Every “prepared” citizen has to have one…
It doesn’t matter what you call it, the “bug-out bag” is the cornerstone of any preparedness plan because even if your disaster plan is to “shelter in place”… life might have something else in mind, making your home the least safe place to be and forcing you to “bug out.”
When that happens, you’re going to need your gear – and your bug-out bag is the best way to have all that gear in one place, ready to go, right?
But not all bug-out bags are created equal and the wrong bag can make your journey to safety difficult, impossible or dangerous.
I’ve learned quite a few things in my 10 years in the US Army as a Forward Observer – and this week I want to share with you…
My “Top 10” ESSENTIAL Features For Your Bug-Out Bag That Can Make Or Break Your Survivability In A Forced Evacuation
Here’s What You’ll Discover In This Week’s Episode:
- A scientific way to drop critical “perceived weight” from your bugout bag by getting rid of one common feature that’s often used in “military” rucksacks!
- The hard lesson every soldier learns their very first day marching with their pack that exposes the #1 worst design feature of almost every “tactical bag” on the market today!
- How just one single strap can save your upper back and shoulders from intense pain while walking! (Does your bugout bag have it?)
- Examine your bugout bag’s zippers. If they don’t have these 6 letters on it… throw it out and get a new pack!
- How to tell if your bugout bag will fit your specific “body type” for the long haul! (Hint: Your height, weight, and “shape” all matter – and your pack should conform to your unique anatomy!)
- And much, MUCH more!
Upon receipt of my XBOB:
The pack is constructed of material that seems durable.
1. Pouch snaps are not all set proper. Loose snaps will allow my pouches to come loose from the main pack and be lost.
2. Main pack is smaller than anticipated. not deep enough. I anticipated a much deeper main pack.
3. There is no ‘frame’ on the main pack. The stiff interior backing and pads resemble a frame.
4. Material the pack and pouches are made of could be better described by weight, type, durability.
5. I have not received a link to the video course included in the purchase of the XBOB. Upon inquiring by email I am advised my purchase and payment cannot be located.
*Concerned
*not satisfied with my purchase.
The military assumes a minimum level of fitness. Carrying 32 lbs plus extra gear for 100km is too much for the average person.
I regularly do backpack trips up to 100 km in rough terrain and night temperatures near freezing. I carry less than 20 lbs on such trips, including the pack weight itself and 4 days worth of food. I am very warm and sleep well at night with that gear.
I agree with some of your suggestions, but not all including:
– Your suggestion to avoid backpacks with frames. If someone is carrying more than I carry, lightweight 3 oz aluminum frame stays makes a big difference. There are small backpacks that weight 2 lbs with a minimalist 3 oz frame.
– Your suggestion to be sure zippers are high quality. How about a backpack with no zippers at all? My backpack doesn’t have any, except for its hip belt pockets. I like minimalist bags.
– Your suggestion to carry water bladders inside a backpack. This is a huge no-no as it can burst/puncture and wet the contents of your backpack. Also, it is more time consuming to fill as the backpack needs to be taken off and opened to do so. Also, it cannot be seen how much water is left without taking the backpack off and opening it, which is a time waster when you are on the move.
Jay
Would you please share examples of your 3 oz frames and zipper-less bag and what is your water bladder alternative?
Hi AJ, I wouldn’t want to lead you to another backpack on the page that Jeff Anderson is advertising his backpack. His backpack looks decent, but it wouldn’t be the backpack I prefer.
Instead of a bladder, I use simple plastic bottles in my backpack’s side water bottle pockets. My ultralight water filtering system is comprised of the Hydroblu Vesa Flow and a CNOC 2L water bag (for gravity feeding).