Choosing an Urban Survival Bag is a lot different than choosing your Bug Out Bag. In some ways it is easier because you probably don’t need to worry about having a MOLLE system or an internal or external frame. However, there are some things you need to consider before choosing your urban survival bag.
There are generic qualifications you would look for in any backpack; sturdy, pockets, comfort, and I trust most people will be able to figure those out for themselves. The one thing you really want to ask when choosing an urban survival bag is Does it blend?
Why Blend?
If you are in an urban survival scenario do you really want to be the person with an olive drab rucksack full of gear walking through the streets of a chaotic city? You would absolutely scream “Prepared!”
People will see you and think “Hey that guy probably has some gear or food”
Law Enforcement will see you and think “That guy might have a weapon I need to stop and search him
Survivalists always talk a lot about camouflage in the bush. We have camouflage for everything. Why should urban survival be any different? Being prepared is about bringing the tools for the job.
In an urban survival situation you want to blend. Go with the flow. Look like just another scared sheep trying to get home. So you should choose an urban survival bag that works for you.
Choosing a Bag
So what do you look for in an urban survival bag? Simple: Dark colors and no camo.
When you walk around your city how many hundreds of people carry a backpack that you never even notice? Be one of those people.
Camo screams prepared and survivalist. Bright colors are generic in backpacks but can draw attention.
Buy a dark colored generic backpack that fits your needs and doesn’t look overly outdoorsy and fill it full of lifesaving gear no one will ever notice in the aftermath of an urban emergency.
How Will You Blend?
I am interested to know if any of our readers have other ideas for blending in during an urban crisis? Leave a comment a let us know.
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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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I've changed jobs drastically over the last few years, and my EDC bag has gone from this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmode/2935824939/
to this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmode/4093555257
I can't run as well with the messenger bag setup, but it's actually MORE functional than the jocked out MOLLE pack. The interior is high contrast and finding gear and the admin area is setup very nicely. There is a whole flickr set dedicated to how the messenger bag is setup here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmode/sets/721576227...
Does it blend? Sure. Do I blend? I need to learn how to walk like a human being and stop checking my six every five meters, keep my hands either in or out of my pockets, stop scanning people's faces and hands, etc. Then I have a shot at blending.
>I need to learn how to walk like a human being and stop checking my six every five meters, keep my hands either in or out of my pockets, stop scanning people's faces and hands, etc. Then I have a shot at blending.
That's interesting. I'm trying to get better at scanning faces and hands and checking my six. Maybe there's a way to do it without the zombies noticing.
I ran into a situation last night that I would like input on. I went to the grocery store with my wife and I had my EDC bag with me. Turns out that my starter failed in the parking lot of the grocery store and had to get the truck towed to a local mechanic. I called some friends to come get us. What this made me think of, though, was what I had in my bag. I noticed that I was wearing shorts and the temp was dropping quick. I didn't have any pants in my EDC bag. Is that somehting you would recommend for the EDC bag? Would you put some light weight synthetic pants in? Just wondering. It was an awesome experience because my lovely wife, who has been watching my preps with curious eyes, really saw how handy that bag was even though we didn't have to use anything in it last night.
Consider zip off leg pants.
Awesome set of pics! Thanks for sharing.
I didn't know what you meant about the high contrast interior until i looked at the pics. I bet that really helps.
You're right you have the right bag to blend, but I guess only you can help not be so "tactically obvious" maybe is a good way to put it.
For people who don't know what to look for, they will still never see you, but for people who do know (the ones you should probably be worried about) then you might stick out.
Keep up the good work.
I am homeschooled so when I actually do get out and about its usually when normal kids are in school. A school age kid walking around during school hours automatically draws attention. I dont carry around a backpack full of gear because it would just draw even more attention to my person. I do however carry a couple of EDC items on my person such as a SAK in my pocket, a large multi- tool and flashlight crammed into a cellphone case on my belt, a book of matches, mini Bic lighter, and a Victorinox Executive stuffed into my wallet in addition to money and I.D.
