I've been mulling this over for quite some time. I am thinking about a car BOB, meaning something portable to carry gear in case the car breaks down, and I have to leave it for some reason. I've long thought a good durable backpack would fit the bill. But then I've also been thinking, how likely is a scenario going to occur where my car would break down, with family inside, and we decide that we need to leave the car? I'm guessing this would be a TEOTWAWKI situation, because, although we live in a rural area, most of our daily travels keep us within a few miles of civilization (so to speak).

Part of my problem is that I'm looking at a pack the is $150, and would want one for each of our two cars, and $150 an amount I have to think about carefully before spending. Then I think that this bag may rarely, if ever get used, so I'm hesitating.

Basically, my question is, what do other people do? Do you have a plan in place in case you need to leave the vehicle behind? Do I spend my money elsewhere?

If you would like more info about my situation, to formulate a more complete answer, let me know <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for your input!

Well, if the $300 is the problem, why do you feel you need the more expensive equipment? I just saw a reasonably sized "Ozark Trail" Waldy-special backpack (sending yet more money to our good friends in China) for $30. It would hold a lot of equipment and you could strap on quite a bit more. It may not be the latest carbon-fiber frame pack with a solar recharger and built in water filter, but then that's not really what you need is it?

If you are presumably only going to use this to hike your crap back to your house or get away from your car because you accidentally drove 50 miles into a national park in a blizzard, I don't know that it would matter much. Plus in the snow, you can sled your stuff with the 550 cord you packed.

Hehe... well, I think a post like this is "how can I justify that pricey new equipment that looks so cool?" I'm not saying I haven't been there, quite the contrary and I'm the first to go gaga over new equipment. There are probably a few dozen reasons on both the pro and con list, so if it comes down to it, save up and get them. I always found that once I had the cash (use actual dollars sitting in an envelope or whatever) that the item I wanted was either replaced with another item that cost more or I had lost some interest. But if you save up the money and the desire is still there, you don't really need to justify it unless the kids are starving or freezing. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Just my $0.02

Try www.cheaperthandirt.com They have something that will work for less than $150.00.

Dave

I can certainly understand considering it carefully due to the expense. $300 for both with no equipment to go in them is a budget breaker.

Perhaps an option you might want to consider is purchasing 2 cheaper packs initially with the thought that you will replace them one at a time with packs that you'd ultimately like to have.

Another option might be to look for the packs on ebay or yahoo auctions. I've had quite a bit of good fortune obtaining some quality gear in this manner and for prices less than I would have to pay locally even after shipping costs are weighed into the equation.

A third option might be to wait for the big sales. I got an awesome pair of Wolverine boots recently at a local sporting goods store for $100 off their normal retail price. Granted it was an end of the year sale, and waiting for such a sale might be longer than you'd like to take.

Yet another option might be to find out if the manufacturer sells factory seconds to the general public.

Suddenly I feel as if I'm looking like a cheapskate... I like a deal though, what can I say? LOL

Something I've done recently is put money into gift cards when I had a little extra cash and then when I've got enough cash in the cards I'll go purchase the item I want.

In any case, I think it's a good idea to think about putting a BOB, not to mention an Emergency Roadside Kit in your vehicle.

Another thought is to just have one initially and just switch it out to whichever car you'll be using. Although if seperate family members are in seperate cars off in different areas this may be a problem. However, if it's just a case of a breakdown, what are the odds that both cars will do so at the same time save something drastic like an EMP taking everything out? LOL

Which packs are you interested in purchasing?

I'm just spitballing ideas here... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I guess it's a question of durability. I know there are a lot less expensive packs available, but it is a brand I am growing to trust. I suppose if my gear were packed as waterproof as possible, the bag itself wouldn't matter as much...hmm...

I'm thinking about things that will last for years, but with little or no use, I suppose that choice isn't as important. That was a really thought provoking post...Thanks!

I'll probably get one of the $150 packs for ED use anyway <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Other ideas?

More good ideas.

I'm looking at THE Pack (Spec Ops Brand). Before I read your post, I was looking on Ebay (I like a deal too!) and found a better price...may be getting that one for my EDC type bag.

Make sure it's a real Spec-Ops pack and not a copy. ebay is full of the copies that sell for more than CTD's regular price. Just went thru the pack buying hoops myself. You should also take a look at www.tacticaltailor.com They have their 3 Day Assault packs on sale for $67.50. A great deal and a lot of pack for the money. It's a moving sale so colors are limited.
Dave

Why do you need a really durable bag when it's just going to sit in the car? I would think that size (big enough to hold your anticipated stuff) and comfortable enough to wear would be the two most important facets of the car BOB.

Use the durable one for everyday use, when durability really counts.

Sue

Wow... Freaky.
I was checking out LA Police Gear earlier today looking at 5.11 Tactical Jackets, and happened to notice they have Spec Ops The Pack for $125.00. I don't know what their shipping prices are like though.

