Ok, so Here's my Issue With a Bag

SuckLead · 02-11-2008, 10:40 PM

Ok, so I am just starting to put together one of these bug out bags. I dropped a good bit of money on supplies today and got some good stuff. I'm reading through here for additional ideas of what to put in there, etc.

This bag is getting really huge. And I still have a decent sized list of things suggested to add.

I have two ideas for my bag's use. I already have a bag in my car set for, "Oh snap, here comes a tornado, kiss the car goodbye and tuck into an underpass" bag in the trunk of my car (already pulled out for escape once and thankfully went unneeded).

But this bag I am building now is for two ideas. The general shtf bag, but I would also like to drag some of this crap along on hikes with me. I go through the woods sometimes, and have already gotten myself turned around and once ended up chased a bit off the beaten path. Both times it took me longer than expected to get out of the woods, and neither time did I have anything to help me should I be stuck overnight. I'd like to take along the paracord, tarp, MREs, compass, maps, 1 qt. canteen, etc., most of the stuff suggested for bugging out, should I find myself too far in and in need of camping for the night on a whim. So my bug out bag won't be sitting in a closet, basically.

What kind of bag can I get to fit all this crap in and still have it be carryable on general hikes? I thought about a large duffle bag with a long strap, but it would be in my best interest to have this thing on my back completely, if possible. I'd still like my hikes to be more enjoyable instead of more work than really needed. Obviously some stuff will need to stay behind, but I'd like to keep a good deal of what deem needed to be there (and let's face it, some of this stuff takes up a whole lot of room, especially the first aid kit and the 2 MREs).

I don't want anything with a built in hydration system, I have water covered. And, if it is possible, under $150 (will consider higher prices if it appears it cannot be avoided, but the cheaper the better). Thanks!

TXplt · 02-11-2008, 11:08 PM

I've gotten most of the stuff I'd want in a standard size backpack ($50-75). My thinking is if it's too much bigger or heavier I won't be able to take it. Got compact first aid kit (+ asprin, motrin, deet, scissors, iodine tabs for water purification, bandages, etc), cooking kit, poncho (mil-spec, which doubles as shelter), cord, tape, multipurpose shovel/digging tool, leatherman, knife, knife sharpener, magnesium firestarters, .22 kit gun w/100 rds, flashlight, and multipurpose/multipower garrity LED lantern crank type w/radio. Also, spare batteries. Could fit 3 MRE's with this as well. Not too heavy either. You can pack alot of first aid supplies in the smaller kits you can get at wal-mart.

Maybe this helps ? I just figured what I'd really want and shucked the rest.

SwedeSteve · 02-12-2008, 04:26 AM

TXplt is spot on here. If you can't hump it comfortably, you won't, period.

damage855 · 02-12-2008, 03:38 PM

I took an ALICE back filled it with camping supplies and a few extras. Now I am ready to go backpacking or bug out any time.

The ALICE pack should only cost you about $50 and if you cant fit every thing in it you can bungy cord stuff on the outside like your rifle/shotgun friying pan ect. Works for me any way.

cruzerbotz · 02-12-2008, 05:38 PM

Take a look at the Maxpedition assortment of bags. All different types. I just got one of the Jumbo Versapaks. They are on sale at eBags. 20% off.

neophyte · 02-12-2008, 08:38 PM

SuckLead: Ma'am, any decent backpack will work.
As you are making you list, remember to strip it down. Toothbrush [cut handle off short] get small container or toothpaste, handi wipes,

Nothing metal, [weight] multi knife, ground sheet, [one of them aero-space blanket] Socks [keep them feet dry]

powder [under arms, behind, thigh rub] soap [motel size] hat [water,
wash, hat] shovel,

minimum 2 compasses. minimum 2 sources fire starter, minimum 1 decent area map. Study your area via the map until you know , know what? you'll know.

Ladies that have the monthly; I aint no lady. finger nail clippers [larger size]
Weigh the mess then decrease it by 25% reweigh decrease that by 15%

Weight is your biggest enemy. Poor planning you can make do to a certain extent, Weight consider carefully.
You already have a start and a good one. Do a list check it 3-4 times. Be reasonable.

teenagegunwacho · 02-12-2008, 08:41 PM

wouldnt a little bit of baking soda be good to put in.

