Bleg: Bug Out Bag
Need a BOB. Something decent sized and preferably a backpack. Something for the car and the house. What do you use?
Remember, I do this to entertain me, not you.
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October 19th, 2011 at 10:48 am
Check out the XL EOD Bag from CountyComm
http://www.countycomm.com/xleod.html
Great for the trunk, also lots of other awesome stuff @ that site
October 19th, 2011 at 10:53 am
I use a basic Jansport backpack like what a student would use. Inside I have pouches to organize stuff. From the outside the pack doesn’t look remarkable at all staying with the “gray man” concept.
October 19th, 2011 at 10:55 am
LA Police gear has their jumbo ‘bail out bag’ for sale for 29.99.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/jumbo-bailout-bag.html
They have a smaller one for 19.99 as well.
October 19th, 2011 at 10:59 am
Leapers UTG Ranger Field Bag for home BOB. Has adjustable backpack straps and is durable. Price is only $40. For EDC/car bag I use a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II. Very high quality bag. Price about $80.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:07 am
I went with the medium “Hellcat” ALICE/MOLLE hybrid pieced together with parts I got off eBay. There are several how-to’s on how to put it together out there for your googling pleasure or you can get it complete here:
http://tonystactical.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=3
October 19th, 2011 at 11:16 am
Get something that blends in and doesn’t scream TACTICAL when everyone else is wearing jansport, etc. I prefer Dakine packs mostly for their suspension system straps and the fact that they’re just plain badass. Dunno if you can buy from dakine.com, but zappos has a trillion of them in stock.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:23 am
Our under the bed fire bags are Kelty red wings. Reasonably priced, been around forever, non tacticool and come in women’s sizes too.
Car bags are duluth trading duffels. It’s crazy what many duffles cost. These were cheap and hold all the winter gear we carry for MN snow storms without being too big or obvious.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:23 am
I have a REI Mars 80 Pack. I think people forget that a BOB needs to be comfortable. You might have to hike for miles or use it on gathering missions. Head over to a REI or similar (if you can stand the neo-hippies) try on a few then shop online to save money if you want. Mine is a dark charcoal color and attracts less attention then “Tactical” looking gear.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:39 am
Eagle E&E bag, Hawkepaks recon rifle bag, or SOE Mookie War Bag
October 19th, 2011 at 11:39 am
For simply economic reasons, I use an Alice pack. One day when I am better employed, I will upgrade to one of those hunting packs with a build in rifle scabbard.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:41 am
I use the Maxpedition Mongo Versipack. Not a backpack but more of a courier bag. Also has a waist strap that you can use to keep it from bouncing around on long walks. Can carry at any position around the waist, but I usually keep it on my lower back. It’s padded where it should be, very sturdy, velcro all over the place for securing various items. I use it as an ECB/GHB and, among other things, haul my 15″ Mac around in it. Though it just barely fits with all the other stuff I carry. I also use the full-size CamelBak Fourteener, which blends in pretty well in an urban environment. The latter for for heavier loads and longer durations, but the Mongo goes everywhere with me.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:44 am
I use the maxpedition monsoon. Plenty of room, lots of pockets, and a holster pocket. life is good
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Monsoon-Gearslinger-2p11.htm
October 19th, 2011 at 11:48 am
I have 2 the LApolicegear.com jumbo bail out bag $29.99http://www.lapolicegear.com/jumbo-bailout-bag.html
although their 3 day pack might be easier to haul http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html
and the Drago http://www.dragogear.com/products/side-packs/ambidextrous-shoulder-pack-1.html
about $60 through lapolicegear.com I like the molle loops as I can add to it, and it was cheaper than Maxpedition
October 19th, 2011 at 11:51 am
I have 2 the Jumbo bail out bag from lapolicegear.com
$29.99, I have thought of switching over their 3 day pack http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html also $29.99
I also like the Drago for the molle attachements http://www.dragogear.com/products/side-packs/ambidextrous-shoulder-pack-1.html
October 19th, 2011 at 11:53 am
Just got on a real computer and checked Duluth Trading’s site. Looks like they don’t carry that duffel anymore. Bummer. The flat bottom and side handles at $16 made for a nice item.
