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The_Anomoly |
Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 12:35 PM EDT
Haven't seem a thread specifically listing the best bags for BOBs. I currently have a "Fox Tactical Military MOLLE Jumbo Transport Patrol Duffle Carry Bag & Backpack" which works great for traveling I can carry almost as much as I want, and can add more when needed with MOLLE. This is my current BOB, however, There are several limitations with it that I want to rectify.For one, it's ACU which looks great (I get compliments on the bag everywhere I go) however, it does attract unwanted attention. It's also huge which is awesome I've had over 2 weeks of clothes packed into it before, however without a waist belt, and frame it can become quite uncomfortable when fully loaded. and lastly, the backpack straps aren't the most comfortable, and actually my regular backpack (Oakley AP Backpack 3.0) is more comfortable to wear. But, this bag was not really intended as a BOB and as such, has worked great for now. I've been looking into either a Kifaru EMR or AG2 as my BOB rather than using my current travel bag. What is you're favorite/ideal bag for a BOB? 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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oldannyboy37 |
1. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 1:11 PM EDT
| Post edited: Apr 9 2012, 1:26 PM EDT
I ended up buying a large ALICE pack. I use it for backpack camping but it's also being stocked with other supplies to be used as a multi-day BOB. I bought the large because I'd rather have a lot of un-used space as opposed to not having enough space when I'm backpack camping. Right now it has my camping hammock in it. I'm fixing to throw in some fire starting materials, more water and water containment/purification, a first aid and trauma kit, some TP, some light non-perishable meals, 150 foot of para cord (I like to use a lot when I set up camps), some duct tape/zip ties, a large tarp, a decent sleeping bag, some trash bags (preferably the contractor type), some spare clothes and socks, some rain gear, and I'll probably carry a small cook kit. I'll probably use the space in between the back of the pack and the rear of the frame to mount a camping axe as well. I'm probably forgetting something that I'll have stuffed down in there, but whatever. It will probably have a break down rifle and some spare tools in it too; depending on whether I'm using it as a BOB or a camping rig. It's not the most comfortable pack I've seen or worn, but I wanted something extra large that would last a lifetime. I'm probably going to upgrade the shoulder straps and add some closed cell foam in the back support area to make it more comfy. EDIT. I normally carry a toothbrush and toothpaste lol; foot care products as well. Do you find this valuable? |
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epic_epicness |
2. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 1:32 PM EDT
"I ended up buying a large ALICE pack. I use it for backpack camping but it's also being stocked with other supplies to be used as a multi-day BOB.I prefer the Draco 3-day and 5-day assault packs Do you find this valuable? |
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oldannyboy37 |
3. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 1:46 PM EDT
"I prefer the Draco 3-day and 5-day assault packs "Those are probably more suitable BOBs. I'm also using mine to camp out of and backpack, so I really needed something a little bit bigger. I don't really car camp, so anything I need to last a week or two I'll need to have in my bag. That and the fact that if other people go with me, I generally end up carrying some of their crap on me. I'm still looking to pick up a smaller bag though; so I might take a look at those. Do you find this valuable? |
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LJ126 |
4. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 2:41 PM EDT
| Post edited: Apr 9 2012, 2:48 PM EDT
Y'all can keep using that military stuff, but it's not for me. Here's part of the reason why:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvnD7O_9ehM (Long video but all of it is important.) If you live in a city, in most disasters you're probably going to have to deal with National Guard and law enforcement, especially if you decide to bug-in instead of evacuate. In most disasters, law enforcement and guardsmen are shipped in from elsewhere to help out; there will be lots of them. It might take some time before they get there, but eventually they will. If you're bugging out, you've gotta get past their checkpoints first, and then you're headed somewhere people are still residing. You want everyone's attention? Think about what image you're telegraphing. Frankly, if I saw folks geared up GI Joe-style after a big disaster or emergency, walking around my neighborhood, I would automatically consider them dangerous and potentially hostile. I would be extra weary of these rough-and-tumble appearing folks if I thought humanity could potentially go extinct. Maricely and I both use earth-toned civilian hiking gear because we want to avoid looking like "Joe Survivalist." Our stuff is a little more expensive, but I believe it's worth every penny to be able to blend-in with the crowd because we live in town. We can walk around town with our stuff packed and it doesn't raise any eyebrows at all. Additionally, high quality hiking gear tends to be higher quality because it's not made by the lowest bidder, and the QC tends to be top-notch. Here's a link to my BOB, I'll do an updated article for it in June: http://www.zombiesurvivalwiki.com/page/LJ%27s+Bugout+Bag+-+January+2012 Maricely has recently replaced her bag with a very attractive Mountainsmith pack. I'll see if I can get her to post up pictures of her kit tonight. 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
