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).