I used one of these as my first survival kit carrier that was bigger than an ammo pouch. I don't know how medics can stand it- it rides/hangs badly, the pouches are too big in that there is no way to really organize small items and too small becuase there is no space for really big items. I found that snow, mud and sand also had a knack for getting into the middle of the thing, so anything in the slip pocket between the big and middle pockets would be full of ice and/or gunk if needed, if not just destroyed by the moisture.

While it is more expensive, the CountyComm "EOD" bag currently fills the role that the M-3 used to fill for me. Tough, light, easy to organize. And it is easy to access- one big zipper across the top, a pocket along the front and two small velcroed pockets along the back, with a lanyard mounting point in each corner. I've laced to to several packs by thier compression straps through the MOLLE channels, and even worn it as a buttpack. It also comes with a much better sling that what the M-3 has.

Going up from there in the same catagory, I have to be another vote for SpecOps Brand (their Buttpack) and Maxpedition (any versipack), and I'm going to toss Tactical Tailor (thier larger utility pouches) and Emdom USA (Wideload and Fatty Wideload) into the mix as well. High Speed Gear Inc as a maybe (thier Waistpack), I'm trying to get ahold of them with a question on a seam failure, but thier reputation is impecable (this is the very first failure I've heard of with thier gear). I wouldn't recommend these brands for all people and places becuase it is hard to make this gear NOT look tactical, but that's hard to do with the M-3 as well.

If you want quality gear that isn't above and beyond mil-spec and/or doesn't look too tactical, Mountainsmith and Kelty are very highly thought of. Suprisingly, LL Bean has had some pretty good items in the past, but I'm not as familiar with thier current line; Cabelas has some very good stuff in thier line up right now.

Oh, and I do still have my M-3. It isn't utterly useless, it just wasn't field tested I think. It makes a great little over night bag to stuff in your car's trunk.

Ironraven is right on with his review (IMO). I have one that is in servcie as an extended stay toilietry kit, has my toiletry stuff with snivel stuff added (OTC meds, blister care stuff, bug spray, etc). I found mine is garage sale for $2 and it was worth it... dunno if I'd pay more.

There are so many good bags out there, I also agree with Ironraven about the EOD bag, I have one that is my Shotgun SHTF bag. Well built and cheap. The others that have been recomended are good choices also. NARESCUE's Fanny Pack is a good design for a medium to large size survival kit. It is small enough to use as a pullout from a larger backpack and big enough to build a decent kit in. They make one in Orange too if that is you cup of tea.

Your options are limitless... and you are in a good place to bounce ideas!

Don't overlook the Camelbak BFM. I'm in the market for the perfect EDC type bag to carry not only PSK and FAK but also extra warm clothes, food and water. I'm leaning toward the BFM but I'm still looking. Can anyone chime in with a critique of the BFM? Compared to the say the Kelty 3500, Maxpedition Condor2, Spec-Ops "The Pack"?
Can anyone suggest a bag of similar capacity, features and quality that does not have a tactical bag look?

How much do you EDC?

I ask becuase they are all a little on the big side as an EDC pack. I am not as familiar with the Kelty, but I've looked over the Condor very closely and I think it is every bit as well made but a tad smaller than the the THE Pack. My BOB is a THE Pack with one of thier SAW (holds two nalgenes perfectly) and X-4 pouches on each side, and my ditch kit (in the CountyComm bag) stuffed in the lower pocket. Still haven't gotten it perfect, probably never will, but 100 hours is a conservative estimate as to how long I can live from it except for water. And when I get around to adding a 100 ounce bladder, two days without even having to get water could be a real possibility.

Next step is to move the ditch kit onto something like a MAV, along with some water, and free up that pocket.

No, I'm not a gear nut or anything.

Albireo:

Nice name <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Stargazer

I have a Camelbak BFM, and asolutely LOVE it. It is a HUGE pack... for an idea of how HUGE, look HERE at what I ahd in mine when it was my search kit.

The airforce leans toward vest carrying systems for survival stuff, as did the venerated Heinlein. The reasoning might be enhanced maneuverability, or weight distribution, or just having it with you all the tiime-packs get hung on trees or stowed in the bow of the canoe and part company with you. Wear a vest under a coat and you look pudgy, not tactical. I struggle with vests because I am already the size of a domestic refrigerator: add a vest with stuffed pockets and I have to put vaseline on the doorways to get through them...Anybody out there a vest kit fan?

Wow, thanks for all the options. I will take a look at them all. I'll have to admit, I'm new to this so I dont know what all the acronyms mean, BOB etc...

BOB means Bug Out Bag. Here is a list: Acronyms.

Maybe this has already been asked and answered, but can we make the acronym thread a sticky?

No, just a small kit I can toss into a hiking day pack.



Right now, not much. Knife, flashlight, compass. My goal for this is to create a small kit I can toss into any pack, day pack I carry.