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The_Anomoly |
5. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 2:43 PM EDT
I've seen quite a few people talking about the old ALICE packs, and they seem to love them. But, for me, after using a MOLLE system, I couldn't Imagine using anything else. I trust the opinion of people here more than I would a random review on the internet. I've heard it mentioned once before that Kifaru packs are among the best out, does anyone here have any experience with them?From what I saw online, they seem to have huge packs, with a very comfortable frame system. Do you find this valuable? |
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The_Anomoly |
6. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 2:54 PM EDT
"Y'all can keep using that military stuff, but it's not for me. Here's part of the reason why:This is exactly why I want to get away from my ACU bag. Don't get me wrong, I love the way it looks, but as a BOB, I think it's less than ideal. I'm thinking the EMR in a Coyote Brown, with black MOLLE pouches would be a good way to go. I'm thinking the brown/black combo could make it look a bit less like military. Similar to this civilian hiking pack: http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00IvTQfMbzJncH/Sport-Bag-Backpack-Mountain-Bag-Hiking-Bag-BBAG-028-.jpg Do you find this valuable? |
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LJ126 |
7. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 4:21 PM EDT
Definitely on board Anomoly; I was mostly posting to explain why someone would want to avoid the military look. It's frustrating because military surplus is usually well-priced and it's the right colors for the outdoors, and also generally rock solid tough, but you better believe it'll turn heads. I'm all about keeping it low-profile and discreet.You could get a civilian bag and have it professionally altered; PALS webbing can be added to just about anything. You'd probably be better off taking it somewhere rather than trying to do it at home because most synthetic backpack materials tend to run when punctured. Dunno how much it would cost but it's certainly an option. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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Jamez820 |
8. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 4:26 PM EDT
You could use a nonchalant bag in case of unwanted attention, baseball bags and guitar bags can be worn on your back and can store weapons and whatever else you need, I would just think you were some crazy thinking he can save music from becoming history or that he would become popular among survivors.
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Zee-Man |
9. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 6:21 PM EDT
I am of the same opinion as LJ. I chose a red color. Not as bold as hunter orange but still visible. I will not be profiled as paramilitary. Like ODB, I use mine regularly. I don't often go places where I might get lost (hard to when you get the maps, do the orienteering, have a GPS AND a lensatic compass) but should I get injured, I want rescue to be as easy as possible.See my BOB on my profile, I also have a video review of the bag and a link to its contents as well as my other survival containers. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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The_Anomoly |
10. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 6:25 PM EDT
"You could use a nonchalant bag in case of unwanted attention, baseball bags and guitar bags can be worn on your back and can store weapons and whatever else you need, I would just think you were some crazy thinking he can save music from becoming history or that he would become popular among survivors."thats what I do with my paintball marker. You should see the looks I get walking around with a violin case. Nobody expects it to contain my paintball marker. in a survival situation, a case like mine would be perfect for a carbine. hmm, as ugly as it is, a K-tec 2000 is becoming more appealing. Do you find this valuable? |
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=jesse= |
11. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 6:35 PM EDT
I have a brown molle backpack. I like it, holds all my gear plus a camel back. For zombie scenario, I like that I can hang other ammo pouches. For other normal disasters (if there is such a thing) it's good enough to strap tight to my body and carry what I need. My wife has a brighter orange (not hunter) and black hard mountain hiking backpack. It has roughly the same space and features (minus the molle). If we're talking zombies, I have a thigh pouch for ak mags and my ak on my sling. If someone spots me first, I don't think it'll be the backpack that identifies me as a threat. For general hiking, my wife and I will usually go a few miles into the mountains. Sometimes on trails, sometimes off. We let people know where we're going, and carry what we should. I'm not too concerned with color unless it's snowing...which it does a lot here in Colorado. Hmm...in writing this I think I've convinced myself I bought the wrong backpack. Do you find this valuable? |
