I've got a problem. Well not a problem, but I'm thinking about something: What if I split my BOB into 2 parts?

I buy a hip-pack and put the essential items in there. The other ''non-essential'' stuff (extra food,clothing,etc.) I keep in the backpack.

The advantages that I see: If back-pack is lost or has to be ditched, I still got the most important equipment in the hip-pack.
I can also use the survival-hip-pack for day-hikes. (back-pack is to large for that. And of course I can use the space in the back-pack
that is free for other non essential BOB-stuff.

What are your thoughts on this?

you mean a bit like the millitary "grab-bag" principle. A small pack placed inside a large pack with the essentials in it. In the millitary some people just use the sidepacks (with the daypack attachment mounted on) on the outside and zip it off when they ditch the large pack.

It's principle is widely followed in the millitary and works.

That is definitely a valid concept, Jim. It also jives with the military concept of 1st line - 2nd line - 3rd line equipment:

1st line: bare minimum gear to survive & fight another day. Never ever leaves your body. Examples: knife, sidearm, trauma kit, compass, minimal water (maybe), etc. Carried in pockets or a dedicated belt that stays on no matter what.

2nd line: main equipment to carry out the mission. Examples: spare magazines, explosives, etc. Carried in load-bearing gear that can be ditched if necessary though you wouldn't want to ditch it if not forced to.

3rd line: longer-term items for comfort or sustainment. Examples: sleeping bag, extra food, spare clothing, etc. Carried in a backpack or pouch that is easy to ditch.

Of course you must adjust the equipment list & carrying methods based on your mission: military vs. civilian, area of operations, environment, that kind of thing. But your thinking seems to be along these lines, and it has been borne out through others' experience.

You might want to look at Kifaru packs. They support something they call the piggyback system (docking system). From reports in their forums people who try this with a second full size pack are not thrilled, but they have a small pack/pouch called the E&E that would probably be much more acceptable.

The other good thing about the Kifaru packs is that unlike most military packs, they have a frame. Personally I think this is an importaint feature.

I'd be interested in your experiences if you try this. I've been considering getting a Marauder and pairing it with an E&E.

That said, I currently use a two part config like you describe. It's more of an EDC rather than BOB. I use a Maxpedition Fatboy Jumbo and a Kelty Redwing 2400 pack (medium sized daypack).

Having the Jumbo with my most importaint stuff works very well. It is small enough that I'm willing to keep it with me pretty much all the time. The BIG downside is the inability to dock the Jumbo for carry from one place to another. The Jumbo is also an awkward size and doesn't easily fit into a backpack and then it is difficult to access things in there.

I find my existing system works well for me, but having the ability to dock the two would be much more optimal.

-john

Consider putting a large fanny pack inside your bigger pack, not worn under it. I like the idea of one bag for essentical and a second bag for extra food clothing, etc.

TRO

Speaking from personal experience, fanny packs are over rated for inner ring equipment.
My personal preferance is based on the USMC survival kit. Everything is in a couple of pouches (or three if you include the FAK). They sit in the very top of the B.O.B. When TSHTF you grab the bag and boogie. At the first possible moment, you stop, open bag, grab the pouches and drop them into your pockets.

John,
I like the concept of a modular system. Items can be ditched or hidden for later retrival. Kifaru are top of the line.

Adam

I use this system, and it has worked out well. Although I've never had to ditch any gear, I only grab what I need for that specific time and place. I use a Maxpedition Proteus, Maxpedition Jumbo and Camelbak BFM.

I keep essentials items in my pockets and wear a CamelBak with my PSK items. If I lose the CamelBak I still have a chance. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It works.
I recommend a triple system.

What's in your pockets doesn't count as part of the system. They are the last ditch resources.

Vest: a civillian equivalent of a load baring harness. The next step up,

A small secondary pack: Either a day or fanny pack.

Main pack:

You ditch in the reverse order. It gives you an extra layer.