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="" />