BTW, we keep all the “world going sideways” gear separate. Each side of the bed has our FIRE! bag mentioned above with a 5.11 bail out bag next to it. That’s where the flashlights, folders, blow out kits, radios, etc. live. These bags don’t take a lot of room and can be thrown in the car, alongside the real luggage, for longer trips. That way we’re not doubling up on stuff like tooth brushes and sweaters on road trips.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:54 am
I went with the Falcon II backpack
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/FALCON-II-BACKPACK-12p110.htm
October 19th, 2011 at 11:55 am
I use a Jansport that I’ve owned for almost 15 years, and its still in great shape. I built a chassis-type system into it using industrial strength velcro and a replacement car floor mat (still needs a little tuning) and it works pretty well. I actually carry two packs, one with my general stuff (treats for the dog, blow-out kit, knife, odds and ends). The everyday bag is a Gerber lumbar pack with harness; my wife thinks its a purse; I refer to it as my ‘ready’ pack. The larger Jansport goes in the trunk, with the more ‘survival’ type supplies. I call this my ‘bad things happen to good people’ bag.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:58 am
SpecOps The Pack – Made in the USA, practically bulletproof, has a hydration pouch, removable waist straps and MADE IN THE USA. $99
http://www.cracked.com/article/126_5-popular-zombie-survival-tactics-that-will-get-you-killed/
October 19th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
There is a considerable difference between a “get home bag” and a “72 hour kit”.
I have an old Eddie Bauer backpack which I commute with. It’s a typical student pack, but slightly more durable perhaps. It carries the usual office/work stuff, but also contains a kit that’s designed specifically for getting me home should I have to walk (20 miles). A little water, a little food, minimal shelter, fire, some tools, defense and copies of critical documents.
At home in the closet I’ve got the real BOB on a Kelty Redwing (internal framed hiking pack). That has the water filter, wood saw, actual camping and cooking gear. It also weighs more than 30lbs. It’s got supplies for my family of 4 to last a day, or more than 3 days for just one person.
October 19th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Here are the two I use
http://mad-duck-training.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-response.html
October 19th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
US cav’s S.O.C 3 day backpack. has all the room, easy and long lasting..
October 19th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
I use a Tactical Tailor 3 Day Plus pack. I got it cheap from Grey Ghost outlet.
http://www.examiner.com/firearms-in-detroit/rob-reed
I also have some cheap surplus Euro packs from Sportsman’s Guide set up with other supplies. I picked up a Large Alice w/frame from a private seller recently and that will probably also get filled with “get out of Dodge” supplies.
My plan is that we each have a single pack that we can take if we can only take one bag on foot. IF we are able to leave in a vehicle, then we can grab the second or third pre-loaded bags and toss them in as well. They have mainly duplicate supplies, or less critical supplies, but would be nice to have if we are in a vehicle.
The goal is to have everythign pre packed and ready to go. We aren’t there yet, but we’re pretty close.
One hint: Make sure you still have an “empty” bag for every day use, camping trips, etc. I kept having to unpack and repack my BOB for various trips until I finally got some more packs.
October 19th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Crap, wrong link in the post. Sorry. Here’s Grey Ghost outlet.
http://www.greyghostoutlet.com/packs
October 19th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Duluth trading AWOL bag
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-accessories/mens-bags-briefcases/79504.aspx
Or the postmasters bag.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-accessories/mens-bags-briefcases/91099.aspx
October 19th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
My “Go-Bag” that I keep packed for work (which can have me leaving on less than an hour notice) is an el-cheap-o from everybody’s favorite source for gear that’s cheaper than top-soil.
It’s pretty durable, very roomy, and works well as both a duffle and a backpack.
For the “Zombie Apocalypse” I have an old Arc’teryx style USMC surplus pack similar to those shown here.
