…… I need a new Bug Out Bag (BOB) pack. Recommendations wanted.

gunwish

Senior Member
I need a new Bug Out Bag (BOB) pack.

I currently have an older Mystery Ranch pack. It is a great bag and holding up well. The problem is lack of MOLLE for attachments and only one has main compartment and 2 smaller compartments on the sides. It is big enough to have everything that I need, but keeping everything organized is a nightmare. I have been looking at newer pack and they lots of little pockets and the ability to add attachments.

What do you have or recommend?

Not really worried about price. Buy once, cry one. Looking for a pack that will hold up well and has a few different compartments
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
Go to the nearest REI or other outdoors store and inspect / wear some different packs. I like the women's 35L Osprey (forgot the other name) but you might find something that works for you.

Some packs look good but they aren't meant to be worn for hours on end. I've tried Kelty and a few others. I keep coming back to Osprey. They just fit me better.
 

Millwright

Knuckle Dragger
_______________
Packs are so 1980s.

Step it up a notch.


OIP.3xEuZZydKbTVGbdqZPwkOwHaE8
 

L.A.B.

Goodness before greatness.
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gunwish

Senior Member
Go to the nearest REI or other outdoors store and inspect / wear some different packs. I like the women's 35L Osprey (forgot the other name) but you might find something that works for you.

Some packs look good but they aren't meant to be worn for hours on end. I've tried Kelty and a few others. I keep coming back to Osprey. They just fit me better.
I will look into that, thanks.

It has been years since I have looked a packs and am curious what new products are out there
 

Toosh

Veteran Member
Mystery Ranch is a great bag. Not sure you'll find one better. But then, I go for the grayman-look. If your only complaint is organization then maybe find an organizational system. I have a Mystery Ranch. I think it's the Alligator. Probably 25 liters or so - it holds all that I can carry. It's a blush color (as far away from tactical as I could get). It's a single pouch with small side pockets. I organize contents by modules. Modules are in labeled, 1 gallon ziplock freezer bags. Clothing is in a nylon drybag. 1 gal bags are the perfect size to stand up in the bag, like a filing cabinet on top of clothes. This makes it easy to grab a module. I'm big on having an inventory list inside each module so I know exactly what's in there.

If you really want tactical, molly and pouches then check out the Mission Darkness Bags, specifically the dryshield with faraday shielding. Costs an arm and a leg but well worth it. Mission Darkness™ Dry Shield Faraday Backpack 40L
 

ComCamGuy

Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Kifaru, especially the older mil versions. Pop onto EBay and look for them. Depending on what your size needs,
search Kifaru Multicam Military Ruck, which gives an listing for a near perfect size Navigator. Or if you need the whole kitchen sink on you back, search Kifaru Military International EMR Ranger Green

i used my Navigator for six deployments starting in 2004, carrying up to a measured 130 lbs. it still looks like new today
 

Publius

TB Fanatic
Careful today many areas of the country such bags are not safe if left in a car the blacks will steal anything and a stuffed backpack to duffel bag they see could be full of valuable things like laptop and camera and gear.
 

Codeno

Veteran Member
I have a Gregory - laid out nicely, lots of compartments (which to be honest can be confusing at times), holds more than I care to carry, everything but the kitchen sink in there. Kind of spendy, they run $250 to $500ish.

 

naegling62

Veteran Member
I use a Condor 3 day pack. In the South East if your moving off trail you need the heavy material because standard weight fabric on Backpacking bags will get shredded moving though Pear, Water Oak and Chinese Privot.
 

ComCamGuy

Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Remember, mission drives the gear train

what size do you need?

remember you probably shouldn’t max pack your pack. Leave 15-20% still available to give room to add things you need but didn’t pack or items you come across and want to add. It will also help you avoid pack failure.

if I didn’t need a ton of space, but wanted comfort, maneuverability, durability, I would look at the Eagle made Becker Patrol packs or the second gen from Becker PATROL Pack Mark II - Free Shipping!!! (U.S.A. only)
 

Jackalope

Irregular
I use a Karrimor SF Thor 40, a light patrol pack. It's actually designed to be worn with body armor. It's one of the best packs I've owned, among Gregory, LL Bean, Eberlestock, etc. It does have Molle attachments, and it has provisions for antennas and wires, if you're a communications person.
 

custom2006

Senior Member
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ComCamGuy

Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
I've never had that kind of money.
I have to settle with what is affordable:


Ebay, surplus stores and just plain keeping an eye out. My first Navigator was the only large one I paid full retail fo, and that was 300 way back in 04. The rest came in time bit by bit, same with my Mystery Ranch med packs.

depending on needs, find a surplus store and look at their ACU stuff. its going dirt cheap compared to the rest since it’s no longer authorized. You can get an older Eagle or London Bridge three-day bag for under $100 that will outlast damn near anything. Same with old (pre- name molded into their buckles) Blackhawk.
 
