"This would be a kick ass thing to have, even though its in early stages of development and you have to know how to maintain it, it would still be a great thing to have. No worries about it becoming infected if animals can. It can hold up to 340 lbs of equipment, and moves just as gracefully as any pack animal.

http://www.bostondynamics.com/robot_bigdog.html

Pretty cool i think."

"Since the dawn of time man has used beasts of burden to carry his loads.

If your going to bug out on foot wouldn't it be nice if you had a pack animal to carry some of the load?

I've realized most people shoot down the idea of using horses for transportation simply because they don't know how to ride. I believe anyone could learn to lead a horse, donkey, or mule in no time. A mule would be your best choice simply because they are the alpha load bearing animal. Roman foot soldiers used them to great effect.

They even make backpacks for dogs that one of the large breeds could shoulder with no problem. They also (I shit you not) make packs for goats. Latch on to a nanny and kid and you got a portable drink fountain and some meat if things get rough.

Its not for everyone I know but its something to think about if your not going to use vehicles. Would you waste more energy packing 50lbs. on your back or leading an animal at the end of a rope with 4 times that amount (in the case of a horse, donkey or mule) on his back that could be used for food if things got rough?

Imagine packing 4 times the gear your packing in your BOB now. You could add some more firearms to your list as well. They would be handy for dragging big game back to camp as well as firewood."