View Full Version : BOB weight range
So I strapped on the BOB for the first time this year and humped it for 6 miles. f I do not have an exact weight but guessing it is around 40 lbs. what are you guys averaging?
I am already thinking of ways to cut some weight.
drop my count of .45 rounds to 50 instead of a hundred. thats about 2 lbs.
mainstay ration bars or actual MRE mountain house something instead of my 2000 calorie homemade MREs which are around 2.5 lbs a piece have 2.
currently my cooking setup with a GI lidded skillet thing is not the lightest nor that compact i can see ways to improve on both fronts there.
nalgene instead of the 2 SS liter bottles I have for water.
2008f450
05-03-2011, 19:28
Mine is about 35 lbs. If you can go out and use it. that will tell you what you need to change. I have gotten some weight down with titanium cookware and lighter food. I have 2- 1.5 liter bottles of water in mine but when i use it it goes straight into the camelback bladder to get the weight closer to my back and not hanging off with the rest. I also try to stack my bag so the heavier stuff is low and closer to my back.
I want to build a BOB bag. There are sooo many options, bags, sizes, stuff. I dont even know where to start. Damn![Rant1]
2008f450
05-03-2011, 20:14
I want to build a BOB bag. There are sooo many options, bags, sizes, stuff. I dont even know where to start. Damn![Rant1]
First decide what its main use will be. If its for mobility get a 3 day pack. if you plan on staying in or with your vehicle use a large bag or combo of boxes and bags. Mine is set up for mobility. I can have my shoes changed (I carry a spare pair of hiking shoes in my car) pack on and be mobile in less than 5 mins if I need it. Jax has some 3 day packs at a decent price. i think about 40-50 dollars. Trial and error will be your main decision maker. Put stuff in it. Go use it. change what you need to change.
First decide what its main use will be. If its for mobility get a 3 day pack. if you plan on staying in or with your vehicle use a large bag or combo of boxes and bags. Mine is set up for mobility. I can have my shoes changed (I carry a spare pair of hiking shoes in my car) pack on and be mobile in less than 5 mins if I need it. Jax has some 3 day packs at a decent price. i think about 40-50 dollars. Trial and error will be your main decision maker. Put stuff in it. Go use it. change what you need to change.
Not trying to hijack this thread but do you have your BOB geared towards a weapon as well as the essentials?
2008f450
05-03-2011, 20:31
I have a S&W 686 with 50 rds, a holster, and a couple of speed loaders in mine. Its not geared toward it because I have taken the smith out and put one of my .45s in from time to time.
Waist belt built into the pack is a plus. I hike about 4 miles in the morning at least 4 times a week hauling the BOB just to stay familiar with it. A little running on and off during the hike after I cinch down the shoulder straps to hug the pack to the body. Last time I weighed it it was about 50 pounds. I will be trading ammo for supplies as I acquire them but the extra weight is a plus for the work out aspect of it.
2008f450
05-03-2011, 20:35
Yes waist belt is a must i agree. I use mine for 2-3 day hikes a few times a year to test and modify whats in it. I also take mine on hikes when I can. There is a thread called bug out bag options in this category. there is a couple pics of my bag in there to give you an idea.
gnihcraes
05-03-2011, 20:41
I want to build a BOB bag. There are sooo many options, bags, sizes, stuff. I dont even know where to start. Damn![Rant1]
Really good backpack, universal in application. Take it camping, take it hiking, take it as a BOB if and when needed.
Currently Mine is the 5.11 3 day and the belt leaves a lot to be desired a pack with hip pads is in the future. Todays 6 mile power hike was not bad shoulders are a bit sore and I had to adjust things in the pack to keep them from digging in my back. But for the first time out it was decent. If I can keep it under 50 I can manage a full day my fire pack was 45 with out fuel for the saw and PPE.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5686009222_747d90c2bf_z.jpg
2008f450
05-03-2011, 20:53
Here is mine. I dont know how to post big pics
Here is mine. I dont know how to post big pics
Very nice and streamlined and fairly good for OPSEC. All the cool kids have MOLLE these days.
And I have to say it....
Which pocket does the monkey blanket fit?[Coffee]
2008f450
05-03-2011, 21:15
It gets rolled up and tied to the outside. Its great for when im camping out. if someone is sneaking up on me i get a couple extra seconds to draw while they try to figure out what it is[ROFL1][ROFL1][ROFL1]
general rule is 20% of your body weight to start. 30% with experience.
This usually winds up to be the opposite. Beginners cram everything they can, experienced want to or need to carry less useless shit.
This does not count a combat loadout of vest and rifle though.
KevDen2005
05-04-2011, 20:19
When just backpacking my pack weighs about 35 pounds. That includes my airweight .38 with 2 reloads.
When I pack in the weapon systems it gets much heavier. I tend not to hike with my AR though...
general rule is 20% of your body weight to start. 30% with experience.
This usually winds up to be the opposite. Beginners cram everything they can, experienced want to or need to carry less useless shit.
This does not count a combat loadout of vest and rifle though.
Experienced as in hiking with weight wise?
Got that covered just outta practice
I currently am gathering/creating several different "layers" of a BOB. A large one that can take two people to carry (footlocker sized) where I can throw in the back of the truck an go if time warrants, Plus the Zombie killers (M4/Long range Black rifle/AR pistols) It includes 3 days of food for the family with some luxuries (soap, 1K ammo, some extra water, water purification stuff/and advanced first aid.).
Plus I am gathering a personal BOB for each person like ones you are gathering 10-15 lbs for the little ones, and 40 lbs for the adults. handy in each bedroom for quick grab. They each compliment the large BO"Box" and provide a layered approach to supplies. I also always keep various supplies like extra tools/oil and other consumables in my truck for a long road trip.
Don't forget where you are going to bug out to. Gotta have a plan... ;-)
When Im backpacking for a few days I'd say my pack is around 50, and that's without serious weapons gear, it's not too bad but your not going anywhere fast. I used to do alot of camping In eastern Oregon and water was the biggest burden we would usually carry at least 2.5 gal at a time and cover at least 15 miles a day in pretty rugged terrain. It comes down to your environment a d how fast you want to be able to bug out. Add a rifle to my gear and with ammo I would be adding at least another 10
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