View Full Version : Bug Out Bag options
For those who have some experience with them, which makes/models do you recommend and why? I would like one that accommodates things like AR mags, pistol mags, ammunition, and still has room for all the other stuff a person might need. Thanks in advance.
For those who have some experience with them, which makes/models do you recommend and why? I would like one that accommodates things like AR mags, pistol mags, ammunition, and still has room for all the other stuff a person might need. Thanks in advance.
i am biased but i have an eberlestock gunslinger II and freaking love it. you won't be disappointed. its not huge but has lots of molle so i just attach stuff. has two mag holders in the top compartment and two bladder compartments
Hmm. I haven't seen one of those. Not sure I want a bag that the rifle actually goes in. I was looking for more of a large duffle bag type of bag I guess. Something that can be taken from the house and tossed into a vehicle. Or is a backpack type design a better idea as it is more portable?
I was thinking a larger version of this bag might be nice....
http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/All-Hazards/Bail-Out-Bag.html
LApolicegear.com sells one that you'd probably like (for much cheaper). LApolicegear basically stole the one from Countycomm.com. CountyComm has a larger version of the same bag.
I was really interested in the Countycomm bag (and LApolicegear JUST finished a 12 hour sale where they sold black ones for $10), but I decided that a backpack would be better, if I ever had to actually bug out on foot.
KevDen2005
03-18-2011, 04:00
Just picked up two of these:
Level III Assault Backpack BLACK With Five Stacked Compartments
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/PACK120-1.html
For the price I couldn't pass them up. I plan on making survival kits for the the vehicles with them...
Quality seems really good and from what I have read on the site people like them.
The Arvada Army Surplus store has a very similar pack for the SAME price. So does the Army Surplus off of Pecos and Hwy 36. It might actually even be the same pack.
Just picked up two of these:
Level III Assault Backpack BLACK With Five Stacked Compartments
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/PACK120-1.html
For the price I couldn't pass them up. I plan on making survival kits for the the vehicles with them...
Quality seems really good and from what I have read on the site people like them.
the first thing is your style. do you like lots of little compartments built into the bag or just one main compartment? or a mix between the two. hydration bladders? are you using it w a chest rig? pack a rifle? man or woman? how many pounds and cf do you plan to carry? external tent? bedroll straps? molle external exppansion?
the first thing is your style. do you like lots of little compartments built into the bag or just one main compartment? or a mix between the two. hydration bladders? are you using it w a chest rig? pack a rifle? man or woman? how many pounds and cf do you plan to carry? external tent? bedroll straps? molle external exppansion?
KevDen2005
03-18-2011, 09:55
the first thing is your style. do you like lots of little compartments built into the bag or just one main compartment? or a mix between the two. hydration bladders? are you using it w a chest rig? pack a rifle? man or woman? how many pounds and cf do you plan to carry? external tent? bedroll straps? molle external exppansion?
I feel like I'm seein' double
ChunkyMonkey
03-18-2011, 11:31
Do you guys mind taking pictures of your BOB setup? Just wondering.
I have a couple 48 hours emergency bags, but never felt the need to go beyond that (survival tools etc) until last night. The DPD officer who was teaching our class produced one of the most comprehensive BOB out of his trunk - Got me thinking.
2008f450
03-18-2011, 12:41
Do you guys mind taking pictures of your BOB setup? Just wondering.
I have a couple 48 hours emergency bags, but never felt the need to go beyond that (survival tools etc) until last night. The DPD officer who was teaching our class produced one of the most comprehensive BOB out of his trunk - Got me thinking.
Anything in particular? Bag style, contents, how its all put in the bag?
OK So I generally don't pipe in very much in this area because there seem to be folks that know a ton more than I. This is one of those topics that crops up all of the time and a few things I've learned from them are:
1. Let the goal drive the gear (adapted from Pat Rogers - "Let the mission drive the gear train"):
This means a few things... first and foremost what are you looking to use the bag for? Is this an End of the World, I'm walking off to the wilderness? Is this, Get me from work back home to the rest of my crap? Is this a hiking, just got my self WAY lost bag?