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oldannyboy37 |
12. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 6:46 PM EDT
I agree with LJ for the most part. I live in a fairly small town and if I "bug out" I won't be headed through large crowds or crowded neighborhoods. The ALICE pack is pulling double duty with me; I mostly went with it because I wanted something that would be big enough to hold the gear for me and my friends when camping as well as being tough enough to last a life time. Do you find this valuable? |
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Braydonn |
13. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 8:02 PM EDT
The bag I am using for my BOB is an old rugby bag, I thought it would be sufficient for the purpose. It's an ugly maroon colour and goes over one shoulder.I went on a camping trip this past Easter weekend and I took my BOB to see how it would feel lugging it around a little. I am definitely going to be looking for a new bag because after about 100m of walking my shoulder was starting to get quite sore, the bag is definitely not made for comfort. I am glad I tested it before I actually had to bug out or else I would have been in a world of hurt. I will probably switch it over to a regular backpack until I can find something a little better for the purpose. Do you find this valuable? |
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The_Anomoly |
14. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 8:36 PM EDT
"The bag I am using for my BOB is an old rugby bag, I thought it would be sufficient for the purpose. It's an ugly maroon colour and goes over one shoulder.I'd look for a bag with a waist belt, it allows you to carry your bags weight on your hips, which is much easier. Do you find this valuable? |
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ViolentKisses |
15. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 8:40 PM EDT
| Post edited: Apr 9 2012, 8:43 PM EDT
The Anomoly I took at both the Kifaru EMR and AG2 packs you mentioned and it seems to me you could get the best of both worlds in the CHIEF Patrol Pack from Granite Tactical Gear.I don't currently own the pack but i've been following it from its conception and have talked with the owner ((I'm really hoping it will come out in a A-TACS FG version)) It is large sorta like the EMR but with a ergonomic 3D molded frame like the AG2. It is definitely my next bag purchase. I currently own a Camelbak trizip however with my small frame it makes me alittle top heavy. ((god knows i'm not used used to that)) That being said i'm holding off on buying till after ATACS brand camo opens up licencing and Granite Tactical Gear decides if they want to go with that pattern. For now i'm sticking with my Camelbak Trizip. My Trizip is a good pack in its own right however its really not made for women. ((especially ones not used to being top heavy)) The CHIEF Patrol Pack was really designed by a dedicated group of people whom put tons of effort and forethought into every single piece of it that doesn't exist on other packs that i've seen. Thing like pivot point hardware on the shoulders and hip belt so the pack moves naturally with the body. Dual Water bladder outs and just general overbuilt durability and adjustability. You should take a look at it and the materials and the features and make up your own mind if you can donate enough blood this month to pay fthe heavy price tag on this pack. Go here and scroll down to check the features. http://www.granitegear.com/PDF/chiefmanual2011_nsn.pdf Do you find this valuable? |
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ViolentKisses |
16. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 9:02 PM EDT
FYI I don't like telling people they have to get a certain pack that just happens to be the ultimate pack for me. You could certainly do fine with maxpedition or another brand for far less money.
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Zee-Man |
17. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 9:19 PM EDT
VK, hove you experimented with slinging your pack lower? Not that I know, but in another thread about BOBs it was mentioned that women carry loads from the hip where men carry from the shoulder.Food for thought. . Do you find this valuable? |
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Jahadaz |
18. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 9:39 PM EDT
I went down to the surplus store and picked which one felt the best on my back for my price range. That's generally how I shop. If it makes me look paramilitary, so be it. I assume I won't be the only person running around with a black backpack on ;)
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The_Anomoly |
19. RE: Best Bags for BOBs
Apr 9 2012, 10:36 PM EDT
"FYI I don't like telling people they have to get a certain pack that just happens to be the ultimate pack for me. You could certainly do fine with maxpedition or another brand for far less money."Thats fine, I like knowing what everyone else is using, so i can figure out what to get next. I have to admit, I'm not really sold on the Chief Patrol, it doesn't quite seem my taste. That being said, I decided to browse their other packs, I LIKE the Flatbed! Ilike the open versatility that system has. I'm browsing online right now looking for reviews of it. Do you find this valuable? |