I am starting my first Bug Out Bag. I’ve packed for a bunch of backpacking and camping trips in my life but I have never had a Bug Out Bag.
I am going to write update articles here on Survival Cache when I add stuff to my BOB so new survivalists can follow along and I can ask questions and get ideas from the more experienced preppers out there.
Obviously a good place to start with your Bug Out Bag is the bag itself. I am going with a military surplus ALICE Pack for a couple of reasons. The main one being that it’s what I already have.
Sure there are lots of better bags out there but I really can’t afford to drop $100-200 bucks on a new pack right now and emergencies don’t wait for you to have all your gear ready. Something is better than nothing.
I’ve got a couple of other backpacks but I chose the ALICE because its heavy duty, durable, and I won’t miss it from my regular outdoor gear.
I have backpacked with this pack before, both with and without the frame. I haven’t decided if I am going to leave the frame on for my Bug Out Bag or not.
I would like to hear from others with a survivalist perspective on whether you think its better with frame or without?
If you are just getting started with your Bug Out Bag you should read: The 7 Types of Gear You Must Have in your Bug Out Bag
Stuff in My Buy Out Bag so far:
I added most of my fire starting materials: Do you have 5 Ways to Make Fire?
Warm Clothes: Do you have seasonal clothes in your Bug Out Bag?
5 Dollar Preps: Fishing Gear and First Aid
For Poisonous Snake Bites: The Sawyer Extractor
More 5 Dollar Preps: Sewing and Gun Cleaning
A Collapsible Backpacking Bucket and for drinking water backup a Collapsible Water Bottle.
Here’s a couple of pictures. Pretty standard medium ALICE pack with frame.
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My name is Lucas and I run SurvivalCache along with the help of several great contributing authors. You can read more on the
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Dustin,
Thanks for the comment. I think you make a good point about the frame.
I hadn't thought about adding a sternum strap but that's a good idea, most other quality packs have them.
And yes footcare is priority number 1 on any distance hike. Learned that the hard way more than once.
I'm going to look into that carry attachment.
I'm happy with the pack overall, but in the future I might look into something a little nicer. I really like some of the 5.11 packs. But it's always best to have something now.
An "ALICE Pack, Medium" will really hurt your back if you do not use a frame and have any real weight in it.
That said, you will want to adjust and use the kidney pack with the wiast straps as designed, too. I am a fan of adding sternum straps as well – we used to have about 60-80 pounds regularly in our rucks and barely felt it on our backs – the FEET were the ones requiring much more care and attention.
The frame gives you a lot of carry flexibility as well – I would invest in the shelf attachment, too – you can carry 5-gal jugs lashed to the pack frame all day long without killing your hands.
The nice thing about the ALICE system is that they're so versatile and mod-friendly.
I have found that with a forty pound weight the medium frame digs quite uncomfortably into my upper back, although I do like the advantages the pack frame gives you.
try adding some pipe insulation the gray foam to reduce the preassure the frame puts on you
Okay, Ill have to try that.
dustin 2 good things to add to your pack is medicated foot powder and oregano oil . this oil kills athletes foot fungus on contact !
Lucas
another thing to keep in mind is how many compartments there are you will want to have a list of where things are. On mine I have the top flap map case in that i keep a map of all the places i go and have Caches along with a small notepad(one of the wather proof ones that you can write on in rain or snow). That is where i keep my inventory list and location I broke mine down by compartment and laminated it so I know it will not get distroyed by water.
I have been an avid outdoorsmen most of my life I like to keep things lite. On my test week I take only the essentials a knife, sleeping bag, and a few potatos i go for a week and see what other new stuff i can learn while out there. depending on the location is how i decide on weather or not to bring my side arm.
Another thing to keep in mind is web gear the H harnes is a good choice you can wear the web gear and the alice pack at the same time they are made that way and if you have to ditch your main pack for some odd reason like fast get away then you still have the equivelint of a three day pack on your person.
keep your powder dry,
Chuck
Chuck,
Thanks for commenting.
I hadn't thought of actually cataloging everything in my gear and keeping this list handy but that is a good idea. I definitely like your map and paper set up, that is something everyone should have.
You "test weeks" sound pretty intense, but its great that you get that much good practice. What type of terrain are you usually in?
I haven't tried an H harness, I've actually been shopping around for some tac vests lately. I really like the 5.11 lite one right now. It's relatively cheap, but supposed to be good. I should look into some of the H harnesses.
I go just about every where Maine is great for my types of testing. the new tac vests are great but I am not sure they would work well with A.L.I.C.E pack. The H harness you can find at any military supply store get the older canvas ones they make less sound when you need to do some sneacking around. Another thing to look into is the military ponchos they make good emergency shelters. or you can just build one like I do.
