I want to creat a Bug out kit and I'm wondering which bag would provide a good basis

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pfgsnoopy

Joined
Apr 10, 2013
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Hi guys,

I want to create my own personal bug out bag which I want to keep in my car but which has to be small and lightweight enough to easily carry around.

I'd like it to be a sling bag or sling/backpack convertible design.

I'm thinking of buying either a Hazard 4 Evac Plan-B or 5.11 COVRT Z.A.P. 6 or 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 or 5.11 Tactical TRIAB 18.

Has anybody by chance created his own bug out bag based on one of these bags and can tell me about his 1st hand experience?

Which of these bags would you guys buy for this purpose?

I'd really appreciate any bit of advice you can give me.

Thanks in advance!
 
If you have the money, Kifaru and Everlestock are bombproof to say the least. I keep all my BOB get in waterproof OR bags that can be slid in and out of my Kifaru Zulu if I want it for hiking or camping. That way I don't just have a $600 pack leaning against the wall in my closet. Only takes a moment to repackage for BO purposes.
 
None of those are good options. Heavy, ugly, and gimmicky. Ask yourself would you wish to carry any of those bags to work or when visiting family? You want something nondescript to store in a vehicle (deter thieves) and something you will not feel funny carrying in your day to day routine. Retiring an old backpack or EDC bag for the job is a good option.

Bugging out in general is a fantasy term. Like "survival" it can mean anything depending on who you ask. So where are you running off too? What are you running from? What are the functional requirements for the bag? The point of the bag is to carry stuff, so get something that carries the load you need to carry well. Think hiking all day, or hopping from bus to bus to get to where you need to go. If you have nowhere to go stop and go back home, your bug out plan is flawed.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1059316-The-Fallacy-of-Bugging-Out
 
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pfgsnoopy said:
I'm thinking of buying either a Hazard 4 Evac Plan-B or 5.11 COVRT Z.A.P. 6 or 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 or 5.11 Tactical TRIAB 18.....

Which of these bags would you guys buy for this purpose?
Click to expand...

Sling packs have their place, no argument. However, if you plan on carrying them for more than an hour...they are horribly uncomfortable.

I would recommend a traditional backpack design.
 
sideways said:
None of those are good options. Heavy, ugly, and gimmicky. Ask yourself would you wish to carry any of those bags to work or when visiting family? You want something nondescript to store in a vehicle (deter thieves) and something you will not feel funny carrying in your day to day routine. Retiring an old backpack or EDC bag for the job is a good option.

Bugging out in general is a fantasy term. Like "survival" it can mean anything depending on who you ask. So where are you running off too? What are you running from? What are the functional requirements for the bag? The point of the bag is to carry stuff, so get something that carries the load you need to carry well. Think hiking all day, or hopping from bus to bus to get to where you need to go. If you have nowhere to go stop and go back home, your bug out plan is flawed.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1059316-The-Fallacy-of-Bugging-Out
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I should have read that a little more closely. Sideways is correct in regards to what the OP is asking for. Kifaru and Eberlestock are far from discrete and a little large for edc. They are, however not "ugly". That's a matter of personal opinion. The types of packs the OP mentions also fall into the military catagory for gear, so...

The term "bug out" is not a "fantasy" term either. It means exactly what it implies. Folks put way too much spin on the word. It doesn't matter where you are. If you need to go you need to go. Having items which make sense to your geographic area and skill set on hand just makes sense. Some folks carry that gear in their pockets, some folks in their cars and some in a pack, etc... I agree with sideways on this point, and it is the most important point of all: you must decide the logistics of your BO plan. This will help you determine what type of pack and its contents.

If you like the sling type packs, get one! Maxpedition makes some good ones as well as the brands you mention in your original post. I carried a Jumbo variant on and off as a small BOB for years. They also make a great diaper bag! I carried mine with surefires, first aid, fire, cr123, knives, small silnylon tarp, etc... Sling bags are notorious for getting uncomfortable though the more stuff you cram in there. I'll attest to that having carried one. I would recommend a bag with two shoulder straps. You're really limiting yourself on what you can carry with a solo sling!
 
My comments about uglyness were aimed at the sling packs posted in the OP. Anything with molle straps to my eye is pretty ugly though, and they'll make you stand out like a sore thumb in an urban environment.

For a bug out bag that stays in the car I would not be opposed to using my carry on size rolling suitcase that I take with me when traveling. Rolling a suitcase is easier than carrying a bag and relocating might require some air travel for me. It's not likely that I'll have to carry the thing anyway, I'll most likely end up sitting on a bus, in a cab, in a carpool, on a train, a plane, or renting a car. Having a bag that fits regulations would be a bonus and gives you just that much extra flexibility.