SuckLead · 02-12-2008, 09:22 PM

Well, I'm not at the limit of overdoing it at this point. But when I bought my goodies the other day I started putting them in my usual carry back pack just to carry them inside (I try not to alert my folks to some of my "weird tendencies" as they'd call it, this stuff really irks my dad) and realized I could squeeze in my two MREs and a flashlight, but nothing else.

So far what I have for the bag is as follows: 2 MREs, a small pack of eating utensils, a small cooker (just holds up a pan), a firestarter, fire starting brickets, 50 ft. paracord, 2 ponchos, a 1 qt canteen, sewing kit, first aid kit, flashlight, light sticks, and I have two blankets I'd like to shlep along but they are in the car right now (one is fleece, the other flannel on one side and waterproof on the other). I also have a compass and enough maps in my car to get me just about anywhere on the east coast (I want to keep it cut down to NC maps for my bag, though). I think I left something out, but oh well, you get the idea. This is what I was able to get from two army surplus shops in the area. I'm not done yet.

I had the idea of two bags, one for basic survival should I get lost in the woods while hiking and one as an actual bug out bag, which I'll probably use a duffle with a large strap for. I can't see shlepping some of this stuff along for the areas that I go hiking in. But some stuff I see a use for should I find myself out in the woods for a longer period of time.

SpecOpOperator · 02-24-2008, 02:57 PM

IF and thats a big IF, money allows, buy two kits.. one for general hiking and one for SHTF bug-out.. you don't ever want to dig into your bug-out bag.. when you get back from hiking, it is WAY to easy to forget to replenish the items you used... Here is some ideas:
General hiking:
Bag: small military type 3 day assualt pack with MOLLE attachment points.. 2 MOLLE AR15 mag pouches hold Nalgene bottle great..
Equipment: strike anywhere matches in a H2O proof carrier with the striker pad inside the carrier, Small amount of dryer lint in waterproof container (for easy fire starting) good emergency/space blanket rolled up with 5 small bungee cords (I fit mine into a small general purpose stuff sack) a pair of extra socks, gloves, balaclava, compass or GPS with spare batteries..
Food: Take your MRE's and field strip them (take out the things you won't need) Take just the main meal out of the cardboard, the crackers, cracker spread, small meal out of the cardboard, the candy, TP and fruit drink.. all that should fit in a ziploc bag and it's ALOT lighter.. you most likely won't need the coffee/hot cocoa, matches, gum, and all the other junk that comes in them.. Cut the spoon in half to save room and weight.. Add a couple of CLIF bars or something like that...

As far as your bug-out bag.. the items you carry in there are wholly up to you.. I can't really give any ideas, because I can't say you feel necessary to survive.. but good luck with it and god bless

mym1a · 02-24-2008, 04:40 PM

I have a alice pack loaded and a go bag with web gear ammo, magazines knife several rounds of ammo and other items then can be put on in the field.

SuckLead · 02-24-2008, 08:56 PM

I managed to see the bag I want the other day. It was on someone's back, unfortunetly. All I have to do now is track one like it down. But it would be a bug-out bag only and not my main carrier.

Good thoughts on the two bags. It is in my nature to be somewhat lazy when it comes to putting things back where I found them, so knowing me I'd end up needing the bug out bag only to find out, too late, that I left something like food behind.

Mooseman684 · 02-24-2008, 09:11 PM

There is usually plenty of food in the forests...worms,grubs, frogs, minnows, bugs, plants ,berries,grass...so don't worry if you forget the food ! It is a Smogasbord out there in the woods !

KGunner · 02-24-2008, 11:24 PM

A MOLLE is a great bag.

mym1a · 02-25-2008, 10:14 AM

have thought about up grading to the molle? thats with the velcro???

SpecOpOperator · 02-25-2008, 12:32 PM

MOLLE is the system the military is using.. with the vest and packs, there are numerous horizontal straps sewn about every inch or so.. All of your pouches, pockets, and accessories have corresponding vertical straps with buttons on the bottom of them to attach them to the vest or pack... I've found that the most secure way to attach them is to "weave" them through the horizontal straps, so if the snap comes undone, your pouch doesn't just fall out... A good MOLLE equipped pack can hold a ton of gear on the outside that you might need to get to in a hurry while you keep the overnight stuff inside.. I have a military 3 day assault pack as my bug-out and have a smaller MOLLE day pack as my general use.. they both work great.. try looking at Condor brand to keep the price down a little...

mym1a · 02-25-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpecOpOperator

MOLLE is the system the military is using.. with the vest and packs, there are numerous horizontal straps sewn about every inch or so.. All of your pouches, pockets, and accessories have corresponding vertical straps with buttons on the bottom of them to attach them to the vest or pack... I've found that the most secure way to attach them is to "weave" them through the horizontal straps, so if the snap comes undone, your pouch doesn't just fall out... A good MOLLE equipped pack can hold a ton of gear on the outside that you might need to get to in a hurry while you keep the overnight stuff inside.. I have a military 3 day assault pack as my bug-out and have a smaller MOLLE day pack as my general use.. they both work great.. try looking at Condor brand to keep the price down a little...

i've seen them sold at the local army/navy store I'll probably keep what I have tho.

neophyte · 02-25-2008, 12:45 PM

Zitteli Z1 Molle Pack $29.69 from Underbid.com

Condor Medium Molle Assault Pack SKU# CO 126 $49.95 from Desert Deuce
From Desert Deuce .com ?different colors?

mym1a · 02-25-2008, 12:49 PM

I have 3 sets of web gear packed and ready all i have todo is add water lol.

LarryO1970 · 02-25-2008, 03:57 PM

mym1a ... are you an MRE guy for field foods? I tend to gravitate toward them for the obvious, they are lightweight and bind you up for a little while... more time doing what is needed than looking to dig a hole to crap in. I believe they are less expensive and "bulletproof" than the "add water" foods you get from REI or other outdoor specialty stores.

As for me... I have my backpack all set (even with 2nd chance vest, flack vest is useless)

Cyrano · 02-25-2008, 04:10 PM

Sucklead, keep an eye on The Sportsman's Guide and Cheaper than Dirt for military surplus bags. With the Army going over to the MOLLE system from the ALICE system, I suspect it won't be too long before the ALICE bags start showing up on the surplus market in quantity and at low prices. Both the outiftis I mentioned tend to get things like that early on in the sell-off process.

An example of what I'm talking about. After hearing about how her Grab & Go Bag had saved or helped out my wife at her office on half a dozen occasions in the last year - everything from using the flashlight to locate a missing 1 carat diamond that fell out of an engagement ring to being able to towel off & dress in warm, dry clothing after getting drenched walking to the office from Grand Central Station - her best friend (who also works in Manhattan and was there on 9/11, so has some faint glimmer of a clue how important a bug-out bag can be) asked me if I'd build one for her. An important step is of course to lay hands on a decent or better backpack. About a week after she made the request, the latest Sportsman's Guide milsurp catalog arrived in the mailbox. Inside was an offer for 3 Swdish Army unissued surplus waterproof nylon backpacks with integral frame and two outside pockets for $30. That's $10 for a brand new 2000 cubic inch backpack and frame. You can't do much better than that, and those kinds of deals do turn up a couple of times a year. Add a traveler's vest with all those pockets and a military pistol belt and suspenders setup to that, and you will have a good weight distribution of your camping or survival gear.

Such a deal will allow you to take the two bag approach you like. I do suggest that you not swap gear from one bag to the other. The missions are not the same. While they have a degree of overlap in gear, they do not demand 100% duplication. Get two of the duplucated items and put one in each bag instead of swapping them back and forth. It costs more, but remember: part of the purpose of a Grab & Go Bag is so you don't have to think when the bug-out boogie moment arrives. You just grab it and go, knowing that the gear you so carefully put in it will be ready for your use in the emergency. Prudence does require you to adopt that way of looking at it.

It's okay to futz around with an overnight-in-the-woods bag. You can even use it as a testbed for things you might want to include in the Bug-Out Bag. But please don't use your Bug-Out Bag as a testbed. Nothing should be in it that you haven't thought through, tried out and approved. An emergency is no time to find out your Handy Dandy Lightweight Pioneer Wigwam is a dud, or you're allergic to something in the MREs you picked out, or that leaving out the dental emergency repair kit was a bad idea.

A dud item in your overnight kit is annoying. A dud or something essential missing in the Bug-Out Bag can be a disaster. So don't go raiding one to complete the other, okay?