Josh, thats a good thing to notice. Knowing you own situation and how to remain "grey" (there, but not noticed) is different for everyone. Sounds like you have a good handle on yours.
I am homeschooled so when I actually do get out and about its usually when normal kids are in school. A school age kid walking around during school hours automatically draws attention. I dont carry around a backpack full of gear because it would just draw even more attention to my person. I do however carry a couple of EDC items on my person such as a SAK in my pocket, a large multi- tool and flashlight crammed into a cellphone case on my belt, a book of matches, mini Bic lighter, and a Victorinox Executive stuffed into my wallet in addition to money and I.D.
that is all cool Josh my friends that live in citys think along the same lines i always get in trouble when i go to a city because i carry on my side my gerber gator folder and my gerber multi tool with my mini mag flash light it all well and good out home no one even thinks twice about me because they are carring almost the same on their belt so I go visit friends at their work on their breaks and feel like i am going naked by taking them off i have learned that it never hurts to keep a pocket knife but not a belt knife lol
blending in is an art in itself. Someone with a molly pack or any other military style pack is just easy meat. You may have a concealed weapon, but you may be surprised how many city kids are carrying. Since they run and would run in packs you'd loose. Someone that stands out with all that cool gear is icing on the cake. If its a big city, I'd seat still and wait for nite. You can usually hear a group a couple of blocks away. And you would know that if you spot three or four males or females at 3:00 a.m. there are probably not up to anything good. Carry a couple of black yard bags, there are alot of rivers to cross before I make it home and flotation is a must.
grey dark colors work great. I have a worn 2nd hand store skater's pack with a small skateboard tied to it to blend with my surroundings. I carry enought to get me to my home which also means two garbage bags for flotation- Bridges will be monitored and dangerous. Stay off of freeways and highways.travel at nite which means a flash lite with red lense. One MRE. A map, compass and a side arm. multi tool and paracord. I figure anywhere from two to three days as the crow flies. Being on the other side of the fence in my youth if I see someone with a BOB with supplies and I need to get home, that person may be history.
yatahey,
Sounds like a good set up and Get Home Plan, or Bug Out Plan, whatever the case may be.
I like your flotation garbage bags too. I've done flotation system with blown up pants and shirt for emergency training before but it's a good bit of work and not really fun.
I agree on the pants. that was #1 survival in the coast guard. Up here I have two rivers to cross, one at leat three different times. However there are canals and streams that could be a problem depending on the time year. one for flotaion and one to keep my clothes dry. Once home (and getting back to family is #1) I can modify if we need to leave the house.
I have a small, black camelbak day pack. Ive streamlined everything and can travel really light. Holds all the essentials plus all the random crap I use on a daily basis.
I am new at building this whole thing and am putting it all together, so I don't have much to offer here. However, I would add that Ebags makes some incredible back packs that are innocuous but tough and ready to carry load. I have one for my laptop and I am surprised by its versitality. As Mr. Smashy mentioned, these bags also have the interior contrast thing going on. I would also add that instant oatmeal makes a pretty nifty EDC addition. I can be eaten with or without water and has lots of goodies in it and it scrunches down to a small shape.
I think the idea that an ALICE pack stands out and people will think you have equipment or are armed is a bit outdated. We have been at war for enough years now that there is a LOT of surplus on the market. BDUs and other surplus items are now very common. I live in the chicago area and nobody would look at you twice because of an ALICE pack.
Joe, have you ever actually seen anybody walking down the street in an ALICE pack? Second, have you ever lived through urban chaos and total disintegration of social order? Besides, I'll think youre armed. Isnt that enough? Where there is one there is many.
Was there some kind of, "Buy an ALICE pack and get a free gun" deal that I missed out on?
"Have I ever actually seen anybody walking down the street in an ALICE pack?" That's like asking if I've ever seen anyone wear a hat. I've seen a lot of them. Many college students use them as book bags. And you can go right on thinking I'm armed. That's the beauty of concealed carry. You should treat everyone as if they are armed because you just don't know.