If wheels are not your thing there is the "Tatonka Flight Case Carry On Travel Rucksack ".
http://www.tatonka.com/Products/Backpacks-and-Bags/travelbags/Flightcase/1150
 
sideways said:
My comments about uglyness were aimed at the sling packs posted in the OP. Anything with molle straps to my eye is pretty ugly though, and they'll make you stand out like a sore thumb in an urban environment.

For a bug out bag that stays in the car I would not be opposed to using my carry on size rolling suitcase that I take with me when traveling. Rolling a suitcase is easier than carrying a bag and relocating might require some air travel for me. It's not likely that I'll have to carry the thing anyway, I'll most likely end up sitting on a bus, in a cab, in a carpool, on a train, a plane, or renting a car. Having a bag that fits regulations would be a bonus and gives you just that much extra flexibility.

If wheels are not your thing there is the "Tatonka Flight Case Carry On Travel Rucksack ".
http://www.tatonka.com/Products/Backpacks-and-Bags/travelbags/Flightcase/1150
Click to expand...

OP: this is a great example of someone tailoring a BOB to their personal needs. This is where I would start with my recommendation. Despite popular opinion here on the internet and forums, there is no wrong answer on the BOB issue since nobody knows why we will be bugging out till it happens. we plan to the best of our ability then cross our fingers somewhat. No matter what anyone says, every prepper is in this same situation. A well thought out plan includes knowing where you are likely to be and how you may likely move to a safe area "if" something happens. Knowing that will help you determine the type of pack and its contents. You may or may not be concerned with the tactical look. You may or may not have access to anything that moves besides your own feet. You may or may not have to cross obstacles (which might prevent a wheeled bag from working -although maybe not). It's time consuming, but look at your personal situation and let it guide you.

I would still recommend a two strap pack over a sling bag unless your "kit" is very light weight. If military type gear is acceptable, molle is a fantastic option simply due to the flexibility the design offers, ugly or not. I like having the option of tying things or attaching things to my pack if needed. Something I have been forced to do several times. It was a real lifesaver. Evaluate the gear on needs not on cosmetic appearance. If it falls into your realm of use following the guidelines you yourself establish, buy the one that speaks to you and serves the most purposes.

Of course, we are only discussing bugging out. What to keep at home or your safe location or cashe for when/if you make it there, is an entirely different matter.

My two cents.. Good luck!
 
Thanks so far for all your replys.

I think I'll have to do a lot more research before actually creating my BOB.

I prefer sling bags because you can carry them on your front side. I just don't like carrying anything on my back... I've never had a backpack that didn't give me serious back pain even after wearing them for short periods of time. I guess that's because of a hollow-back condition... Well be it as it may... I'm just more comfortable wearing bags infront...
 
Just for the record, nothing wrong with the yup of sling style bag your looking for. They just can't carry too much weight comfortably. But if you like them in the front and have a reasonable load out, go for it! Report back though and update us! I love this topic! Course.....I'm a gear whore
 
OK, I think I really should do some more research. So I just ordered two books ("Building the perfect Bug Out Bag" by Creek Stewart and "Build the perfect Survival Kit" by John McCann).

I guess I had a somewhat naive approach to creating my own BOB. I thought about including the stuff I'm EDCing anyway (ZT 0350TS, Mag-Lite 100XL, Leatherman Squirt S4, a couple of mini and micro USB cables and a 12,000 mAh battery back for recharching my smartphone, a couple of sd cards with scans of personal documents all wrapped up in two Maxpedition EDC Pocket Organizers - this is the stuff I keep inside of the front pocket of my business laptop case).

Then I thought about adding a first aid kit, some basic medicine, some kind of poncho, something to start a fire, water bottles, something for water purification, foot (something along the lines of power bars, cookies, dehydrated food), batteries for the Mag-Lite, a compass.

I can't wait for the books to arrive so I can get right into researching what kind of BOB I really want and more importantly need to have. Meanwhile I'll see what google has to offer... ;)

Edit:
I don't mind a tactical look of my BOB. But I'm not going for tacticool, either. I'm simply trying to find the best bag for my needs.

I just took a look at the Maxpedition KODIAK GEARSLINGER bag, but with this bag I'll have to decide if I want to carry it on the left or the right side and then I'll have to buy the corresponding version of the bag. I'd prefer a bag that can be carried both ways. In that regard the 5.11 Tactical TRIAB 18 seems to be superior to the Maxpedition KODIAK GEARSLINGER...
 
