I am preparing bug-out kits for my family, and want to use a practical, economical, pack of some sort for each one. I am considering the U.S. Army Alice pack (medium) with a frame. What are your thoughts on that?

I would be interested to know what types of backpacks and/or rucksacks you have tried, and which one(s) you would recommend (and why). Also, if there are any to be avoided, I would like to know that, too.

I am not sure how your planbs work out-but i would have some seperate rucksacks for all the family-i would give your wife a similar size pack to you and give your children(if you have any) very small day sacks!

I would use a technical outdoor sack-have a look at www.karrimor.com

they come highly reccomended-own a number of thier sacks-i am not sure if they available in the usa!-I'VE just checked and they do-

Karrimor North America Inc
239 NW 13th Avenue
Suite 211
Portland
Oregon 97209

USA
Contact: Larry Olmstead
+1 503 242 3551
+1 503 242 3561




Mark

Are you kidding a real manwould stay and fight to the last drop of blood. <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Oh I'm sorry, were survivalists not soldiers. Amazing how few people prepare to fight and probably die but not flee and live.

If you want to be camoed you you migt want to use a brief case or something, but it is heavy and low capacity and might draw additional fire. Just don't go around looking like Rambo or anything because that might also draw fire. A good idea would be to load up your car with basic supplies (as it already should be) and just add any additional stuff you can. Make it portable in case you have to 'abandon ship'.

I would stay away from any kind of external frame pack for this application. There are a wide variety of suitable internal framepacks available - the main problem is to get one that fits you properly and that will be comfortable when you carry it for long periods. My preferences formerly ran to more expensive mountaineering brands because that used to be the only way you could obtain quality construction. I have a feeling that many inexpensive brands now hold together quite well.

You would probably be happy with a pack with about 4000 cu in capacity (roughly 65 liters). Size down from that for other family members. Plan on them being aboe to carry about 25% of their body weight.

See the archives for previous discussions of this subject. I would recommend Kelty for a reasonably priced, well designed and well built pack.

karrimor is a technical outdoor brand ? i bought one of there backpakcs quite recently and thought i got some cheapo brand wenn i bought it, no complains about it yet ( maybe some pocket for a camelbak.... ), though

They have good kit-and widely respected with alot of outdoor enthusiasts in the UK!

Mark

Sorry, I have to agree with Mark. Karrimor are one of the most highly respected rucksack brands in the world. They're not even cheap in the UK. The build quality is superb and they last for years of HARD work. Don't know what you got but it doesn't sound right. Most climbers in the world would give their eye-teeth for an 'Alpiniste'.

While we're at it, an external frame has the advantage of being able to carry larger, bulky items that won't fit in the pack - learned that on a surveying expedition. Military may look 'Rambo' but it will be cheap - if the chips are down who cares anyway. A cheaper climbing / hiking sac will still perform in a short term emergency. In the end its up to you and your budget. I use all of the above as the need takes me. As an experiment I had this actual sac in the photo made for me:
http://www.dndindustries.com/UKpatrolpack.html

Lot variables there. How much are you going to carry? Is it all going in one pack, or are you splitting it up with your spouse? Are there any little rug rats? If so will they be carrying stuff, or are they to be carried? There are alot of quality packs out there most of the arguments of "Why pack A is better than Pack B" comes down to personal preference. I'd suggest figuring out how much needs to be carried and then go to a discount site like Sierra Trading Post (just Google it). They sell to backpackers and hunters. There you'll find closeouts on all kinds of stuff, (they have seconds too but I think they'll take them back if you aren't happy with the item.) If you aren't sure what you need (how big is a 2900 cubic inch pack anyway?) go to a local store, look around, go home and make your purchase.
Biscuits

Thanks for the support-in didn't want to make any rash statements-but their reputation does seem quite immense!


Mark