"Have I ever lived through …?" No. But I'm pretty sure the fashion police take that day off. When everything first hits the fan the masses are more concerned with getting a free stereo or TV than they are with getting your 3 MREs and flint and steel. By the time they start getting hungry you shouldn't be on the streets.
I don't think wearing a baseball cap means you play for the Cubs and a bathrobe does not mean you are Hugh Hefner. Why would a green pack make you a survivalist?
I personally hate the ALICE pack. I think it is too short and too fat. There are many better options in internal frame climbing and hiking packs.
Let me guess, just buy yourself a big ol suburban commando pack with lots of MOLLE webbing? lol I cant help but think Ive touched a nerve. BDU's and surplus are very common and have been for a long time amongst many different groups but we arent talking pants here. You mentioned ALICE packs and how they are so common you likened them to baseball caps. In Chicago, Joe? I lived in Wicker Park which possesses every demographic from the largest concentration of Latin Kings anywhere to dumb, rich, yuppies. I never recall anyone lumbering down the street in a framepack absurdly large and out of place for its enviroment.
Im gonna go out on a limb here and chalk that up to the above mentioned Latin Kings and their skill at being able to spot "free" stuff and the rubes that are willing to show the world what they are carrying. This is a discussion about blending in. About not drawing undue attention to yourself. You seemed to miss my point. Its not so much what youre carrying your gear in as opposed to obviously carrying a lot of gear. "Stuff" makes you a target.
Scott, an excellent set of points. I grew up in Alaska hunting and fishing and loving the outdoors. I have some skills with respect to survival outdoors, albeit they are, of course, limited. My general question regarding BOBs are where are people planning to go? I understand if you are at work or away from your house and family and you just want to get back there… but once you do get home, isn't that the place where you prepare to make your stand?
I'd like to read more about "destinations" with BOBs if one is preparing to leave one's house or residence. I am serious, lets talk about that and then get back to BOB contents with mission in mind. Of course there are variables but lets talk generally about where we are going prepared.
Best point yet, Earl. I think most people (preppers) dont realize what long term survival entails. I think lots of folks end up getting caught up in the "stuff" and not the where, when, and how. A big bag of stuff isnt going to help you if you are not prepared in body and mind as well as possessing the required skills and a fluid working plan. I have a large rural property I plan on retreating to if the time comes. Soon it will become our primary residence. This is 40 acres crawling with game, its remote, borders protected lands, has fresh water, shelter, timber, supplies, etc. I am a realist however. I live within a 6 hour radius of most of the population of the U.S. Because of this I realize I might have to leave all this behind based on the situation and reaction of the huge numbers of people on the east coast. Im just going to have to adapt , improvise and overcome.
One comment on clothing. Long pants, a long sleeve shirt and good shoes are a must. If there is a natural disaster and you have to walk through rubble the long pants and sleeves will protect you from cuts and also protect you from cold in winter and sun burns in summer. Good shoes will help you over any mess and protect you from rodents and snakes if you are walking through water.
If the idea is just to carry enough to get home in 2 to 3 days why carry a pack of any sort at all? A fishermans or photographers vest is loaded with pockets. Keep a wind breaker with the vest to put on to conceal it from common observation. All the basics could be carried. It might not be so much that the bad guy wants what's in your pack as maybe he just needs/wants your pack to carry his stuff.
I asked if youve ever been in the inner city when any crazy s_ _ _ went down and you said you hadnt. I am a Katrina survivor. I am simply relaying what I saw. Saw a lot of. People getting jumped and worse for very meager possessions. You mentioned TVs? No thanks, give me those three MREs and the firestarter. Any water in there to wash it down? TVs they had! Water and food and being dry were scarce. I prefer the path of least resistance. I live in an urban area so I travel light and look urban. I dont want to advertise. I got out of NOLA with a camelback under my rainjacket and a S&W 640 in my jacket pocket. Why the revolver? I thought it might come in handy seeing as how neither the NOPD or the "fashion police" bothered to show up that day.
If your skills equal your outspokenness youll outlive us all,
-RB