There are way too many options for bug out bags that it can be a little overwhelming choosing one unless you have experience with other packs for other applications.  There are many very complication breaks downs of what to look for so we are going to keep choosing a bug out bag simple.

Volume: At Least 3500 cubic inches – I have tried to put together a good bug out bag time and time again with lessor backs and it just isn’t enough space for multiple days of supplies

Color- Something low key- civilian outdoor colors are terrible for not being seen, example: I own an osprey that I use for recreational backpacking and I kid you not its neon orange red and black..in an urban survival situation you want to make sure both you and your BOB can hide if need be.

Fit:  Spend the money and get a pack that is fully adjustable.  Many people don’t know what its like to carry around a 50 plus lb bag for days at a time but trying to do so with a poorly fitting pack will kill your back.  ITS WORTH IT

Config: Lots of pockets is better! BOB don’t really need to hold large singular items so its best to use a bag that does your gear sorting for you, its really difficult to access your gear if its all in one big pouch and what you need is right in the middle.

Frame: This is a source of much debate and I will just claim my side right now.  CHOOSE AN EXTERNAL FRAME PACK.  External frames tend to hold more better.  That osprey I mentioned earlier is a great example.  Its an internal frame contoured pack and almost the same volume as my current bug our bag but it only holds about 60% of what i need due to its odd contoured shape.  My external framed BOB is a nice square main compartment with no odd curves keeping me from storing straight objects like tent poles, a shotgun, or even a shovel.  These external frames are great for additional use, from clipping other gear to them with MOLE or carabiners to being able to modify them for use as a sled in the snow…seriously they are way better, yes you will look like a boy scout but you will be better prepared

Now that you have a good guideline to what to look for in a bug out bag let me warn you of what to avoid: Almost everything you find easily in a retail setting branded as “Tactical” is a piece of junk, avoid it like the plague, they don’t work better, no one things you are cooler, and girls wont want to date you more..so forget about it.  Go for quality and fit before anything else.

Tomorrow I will be reviewing my BOB, until then all 3 of you will just have to wait to see what I use…I know the suspense is killing you.

Tags: BOB, Bug Out, Gear, Survival

This entry was posted on Monday, September 28th, 2009 at 9:01 am and is filed under Gear. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.