Each and every scenario has differing requirements. No one bag meets them all.. I'll say that again... No One Bag Meets All Requirements!!!!!
2. You Will inevitably pack too much the first few times:
If you don't believe that, you've never tested your gear. Read, Read and Read again. Read some of the reviews from Katrina survivors, Google is your friend. Then take some time, pull out everything you think you need in the bag, lay it out like you would for an inspection (former mil know what I mean) and take a serious look at each item.
3. Test You Gear!
I'm really bad about this.. I keep saying I'm going to do a 3 day trip every summer with just my car bag or my supposed end of the world packing list.. something always happens and I don't get around to it.
So I've just done the simple thing. Put your pack/bag on and go for a 2-3 mile walk. Yeah, reality sucks don't it?!?!
You're fooling yourself if you haven't done at least something like this. Now try it again with all of the wonder gear you have on your rifles, pistols and with at least 48 hours of food and water, plus ammo, batteries, blah blah blah... and heaven forbid that those of who own gear like armor and helmets, add that in to your hike. Hey, we're up around 80LBS in added weight.
4. You get what you pay for.
OK this isn't to say that there aren't deal to be had. Look at the March Sale that Nachez had on Eagle A-III packs. Hands down one of the most bomb proof 3 day packs around.. less than $50 for a $155 pack. Hmmm.
5. You can never have too many... of anything survival related
Shop, shop and keep shopping.. you will find deals, you will find gear you never though of, or stuff that's been mentioned in your reading. Again, don't settle on the first price you see. Spend time shopping for the right deals and always look for a coupon code or call the vendor and ask if they have any deals or specials that aren't listed online. Don't be afraid to ask for a price break, you'll get them more times than not if you're polite and courteous! Buy 2-3 of the small or common items.. then you can do what I do... have a few bags fully packed with the baseline needs all the time and or in each car!
6. There is no one load out for all seasons.
This follows the mission drives the gear train idea, but lets face it, we're in Colorado and the seasons can be harsh, and during the Spring and Fall, temps change at the drop of a dime.. consider having more or less layered approaches to what you pack. You'll always need batteries, sharp things, lights, first aid and such. The rest changes constantly.
7. Life isn't static, neither should your bug out gear be...
Follows number six to an extent.. but food spoils, batteries age beyond usefulness, newer, better stuff gets acquired (e.g. LED flashlights over older maglights or what not). Food is one of the biggies.. yeah MRE's have a great shelf life... but read the fine print there. That is when stored at xxx temp and such. Hmmmm right?
Here are some of the packs I've used or found to have a solid following:
Eagle A-III - www.skd.com (http://www.skd.com)
Tactical Tailor 3 Day (here's a great source for the enhance version - http://www.greyghostoutlet.com/packs)
ATS RAID Pack - www.atstactical.com (http://www.atstactical.com)
Camel Back - Several options here, for me, my one monster pack is a BFM. Talk about being able to over pack a bag!
There are of course hundreds of packs out there, especially if you don't want the suedo military look or actual military grade gear.
Look, you're going to get what you feel you can afford, but realize that if you are building and pulling this together to be there when disaster strikes or the sh*t has hit the fan. Do you really want the Condor knock off of a Maxpedition bag, or do you want the Maxpedition pack that isn't going to fall apart 30 minutes into your trek home/into the wilderness/stroll on the moon?
So back to the crux... what pack to use? Use the best you can afford, use the right kit for the right job. Me... I have the most concern around getting home incase something happens while I'm away at work. I'm 27 highway miles from home in a major metro area. Moving on foot from one side to the other of town would just suck balls. But I use an Eagle A-III and an ATS RAID pack between 2 cars. Each car has basically the exact same stuff in the pack. The only thing that changes is based on which car I'm driving. I move my pistol to the pack in the car I'm driving that day. I'm actually working on putting a small list/review together when the mood hits me about these two bags and the two bags that my better half and oldest driving teenager have in their cars. So if I ever get these few reviews I'm writing done, I'll post up here with them.
In the mean time... have fun and keep researching guys.. there are always new and better ways to do things, then again, some times the best ways are the simplest!