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CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Granted as stated it depends on what you plan on doing etc......

This is one I have, it's called a 3 day pack, If you can't get to where you want to go in 3 days, or resupply in that time, you might want to reconsider what you want to do. Just saying.

1713268664923.png

It's a 3 day pack by Truspec.

 

ComCamGuy

Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
With the way the original poster described his needs, and a 'don't worry about it ' budget, perhaps the best concept would be to narrow down the volume requirements and the overall organizational capability. I failed to take it into account when I suggested the three-day profile versions I did. they have very little organizational pockets and such compared to others.

Since you are already Mystery Ranch familiar, then maybe one of their medical bags. I know they are pricy new from their website, but deals can be found and they have a ton of organizational capacity.


is day pack sized,

the next bigger would be the RATS-


found cheaper at Mystery Ranch RATS Medical Aid Backpack (Various NSN's) - The ArmyProperty Store

Or depending on your size requirements, First Spear has a couple good ones-



All of these are build solid and will last years of use and abuse, one of the primary concerns.
 

BadMedicine

Would *I* Lie???
Thrift stores are my go-to for backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags (medium sized duffel bags with a shoulder strap), Ski, musician, cello or golf bags, sometimes hardcase, sometimes rolling...

I bought a really cool soft case medium Guitar bag with velcro straps inside. Fits my 16" AR and gear PERFECTLY.

I've got a small thin gymbag looks like it might fit a laptop, fits my 7.5" AR PERFECTLY... in front sling, low ready position!

I've got a variety of different size & color & durability fanny packs. Great for a pistol in light clothing.

I see the Really nice military surplus and tactical kind above pretty often for about $25. They dont sell those ones too cheap but cheaper than retail and usually new/like new.

Also got a full sized AR case with all the front pockets and bunch of compartments for gear, will fit two or 3 ars i nthe main compartmetns, has back-pack oriented shoulder straps and an over-one-shoulder duffel-oriented strap. They're about $70 new, got it for $10. It is hot pink but.... haven't gotten around to rattle canning it "bayou" yet!

I know, you know, we know, I know.. THRIFT STORES & GARAGE SALE!
 

joannita

Veteran Member
If you are really on a budget, the National Guard does preparedness presentations, and if 50 people sign up, every family gets a sturdy back pack stuffed w useful items like MREs etc . DH just got the area churches to cooperate and bring them in.
 

ComCamGuy

Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
The first stage is to admit you have a problem…

just saying.

the really bad part is because of this post, I started doing totals in my head, purposely avoiding many others like the4 or 5 Alice pack systems in the attic, the 4 or 5 three-day style , the three Becker patrol packs, the Norwegian Bergans, and the at least 10-15 medic bags. The real bad thing is this is after clearing out a literal pickup load worth of tactical bags, pouches and other such gear
 
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Millwright

Knuckle Dragger
_______________
the really bad part is because of this post, I started doing totals in my head, purposely avoiding many others like the4 or 5 Alice pack systems in the attic, the 4 or 5 three-day style , the three Becker patrol packs, the Norwegian Bergans, and the at least 10-15 medic bags. The real bad thing is this is after clearing out a literal pickup load worth of tactical bags, pouches and other such gear

Gear-slut. :lol:
 

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
So I am wondering about flashlights and knives?
IMHO and this will vary as much as back packs:

For packing a Mini Maglight, with LED bulb, is my go to. Put it in the pack, or on a belt. And honestly, when hiking into the woods before daylight, or after nightfall, as much as I can, I still don't use a flashlight. Which is about 98% of the time. With a flashlight everybody knows its you. Without, just another creature walking in the woods. I still carry it though, to flash at other hunters moving through the wood with their flashlight on. Telling them, I'm already here, this isn't the hunting area you want, move along.

Knives like guns are made for a specific purpose. I keep a general purpose knife on me at all times. Gibbs rule No. 9. I use it for everything, from cutting tape to killing ticks. Not used for any food purposes.

For packing out:

A "Trapper" knife in my pocket for skinning small animals. Made by Case. I actually have several of these all with different material for handles.

A general purpose knife made by Buck clipped inside my pocket.

A bowie type knife made by Buck on my backpack. Mostly to be used butchering larger animals like deer.

A gut hook knife made by Buck for skinning, and dressing out, deer. Also in the pack.

A hatchet made by Gerber for light wood work, building stuff, (lean to's) cutting for fires. On the pack, but has a belt attachment.

A couple of stones for some fine sharpening, and a draw sharpener for mostly rough work, but can bring it down to fine work.

Also have a hunting knife made by Solingen out of Germany that is really old, and super sharp, that I keep in the pack as a back up. And a keep sake.
 
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