backpack for urban survival gear

Since I am continually searching for a daypack which looks "innocent" with lots of compartements to fit my urban survival stuff, I am interesed where the survival forums members carry their gear. I am looking for something like a Adventure Medical Kit included in a dayback. <br>I always wondered- especially after 9/11 - why Blackhawk, or any other tactical gear producer, didn't take one of those Jansport, Eagle Creek, Wolfskin designs and make a bag of better quality, more/better organised inner compartments (with lots of straps, little pockets, etc.) but of the same size and without loosing the "innocent" look and price it just a bit ahead of all those common daypacks. I am sure they would sell a bunch-especially in the "tactical/survival civilian community".<br><br>Thanks for any input<br><br>Cato <br>

Have you tried jansport before? ive used one for school, this one ive had since the start of the school year, and its held up nice to my daily abuse. i use it for deflecting flying objects ( soda cans, water ballons, rocks you know, the usual high school stuff) and ive put out numerous fires with it at my bus stop ( hey, it gets like in the 30's down here! bus comes 2 early and friends and i got a huge gasoline/newspaper fire going) and i carry around 3 books in it, no wear or tear so far im really impressed! there "higher end" models seem nice but a simple one for 20$ does just fine for me! lots of compartments, hrmmm, im sure jansport has a few with numerous pockets

Thanks for pointing me to Jansport, but that is what I am currently using. It's a good bag for the money, but all those little survival items are flying around inside of it, so more pockets, loops, etc. on the inside would be a definitie plus.

Sometimes the best solution is to take an existing unit and modify it yourself. Im sure you could scrounge materials and find a upholsterer, seamstress or backpacking gear repair source to do the sewing.

Try Tripleaughtdesign.com. Click on cattagories, then scroll down to packs. See if you see anything you like there. Maybee the one by Vortex?

It seems to be a semi-discontinued item, only sporadically available, but the Continental Rucksack from LLBean pretty good.<br><br>Also, try the BLackhawk 3-Day "Assault" and Raptor packs, they might fill what you need.

Chris, I gotta agree - not even hard to do for oneself, even by hand.<br><br>Unless I'm missing something, though... what's wrong with simply using some purpose-suitable "stuff sacks"? They're so easy to make I can (and have) shown kids how to make them.<br><br>Exterior stowage takes a bit more effort - see first suggestion - but there are alternatives for that as well. Separate external pockets (zippered pounches, actually) are readily available and adapable with little or no imagination to most packs. Jansport, as one commercial supplier example, and your friendly surplus store for another (just about any pouch you can think of is available in some sort of OD configuration - may or may not take a bit more ingenuity to adapt to mate to your pack than most commercial offerings).<br><br>Scouter Tom

In an office environment, I use an Eagle Creek briefcase, the type with stow away backpack straps. It has room for my lunch, rain jacket, FAK, multitool, Clif bars, headlamp, water bottle, etc. with room for work related items as well! It has some compartments, but I suspect not as many as you prefer. A little stitching will solve that problem.<br><br>I think there is such as thing as "over compatmentalization" - I like to carry first aid items loose, for instance.

Hikerdon-<br>Can you tell us exactly which Eagle Creek model you use? Can it hold a laptop computer? Looking at their website I see a couple which might be useful, the Latitude Office and Office Overnight. <br><br>I currently carry a laptop and a backpack to work every day so I'm looking for ways to consolidate. <br><br>My backpack, a a Kelty Redwing "day-pack" holds my workout gear, some survival gear and other junk. It doesn't always make it out of the Jeep into the office. I'd like to get down to a single bag, even if it is a little bigger.<br><br>My laptop bag, a "Noteworthy Port" works fine and holds a lot, but it just screams "steal me" <br><br><br>I wouldn't be averse to modifying a bag or grafting two together to get what I'm looking for, either. The Eagle Creek "Computer Safe" and "Computer Vault" inserts might be valuable for that purpose.<br><br>Thanks for the input!<br>-red_jeep

