Advice on setting up a get-home bag

Tactical Gear Tactical Gear
1

I’m setting up a lightweight “EDC” or “get-home” bag (GHB) that can also be for common uses like commuting to work, day trips/hikes, etc. (note this is different from the "bug-out “or 3-day assault/survival” pack). Sorry this is long-ish post, but I have no experience with high quality packs and gear-slinging systems apart from holsters. So I did some research including reading threads from the archive here, and worked up some requirements, plus a list of possible brands/models to buy. Wanted to run this by the forum and get input from experienced users before I buy.

My basic usages would be two-fold:

  • Main use: as a GHB. I would keep the emergency/survival gear permanently in the bag, even when using for secondary purposes.
  • Secondary use: as an all-purpose, EDC, commute-to-work, day-hiker, or airline personal-items bag. Ideally would like it to be able to carry a modest amount of personal stuff, such as a laptop when going to work, or a few books and a Maxpedition EDC bag, etc.

Some questions:

  • Is this a bad idea, taking a GHB whose main purpose is survival, and then make it sort of dual-purpose so you can use as an EDC bag? Is there a better setup I should look at?

  • For this type of bag, what are the trade-offs (besides weight, obviously) between a 1-strap vs a 2-strap pack? Would I be just as well off to get a 1-strap for the simplicity and possible weight savings, or is a 2-strap traditional backpack more robust and a better all-around survival option, even for a lightweight GHB?

  • Should I get a pack that can include full 100oz hydration, or for THIS type of pack, should I just keep it lighter/smaller, and stick with some water purification stuff?

  • A very important requirement for me to consider is water-resistance features. Where we live (NW), it’s very damp and there’s rain almost 8 months of the year. Besides the general water resistance of the material used, it’s also good to have a pack that has well thought-out features to keep stuff dry, like protecting fabric over the zipper areas. Any of the well known pack options that are better than others for water resistance?

  • What would be some good packs to buy that meet most of these requirements? I’ve been looking at a few different configurations of GHB bags, so far mostly at Maxpedition:

  • The large, 1-strap type that can fit a 100oz hydration. One example, the Monsoon, has 1600 cu in. of storage, holds a laptop, has special features for water resistance, and has optional hydration. The Kodiak is a bit smaller and lighter, but similar. These look pretty useful and because of the size, lets you dual-purpose them as I want to do.

  • The lighter, 1-strap Versipack approach. These are more like a fancy “messenger bag” format. An example is their Fatboy model, or the new Jumbo EDC. These look nifty and light. But for now, I’m leaning more towards the larger GearSlinger series, because the extra size makes it easier for me to use them as multi-purpose.

  • The duffle-bag or gear-bag approach, also single-strap. An example is the Eagle Escape and Evasion bag. But this doesn’t look as “carryable” to me as most of the other options here.

  • Or, back to the traditional 2-strap backpack approach. Plenty of Maxpedition entries, North face, or nicer options, Kirafu (but out of my current price range). Many other brands of course. But I want to first figure out if I should go with this FORMAT, before worrying about which brand to get.

Right now I’m learning toward the Maxpedition 1-strap gear-slinger type packs, but I’m definitely open to other ideas.

2

Before we can go farther we need to know what range we are talking. 5 mile prep and 50 mile preparations are very different.

3

Id look into a 5.11 Rush 24 or 12.

Lots of nice little pockets for $hit. And supposedly its water resistant. Id still keep a garbage bag handy for Water proofing on the go.
Price is right too. I handled one yesterday, personally gona pick one up.

4

+1

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5

Have you looked at Timbuk 2?? Not cheap but very high quality stuff. You might find what you are looking for there.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/

6

Last year I was on a major U campus and saw so many T2 messenger bags, I thought they had done an airdrop. Bunches of them with docs and med students as well. They blend in well, and pass unnoticed.

7

My get-home range (from work) is about 15 miles. The reason I’m leaning toward the slightly larger 1-strap bags (gearslinger series) from Maxpedition is that they have enough space to make them useful for my dual-purpose carry, such as carrying a laptop too/from work, or carrying enough stuff to be useful on a long day-hike with the family.

However, one friend pointed out to me another valid way to look at this: in an emergency, you ain’t probably going to want to lug the laptop (and I already have a laptop and other PC’s at home, so I wouldn’t need the work one for an emergency). So, why not go with a lighter GHB type bag that can carry some gear, but not so large as to require a laptop?

