandannas, cash, duct tape, cell phone, emergency blanket.
Have I left any essential item out?
 
I did a search for "Bug out Bags" and did not find too much that was helpful, but right after I posted this, I saw the post directly under mine - "Looking for a small covered pack" and found some useful info. It looks like the Tactical Tailor line is pretty good, and they have all kinds of extras available for their packs.
 
How much paracord? personal I would ditch the hammock that more of a comfort then necessity to shave weight and bulk. maybe local topo maps or at least state/area road maps
Just my thoughts feel free to disagree.
 
As far as paracord goes, I have a 20' length coiled up, and various lengths used to secure different items (my knife has 6' wrapped around the kydex).
The hammock and tarp weighs 32 ounces, and takes up very little space. IMHO, the hammock and tarp take away the need to build a shelter (in most cases).
 
Ditch the hammock and add a good book, playing cards, and maybe half a roll of toilet paper. Note that each of these has uses beyond the intended obvious.
 
Tactical Tailor's three day assault pack is very good as is their three day plus pack.

The three day plus will pack everything you need plus more.
 
If you want loads of MOLLE, the ATS R.A.I.D. II is hard to beat. Try Supply Captain or SKDTactical.com. ;)
 
a .22lr revolver, a folding saw or small hatchet. More than just snack bars, try packing mountain house meals or MRE entrees. More than one water container, I go with a min of two.
 
Check one on the Glock 26! Bring vaseline for dried lips, skin. Sun screen, sun glasses, nice boonie hat for sun protection, bug bite ointments, and just have clothes that cover your whole body, pants, long sleeves, dry fit stuff not cotton.
 
Are you building a Bug Out Bag or a Get Home Bag?

If you're bugging out, you have no way of really knowing where you'll wind up or how long it'll take you to get there. You should plan for more than three days, I'd say a bare minimum of a week. When I lived in Columbia during college, I kept my BOB packed with two weeks worth of food, and the means to obtain more food. A basic survival kit can't hurt, along with the training to use it. I wouldn't consider myself well equipped without a .22 caliber handgun or survival type rifle, fishing and trapping gear, and water filter. I lived in SC for four years, so I agree that the hammock is a good idea, at least in summer. I feel like you're packing soap, whistle, and sewing kit is an indication that you don't really have a plan of where you're going in an event. That's a bad thing.

If you're just putting something in the trunk to get you from the office to the rest of your gear, you're on the right track. I keep a GHB that is basically a change of clothes, a snack, a Glock 19 and accessories and NBC gear in my trunk, but I work less than three miles from my house, shelter and plenty of stuff. ;)

I think you should sit down and do a risk assessment of your life and area. Bugging out because one of the nuclear plants just exploded is a lot different than bugging out ahead of a hurricane, and both are a lot different than bugging out before/after a nuclear war. Your destination and routes will change, along with many other factors. :thumbup:
 
Some cash in small bills and a roll of quarters. If the power is out, plastic doesn't work.

I use an Osprey Epic as my GHB. It has a good back panel for carrying a load w/o a frame. It's also not tac looking so it blends in with day/day movement. Nice big main compartment and a few outer zips. I don't hang anything off my bags and this one is nice and clean looking.

Look on the secondary market. Lots of good used bags to be found. I recently snagged a cherry Kelty Redtail 1800 for 30 bucks.
 
a radio :) so you can listen to any messages that are being broadcast, and a permenant marker with postits
 
A good book, something you won't mind reading over and over again. Maybe some religious readings as well if you are devout in any way.

check out Doug Ritters website, Equipped to Survive. Good info.
 
I carry a Black Maxpedition Monsoon with everything in it and the kitchen sink, my family calls it my man purse, I say thats the point, it looks non tactical, like a messenger bag.
 
Maxpedition Vulture II. I love mine. It's tough as nails and has enough room for everything you could want to carry without being TOO big of a pack.

I'm also looking real hard at the ESEE Laserna. I'd really like to get me one of those.
 
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