Hard question! I bought the thing over ten years ago, using it as a field briefcase and I have no idea of what Eagle Creek called it then.. I found the backpack straps to be quite useful in the field and other applications.<br><br>It is sized so that it would take a current laptop computer, although it does not have the padding that such specific models usually have. It don't think it says "steal me" to most bad guys.<br><br>Basically, what works is a bag that will hold about 1500 cu. in., has about three compartments and some organizer slots, and can be caried by the handle, but once you have found the convenient phone booth, converts to a backpack for those situations where you have to do some serious walking.<br><br>It blends into the office environment, but is quickly adaptable to other uses.

I use a Leeds Millennium pack. I received it from a friend who got it at a sales meeting (it has her company's logo on it), so I don't know if it's available commercially or not. Here’s a web page that ha a small photo. http://www.copshop.com/leeds/catalog/packs.htm Here’s the link to Leeds home page, but I don’t think they sell retail. http://www.leedsworld.com/ as they have a min. order of 12 required.<br><br>It has two large main compartments and one external compartment on the outside, as well as a separate zipper pouch along the bottom front.<br><br>The outside compartment has two valcro straps for securing the laptop and a nylon zipper bag that stick to the side with valcro. The bag is similar to a toiletry bag. I use it for PC cards, phone cord, external mouse, screwdriver, etc.<br><br>The inside compartment has a vertical divider to help separate papers. I also carry my umbrella, Palm Pilot, Palm Keyboard, books, etc. I also have a piece of hardboard that I cut to size to match the compartment's dimensions. This board is not too heavy and it actually makes the pack more comfortable against the back, instead of the miss-mash edges of whatever I end up tossing into the compartment. It also doubles as a lap desk for my palm keyboard on the train.<br><br>The small outer compartment has the routine assortment of pockets for pens, business cards, etc. Also an inside zipper pouch. This is where I have some meds, cough drops, tissue, etc..<br><br>The zipper compartment on the outside bottom edge is nice for items you might want to get at without opening the pack up. This is where I’ll store my PSK when it’s assembled (I only need one more item!).<br><br>My only complaint, and this has been true of any laptop backpack, is that the stitching for the straps always work free. These started to pull away from the pack after a few weeks. So I removed them and sewed on some thin black leather tabs on the ends. I then tacked them on the pack again and then secured them with several pop rivets. That approach is holding well so far.<br><br>The Leeds site does have a closeout item that you can order Qt.1 of for $23.80, it’s not as nice as what I’ve just described. http://www.leedsworld.com/searchResults.asp?category=CLOSEOUTS&product_id=5800-99<br>

I am currently in the market for a new pack for my Urban Survival kit. I am thinking of getting a Balckhawk force 5.<br>It will hold about 2200 cubic inches of gear as well as 100 0z of water in a hydration system.

I looked into this recently and I found that Jansport has a model called the Big Student which is about 2200 cubic inches and has three compartments. Its rugged and can be had for about $20-25 on Ebay. It lists for $50 or $60. I also have an Eagle A-III which is definitely overkill. Its about 2400 cubic inches, a million straps, plumbed for a water bladder and everything is double stitched. I think it might be military issue. It costs about $100 or less on Ebay. Look hard at the Jansport.

For a little stuff, how about a NewSun gear Expedition Liberty pouch? For a lot of stuff, how about a SpecOps Design Packrat? Both are for sale at www.actiongear.com and also have their own websites. These things have loads of pockets, loops, and pouches for little stuff like knives, tools, food bars, lighters, compasses, keys and other pocket junk. I have used both brands and they are nice. I currently use a New Sun and another small generic pouch to carry stuff in my schnazzy leather attache (for the office), then I can just take them out and put them in cargo pockets, on my belt, in another backpack or my shooting bag, or whatever when it's time to bum around. Nice setup in my opinion.