So noticing they were part of Yahoo stores I did a little link hopping and found it for $109.95 at Midwest Tactical

I have a backpack that I use for hiking. It is normally the apartment BOB. If I'm going on a long car trip, it goes in the front seat. I've considered belting it in, so if anything happened, I'd know where it is.

Think dual-use. It's the only way to really justify the expense.

If its yourfamily you're worried about, why not go to good will get 5 bookpacks ( used) and spread the gear among them -- each person carries a bit.

Total cost $25-$50

TRO

In my car, I have two pilot-case type luggage.
One contains tools, oil, etc ... for the car itself.
The second one contains gear for the passengers : water, dehydrated meals, alcohol stove, psk, change of clothes, light hiking shoes etc...
If I have to leave the car in a hurry, I will grab the second one and walk a bit, with the case in hand. Then, I'll take time to stop, open the pilot case, extract the small (and cheap) pliable rucksack I keep in there, transfer the gear from the case to the backpack and go on, hands free.

Now this is OK because of the limited volume of my gear.
A big BOB for a whole familly may not be so easy to transport.

One of my favorites. You can't get much more durability than military surplus. Just make sure the bag you get is military.

I hadn't even considered the possibility of a knock off...yikes! How does one tell the difference? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I searched ebay earlier this AM. Found 1 Spec-Ops Brand pack for $125.00, not much of a deal. As with all military/tactical gear you have to be very carefull of things like USGI type, genuine MOLLE pack. Or even mentioning Spec-Ops in the item title, but not in the deatiled description or ____ like. When you look for quality gear on ebay ( Maxpedition, Spec-Ops Brand,Tactical Tailor,Paraclete or even real USGI) you won't find very many great deals. Not to push CTD but they have an excellent return policy. I've sent stuff back several times and never had any problems. Between nice used quality packs from the thrift stores and CTD or Sportsmans Guide I've never had to lay out a lot of cash.
FWIW, my 2 top choices would be the TT pack on sale or one of the copies that CTD sell.
Dave

There ya go, get the SpecOps for ED use and pick up a couple of decent middle quality packs large enough for your vehicles. You could probably do that for the $300 you were going to originally spend on the 2 SpecOps packs, and this way you get 3 packs (and maybe some cash left over for equipment) and you get THE PACK for every day use, which is really what you probably want anyway!

And I agree about www.cheaperthandirt.com and have bought from them for a long time. This would make a pretty nice BP - not sure about hydration like the other pack you want, but way cheaper:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/PACK120-1191-1376.html

And don't feel too bad, I just picked up one of these vests below and they have some other interesting vests for which I'm chomping at the bit, but they aren't necessarily military manufacture.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/itemfind.asp

I'm guessing that few folks here don't have a bit of the gearhead in them and even the super-cheap folks get some gear envy now and then. :-)

For those who might not know, A.L.I.C.E and M.O.L.L.E packs are two different systems for attaching pouches, equipment, etc. All-purpose, Lightweight, Individual, Carrying Equipment and MOdular Lightweight Load-carryng Equipment are their designations and the former is a Vietnam-era design while the latter is in modern use.

Too true... Too true... LOL

$150 for a backpack that you hope you'll never use sounds a bit extreme to me. Use a cheap pack. Keep it dry the same way many hikers do, by covering it with a plastic garbage bag.

Hehe... I agree with using a cheaper bag for an emergency BOB that will rarely get used. But wrapping it in a black trash bag is pretty ghetto - at least on the outside of the pack - use on the inside is a nice cheap option.

If it's truly an emergency use thing, how about putting any clothes/sleeping bags/blankets in one of those rolling one-way air vacuum things. And even just use a home vacuum sealer things to group other items like first aid - signal - food - water - shelter - etc. You can keep things in nice individual waterproof packs for use when you need them. Of course, repacking might suck - so keep a spare trashbag handy. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

The first thing you need to consider if the load. Face it most of usd are in the shape that if it goes much beyond 25 pounds we ain't going to carry if far or very fast. So a high tech super bag is overkill.

Sure if you are using a bag on a regular basis you need something that will last and last. For this kind of thing it doesn't need to be that rugged. Mot of those cheap kiddy daypack/bookbags will work. I'veseen them on sale for less than $5.

You could also try a thrif or goodwill store. You might find a bargin. There are also yard sales.

I struggled with the same question. The gearhead in me wanted the coolest, most functional pack available. I ended up getting 2 packs on clearance at Target. I focused on something comfortable and w/ large capacity. Got 2 Jansport day packs for under $40 each. The packs have 2 large compartments and 2 small front pockets. If we have to hoof it not all of the contents will remain in the bag. Sheath knife, psk, nalgene bottle, and a few others will be removed for belt carry. Something to consider when seeing how much the pack weighs.

