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.