October 19th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
In the car I keep a softball bag as a get-home bag, the bat compartment is just long enough for a folding stock rifle, and plenty of room for supplies, first aid, etc.
October 19th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
This is what I went with:
http://www.marsgear.com/Urban_Go_Pack_p/pk-ugp.htm
I don’t care if it screams tacticool or not.
1) I’m in Texas.
2) The scary black shotgun, bubbaed SKS and open-carried Glock will do just fine for screaming tactical already.
October 19th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
I use a good ‘ol medium sized alice pack and for bulkier stuff I use a USAF flyer’s kit bag, also called a parachute bag.
October 19th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
I have a couple of old Jan Sport day-packs with side pockets – they’re not very comfortable once you load them up with 20+lbs of lumpy 3-day/72hr. bug-out minimum essentials – and that’s before you add ammo and steel.
They each hold 1900 cu-in. or 31cu-liter of junk and I would say that’s a minimum load. It would be better IMO if it had a separate compartment for the sleeping bag/gear to keep them clean and dry away from other junk.
They are dark colored to be unobtrusive and not attention-getting.
My nitpick rant is that so many internal frame packs today don’t have a sleeping-bag compartment or even any side-pockets, and they attempt to mimic a smooth sphere or something while having a dozen flappy straps dangling all round like untied shoelaces…
October 19th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
I like my maxpedition backpack… but it is a little heavy and “complicated”. I’d say that just about any decent quality internal frame pack ($50 and up) is fine. I prefer to cut back on weight as much as possible. That’s why my (ultralight) backpacking gear is also my bugout gear… makes sense because if you can live by yourself in the woods for a week with nothing but the contents of your bag, then it would probably be enough to keep you going in other situations. I pack a separate smaller backpack for my wife with additional first aid gear and food.
October 19th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
After several iterations I settled on the Eberlestock Halftrack. It’s big enough to hold what I need, skinny enough so it isn’t a pita to lug around and very comfortable. Eberlestock has a reputation for quality so it should last for years.
I’ve only had mine for maybe 4 years and used it on a half-dozen mock bug outs and it’s worked great. It spends most of the time in my trunk so it’ll be a decade before I can attest to how well it holds up over time. So far it’s just dirty, no real wear.
My wife’s BOB is one from the REI discount rack. It’s smaller and not as well set up, but very comfortable. If you’re looking for what other people are using, I recommend the ZS forums, there is an abundance of information there including a dedicated Bug Out Gear forum. You’ve even linked to us once or twice. 🙂
http://zombiehunters.org/forum/
October 19th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
I went with a Gregory backpack, the Baltoro 75. There’s lots of great choices, but I wanted something I could load and hump on an extended hike. It stays comfortable on a week long backpacking trip, which is about the limit on time off I can get.
http://www.gregorypacks.com/products/mens
October 19th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
I’m late for this party. Sorry, new rule, no surfing at work.
We’ve got the BOB/Condor bags from cheaper-than-topsoil; not huge, but just right for a 24/48 hour GOOD excursion on a grab-n-go, one for each. I Gave my brother one for Christmas, kitted out already (he procrastinates) and replaced it with a new SWAT/Range bag from the same place. Think I paid 39 for that one. It’s half again as big, and fits the above plus another big first aid/blowout/stitchemup kit and more food with room for ammo. Already came with pistol rugs inside, x2, lots of sticky velcro. They don’t tear up. I’ve rolled a Condor BOB arund in the truck for years and it’s only dusty.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
We use LAPG Bail Out Bags for the cars as “60 second kits” for the car. They have a trauma kit, fire extinguisher, protective equipment (safety glasses/leather gloves), a light, a multitool, a tracfone for 911, a can of bear mace — basically everything needed in the first minute or two out of the car during a car wreck or other emergency. It is small and compact which is nice as it sits in the back seat where it can be easily grabbed.
