OK I'm trying to decide on the best BOB bag. Most of my disaster preparedness plans consist of holing up in my apartment. I would, however like to have a little bug out kit. My 'bug out' scenarios are mainly getting stuck on the freeway (if that counts as one), or evacuating my apartment during a fire, earthquake (structural damage?). I wouldn't be going far as I wouldn't last a minute in the romantic 'head for the hills' type scenarios. I below average strength, so cannot carry a huge 40 pound pack. It was recommended that I take ALL the stuff that I plan to have with me when I bug out and put it in a corner BEFORE I purchase a pack, so I don't get a pack that is too big or too small. Also, I may join a volunteer ham radio operator emergency comms group, so I would like to have a survival pack with me while I am serving.<br><br>First some preliminary questions,<br><br>1, So if I DID bug out, where do poeple usually go? A shelter at a high school? In that case I wouldn't need a MASSIVE type bag?<br>2, Are hydration units overrated?<br><br>Here are my options, from basic to most fancy.<br><br>Jansport Big Student:<br>Pro's: Cheap, common, inconspicuous, decent amount of pockets.<br>Con's: No hydration unit, no internal frame option<br><br><br>Jansport Mozambique (or something similar):<br>Pro's: VERY large capacity, crapload of pockets for organizing junk, detachable daypack. Massive size allows for bulky but light items such as extra changes of clothing.<br>Con's: Expensive, no hydration unit or internal frame option.<br>[img]http://store2.yimg.com/I/outdoor-world_1635_687463[/img]<br><br>Camelbak Motherlode:<br>Pro's: Decent size, doesn't look TOO tactical and different from a student's daypack to the casual observer. Hydration unit.<br>Con's: Size may be limiting for those who don't travel light. Expensive for size. While not too conspicuous, is borderline tactical-looking. No internal frame (that I am aware of)<br><br><br>Eagle AIII pack:<br>Pro's: Lots of accessory options, large capacity, hydration unit. Accomodations for extra stuff like a sleeping bag.<br>Con's: Conspicuous. Expensive, ONE big pocket instead of a bunch of mid-size ones, makes difficult to organize junk.<br><br><br>Eagle Becker (or Becker Large) pack:<br>Pro's: Large, lots of pockets for organizing smaller items. Accomodations for sleeping bag and other cargo. Hydration unit.<br>Con's: VERY expensive. Extremely conspicuous, although military-style packs are popular with Socal youths such as skateboarders.<br><br><br>I don't have much in my pack other than water and 3600 calorie blocks of survival rations. I may go Camelbak as the best compromise, but still considering others.