Thinking about a new 'go' bag

bulgron

bulgron

Joined
May 19, 2005
Messages
12,709
Hi,

I'm thinking about putting together a new 'go' bag. This one is a little different because I'm looking to become involved with my city in emergency support roles -- CERT type stuff (if you're familiar with California emergency response teams). But I'm also looking into the city's amateur radio ARES team, which provides emergency communications support when the whole world falls down.

Upshot is, I need (want?) a bag loaded with radio gear, plus other stuff useful in an urban SAR role. I'm shying away from a backpack because I want to be able to access the gear easily while on the move.

To this end, I've been eyeing the Maxpedition Mongo Versipack, and I'm wondering if anyone out there has experience with this bag, good or bad.

Barring that, what bag would you use for the stated purpose?

Thanks.
 
I've been thinking about getting one of these RIBZ front packs. I find that a waist pack is uncomfortable when it's fully loaded.
[video=youtube;MDosSISXzBg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MDosSISXzBg[/video]
 
mossyhorn said:
I've been thinking about getting one of these RIBZ front packs. I find that a waist pack is uncomfortable when it's fully loaded.
[video=youtube;MDosSISXzBg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MDosSISXzBg[/video]
Click to expand...

I have a ribz pack, and I basically hate it. It's really hot to wear, and if you load it up you get a bunch of things poking your in the ribs. At least, that's been my limited experience with it. I only tried it for a couple of hikes before I abandoned it.

Of course, mine is jet black and not the gray in that video, so maybe that would make a difference on the heat load.
 
I like first aid kits with big clear windows that roll out when I dump the thing down. In fact, I wouldn't have anything else. That would predispose me to splitting the kit if I was solving this. Some sort of chest rig for radio and other doodads that stay attached to me and a separate working bag. Something from Conterra that could be carried in hand, over the shoulder single strap, or two strap pack style, that could be plonked down in front of me with all the clear windows laid out how I want them would be on my list of contenders.
 
I like the Camelbak packs a lot. I saw some alternative style trail running packs that were super light mesh with nylon pockets on the side. The H2o always comes in handy.
 
I like the Colossus and Mongo from Maxped.
Downside: I seem to fill packs to capacity which adds weight, then I start culling the impulse stuff.
Ditch the crappy flashlight and hard hat that comes in the CERT bag.
I bought a 2C LED Maglite after finding that Cs get overlooked during pre-storm panic buying.
I opted for a basic Skater helmet painted green instead of the issued hard hat.
 
Balldboy said:
I like the Colossus and Mongo from Maxped.
Click to expand...

Do you have the Mongo already? What do you use it for?

Balldboy said:
Downside: I seem to fill packs to capacity which adds weight, then I start culling the impulse stuff.
Click to expand...

Yep, I'm already aware of that tendency myself. Not looking to carry any more than I have to so I'll be looking to keep it to a minimum.

Balldboy said:
Ditch the crappy flashlight and hard hat that comes in the CERT bag.
I bought a 2C LED Maglite after finding that Cs get overlooked during pre-storm panic buying.
Click to expand...

I have a Surefire habit, and already have enough CR123's around the house to keep me going for quite a few months of continual operations. :) Plus, I know where to go to get more CR123's, even in a panic buying situation.

That said, we have several of those 2C Maglites around the house, so if I ever absolutely have to go there, I can.


Balldboy said:
I opted for a basic Skater helmet painted green instead of the issued hard hat.
Click to expand...

I haven't given much thought to the crappy plastic hard hat that comes with the CERT bag. Maybe I'll get a decent construction hard hard in blaze orange if I can find it, or in white and spray paint it blaze orange. Probably spray paint my name and call sign on it too. Hmmmm......

There's an all-county emergency response drill in September. Need to get my act together before then.
 
Have you had a look at the Hillpeople Gear Kit bag?
I have got a recon kit bag and added a molle backed Blackhawk pouch to the front.
Well comfortable to wear, adding the pouch conceals the molle-tactical look and adds room.
 
knutelut said:
Have you had a look at the Hillpeople Gear Kit bag?
I have got a recon kit bag and added a molle backed Blackhawk pouch to the front.
Well comfortable to wear, adding the pouch conceals the molle-tactical look and adds room.
Click to expand...

A chest pack? I'll look into it. Thanks!
 
Do you have the Mongo already? What do you use it for?

I had the Mongo, bought the Colossus, it's carries my poncho, beanie and gloves, FAK, fire starting kit and hand tools.
I added a 10x4 water bottle carrier and a cocoon which holds a length of paracord and 2 power bars.
 
The problem with messenger bags is they don't have external pockets. My preference is to be able to get at certain pieces of gear quickly without opening the bag.

That being said, I am also a fan of Timbuk2.
 
Another vote for Hill People Gear Original Kit bag- Just got it last week. Wish I got one years ago.
 
rivertamer said:
Check out the hazard 4 switchback... maybe just what you need..... love mine... very comfortable and very configurable.
http://hazard4.com/products/packs/switchback
Love mine.:thumbup::thumbup:
Click to expand...

For the "single strap, quick access" route, I also second Hazard 4 even over Maxped's stuff. A buddy lent me his "Plan B" once on a day trip and I was impressed.

http://hazard4.com/products/packs/evac-slings/plan-b

1. They're extremely well-made, with attention to to detail and great F&F.

2. They're designed to be ambidextrous for both shoulders. Your shoulder is going to remind you how much you're carrying sooner or later and "switching" for relief is a plus. Can't do this Maxped's stuff (except for "Monsoon" single strap model).

3. Also a design plus, their padding is seriously thick and alleviates most of the weight.

This one, though a backpack, seems to be designed for swing-in-front action as well.

http://hazard4.com/products/packs/secondfront
 
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Really like the Aero Vest from True North.
crop-original-30-394-aero-vest---wildland.jpg

Keeps everything organized up front without sealing off the chest completely, and allows a pack to be worn over it.

Good luck in your quest, and thank you for your interest in community service!!

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