Still thinking…

8

The one strap bags get real uncomfortable once the load passes about 15 pounds or so. Learn from my experience. My Maxpedition Kodiak was reassigned from GHB to diaper bag.

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9

If you need to big out of work, who gives a damn about your computer?
15 miles is a healthy hike.
I would carry a poncho since you are in the north west.
A pair of good hiking boots and 2 pairs of wool socks.
An insulating layer may be required depending on the season
A pack of freeze dried chow
Small camp stove like a jet boil or pocket rocket with a container to heat water and a can of fuel.
Carabiner coffee mug from REI. There is no acceptable substitute to this.
Starbucks VIA insta brew, for morale.
A good pair of hiking pants and compression shorts are a good idea.
A decent fixed blade
550 cord
Water purification tabs
3 liter hydration bladder
Emergency blanket
Small med kit
Fire source. Zippo or matches. Bic works too

Depending on how deep your scenario or what you are thinking, a firearm of some sort and a few magazines.

Get your gear in order then get an appropriate size pack. I am still trying to find the right pack for me, so a cant suggest more there. This is my minimum equipment list for that kind of hike.

If there is a systemic failure of society and avoiding people becomes necessary, count on doubling the distance home and plan accordingly. More food stuff, ammo, etc.

Hope this helps.

10

Btw, two straps is a must.

11

Good points, all. I’ve been wondering about the 2 straps thing, especially after you’ve gone a few miles.

Also, Skintop raises a good point about “blending in.” If you get a bag that looks too ‘tactical’ in color, style, or both, you may become a target for somebody who wants a weapon or your other stuff.

Going with that idea of a more modest-looking GHB that ‘blends in’, I looked some more at the North Face offerings, since these are widely carried by tourists, students, and hikers in the NW. The NF ‘Recon’, for instance, has room to carry either a laptop (when used as EDC), or in that same compartment, you can also have a hydration bladder.

http://www.amazon.com/North-Face-Recon-Backpack-Black/dp/B003SA4AUK

12

Just a few points that most have already touched on.

-“Sling bags” get very uncomfortable with more than about 10-15 lbs in them
-With a 15 mile commute, you can bet your ass you’ll be out for just about 24 hrs (or more) if you have to go on foot.
-I personally wouldn’t carry any food (at least not more than a few granola/protein bars), but a bladder that is stored in the bag is a good idea. You will be able to find enough potable water in the early stages of a “civil breakdown” that you’ll be able to fill it and go.
-If you want to have it as dual purpose GHB/EDC pack, then I would stick with solid colors, limited molle webbing, and less tactical look. If you go with molle, get black…can’t see the webbing as well with black
-Keep the bag reletively small
-A firearm and a couple extra mags and ammo wouldn’t be a bad idea…observing local carry laws of course.
-Remember, not ALL your gear has to be carried in your bag at ALL times

I personally have both the 5.11 Rush 12 and 24. I use the 24 for hunting and a bag I can take on a plane if I need the extra space. I use the 12 as an GHB/EDC pack like you want to do. It is in black, and I’ve toyed with removing all the molle webbing…just haven’t messed with it yet…It’s a small pack so I keep some med supplies, empty 100oz water bladder, multi-tool, firearm (when I’m not carrying it), and a couple extra loaded mags in mine (this is in addition to what I have ON me, such as a knife and flashlight). In fact, its pretty much empty when I carry it around. The rest of my gear sits in my truck with the thought that I’d be able to at least get to my truck to retrieve it if I need to.

This is the only piece of 5.11 gear that I own, and if you go with the Rush series, you won’t be dissapointed with its construction. Very nice bag!

13

My “GHB” is a Maxpedition Sitka and they do a great job of making it comfortable for a long time I still think 2 shoulder straps are better.

as far as what is in there I have a lot of the same as the running list except, I hate coffee so none of that and I dont plan on my 10-30 mile hike taking long enough for me to need to cook food so I rotate lots of bars and GU

I have gloves in there too, just cause.

also I dont keep it in the bag but in my truck is a tomahawk that I will take with me if I can.

14

I have the Osolo Echo’s and couldn’t be happier. Good traction, support, and fairly light weight.

15

Good tip. I also don’t have any other 5.11 gear, but after checking out the Rush series that Ironman recommended, it looks like Kyle Lamb gave input to the design of the series and they look pretty well designed. I am checking out the Rush 12 or Rush 24 for a GHB.