2. You Will inevitably pack too much the first few times:
The one time we went to climb a 14'er (my first time), my pack must have weighed like 50lbs. I had all kinds of ridiculous stuff in there (like 30 minute road flares). I dumped about 25% of the weight at camp and the hike was terrible. I didn't even make it to the top.
Hmm. I haven't seen one of those. Not sure I want a bag that the rifle actually goes in. I was looking for more of a large duffle bag type of bag I guess. Something that can be taken from the house and tossed into a vehicle. Or is a backpack type design a better idea as it is more portable?
perhaps. on the other hand, i look at it from a different approach. i have no idea what i might be bugging out from. that means i want an extremely versatile pack. i use mine for backpacking and use the gun scabbard for clothes, hammock, etc. its plenty big. of course if for some reason i need to take a rifle and don't want to carry it, or a fishing pole, or two rifles (carbine and long range) then i just use the scabbard. in my opinion (only my opinion!) a BOB should always be backpack style and molle. it just increases the versatility of the pack. people sometimes have duffle bag styles to throw in their car. ok, but what if you can't take your car? or what if you can but then have to carry it at some point?
the gunslinger also has a removeable padded belt with molle attachment points, so you can remove it, attach pouches to your belt, and just use that for small outings, such as fishing. i have two 3L molle pouches on both sides and that increases the carrying capacity greatly. the belt can hold mag pouches and the like. if you don't use the scabbard it can actually be cinched down to almost nothing so there isn't extra space. on top of everything, even fully loaded with food, water, sleeping bag, tools, hammock, clothes, water purification, the kitchen utensils, it feels like a million bucks on my back.
its expensive and i rarely spend money since i am still in grad school, but its probably the single best purchase ive made in the last 5 years. well worth the money. it also has a lifetime guarantee.
at the very least, id get a backpack with molle attachments and then buy some good molle utility pouches and throw those in a duffle bag. then you have quick access to molle pouches that you can throw on your backpack depending on the situation, but also have the backpack in a minimalist configuration.
Boy.... I guess my question was a little vague. I guess I want a bag that I could keep at the house that if I had to leave home quickly and was pretty sure I could never return to my home I would have at least a few basic necessities. I have a small bag that goes elk hunting with me that has things like a first aid/medical kit, a few knives, a multi-tool, some paracord, fire making supplies, a compass, and some other "survival" gear. I guess what I am looking for is a larger bag that would hold all of this plus mags and ammunition for a rifle and a handgun. I don't need to pack food or water as these items just add necessary weight (well, maybe a couple of bottles of water just in case). I guess a backpack makes more sense than a duffle bag because eventually I would probably end up on foot.
Thank you all for the replies.
Boy.... I guess my question was a little vague. I guess I want a bag that I could keep at the house that if I had to leave home quickly and was pretty sure I could never return to my home I would have at least a few basic necessities. I have a small bag that goes elk hunting with me that has things like a first aid/medical kit, a few knives, a multi-tool, some paracord, fire making supplies, a compass, and some other "survival" gear. I guess what I am looking for is a larger bag that would hold all of this plus mags and ammunition for a rifle and a handgun. I don't need to pack food or water as these items just add necessary weight (well, maybe a couple of bottles of water just in case). I guess a backpack makes more sense than a duffle bag because eventually I would probably end up on foot.
Thank you all for the replies.
i would always go with a backpack. but it IS personal preference. the thing is if you shop around enough you can find huge ass backpacks that can carry a ton of stuff, and are pretty light and durable all things considered. duffle bags make sense size wise, but are a royal pain in the ass to lug around. if you KNEW you could basically live out of your car, then i agree a duffle bag is the way to go. but if you are loading that sucker up with ammo and all sorts of heavy stuff, you won't be able to carry it far. honestly if you don't want to spend as much money id look at military molle packs in surplus stores and such. even online they can be had for cheap and many are modular and allow for addition of all sorts of stuff. you can easily find a decent set up for under $100
OK So I generally don't pipe in very much in this area because there seem to be folks that know a ton more than I. This is one of those topics that crops up all of the time and a few things I've learned from them are:
Good and helpful info. Thanks
Sure, I think these types of uses/needs are ever changing. You can't just settle on one setup. While the foundational components will be fairly consistent, there is always room for improvement and practice. Hey, that applies to AR's too :)
ChunkyMonkey
03-18-2011, 23:06
Anything in particular? Bag style, contents, how its all put in the bag?
