What type of bug out bag should one use? Is it best to use duffle style bag or backpack millitary version? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I think backpacks are more convenient to carry - and a backpack doesn't have to be military in design.

What volume range of the backpack do you think is best?

There's about a million answers to the bug-out bag question. I agree that a backpack is good if you're going to be hoofing it at some point.

A duffel bag or storage bin is good if it's just going to sit in your car or house. Or maybe augment your backpack BOB.

I like Maxpedition's offerings because they have a zillion pockets and compartments for organizing everything. The big thing with a backpack is to try to test it out in the store and see how it fits first, if possible. I've had a couple I had to return because of the way the pack felt when wearing it...

Think in terms of options. A day pack with the essentials, a duffel with extra clothes, food water, a big box with yet more. When the time comes, the event will dictate which you will take.

tro

I go with the options theory. I have a Filson Compartment Bag, and a very upgraded medium ALICE. Plus a food box and extra water.

Right now using a Blackhawk Matrix Backpack for bug out bag, and three Columbia Seascape I travel bags [one with water, one with food and the third for a change of clothing]. I obviously can't physically carry all this at once, but it is all in the car.

In my opinion, the answer is both. I know how much weight my fiancee can carry and for how long. I know I can only carry one backpack, but I can carry one backpack, one duffle, and one roller. I won't be happy but I am able to do it. Plus the water willl reduce itself over time. I will be one sore person, but like all things I will not die of excessive baggage. I will die from lack of water however. At the end of the day I agree with randjack, it is all about the options.

Marc

Depends on the situation, but to be on the safe side I'd prefer to err on the side of bigger being better j- you can toss stuff out to lightent the load if need be - but if the pack isn't big enough - you'll have a hard time carrying stuff in your arms. I'd prefer something at least 4,000 cubic inches. I don't have that right now - but it's on the purchase list.

Generally, the decision between duffle and pack ought to be based on how you intend to carry it. Since the primary consideration is that I will eventually have to sling it or carry it by hand, I would think the pack to be more ergonomically convenient. I don't see where a duffle has any other particular advantage over a non-frame pack of equivalent capacity, so the backpack gets the nod there.

Beyond that, you really need to decide first what your BOB provisions are before determining size, compartmentality, etc. For what I need in my BOB, I can do with around 2,000 cubic inches of space in two or three compartments. That includes first aid supplies, a change of clothes (sans shoes), a couple knives, three flashlights, some firestarters, a bunch of other survival gear, a little food, and enough water for a couple days. That still leaves enough room for yet more stuff, but all that water makes it a little heavy, so I would pick and choose to fit my timeframe and situation beyond that short list. All this in a 2nd hand daypack my daughter no longer wanted to use for school.

Mind you, I have my edc with other stuff in it that augments my BOB quite nicely. I've traveled through airports with both slung, one over each shoulder. It's noticable, but I can carry them around all day if need be (I had to a couple times waiting for late flights already).

I travel with this rolling duffle and the large size is huge but the backpack harness is pretty basic.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detai...D=1127515286597

I am thinking a golf trolley might be handy with a duffle or backpack strapped on.

I would highly recommend a backpack with hydration capability. Capacity should be based upon what you can comfortably carry. Are you in good enough shape to carry more than 20% of your body weight? Unfortunately I don't know metrics offhand, but you're probably looking at around 30 pounds for every 1000 cubic inches of volume. The hydration bladder will cut into the amount of available volume in the pack. Most bladders are 100 ounces, or 3 liters. Depending upon how long you think you'll need to move, a second bladder may be in order.

Many of your essential tools, such as a knife, flashlight, compass, sunglasses, face mask, communications, money, identification, etc., should be carried on your person, not in the pack. Ultimately the pack may be expendable. Backup water in packets, or a flask is also a good idea.

It doesn't need to be a big pack. Your most important items are water, an emergency shelter, a personal first aid kit, a trauma kit, essential personal medicines if any, more clothing layers for cold or wet depending on conditions, and space for food. Space for spare underwear and toiletries is nice, but you may only need (or be able) to use a change of socks.

Needless to say, this applies to your own needs only. If you are responsible for others, you may need to carry more, but never more than you are able to. Also this only applies to being on the move. You should have a separate kit for sheltering in place; do not cannibalize your evacuation bag for these purposes.

I think it's more like 10 pounds per 1000 cubic inches. To get 30 pounds in that volume you'd have to be carrying rocks or lead.

Keep in mind wheels -- a luggage cart or garden wagon can carry a lot of gear. ( especially water.)

tro

Im thinking about making myself a makeshift BOB. I have an internal-frame hiking backpac I use a lot for camping, hiking, and a few times on vacation where I am not playing Tourist. I dont have it with me right now (down in the basement in storage) to check the maker, but I can say offhand that I have been able to pack 8 days worth of clothing into the main compartment with all the extras (fleece pullover, swim trunks, hats) and it also has two side pouches both larger than a normal Nalgene bottle and front pouches large enough to carry two textbooks on top of each other each. Been thinking about turning it into a permanent BOB, but not sure if this meets the requirements. Most people seem to be using much smaller systems that would easily blend into an urban area.

As for a little info about me: I am not not a huge guy. 6'2, 190, I do some lifting but not nearly as ripped as I ought to be. Still, I have sort of conditioned myself for carrying loads throughout HS, since I never used a locker and just carried the smallest backpack I could manage to fit all my textbooks in it. So, for the last 5-6 years I have carried a little less than 40 pounds on my back without any issues (It wieghed in at 38 when I was messing around at wrestling and wanted to see how it looked on the scale). I have also gone backpacking with Boy Scouts and been able to carry 70+ pounds in that large backpack (damn them and their desire to bring dutch ovens wherever they go) on 15 mile-per-day trips.

I do not own a handgun yet, as laws around here wont permit me to CCW and I have longarms for home defense (few old hunting rifles). I dont believe I have nearly enough toys to get me through most situations I can imagine needing to bug-out for, either. Working on that. My outdoor survival gear is limited right now, but I can work on getting anything legal around here.

It never would have occurred to me but for an urban BOB, one of those roll-around suitcases with wheels wouldn't be a totally insane choice. Some of them have backpack straps as well, though they're not really suitable for hiking long distances compared with a real backpack.

Mine is a "fishing vest". It has everything I need for 3 days in it. Lots of pockets give me lots of capabilities. I can wear it and walk where I want. Look at ultralight websites to see what you can carry.

Charles

Vest, 2200 ci back pack, edc, and a small duffle.

If someone were to observe my family bugging out, they'd probably be thinking, "Now why are those morons taking all that Kitty Litter with them?" The Fresh Step brand comes in nice heavy duty plastic buckets that seal up good and tight and hold canned food and other misc stuff very well. Mind you, I've never actualy bugged out anywhere. My plan is mostly to have things conveniently stored together in the house, and possibly carried out to the car if we have to move. I don't think hauling buckets through the wilderness would be my first choice though.