I have not pulled them out of the car since I set them up (a year or so ago), except to check the contents. They do get pretty abused, sliding around the trunk and getting other items piled (and sometimes spilled) on them. May be something to think about before investing in something cool but that won't see a lot of real use.

I like to line the big pockets with a trash bag, then put stuff inside that. Using a trash bag on the outside while wearing tends to be cumbersome and prone to ripping. I give the cheap packs a coat of spray-on waterproofing on the outside, just to try to keep them from soaking up too much water.

PS I'd add some reflective tape; front and back and maybe a flashing ight to each pack. Walking along a dark road at night--remember to be seen!

TRO

Ors, I too felt the need for some stuff in my car packed up and ready to go just in case I had to leave it for some reason. I went with the aforementioned Wal-Mart special, for around $30. And it even comes with a reflective strip on the back. I've got it packed pretty darn full with all sorts of gear, and so far it's held up well.

But I think I should get it out and march up and down the road with it on for a bit: A) to test its durability and B) to test MY durability...! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

EDIT: What the person below me said, can't blame a guy for WANTING a high-end pack. But $150 is pretty steep...take out the $30 for my pack and that's $120...and probably more money than I spent *filling* it! <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Ors, I can't fault anyone who suffers from gear lust, but for the money you're talking those are high quality packs for mainly keeping your gear organized in something easy to tote if you have to foot it safety.

Then again, you've got me wondering if I've undershot the quality aspect for a car emergency bag. A yearago I bought two daypack/book bags for $5 each. They've held up OK and are a big improvement over what I had, which was nothing. Even with cheap construction I figure they'll hold up OK for the distance I'd need to walk if I had to leave the car. Likely no more than 2-3 miles to the nearest gas station or motel or 7-11 in my suburban sprawl environs.

Maybe your situation is more rural or you're planning on also using the car bags for "real" day hiking. All I can say is I've found emergency preparedness to be an addictive hobby. Yeah, I've likely wasted some bucks starting out with stuff that turned out to be worthless (probably my worst was buying a $1 flashlight) but at least it got me thinking about the level of performance I really wanted out of a specific piece of gear, but at least I had something in hand to test.

Good luck with your selection!

Another option, with caveats is surplus. A few words about catalog speak, 'miltary type/ style' or other phrases are euphemisms for really bad chinese knock offs. Condition is everything. Remember the various agencies dumped this stuff because it is either worn out, obsolete or in excess of needs and the expense of storage. Never buy any surplus rated at less than new, unissued or excellent. Anything else will have problems that potentially offset any savings. There are several european miltiary daypacks/mountain rucks whatever you want to call light recon bags/ bookbags. Most will be HEAVY canvas with leather and drawstring straps and if framed some steel iron maiden affair. Pay attention to the leather, even on good units it may be cracked badly enough to fail. Check canvas for mildewing. Even the good units benefit from a day in the sun with a good scrubbing and a treatment of scotchguard. Most have been in storage in what must have been a cheese cellar. Comfort can be improved simply by stowing blankets or clothing against the back. Definetely add reflector tape. A bit of psych ops for security is to stencil LAUNDRYBAG on the things and load spare clothing on top. If anyone gets curious while servicing your car it helps.

Thanks for your opinions everyone. I think I'll be getting a THE Pack for EDC and either surplus or WM for the cars.

BTW, Thanks for the Midwest Tactical tip Nicodemus!

Another idea (thinking about reflective tape) is to include some pants ties used for biking. They are nylon loops with a buckle that are used to cinch pants legs tight so they don't get caught in the chain while riding. The ones that I have include a reflective strip in them. Might not be a bad idea around wrists and ankles if you need to be seen at night while working on the car at the roadside, or especially if you need to hoof it for a while. I'm adding some to my car kit <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

FWIW, I have stashed a few old duffle bags and old kids backpacks as car BOBs. An old duffel holds the stuff, but backpacks are almost empty and would be carried by kids ( if they are with me) or if I may need extra carrying capacity for whatever I can find on my way in stores, gas stations .. etc.

I dont think I would spend much money for bags and packs that would just be sitting there. If I use them and they tear, I will use the empty packs, or trash bags or whatever. The possibility of The world ending and finding myself with my life depending on a bag or pack is just too far for my mental setup.

One possibility I didn't see mentioned was a used, medium ALICE pack. You can get them with the straps and belt for about 25-40 bucks, in better than good shape, on eBay fairly often. It isn't a great pack, but it is good enough for something that will be in the trunk all the time. That should hold most eveything you'll need, and it is definantly in your price range. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Rei outlet is a good place to look for bags. I think it would be great to have a kit in each car with a "cheap" bag $5-$10 and a better kit in a good bag $30-$75 from Rei outlet that you would move from car to car based on need. Just a thought. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />