Help Me Choose A BOB

[maximumrebel1]

I am in need of a good BOB, I already have a lot of the supplies for the BOB just no bag. So I have been looking around the net and found these 5 bags I have heard them recommended on other survival websites and since I know little about backpacks I wanted to get some GIM advice before purchasing.

I want something that will be durable first and foremost. I also want it to be functional which all these packs seem to be.

In no particular order

http://www.gmstactical.com/comu3aspa1.html

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/...&idproduct=110

http://www.lapolicegear.com/mavuba.html

http://www.google.com/products?q=USM...tab=if&start=0

http://uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?pr...D=1287#ratings

[mightymanx]

I use this one for me and the wife it expands to huge!! My set up is more INCH (I Never Come Home) than BOB so I have 5+ days of stuff including tents and ECWS sleeping systems strapped to the bottom.


http://www.uscav.com/ProductInfo.asp...ucts-_-SF-_-V1

[silverbullet]

Personal opinion? You can't go wrong with any of the bags from Maxpedition. Pick the size and configuration that best suits you. They make some really tough, functional bags that are very comfortable to carry.

No, I don't work for Maxpedition. but I do own several of their products. If I'm looking for something along these lines, I look there first. They usually have what I'm looking for...

[Canadian-guerilla]

I don't think there is one size fits all BOB.

Before stocking your bag, answer the following questions.

1 Where are you bugging out to?
a person who bugs out with no place to go is just a refugee . . .

2 How far do you have to travel?

3 Cross country or following roads?

4 What season is it? What kind weather could you expect?

5 Are you going through urban or rural environments?

6 What kind of topography will you have to deal with?

7 Travel by day or by night?

8 On foot or using some sort of vehicle?

9 What are the potential obstacles/threats?

10 Going it alone or do you have company?

11 Figure out alt routes, re-answer the questions for the alts.

When you've gotten all of this figured out
you should have a good idea of what you may need.

i lost the link for this " BOB questions " article


most people think of a BOB as a 3 day away pack

what if you're away for more than 3 days ?

[Sparky]

I'd go with Bob Hope.

[maximumrebel1]

Originally Posted by Sparky

I'd go with Bob Hope.

I was thinking maybe Bob Seger, Bob Hope is probably pretty smelly by now.

[hypervel]

I have a purple backpack. "Real men" have laughed at the guy with the purple backpack.
They only laughed once. *steely glint, set jaw*


Seriously, I'm of the school (bag) that a BoB shouldn't look like a BoB. Nothing says SHOOT ME FIRST like MOLLE.

[Twisted Avatar]

http://www.gmstactical.com/comu3aspa1.html



DO NOT USE ANYTHING WITH THE CONDOR LABEL!!!

THAT SH!T IS STRAIGHT GARBAGE.

I ordered one as fluke and after holding ONE SINGLE DAY day I sent it back because I was afraid something would break and void the return policy

Where do I start??

Cheap zippers (YKK knockoffs)

Horrible stitchwork

Interior lining bewteen compartments tear quickly and material flakes

Buckles and harness have a EXTREMELY high failure rate.

I was so dissapointed in the bag I actually wrote a review at CTD where I specifically stated THIS IS NOT THE BAG YOU WANT TO OWN WHEN THE ZOMBIES ARE KNOCKING DOWN YOUR DOOR ( suprise they allowed it to be posted)


Get yourself the Maxpedition Vulture(which the condor was a knockoff trying to capture MP marketshare ) and go with that.

I have one and very pleased with compartment breakdown,toughness, weight distribution, MOLLE compatible and Manufactured warranty that is rocksolid.


T

[freud198]

I have the one listed at GMSTACTICAL , and I love it. Very well made. that one or the one maxpedition Makes are the only two I would buy. As for price go with the same one I bought . It is well made. Hope this helps

Oh by the way, try your local army navy store, I only paid $80 for mine........

[Abouthadit]

I was thinking of Water BOB
http://www.waterbob.com/Welcome.do;j...154B76DAC0DC18

[thorgrim]

I can't comment on the selections you linked to as I have no experience with any of those brands or products. You will have to decide what you want in your BOB and how much you are willing to carry and determine the size of your BOB from there.

I would recommend not getting anything that is Camo or that looks like military or police issue though. I think it draws too much attention unless you will be traveling through wilderness areas the entire time. As soon as you bring that kind of pack into an urban area it sticks out and could draw unwanted attention.

My solution to this problem was a mostly drab green snowboarding pack with small areas of grey and black that I found on sale. It is a normal looking pack that won't stand out at all in an urban area but still blends into bush or forest quite well. There are no reflective decals or bright colors on the bag to draw the eye too. It also has a compression pocket for a hydration bladder. I like having 2L of storage for water and access to it without having open the pack to grab a bottle. Since the pack is made for snowboarding it fits really tight to the body and doesn't move around a lot which is good if you are moving fast on foot.

[maximumrebel1]

Originally Posted by thorgrim

I can't comment on the selections you linked to as I have no experience with any of those brands or products. You will have to decide what you want in your BOB and how much you are willing to carry and determine the size of your BOB from there.

I would recommend not getting anything that is Camo or that looks like military or police issue though. I think it draws too much attention unless you will be traveling through wilderness areas the entire time. As soon as you bring that kind of pack into an urban area it sticks out and could draw unwanted attention.

My solution to this problem was a mostly drab green snowboarding pack with small areas of grey and black that I found on sale. It is a normal looking pack that won't stand out at all in an urban area but still blends into bush or forest quite well. There are no reflective decals or bright colors on the bag to draw the eye too. It also has a compression pocket for a hydration bladder. I like having 2L of storage for water and access to it without having open the pack to grab a bottle. Since the pack is made for snowboarding it fits really tight to the body and doesn't move around a lot which is good if you are moving fast on foot.

I realize that the bag is very dependent on personal preference. I just wanted to hear about issues with durability and not order a cheap bag that will fall apart under use.

[thorgrim]

Another thing to consider is that packs are sort of like clothing or shoes and don't fit everyone the same. I don't think I would buy a pack without being able to put it on first. You could end up with a nice pack that is uncomfortable or even painful when fully loaded and carried for long periods.

Most of the places I shop at for packs let you load the pack up and try it on so you know it will be comfortable.

[maximumrebel1]

Originally Posted by thorgrim

Another thing to consider is that packs are sort of like clothing or shoes and don't fit everyone the same. I don't think I would buy a pack without being able to put it on first. You could end up with a nice pack that is uncomfortable or even painful when fully loaded and carried for long periods.

Most of the places I shop at for packs let you load the pack up and try it on so you know it will be comfortable.

I've tried a few but from what I can tell it is impossible to get a feel with out it loaded down with gear.

[Avalon]

Holy Cow.. you guys do realize a BOB has a whole different meaning on a woman's discussion board..

[Big Country]

I own a camelbak BFM for bug out purposes...Its all black.


I got it because of the medibak insert that they make for it. I wanted to have that packed and ready to go as well. I haven't bought the medibak insert yet though because money just doesn't allow for such things right now.

I like the BFM, its large, I can strap stuff to it, has a large bladder as well as pockets for a couple nalgene bottles. I've had a sleeping pad and sleeping bag strapped to the top and bottom with no ill-effects while camping (and hiking). I could easily fit a 1-2 man tent inside the bag, or strap a 3-4 on top or bottom with the sleeping pad.

I think they consider it a 3-day assault pack sized and I would say that would be accurate. I can fit two changes of clothes (if bugging out I'd take one) and the medibak insert in the main pocket. There are plenty of pockets in the secondary area for magazines (bullet kind...not reading kind) pencils/pens/paper, flashlight, batteries, compass, two decks of playing cards (canasta anyone?!?), lighters/matches, 50ft 550 cord, knife, small fishing kit (no pole!), small bottle of soap, razor, small mirror (for signaling and shaving!).

I haven't completely packed it (permanently) yet, I need to do that. Most everything I would put in there I haven't bought specially for bugging out so I need it for other uses (I can't grab and go at the moment...) but if I had an hour to pack I would most likely pack my small list there.

[.41Dave]

Originally Posted by Avalon

Holy Cow.. you guys do realize a BOB has a whole different meaning on a woman's discussion board..

Ok, now I just have to know... ???

[maximumrebel1]

Originally Posted by .41Dave

Ok, now I just have to know... ???

[Osprey550]

I'm using a Kelty Redwing 2650. It is fairly decent size and has lash tabs for adding more gear if needed. The best thing is it doesn't look "tactical"
Check out the Campmor website. They carry lots of great products and their hot deals on "last years" gear will save some $$ if you find something to your liking.

[silverbullet]

BOB on the women's forums...the hilarious story of how I found out...

Picture this...I'm at a buddy's house when his daughter, a freshman in college (and, I'm ashamed to say, a little hottie...) walks in. We all engage in a little small talk, and I make the mistake of asking if she has a boyfriend on campus. Her reply? "I don't have time for a boyfriend right now. Besides, the college guys are really immature, and I have Bob. That's all I need..." She then walks down the hall.

I make another mistake of asking "Who is Bob?"

Her mother doesn't miss a beat. "You know...Bob...her Battery Operated Boyfriend."

My buddy just hung his head...

It took 20 minutes to clean up the beer I spit all over the kitchen.

I can never look at that 19 year old girl the same again...

[maximumrebel1]

Originally Posted by silverbullet

BOB on the women's forums...the hilarious story of how I found out...

Picture this...I'm at a buddy's house when his daughter, a freshman in college (and, I'm ashamed to say, a little hottie...) walks in. We all engage in a little small talk, and I make the mistake of asking if she has a boyfriend on campus. Her reply? "I don't have time for a boyfriend right now. Besides, the college guys are really immature, and I have Bob. That's all I need..." She then walks down the hall.

I make another mistake of asking "Who is Bob?"

Her mother doesn't miss a beat. "You know...Bob...her Battery Operated Boyfriend."

My buddy just hung his head...

It took 20 minutes to clean up the beer I spit all over the kitchen.

I can never look at that 19 year old girl the same again...

Damn man, I read that wrong and thought you said it was your daughter. I was like that's a little messed up saying she is a hottie.
Then when I got to the end and you said I will never look at the 19 y/o the same I had to reread the whole thing.

Misreading that had me worried about you man.

[mick silver]

http://www.lapolicegear.com/5tase.html

[silverbullet]

Actually, my daughter is cute as hell. Then again, she's not quite 5 years old yet.

Different kind of cute...

[scyth]

Slight redirection of strategy here.......

My BIB (Bug in Bag)

Is a midsized Gregory G Pack.

It is rigged for 1 week (7 days) plus, including

Water filtration, shelter, fire, signaling, medkit, food etc. etc..

Definitely not military looking, on purpose.

As are my clothes/boots.

Just ho hum civvie.

Weighs 18.4 pounds, water excluded.

Weapons and ammo are xtra.


scyth

[.41Dave]

Originally Posted by maximumrebel1

I REALLY wish I hadn't asked!

[Worldmariner]

Originally Posted by hypervel

a BoB shouldn't look like a BoB. Nothing says SHOOT ME FIRST like MOLLE.

I AGREE COMPLETELY! If you look like you are an Army Reservist, you are inviting a skilled and prepared attack. If you look like Joe-Shi*-The-Rag-Man then someone attacking you might be sloppy about it.

Which brings me to my next point... I am assuming that at least one firearm is part of your ensemble? Have you thought about how you will carry immediate-use spare mags, and the weapon itself in a non-molle set up?

[Twisted Avatar]

Originally Posted by Worldmariner

I AGREE COMPLETELY! If you look like you are an Army Reservist, you are inviting a skilled and prepared attack. If you look like Joe-Shi*-The-Rag-Man then someone attacking you might be sloppy about it.

Which brings me to my next point... I am assuming that at least one firearm is part of your ensemble? Have you thought about how you will carry immediate-use spare mags, and the weapon itself in a non-molle set up?

Break away fanny pouch of course

http://www.lapolicegear.com/blfapa.html

[Worldmariner]

Originally Posted by Big Country

I own a camelbak BFM for bug out purposes...Its all black.


I think they consider it a 3-day assault pack sized and I would say that would be accurate.
I haven't completely packed it (permanently) yet, I need to do that. Most everything I would put in there I haven't bought specially for bugging out so I need it for other uses (I can't grab and go at the moment...) but if I had an hour to pack I would most likely pack my small list there.

I am in the planning stages of my BOB... I live in South Florida and there are weather Bug Outs, in addition to the normal reason for a "BOB".

What I have done is to fill one closet with transparent Rubbermaid/Sterilite totes/lugs. The ones that are big enough to hold a liquor box each. They are labelled on the ends and each tote is easy to see into, and easy carried to a vehicle by myself (6'3" male) or someone much smaller. They are about 25-30 pounds each, easy to grab, easy to stack. Each tote holds one group of items, like trauma first aid gear, or MRE's, and a couple on the top of the stack are combination totes... some food, some first aid, some survival gear, some ammo.

If I have only 14 minutes in my house alone, I can get all the "BOBTOTES" into my vehicle. 8 more minutes gets my rifle, ammo, important paper, and PM's into the vehicle. AND... (this sounds stupid, but...) It all actually fits into my vehicle as shown by a recent test run.

[mightymanx]

Originally Posted by Worldmariner

I am in the planning stages of my BOB... I live in South Florida and there are weather Bug Outs, in addition to the normal reason for a "BOB".

What I have done is to fill one closet with transparent Rubbermaid/Sterilite totes/lugs. The ones that are big enough to hold a liquor box each. They are labelled on the ends and each tote is easy to see into, and easy carried to a vehicle by myself (6'3" male) or someone much smaller. They are about 25-30 pounds each, easy to grab, easy to stack. Each tote holds one group of items, like trauma first aid gear, or MRE's, and a couple on the top of the stack are combination totes... some food, some first aid, some survival gear, some ammo.

If I have only 14 minutes in my house alone, I can get all the "BOBTOTES" into my vehicle. 8 more minutes gets my rifle, ammo, important paper, and PM's into the vehicle. AND... (this sounds stupid, but...) It all actually fits into my vehicle as shown by a recent test run.

Somthing to think about is splitting up the stuff so if you forget one box or it gets destroyed you do not loose all of one particular item.

Senario "Aww sh@#%t I left the box of toilet paper on top of the car when I drove off". or worse the box of ammo.

[S_Goldberg]

Originally Posted by Twisted Avatar

Break away fanny pouch of course

http://www.lapolicegear.com/blfapa.html

Seriously though, have you ever tried drawing from one of these? Get a real holster and learn to dress around the weapon.