02-11-2008, 10:40 PM	#1
SuckLead Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA Posts: 600	Ok, so Here's my Issue With a Bag Ok, so I am just starting to put together one of these bug out bags. I dropped a good bit of money on supplies today and got some good stuff. I'm reading through here for additional ideas of what to put in there, etc. This bag is getting really huge. And I still have a decent sized list of things suggested to add. I have two ideas for my bag's use. I already have a bag in my car set for, "Oh snap, here comes a tornado, kiss the car goodbye and tuck into an underpass" bag in the trunk of my car (already pulled out for escape once and thankfully went unneeded). But this bag I am building now is for two ideas. The general shtf bag, but I would also like to drag some of this crap along on hikes with me. I go through the woods sometimes, and have already gotten myself turned around and once ended up chased a bit off the beaten path. Both times it took me longer than expected to get out of the woods, and neither time did I have anything to help me should I be stuck overnight. I'd like to take along the paracord, tarp, MREs, compass, maps, 1 qt. canteen, etc., most of the stuff suggested for bugging out, should I find myself too far in and in need of camping for the night on a whim. So my bug out bag won't be sitting in a closet, basically. What kind of bag can I get to fit all this crap in and still have it be carryable on general hikes? I thought about a large duffle bag with a long strap, but it would be in my best interest to have this thing on my back completely, if possible. I'd still like my hikes to be more enjoyable instead of more work than really needed. Obviously some stuff will need to stay behind, but I'd like to keep a good deal of what deem needed to be there (and let's face it, some of this stuff takes up a whole lot of room, especially the first aid kit and the 2 MREs). I don't want anything with a built in hydration system, I have water covered. And, if it is possible, under $150 (will consider higher prices if it appears it cannot be avoided, but the cheaper the better). Thanks! __________________ "Ruin a liberal's day; recite historical fact." - found on a bumper sticker

02-11-2008, 11:08 PM	#2
TXplt Lost in the Ozone Again Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,824 Images: 4 Blog Entries: 2	I've gotten most of the stuff I'd want in a standard size backpack ($50-75). My thinking is if it's too much bigger or heavier I won't be able to take it. Got compact first aid kit (+ asprin, motrin, deet, scissors, iodine tabs for water purification, bandages, etc), cooking kit, poncho (mil-spec, which doubles as shelter), cord, tape, multipurpose shovel/digging tool, leatherman, knife, knife sharpener, magnesium firestarters, .22 kit gun w/100 rds, flashlight, and multipurpose/multipower garrity LED lantern crank type w/radio. Also, spare batteries. Could fit 3 MRE's with this as well. Not too heavy either. You can pack alot of first aid supplies in the smaller kits you can get at wal-mart. Maybe this helps ? I just figured what I'd really want and shucked the rest. __________________ Old fighter pilots never die.....They just wind up in Texas

02-12-2008, 04:26 AM	#3
SwedeSteve Thor's Hammer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 10,346 Images: 1	TXplt is spot on here. If you can't hump it comfortably, you won't, period. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-12-2008, 03:38 PM	#4
damage855 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina / Lake Norman Posts: 928 Blog Entries: 1	I took an ALICE back filled it with camping supplies and a few extras. Now I am ready to go backpacking or bug out any time. The ALICE pack should only cost you about $50 and if you cant fit every thing in it you can bungy cord stuff on the outside like your rifle/shotgun friying pan ect. Works for me any way. __________________ If total goverment control will make us all safer, then why are prisons so dangerous?

02-12-2008, 08:38 PM	#6
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,539 Blog Entries: 2	start bugbag SuckLead: Ma'am, any decent backpack will work. As you are making you list, remember to strip it down. Toothbrush [cut handle off short] get small container or toothpaste, handi wipes, Nothing metal, [weight] multi knife, ground sheet, [one of them aero-space blanket] Socks [keep them feet dry] powder [under arms, behind, thigh rub] soap [motel size] hat [water, wash, hat] shovel, minimum 2 compasses. minimum 2 sources fire starter, minimum 1 decent area map. Study your area via the map until you know , know what? you'll know. Ladies that have the monthly; I aint no lady. finger nail clippers [larger size] Weigh the mess then decrease it by 25% reweigh decrease that by 15% Weight is your biggest enemy. Poor planning you can make do to a certain extent, Weight consider carefully. You already have a start and a good one. Do a list check it 3-4 times. Be reasonable. __________________ Craig By the standards of most

02-12-2008, 05:38 PM	#5
cruzerbotz Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 13	Take a look at the Maxpedition assortment of bags. All different types. I just got one of the Jumbo Versapaks. They are on sale at eBags. 20% off.