I also test my map and compass skills by marking a spot where i leave my main pack. then just wandering off for a while then try to get back so my map and compass skills stay sharp. It is kind of a lost art for the younger generations. lol I say that for a guy that has spent most of my adult life just picking a weekend and leaving, another thing is to find a good size lake that has an island in the middle and snorkling to it for a weekend. it is a real test of your skills to do that cause you end up nice and wet to start out your training.
keep your powder dry guys and gals,
Chuck
You're right in a Bug Out Scenario a fully loaded tac vest and a pack might not work too well together. But I'll have to test it out and see.
Military ponchos are on my list of things to get. They are so versatile.
I think orienteering skills are one of the least practiced but most needed skills by all preppers and survivalists.
I haven't practiced in a while, but I did my fair share in scouts. I feel like it's like riding a bike. I used to be good at it and with some practice I would be fine. I should really take some time to brush up though.
hey Lucas
you are so right, I think that making your gear work for yourself is the right thing to do I forgot that lesson from a former ranger. If you are comfortable with your gear then you have no issues. Remember that you can reduce your weight by looking at gear that can do multiple jobs(like a suvival saw can also make a good snare kind of idea).
I would also like to mention that a good magazine for the money impaired like my self to read and keep on hand is the backwoodsman it can show you survival gardening techniques and how to track the way that the old mountain men used to as well as some other good stuff. I personally like some of the cooking recipes in the back of it.
Thanks for reading my posts i feel like I am actually getting heard by some people and not just some back woods country hick that people think is a little nuts for all the survival training I have done. Its nice to see others like myself are still out there.
Keep your powder dry and your knife sharp,
Chuck
Caine,
I take a little while to respond from time to time, but always enjoy comments from readers.
I'm glad you are enjoying the site. I really want to make Survival Cache a community and resource for all survivalists and preppers.
The way things are getting, survivalist, (or more often "prepper") is becoming more and more mainstream as people are seeing the value of preparing.
I haven't read Backwoodsman magazine but I will definitely take a look at it next time I'm in Barnes and Noble.
Lucas,
Its all good I like sharing my experiences with what works for me and what does not as far as gear is concerned. I try to make it simple and light weight. I am really glade that we have a site where all of us of like mind can talk and share what we have learned.
if you search on line for the backwoodsman magazine you will aee the home page and what they are all about. I have all the issues from 2008 on i love it that much i read it front to back at least five times.
thanks for your site and keep you powder dry,
Chuck
Hey Lucas,
Out of curiosity, do you have a concealed carry permit and do you carry when you are allowed to? Due to my job, I am in the somewhat unique position of being able to carry my duty weapon(s) just about anywhere I go. The only real exceptions to that rule are military bases and airports/ports. For me, that means my BOB will be about 10 lbs lighter, since I usually carry my duty weapon +2 extra magazines on me at all times. My primary vehicle and work vehicle have extra magazines in them as well, as I spend a substantial amount of time in a car. Therefore, if I need to include more water, first aide supplies, etc I have more room.
The concealed carry weapons (CCW) laws in NC restrict you from carrying in a lot of locations people are likely to go on their daily basis. Any mall, gas station, movie theater, or restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages are off-limits for civillians exercising their CCW rights. There are other locations on this as well.
OfficerOtto,
Thanks for commenting. To answer your question yes I do have my carry permit and yes I carry as much as possible. I am fortunate to live in a state that has excellent carry laws.
Your setup sounds pretty good. Incidentally, do you do anything to keep the springs in your magazines from getting worn out when they are sitting around loaded in your vehicles and other places for long periods of time?
I try to keep mine only 90% full when they are sitting for a long time to keep the spring from getting worn out.
Just rotate mags quarterly. Although honestly I dont think its much of a concern with modern tech and metallurgy. Youll find that quality modern springs dont take a set. Also, I always keep mags topped off. A broken in mag is far more dependable than one that hasnt seen much action or held full cap.
hey Lucas,
not to sound like i am bragging but i just found in a yard sale another full set. ALICE pack with an LBE for 20 bucks it also had in the pack an entrenching tool and two first aid kits score one for me on that one lol. I just happend to stop because i saw ammo cans the military .50 cal cans I love those for storage unit caching they are great. just wanted to let you know it is yardsale time and you can find great deals if you just look.
keep up the good work,
Chuck
haha very nice.
Yea those ammo cans are about the best storage in the world.
I really hate going to yard sales. Something about getting up at 6 am on a saturday to go dig through other peoples junk just doesn't appeal to me. But I'm going to keep an eye on craigslist.
Think about a few tools to disassemble your Alice pack frame. I say this because if you are somewhere for a while the tubing could come in very handy and you could always bug out without the frame.
That's a good idea aj, ill look into that.