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Good luck with it. It's a very informative journey putting together your first kit. If you end up anything like me and others here on the forums, you will end up changing it up a few times a week too. Your edc items are a great start!

Currently, my edc is:

Benchmade Lfti
Surefire backup
Sig Sauer p238
Grizzly wintergreen pouches ; )
 
I have both a BOB, and a GHB. My BOB is an Eberlestock G4 Operator. My GHB is a Patagonia Fuego. Much more discreet and doesn't stick out if I carry it in public. I can fit plenty in the bag to fit it's title, getting home. Check out some outdoors-y websites for prices. Since we can't hotlink, I can only recommend something to do with the backcountry ;)
 
I have a couple of Maxpedition sling bags. I use the smaller one to carry a pistol and some ammo, and the larger one as a small carry-on for daytrips. I wouldn't use either for carrying lots of gear for a long duration. Nothing beats a good backpack for heavy loads. I have Camelbak, Maxpedition, and North Face backpacks that I choose from, depending on the occasion.
 
Ive owned a bunch of tactical bags and hiking bags and they usually get left behind as a BOB bag. They're too obvious and invite trouble...after all the money wasted on "cooler" bags, I settled on a drawstring top Jansport rucksack. It's basically a dark blue school book bag with the leather bottom and a drawstring top with fold over flap to keep weather out. Cost $10 at Salvation Army and holds everything I need without looking like it's worth a lot to a thief (I find this "camouflage" to be the hardest thing about finding a good bag). If it looks worthless, the odds of someone taking it are slim. I'm thinking about making my own BOB bag out of and old burlap sack to be even more "hobo-tactical". The only person that's gonna mess with someone covered in tattoos, walking down the side of the road carrying a burlap sack where I live is the police :)
 
shockjockey24 said:
Ive owned a bunch of tactical bags and hiking bags and they usually get left behind as a BOB bag. They're too obvious and invite trouble...after all the money wasted on "cooler" bags, I settled on a drawstring top Jansport rucksack. It's basically a dark blue school book bag with the leather bottom and a drawstring top with fold over flap to keep weather out. Cost $10 at Salvation Army and holds everything I need without looking like it's worth a lot to a thief (I find this "camouflage" to be the hardest thing about finding a good bag). If it looks worthless, the odds of someone taking it are slim. I'm thinking about making my own BOB bag out of and old burlap sack to be even more "hobo-tactical". The only person that's gonna mess with someone covered in tattoos, walking down the side of the road carrying a burlap sack where I live is the police :)
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That is a good one shockjockey24. I'm hoping the same thing. Hoping nobody wants to mess with a big guy covered in ink wearing kifaru with my rem 870 slung on my chest. If it gets bad enough or me to actually bug out, their gonna have to get between me and 9 rounds of 00 buck to get my pack! Edit to add: also four high cap 9mm mags.
 
pfgsnoopy said:
I've never had a backpack that didn't give me serious back pain even after wearing them for short periods of time.
Click to expand...

That reminds me...

An old friend of mine has a "caged" spine (medical appliances to stabilize vertebrae) from a back injury years ago.

His "ditch kit" as he calls it is a modified TacVest with everything MOLLE'd, PALS or ziptied to it. He swears it's easier on his back and 10x more comfortable.
 
I don't see how you are getting back pain with a normal backpack but not with a single sling pack. You do have a properly fitted hip belt don't you? The hip belt should be carrying most of the weight for you. If backpain is an issue I would strongly suggest getting something with wheels. You could even stash an easy to carry bag inside wheeled luggage. That way you have the best of both worlds. From what I remember the landscape in the Rhine-Main-Area is very much domesticated with mostly paved roads so you are unlikely to need to carry the bag during civilized events. If things get less civilized you drop the wheeled shell. You'll also have a spare suitcase with you in case you need to expand your storage. Like if you decide you suddenly need to carry an extra 10 litres of water, and some food.

@tiogatires if the situation has degraded to the level of open hostility I don't think that shotgun will save you. A single dude walking around with a big backpack and shotgun would be like a "come shoot me and take my stuff, only do it from a distance" sign to hungry people. Chances are you would never see the bullet coming, ask the guys who were holed up in Sarajevo about snipers. During civilized times walking around dressed like a paramilitary soldier will just get you unwanted attention. IMHO. Anyway I hope your strategy works for you. :thumbup:
 
I'd suggest that you stay away from anything that looks "tactical" so you stay off of other people's radar.

Try to keep your kit, especially in a car, looking as unobtrusive as possible. Better to make your gear look like a "dirty gym bag" than a loaded kit full of goodies that other people may be willing to kill you for.
 
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