Originally Posted By: Hacksaw
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I've been contemplating moving my BOB to a book bag for this very reason...unfortunately it's full of pockets and notebook sleeves and water bottle holders so fitting in the big stuff I'd want to bug out with isn't that practical.

I've found that I could pack much more stuff in such a bag if I organize items in tall flat packs to better utilize the top side of the bag. Also they are stretching quite well, so a hard box placed in the external pocket or inner compartment could help to pack more.