Sorry for not being clear. I am interested in the look of some of you guys' packed BOB and if you don't mind the content list. I tried to go through a list i found here and other site, and I ended up with a 30-40lbs pack. Most of the BOBs I saw on youtube and other forums are so obvious and in my opinion overkill - with 20" machete on the side, 30rd glock mag on the other, army style sleeping bag etc etc. I packed for 48 hr w/o too much on the survival tools e.g. zip locked matches and BIC lighters vs graphite or magnesium stick, bottled water vs Stainless steel bottle plus filter etc etc.
I would like to think if I have to pack those survival tools, it would have been the end of the world. In that case, I would do you guys a favor by taking out as many zombies as possible and save the last bullet for myself [Coffee]
My BOB consists of what I need to get from point A to point B. It is less than 20 lbs and has everything I would need in 48 hours. I hate to carry around a BOB that would attract attention (bad guys or over zealous LEs such as in post Katrina in which they disarmed citizens).
That being said, I was talking to a DPD trainer who insisted that BOB should be able to get me to point B and to live the rest of my life out in the wilderness [Weight][Help]. So now, I reassessing my contents.
BTW I am especially interested in yours, 2008f450 as you mentioned on the other thread that you started it as an earthquake bag to get you home. In a way, mine is too.
2008f450
03-18-2011, 23:44
Here you go MB.Here are a couple pics of my pack I keep in my vehicle. Its made by Bug Out Gear. I looks stuffed full but there is room to expand a little if i need it. As it sits its about 30 lbs.I like it because it has a bunch of internal storage places for little stuff. It is coyote tan and shouldnt stick out too much in a crowd like an ACU or camo pack would. And as someone posted earlier I do use mine and test my equipment. I am actually going on a 6 mile hike tommorow and we plan to stop and eat lunch to make sure our fire starters and cooking supplies work. I try to do a 2-3 day hike with this bag every 3-6 months. Gives me a feel for what works and gives me a reason to rotate food out.With what is in it I can last 3-4 days comfortably and longer if I conserve food and water. In my mind it is there to get me home to the big supply stash. I dont plan on living out of it forever. Im sure I could go quite a while but that would be a last resort. Feel free to ask anything you want about it.
ChunkyMonkey
03-20-2011, 12:20
now you got my curiosity. What do you have in there? [Tooth]
Byte Stryke
03-20-2011, 12:48
Here you go MB.Here are a couple pics of my pack I keep in my vehicle. Its made by Bug Out Gear. I looks stuffed full but there is room to expand a little if i need it. As it sits its about 30 lbs.I like it because it has a bunch of internal storage places for little stuff. It is coyote tan and shouldnt stick out too much in a crowd like an ACU or camo pack would. And as someone posted earlier I do use mine and test my equipment. I am actually going on a 6 mile hike tommorow and we plan to stop and eat lunch to make sure our fire starters and cooking supplies work. I try to do a 2-3 day hike with this bag every 3-6 months. Gives me a feel for what works and gives me a reason to rotate food out.With what is in it I can last 3-4 days comfortably and longer if I conserve food and water. In my mind it is there to get me home to the big supply stash. I dont plan on living out of it forever. Im sure I could go quite a while but that would be a last resort. Feel free to ask anything you want about it.
I have the same bag in ACU
Great bag and while I was in the sand its what I lived out of.
2008f450
03-20-2011, 16:51
I have the same bag in ACU
Great bag and while I was in the sand its what I lived out of.