The frame on army Alice packs is real heavy duty so you're right I'm sure I could find something useful for it.
one of my buddies used one to tot out a deer he got three miles in the woods not the best thing but it worked
My BOB is a cheap $20.00 pack from Walmart. I have one in each vehicle. I'm not a hiker and don't intend on trekking across the USA. Each bag is set up for 2 people for 3 days. They're for emergency situations only. So my take on the Alice pack is no frame.
that is why i love this site we all have our own veiws of situations servingbrother makes a good point but what if you had to trek a ways it does not take long to get heavy once you start walking. so having a frame pack might be a good idea atleast one
Hey Lucas…. I'm worried my bob weighs too much. I have just the basics.. tarp,tube tent. socks,two things of freeze dried food and three ramon noodles, wind-up flashlight,paracord,shirt,homemade survival-kit,folding fire with heat source, cooking set,some snacks( just acouple)along with some powdered drinks packages,tiger-stripe bdu shirt,water filter,poncho,one water blatter and one water bottle(both empty)a lighter,blastmatch,matches,fire tinder bag,Panga knife, bivy bag(from adventure kits!). I have it all paked in my assult pack I picked up on the cheap! If I'm missing anything or if you think I have too much of something let me know! How much shopuld a bug out bag weigh or how much is too much? Thanks!
recently started my BOB. I purchased a large ALICE with frame and straps on Ebay. I have to admit I would probably have been just fine with a medium. I say probably knowing damn well it’s a sure thing.
Here is a little run down of what I have in the pack. Keep in mind I am not mentioning clothes for upwards of five days (Four pairs of socks, five pairs of undies, two pairs of pants and shorts, Four shirts. The pants and the shirt change with the season as I said I live in Texas).
Please read below, I have had to break up this post as it is too large.
Back to the details:
Deep Woods Off
2L Bladder
4 Knives (Machete, two Bowies, and a pocket… oh and I have two Katanas not packed though)
Poncho
Maps of Texas (I have also compiled MapQuest directions to three different BOLs within 10 miles of my home. I have to mention that I live in a suburb of Fort Worth, TX. It’s not easy to find a location close by to hike a family of four to. If our vehicles are available I have a map taking to a very remote country road in Montana if needed.)
The last part is below:
Compass with magnifier lens (Fire source)
Small Bass Pro first aid (I have a Johnson and Johnson 150 piece kit as well not packed though.)
Two rolls of TP
About 200 feet of Para cord (either braded or knotted for compression or loose)
Three different survival books (Yeah it adds a little bit of weight but in case of my demise I want my city mouse wife to have something that will help her.)
Two flash lights one crank style (8 double A Batteries, 8 triple a batts, energizer battery charger.
Sewing Kit
Lighter, Matches, flint striker, Brilo pad and a cell phone, and small fire starter logs.)
Glow Sticks
Bungee cords
Pocket Saw
Four 9×12 Husky 2 mil drop clothes, one 10×20 1 mil husky drop.
More below:
Now for what is not necessarily attached but included in one way or another:
Sleeping bag
Mossberg 500 Persuader (About 30 rounds of 00 Buck, and about 40 rnds of Bird shot)
Unknown manufacturer 30-06 with about 30 rnds
Bersa 380 with about 75 rnds
Two thick walking sticks built for action
FYI – I am bugging out four people one of which is a 16 month old so its obvious I will have to equip our party with another ALICE pack.
Please provide comments and suggestions.
Lucas,
I also use a med. ALICE pack as a BOB that I started recently. I keep mine on the frame, mostly so that I have something to lash things onto while out in the woods, such as firewood or food. Its a lot easier to remove the pack and lash on a large load of firewood to bring back to your camp, or an animal that has been skinned and field dressed for food.
Just found this site today and have enjoyed looking around.
Some of you may scoff at this idea, but a rolling backpack (like a rolling suitcase with shoulder straps) or even a rolling suitcase might be a good choice for some folks.
Not everyone can put a heavy, or medium p-heavy pack on their back. Or if they can they may not be able to get very far with it for a number of reasons.
Even if you could, there will be times when you’ll wish you could get that pack off and be able to keep moving and save your energy.
Effectiveness would be limited to paved surfaces, but if you’re in Urban (like me), there isn’t much else for MILES.
I think the rolling backpack is better becauwe you can put it on when you need to (obstacles, shortcuts, crowds, etc).
Also, if you have kids, you could carry one while wheeling along.
Speaking of kids, until yours are old/strong enough to walk unassisted for a couple miles, keep a small/cheapie umbrella stroller around (or one for each adult if you’re blessed with 2 or more children). They’re not too big or heavy and will alow you to keep moving with your kids when they get too tired or are too slow. Beats having to carry them with that Alice pack on your back. Also the stroller itself can be used to carry stuff and provide a sort of base-of-operations when you stop to rest.
These ideas are probably not too viable in the wilderness, but as an urban dweller, I’m more concerned with getting outta here than what I’ll do when I get there.