02-12-2008, 08:41 PM	#7
teenagegunwacho Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: The South Posts: 123	wouldnt a little bit of baking soda be good to put in.

02-12-2008, 09:22 PM	#8
SuckLead Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA Posts: 600	Well, I'm not at the limit of overdoing it at this point. But when I bought my goodies the other day I started putting them in my usual carry back pack just to carry them inside (I try not to alert my folks to some of my "weird tendencies" as they'd call it, this stuff really irks my dad) and realized I could squeeze in my two MREs and a flashlight, but nothing else. So far what I have for the bag is as follows: 2 MREs, a small pack of eating utensils, a small cooker (just holds up a pan), a firestarter, fire starting brickets, 50 ft. paracord, 2 ponchos, a 1 qt canteen, sewing kit, first aid kit, flashlight, light sticks, and I have two blankets I'd like to shlep along but they are in the car right now (one is fleece, the other flannel on one side and waterproof on the other). I also have a compass and enough maps in my car to get me just about anywhere on the east coast (I want to keep it cut down to NC maps for my bag, though). I think I left something out, but oh well, you get the idea. This is what I was able to get from two army surplus shops in the area. I'm not done yet. I had the idea of two bags, one for basic survival should I get lost in the woods while hiking and one as an actual bug out bag, which I'll probably use a duffle with a large strap for. I can't see shlepping some of this stuff along for the areas that I go hiking in. But some stuff I see a use for should I find myself out in the woods for a longer period of time. __________________ "Ruin a liberal's day; recite historical fact." - found on a bumper sticker Last edited by SuckLead; 02-12-2008 at 09:24 PM.

02-24-2008, 02:57 PM	#9
SpecOpOperator Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 57	IF and thats a big IF, money allows, buy two kits.. one for general hiking and one for SHTF bug-out.. you don't ever want to dig into your bug-out bag.. when you get back from hiking, it is WAY to easy to forget to replenish the items you used... Here is some ideas: General hiking: Bag: small military type 3 day assualt pack with MOLLE attachment points.. 2 MOLLE AR15 mag pouches hold Nalgene bottle great.. Equipment: strike anywhere matches in a H2O proof carrier with the striker pad inside the carrier, Small amount of dryer lint in waterproof container (for easy fire starting) good emergency/space blanket rolled up with 5 small bungee cords (I fit mine into a small general purpose stuff sack) a pair of extra socks, gloves, balaclava, compass or GPS with spare batteries.. Food: Take your MRE's and field strip them (take out the things you won't need) Take just the main meal out of the cardboard, the crackers, cracker spread, small meal out of the cardboard, the candy, TP and fruit drink.. all that should fit in a ziploc bag and it's ALOT lighter.. you most likely won't need the coffee/hot cocoa, matches, gum, and all the other junk that comes in them.. Cut the spoon in half to save room and weight.. Add a couple of CLIF bars or something like that... As far as your bug-out bag.. the items you carry in there are wholly up to you.. I can't really give any ideas, because I can't say you feel necessary to survive.. but good luck with it and god bless __________________ Not a Survivalist, but a Survivor

02-24-2008, 04:40 PM	#10
mym1a Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,313	I have a alice pack loaded and a go bag with web gear ammo, magazines knife several rounds of ammo and other items then can be put on in the field.

02-24-2008, 08:56 PM	#11
SuckLead Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA Posts: 600	I managed to see the bag I want the other day. It was on someone's back, unfortunetly. All I have to do now is track one like it down. But it would be a bug-out bag only and not my main carrier. Good thoughts on the two bags. It is in my nature to be somewhat lazy when it comes to putting things back where I found them, so knowing me I'd end up needing the bug out bag only to find out, too late, that I left something like food behind. __________________ "Ruin a liberal's day; recite historical fact." - found on a bumper sticker

02-24-2008, 09:11 PM	#12
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,668 Images: 2	There is usually plenty of food in the forests...worms,grubs, frogs, minnows, bugs, plants ,berries,grass...so don't worry if you forget the food ! It is a Smogasbord out there in the woods ! __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM! Last edited by Mooseman684; 02-24-2008 at 11:36 PM.

02-24-2008, 11:24 PM	#13
KGunner Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 432	A MOLLE is a great bag.