I've used the Victorinox daypacks. I got them on sale at REI. They look "normal" and they have nice compartments in the front. I use the daypack from this set:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...gory_rn=4501712

my friends have used the St.Moritz or the Geneva, also from REI and on sale for about 30. I've found these packs are more padded than I really like. These bags seem to do great even with heavy use (I took mine to Europe and abused it, came home, washed it, and it looked new again). They scream "student" not "survival".

I've got the same problem trying to organize my stuuf so it's accessible. I've gone through probably 8 packs trying to find one a little better.
Right now I'm eyeing one that Cabelas sells for about 50$. It's got 4 zippered pockets around the main compartment, a rain cover, and a bladder pocket as well as a "framesheet"
JB

I have experienced great success with the Camelbak products.

This model has plenty of little pockes, lashing points, and compression straps. Oh, and it holds water. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you want less conspicuous it is available in black

For complete "innocents" try one of these Although I do not have personal experience with this model so I don't know about pockets.

Along the same lines, I use a jansport backpack for school and weekend trips and have used it every day for about 4 years now, and it's almost as good as new. It has an outside storage space to stuff a jacket, and I have clipped a waist pack to that, along with a jacket if I'm wearing short sleeves. The waistpack is the same color blue as my backpack, (actually, so is the jacket, I guess i like that color)so if you don't look too closely it appears to be part of the pack. I'm still working on the kit, and when I have it to where I'm happy with it I plan to post the contents here for review, but i was suprised at how much I could fit in there. It has a small outside pocket where I keep a few things I could need in a non emergency. When I'm not taking my pack, I unclip the waistpack and throw it in my Jeep to augment that kit.
Hope this helps,

Chris.

Finding a tailor/seamstress/sewer who can work with nylon packs and gear isn't so easy. I have an old, well-worn Eagle 3-day assault pack that was not Camelbak compatible. I went to Specialty Outdoors and contacted Penny Schwyn ( info@specialtyoutdoors.com) regarding modifying the pack so that I could use a hydration system with the pack. Penny did a fabulous job, took a few weeks, and charged me very little money. There are folks out there who do the work, and if you are clear in your instructions you will get good work.

atty_guy

I use a camelbak mule, the old model. I took the bladder out and have a platypus in it's place, plus a prybar and other essentials. I have a camelbak trailblazer ordered, we'll see how that works. I like the narrow light profile of the mule, I think the trailblazer will be even better, I will have the new omega bladder, plus room for my other stuff. I think camelbaks are the perfect urban survial pak.

Check out 'Perez Camping Repairs' in Phoenix,AZ They CAN DO ANYTHING!! HIGHLY recommended. I'll find their card and post the info in a few days. They can make prototypes, or work from your designs in many materials......True 'Rocket scientists on sewing machines!!' IMHO Gene <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I use the Kelty 50th Anniversary for normal backpacking trips. For my kit, I use this pack by Eastpak. Versitile and inexpensive.

Pack

Hi all,
I have LOTS of packs and bags, have been on a quest to find the right pack and have finally done it. The Huautla Pack by Lost Creek
These folks are great and for a very small additional charge they added a couple of outside pockets to this baby. Here is what I like about it; The pack is built for caving, ie dragging over rocks so it is fairly indestructible. You can get it lined with vinyl or more codura for extra waterproof ness or more strength. The best part for me is that you can carry this bag as a shoulder bag, a backpack or a fanny pack. All for a hundred bucks INCLUDING the custom work. You have got to love it!

ToddG

Whoops!
Same link as above but I have the Gorilla pack. Sorry all!

Todd

Cato:

I wonder, is there or should there be a difference in backpacks for survival gear? You used the word "innocent" and it got me thinking. I've got two packs, one at home, and one at work. My work pack is OD, the one at home is Woodland. I didn't get these packs specifically for their current use, I just happened to them when I decided to pull together stuff that I might need. My work pack remains stored in my office closet, where it will remain until it is needed or until I leave for another position.