In the house the bugout bag is just a simple backpack packed for getting out of the house in a hurry for a house fire. So, stuff like cash, a change of clothes, spare glasses, ID, key documents and meds — more of an overnight bag than a tactical bag. I figure about the only reason I’ll leave the house for a longer period of time AND be separated from the vehicle with no notice is if the house is burning down.
More robust supplies are packed in crates that can be tossed in the trunk. There’s also a cheap army rucksack in the car with seasonal clothes, food, water, etc tossed in that trunk.
My thought is that there is really not a good reason to separate myself from the vehicle in the majority of the disasters I can imagine. Hence the focus on the “survive and help others for a few minutes” bail out type bags.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
when you say “bug-out bag”, what are you looking for? That is, are you talking “The City (your The City) is burning, we have to get out and never come back”? Or are you talking “Zombies are coming, have to get home and save Mrs. Uncle and the kids”?
Bug-out bags, get-home bags, and every-day carry bags are different.
I built Mrs. Drang a Get home bag based on an REI hydration pack, a woman’s model we already had. My BOB is the Large ALICE pack that followed me home when I retired from the Army. We have rubbermaid tubs for more stuff if we are able to bug out by car.
I have an LA Police Gear “Bailout Bag” which serves me as an EDC/GHB. Fortunately, The Salt Mines are close enough to home that I should not need a lot of gear for that trip.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
I love my Maxpedition Sitka. It’s a single strap backpack and what I love is that I can rotate it from my back to my chest without taking it off my shoulder. Which would be very import when you need something on the go like a map, gun or medic kit.
But I am thinking about switching to a Hazard4 bag which is the same price and style but seems to be better designed with more features.
I would also suggest a layered approach… Not just one bag but a series of bags that support each other. Make the medium backpack carry your essentials for 2 days but if you have the time and vehicle then you also grab a larger bag that can extend you another 3 days of food, water and ammo. But if you have to ditch the car and go by foot then you still have the 2 day pack.
October 19th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Grr. Did not mean to hit “submit.”
I also have a 5.11 Tactical Rush 24R which I use for my amateur radio/CERT “go bag”; the “R” is for responder, meaning that it’s red instead of subdued, but still has PALS/MOLLE attachment points.
The newer 5.11 RUSH series are compatible with their MOAB sling bags, so your EDC bag can easily strap to your BOB.
October 20th, 2011 at 12:47 am
http://camelbak.com/Military-Tactical/Packs/Talon.aspx
Camelbak Talon. I love it.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:11 am
Anything that doesn’t scream “tactical.” Just remember OPSEC in the situations where you might actually need that bag.
I once read about a guy who packed a pretty sweet BOB in a sports duffel bag, complete with softball uniform and everything. His theory was that if he was away from home when the SHTF, he could put on the uniform and everyone would assume that he was on his way to/from a softball game. No one would assume that he had a pretty sweet and carefully planned bugout bag rather that sports equipment.
While I do own and love a lot of what Maxpedition puts out, I prefer a Kelty Redwing pack in my trunk. I work 33 miles from home, and it has everything that I would need to survive most situations for 72 plus hours. And, it just looks like any old backpack.
October 20th, 2011 at 8:59 am
I have one of those hawkepacks. The major problem with it is that the top of the storage area is just open under the flap. Never cared for that. I’m going to replace it with something else for emergencies once I get some scratch. It serves as a good range bag though.
As for packs, I’ve got a Kifaru Zulu for a long range BOB. Mostly because it’s also my camping pack and that’s the same. Otherwise I just have a regular ol’ backpack I got from somewhere.
October 20th, 2011 at 11:08 am
I hope I never see any of you making fun of women and their handbags. (Or shoes, or…whatever)
October 20th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Choice of bob requires knowing where you’re coming from and going to….For example, a car bob has to be small enough to leave it in the car at all times, so that you’re never caught without it just because it took up too much room.
But if you had a local emergency (like a nuclear power plant going critical?) you’d be leaving with an entire pickup full of necessities, plus the biggest frame backpack you could comfortably carry.