Skunkability,<br>If you are going to be actively involved with your local Ham Emergency Response group, check out their web site to determine the sort of equipment they would expect you to have. This is my area ARES/ RACES site and their recommended personal equipment. As you can see it is a fair amount of stuff, so the pack(s) needed would be on the large size.<br><br>http://www.kb7tbf.com/Resources/Deploy.htm<br><br>I personally use a DANA DESIGN "Bomb" pack for my 24 hr BOB. I cannot squeeze a sleeping bag and pad into this however, so use a Gregory "SnowCreek" full-size backpack for my longer duration pack. <br><br>I have never used the hydaration systems. The "Bomb" has an external shovel pocket that can hold a hydration bag. This pack is designed for avalanche control by ski patrols, hence the shovel pocket and name. Probably not the best name to have emblazoned on the back of the bag given the current climate.<br><br>