I gather that the "innocence" of the bag might be of some value pre-emergency, but I question its value during or after an emergency. One might not want to alarm others with one's preparedness, and one might also not want to look overtly militaristic or overzealous or something, I suppose. However, unless one is carrying around this kit, others would be unaware of its existence, let alone whether it is "innocent" looking or not. And certainly, during an emergency, it really doesn't matter what others think; it's about survival.

May I suggest that the key criteria are function, space, and comfort. Looks are a distant fourth.

atty_guy

atty_guy
Innocent is good. I don't want someone sitting at a conference table with me to go "hey watcha got in there" or be curious enough to snoop and find out I've got signal flares, an air horn, four kinds of fire starters, extra ammo, fifty feet of rope, duct tape, four contractor trash bags, respirator masks, various meds, and sharper knives than a Japanese chef, all sitting at my feet. I routinely carry all of that and much much more in an innocent looking zippered burgandy leather portfolio. It also carries my 007 worthy DayRunner which is the ultimate in stealth urban survival preparedness if I do say so myself. "And they call me paranoid." - Burt Gummer. Regards, Keys

My caving pack is a Lost Creek product. It is very well built and quite substantial. It has served me well for many underground trips.

BUT - it would not be my first choice for a pack I was going to carry in an above ground environment. There are many packs just as sturdy, far more comfortable, and that will shift less on your back as you scramble or climb. Underground, the ability to carry a bag on your back, over your shoulder, etc., makes real sense because you are often changing as you go through the cave. Above ground, I prefer a properly padded pack that sits tight on my back as I cruise. At the end of the day I feel a lot better...

I think I see your point. I'm tied to my building during the day and so I leave my PSK in my office closet. I'm not lugging stuff around from floor-to-floor or meeting-to-meeting. Plus, as I go through magnetometers at work and when visiting other buildings, carrying too much can be burdensome. So, for me, "innocent" is not important, but complete (within the law of the District of Columbia) is.

Regards,

atty_ugy

hikerdon

Very true, as a standard pack I have some that are more comfortable myself, but for my normal tromping around the city I tend to like the messenger or shoulder style bags. That way I can get into them with out taking the bag off and it makes life on the submway much eaiser....and it does look MOSTLY innocent:)

ToddG

atty_guy
Got an attorney friend in a similar postion. His concealed carry permit is practically useless since he's in an out of the courthouse so much. Like you, I've got a more serious backpack in my credenza behind my desk including first aid kit, canned food, and water. Got a larger pack and duffle in the van plus an insulated food & water pack. The lighter portfolio is perfect when I'm in the downtown business district. I'm a little too old to pull off the yuppie urban backback look. Regards, Keys

Yes, going in an out of courthouses can be fun. Years ago and pre-9/11, I routinely carried a folding knife and checked it in when entering a courthouse. I got to know court security well. (As you can imagine, they chuckled at the thought of an attorney with a knife.) Of course, the time that you might need it, as you are before the court and the defendant is behind you, you don't have it <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> (For the defendant, not the court! <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />) Now, I don't bother carrying a folder during the work day.

We live in a sad time.

My grandfather would have found ludicrous the idea that folding knives are forbidden in many places today. He always carried a pocketknife. For any little chore that needed to be done, he would just reach into his pocket, whip out his little knife, and do it. He's the one who got me interested in pocketknives.

When I have jury duty, not having anything like a blade on me makes me uncomfortable in the extreme. I feel naked and unprepared. It's made me not like jury duty.

As for not being allowed to carry a blade during the work day, well, truth be told, I personally would be looking for another occupation. Being a Swiss Army guy myself, I don't know how anyone would adjust.

Yeah, my dad's Oldtimer is one of my most cherished posessions. Still a darn good knife after all these years, and the memories...... Keys

I love my Old-Timer.