02-25-2008, 10:14 AM	#14
mym1a Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,313	have thought about up grading to the molle? thats with the velcro???

02-25-2008, 12:32 PM	#15
SpecOpOperator Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 57	MOLLE is the system the military is using.. with the vest and packs, there are numerous horizontal straps sewn about every inch or so.. All of your pouches, pockets, and accessories have corresponding vertical straps with buttons on the bottom of them to attach them to the vest or pack... I've found that the most secure way to attach them is to "weave" them through the horizontal straps, so if the snap comes undone, your pouch doesn't just fall out... A good MOLLE equipped pack can hold a ton of gear on the outside that you might need to get to in a hurry while you keep the overnight stuff inside.. I have a military 3 day assault pack as my bug-out and have a smaller MOLLE day pack as my general use.. they both work great.. try looking at Condor brand to keep the price down a little... __________________ Not a Survivalist, but a Survivor

02-25-2008, 12:45 PM	#17
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,539 Blog Entries: 2	Molle Pack Zitteli Z1 Molle Pack $29.69 from Underbid.com Condor Medium Molle Assault Pack SKU# CO 126 $49.95 from Desert Deuce From Desert Deuce .com ?different colors? __________________ Craig By the standards of most

02-25-2008, 12:49 PM	#18
mym1a Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,313	I have 3 sets of web gear packed and ready all i have todo is add water lol.

02-25-2008, 03:57 PM	#19
LarryO1970 "Blazing Saddles" GOV Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Johnson Creek, WI Posts: 2,872	mym1a ... are you an MRE guy for field foods? I tend to gravitate toward them for the obvious, they are lightweight and bind you up for a little while... more time doing what is needed than looking to dig a hole to crap in. I believe they are less expensive and "bulletproof" than the "add water" foods you get from REI or other outdoor specialty stores. As for me... I have my backpack all set (even with 2nd chance vest, flack vest is useless)

02-25-2008, 04:10 PM	#20
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,353	Sucklead, keep an eye on The Sportsman's Guide and Cheaper than Dirt for military surplus bags. With the Army going over to the MOLLE system from the ALICE system, I suspect it won't be too long before the ALICE bags start showing up on the surplus market in quantity and at low prices. Both the outiftis I mentioned tend to get things like that early on in the sell-off process. An example of what I'm talking about. After hearing about how her Grab & Go Bag had saved or helped out my wife at her office on half a dozen occasions in the last year - everything from using the flashlight to locate a missing 1 carat diamond that fell out of an engagement ring to being able to towel off & dress in warm, dry clothing after getting drenched walking to the office from Grand Central Station - her best friend (who also works in Manhattan and was there on 9/11, so has some faint glimmer of a clue how important a bug-out bag can be) asked me if I'd build one for her. An important step is of course to lay hands on a decent or better backpack. About a week after she made the request, the latest Sportsman's Guide milsurp catalog arrived in the mailbox. Inside was an offer for 3 Swdish Army unissued surplus waterproof nylon backpacks with integral frame and two outside pockets for $30. *That's $10 for a brand new 2000 cubic inch backpack and frame.* You can't do much better than that, and those kinds of deals do turn up a couple of times a year. Add a traveler's vest with all those pockets and a military pistol belt and suspenders setup to that, and you will have a good weight distribution of your camping or survival gear. Such a deal will allow you to take the two bag approach you like. I do suggest that you not swap gear from one bag to the other. The missions are not the same. While they have a degree of overlap in gear, they do not demand 100% duplication. Get two of the duplucated items and put one in each bag instead of swapping them back and forth. It costs more, but remember: part of the purpose of a Grab & Go Bag is so you don't have to think when the bug-out boogie moment arrives. You just grab it and go, knowing that the gear you so carefully put in it will be ready for your use in the emergency. Prudence does require you to adopt that way of looking at it. It's okay to futz around with an overnight-in-the-woods bag. You can even use it as a testbed for things you might want to include in the Bug-Out Bag. But please don't use your Bug-Out Bag as a testbed. Nothing should be in it that you haven't thought through, tried out and approved. An emergency is no time to find out your Handy Dandy Lightweight Pioneer Wigwam is a dud, or you're allergic to something in the MREs you picked out, or that leaving out the dental emergency repair kit was a bad idea. A dud item in your overnight kit is annoying. A dud or something essential missing in the Bug-Out Bag can be a disaster. So don't go raiding one to complete the other, okay?