- Tue Mar 20, 2012 4:03 pm
#31844
Just as important as the contents, is the container.
Light bugout bags for high mobility and short duration is ideal if you are relatively close to your bugout location. Pretty much any strong well built unobtrusive backpack will serve.
For longer field trek bags, I prefer a custom build.
Steel frame, straps, kidney belt, from large Alice backpack. Provides excellent support and comfortable carry of heavy items for long trips. I am perhaps biased in my opinion due to familiarity. Carried the damned things for years and way too many miles over rough and muddy terrain back in my army days.
Large heavy waterproof canvas duffel bag, wrapped like an eggroll in canvas tarps, black and cammo, then strapped to frame. Much more capacity than the regular large Alice backpack. Much sturdier construction material. Tarps come off and double as water resistant tent shelter and ground cover, for collecting rain water, as a blind for concealment, etc.
Folding-wheel heavy duty travel luggage dolly under the frame. Can be used to tow the cargo on level ground when you're sick of carrying it. Can be used to move heavier objects like filled collapsible 5gal water containers, etc. Comes apart and can be used as a pulley system for hoisting heavy objects up and down vertical elevations like trees, cliffs, etc.
Nothing must rattle or reflect. Looks like jerry rigged crap that a hobo might use. Doesn't look anything like an expensive and attractive target. Easily holds 150lbs of gear. Quickly breaks down into sub-components with alternative uses.
Have different bags for different purposes. Light evac bag straps easily onto heavy trekking supplies bag. Different field duffels for different climate and locale conditions.
Remember that the bugout bag is not a long duration survival pack. It is merely a 'bug-out' bag, containing essential supplies to allow one to reach your long duration cache/shelter on foot, if need be. Like if your vehicle got disabled. A bugout bag is not a 'hunkering down' bag.
The size and capabilities of the bag determine the balance between mobility and endurance. The lighter and more mobile the pack, the more you will be dependent on scrounging if it takes longer than expected to reach your intended destination. Don't go overboard and unnecessarily burden yourself to the point where you tire easily or become an easy target.
The Freedom Shoppe
25 Old State Road, New Milford, CT 06776
(860) 350-3502
Class 7 FFL (Manufacturer), black rifles, customization, prototyping, consignments, layaways, $25 transfers.