Thanks Byte. Good to know someone used it in a realworld situation. Its actually my second one. I had a black one that I used but a critter got hold of it and chewed it to shreds.(and yes the critter got a .22 in the brain for it) I really like them.As far as whats in it. Lots. Food for 3-4 days small screw on stove. 2 bottles of fuel, 2 1 liter bottles of water. water purification systems. change of clotes. rain gear. fire starting gear. a cold steel recon tanto. large and small leatherman tools. personal hygene kit. small pot,metal coffee cup,hobo utensil set. first aid kit. Nalgene bottle with tea,hot chocolate,and flavors for water in it. 4 inch S&W 686 with holster and 100 rds. hand crank radio,hand crank flashlight. and lots of little stuff stashed in it to keep me going.
KevDen2005
03-21-2011, 00:59
Here you go MB.Here are a couple pics of my pack I keep in my vehicle. Its made by Bug Out Gear. I looks stuffed full but there is room to expand a little if i need it. As it sits its about 30 lbs.I like it because it has a bunch of internal storage places for little stuff. It is coyote tan and shouldnt stick out too much in a crowd like an ACU or camo pack would. And as someone posted earlier I do use mine and test my equipment. I am actually going on a 6 mile hike tommorow and we plan to stop and eat lunch to make sure our fire starters and cooking supplies work. I try to do a 2-3 day hike with this bag every 3-6 months. Gives me a feel for what works and gives me a reason to rotate food out.With what is in it I can last 3-4 days comfortably and longer if I conserve food and water. In my mind it is there to get me home to the big supply stash. I dont plan on living out of it forever. Im sure I could go quite a while but that would be a last resort. Feel free to ask anything you want about it.
I like it...does the chair weigh the pack down much? They make lighter weight options...[Tooth]
Seriously, thanks for sharing, I have gotten tons of great ideas from this forum
(and yes the critter got a .22 in the brain for it)
I don't know if I could even shoot a penguin.
ChunkyMonkey
03-26-2011, 12:53
I don't know if I could even shoot a penguin.
Too bad.. I heard roasted pinguin is good
http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/156242.gif
2008f450
03-26-2011, 13:08
Tastes like chicken[ROFL1][ROFL1][ROFL1]
gnihcraes
03-26-2011, 21:20
Four bug out Kelty Backpacks. I haven't weighed them, but reasonable. No tents, sleeping bags. Some dry foods, water will be grabbed as we head out the door, have it in various jugs waiting. No weapons or ammo in any of them, would grab that too when heading out.
Backpacks have handles for carrying, can be used as designed, and they don't strike anyone as curious with Camo etc.
http://www.dcandh.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=922&g2_serialNumber=2
KevDen2005
03-27-2011, 04:20
Four bug out Kelty Backpacks. I haven't weighed them, but reasonable. No tents, sleeping bags. Some dry foods, water will be grabbed as we head out the door, have it in various jugs waiting. No weapons or ammo in any of them, would grab that too when heading out.
Backpacks have handles for carrying, can be used as designed, and they don't strike anyone as curious with Camo etc.
http://www.dcandh.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=922&g2_serialNumber=2
I like them. Are they designed for backpacking/camping or are they regular backpacks? What are their sizes?
gnihcraes
03-27-2011, 04:48
These four are Daypacks. Kelty Redwings, 3100 cu, one is 2650 or so for my daughter who is only 10 and small framed, so she can't handle a large pack.
Internal frame, Lots of pockets inside and out, zippered storage, compression straps, nice packs. Purchased all three from craigslist for about a third what they are new, one was new on the shelf at sportsmans on sale for $75.00.
Todays equivalent http://www.kelty.com/p-413-redwing-50.aspx
And each one is a duplicate of the other in supplies. Mine might have a few more items, since I'm the larger stronger of the family. My son is catching up though.
Darksyde
04-08-2011, 09:35
Just picked up two of these:
Level III Assault Backpack BLACK With Five Stacked Compartments
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/PACK120-1.html
For the price I couldn't pass them up. I plan on making survival kits for the the vehicles with them...
Quality seems really good and from what I have read on the site people like them.
I have the pack mentioned above, and it is AWESOME! It holds a lot more than it looks like it will, plenty of attachment points, bladder location, and rugged as hell! I got mine at a local gun show for $20.00 brand new.
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