Updated, here’s the list of traditional 2-strap backpacks I’ve sort of narrowed it down to. Couldn’t find weights on all of them, but these all seem to meet most of my specs.

ATS RAid 2 (1512 in, $180)
TAD Fastpack Litespeed (1300 in, 4.5 lbs, $239)
Camelback Hawg 500 (1400 in, 2.64 lbs, $120)
Eagle Patrol Pack (1512 in, $159)
5.11 Rush 24 (2000 in, 3.6 lbs, $99)
Maxpedition Falcon 2 (1520 in, 3.5 lbs, $100)
FirstSpear Exigent Circumstance - ECP (1060 in, 1.74 lbs, $213)

16

I would say get a bag and keep it set up and separate and not use it for anything else. One that blends in (no Molle and FDE or Army green), not expensive looking, with two straps. main things for a one-day or even overnight are water and maybe some protein bars or beef jerky, cliff bars and/or chocolate, and weather protection. 5-hour energy drinks anyone?..

protection from weather - rain gear and extra warmth layers are essential but I always bring a jacket even in nice weather, so whatever’s appropriate for your area and season. I normally wear gortex hiking shoes and wool socks all the time but if you can’t, maybe keeping them with your bag would work. also if you normally wear nice clothes to work or wherever, I would keep some casual clothes (jeans, shirt, etc…) in there as well.

a poncho (and maybe a liner) is really good for keeping everything dry with a pack on and you can wrap up in it to sleep if you have to. a hat, bandana, and spare socks are nice. a few packets of wet-ones and some hand sanitizer, chap stick, sunscreen, and Ibuprofen are really nice…

a FAK, stout knife and/or multitool, light/spare batts, maybe even some lume sticks are next. some 550-cord, a few zip-ties and compressed roll of 100mph tape could literally be a life saver…

cash in small bills and maybe a spare debit or credit card is handy.

in my bag I also have a small pair of Stiener 8x22 binoculars - very handy…

if you don’t already CCW, a weapon and spare mags if you’re so inclined. I CCW but have two scenarios that I envision - one involves just a bad day, and the other is a Rodney King riots style deal.

I have a folding stock Mini-14, 26.25" long with Aimpoint R1 for the really, really bad day scenario where I’m basically trying to escape a war zone. this is something that I readily admit is improbable but no one expected it in LA either…

that, loaded with one 20rd, and two spare 30rd mags, fits in a folding chair bag that I padded out so it doesn’t look like a gun inside. at the time, I would have to decide whether it was worth it to hump it, or chain it through the receiver to the inside of the trunk and hope for the best. I’d probably take it though as it’s less than 8lbs as set up.

I wonder if this is too much but I expect in even the worst of times, once I get out of the “hot” zone, I could probably find some transpo, either public or private. in any case, my priority would be to not look like Mr. Gucci or Rambo on patrol but just a poor guy trying to get home…

17

I forgot to add the solio bolt to solar power my phone if I need to. I assume the phone wont work as a phone but in case I need to see a map or read a survival manual for a reminder

18

I bought a black T2 bag in 2008 when I was in Asia and it’s still going strong now, albeit a bit worn in certain areas. That bag served as a daily commute to the office/ psuedo-briefcase, as well as an overnight or weekend bag for trips. It’s been with me through backpacking trips in central Asia, Xinjiang, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines and Korea. It’s been stuffed on 3rd world train luggage racks under all sorts of curious items, stepped on and used as a make-shift umbrella.

So basically, they’re well-constructed, blend in in an urban environment, yet retain functionality without. Only caveats being, they’re not cheap and don’t expect to weigh it down with gear, carry it all over the place and not have your back and shoulders sore as shit; messenger bags suck at load carriage.

19

FWIW, Timbuk2 makes backpacks as well. But for a 15 mile trek, I’d prefer something with a padded waistbelt.

My walk home is around 30 miles by bike path. My GHB is significantly more “robust” than most others as a result of the distance.

20

what situation do you envision needing to walk the entire 30 miles home? I did a 20-miler in one day to get the Hiking Merit Badge and I didn’t need a waistbelt on my bag. I also spend a couple days at a time living out of my Eagle A3 and don’t have the belt attached. I’m not mountaineering but I don’t think you would be either just trying to make it home.

so without taking this thread into the realm of the “Survival” forum, what kind of needs/gear are you envisioning?