Hi everyone I am new to the site and new to prepping. I am starting my BOB and I wanted to know what type of backpacks or what you use for the bags.
Thanks for the help I hope to learn a lot here.
Zach
I like the Kelty MAP 3500. Does everything you need it to do, packs EDC items, doesn’t look too tactical.
I use an old alice pack you see them everywhere and they are good solid and cheap.
I have a Kifaru Express and my Wife has a Kifaru XRay. Great bags and we can add pouches to the outside if we need to make them bigger.
I just started using a Blue Force Gear mini-dapper pack, and have to say, I am pleased so far.
I wanted something that didn’t scream tactical like my molle covered SOTech Mission Pack. Had been looking at the dapper system for a while and when they posted close out colors at $59 (reg $149) I snagged an Urban Bronze.
Will post some photos in the coming days, working on a review now.
Terra Nova Ultra 20 liter cuben fibre pack that weighs in at 0.25 lbs. I think the thing about bugging out is moving fast, so no heavy packs here.
Cuben has proven itself on AT and PCT thruhikes, so it should be sturdy enough for a BOB.
What do you guys think about the kelty Yukon 48 or 50?
I use a Kelty Falcon 4000 as a primary BOB, and Eagle A-IIIs (both the MOLLE and non-MOLLE versions) as secondary packs.
Currently Natchez has an AMAZING sale on Eagle A-III packs. Other retailers still have these packs listed at full MSRP while Natchez has them 50% off.
If you go the Eagle route, do yourself a favor and get the Eagle A-III Pack Accessory Pouch Set, the Eagle A-III Pack Frame, and the Eagle A-III Pack Non-Slip Shoulder Strap Covers, SKD is the only place I have been able to find these accessories in stock.
If I wasn’t on a budget I would just get Kifaru or Mystery Ranch and call it a day.
Edited to add: Eberlestock is worth a look as well.
Yeah that is why I asked because I am on a budget and I know there are big dollar bags out there I just didn’t know if they are worth it.
I am not sure if a Cordura 1000 ir really a necessity, or if a lighter Cordura variety would be enough, like a 500. Hell maybe even a poly fabric might do the job.
IIRC, Kifaru has a serious light weight pack made of poly, and they say it supports a heavy load. Here: http://www.kifaru.net/KU.html
Stitching quality and the liberal use of bias tape play a major role in pack load carriage, IMO.
A heavily built pack put additional constraints on what you can carry, because you are already carrying a SOB heavy pack + the heavy stuff on the inside… A 3lbs pack means you are leaving a quart of water behind…or something else important compared to a 1pound pack.
I have a Motherlode in DCU, while the pack is very good and usually recommended for a BOB, that SOB is heavy and an attention magnet, due to unusual color scheme (DCU is not very common in Brazil)
Also, depending on whom you ask, going for the non-tactical look might be a good way.
Sounds like the Eagle A-III is just what you are looking for if you want a traditional “3-Day Pack”.
Yeah I will have to look into it. I liked the idea of getting all the stuff your going to put in the bag and put it in a box and measure so you know how big of a bag to get.
ALICE works well and doesn’t attract as much attention as you’d think. You can set up a large ALICE w/frame and Tactical Tailor Superstraps for less than $70 if you shop around for the pack/frame.
If I were going to spend the kind of money some of the tacticool packs cost I’d buy a muted color Arc’teryx or Gregory.
Basic article on packing a pack:
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/loading+backpack.html
Checklist for backpacking which when firearm with (REASONABLE) supply of ammunition (think, 5-6 loaded mags) is added makes a good BOB list:
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpacking+checklist.html
ETA: Based on my experience backpacking I avoid packs that use zippers on any large pockets (Actually, I prefer NO zippers, but that isn’t always possible).
I’ve been eyeing the Osprey Kestrel 58 in Green/White for a while now. I would rather get a more civie colored pack and get a multicam pack cover for when you need to blend, or of course when it rains.
I have a bit of a pack addiction…
I have owned several, I mean MOST over the last few years. I will tell you to find one that you like that is not too big, but can expand out if need be. Spend the money on a good one now and get used to it.
Mehhh, so you have a pack fetish. I’m sure you wife does the same with handbags. . .
I have a nice pack made in Bozeman… Mystery Ranch. Good stuff honestly. All hand made and very comfortable/durable.
And shoes…can’t forget about her shoes…:jester:
Heard many good things about them.
I’m running the ATS Cobra. It IS my pack… for everything. I shoot off of it, and it goes with me everytime I head out to the range.