Posted: 5/13/2026 10:22:55 AM EDT
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Ok so I live in my bugout location (not going anyplace) and I'm on top of a mountain in the ozark national forest. I'm surrounded by rivers and rough terrain. We have a huge network of gravel roads and 4x4/utv/ atv to get around. I used to live in the PNW and did tons of mountaineering and my Last Mt rainier climb I had a loaded 20lb pack (40L) for a few days. I was also big on ultra light backpacking too and would do a few days with 11lb packs often. I still have those packs (cilogear non woven dyneema and some other stuff) I hike often and generally have a chest pack, fanny pack, or day pack. I have a 3 day pack (a few actually), a camelback BMF pack (decent sized internal frame pack with hip belt) and 5.11 rush 100 (large internal frame pack) both of those I hardly use. I acquired an OD green blackhawk rucksack with TT Malice frame some time ago and now also a new tactical tailor malice rucksack with new regular Alice frame. I'm thinking selling them to fund other preps? Keep one and sell one? I am also now in my 50's so I can't carry as much (I can I will just feel it more the next day) I keep thinking better to have it and not need it than not have it  . I also think if the SHTF I can give it to one one the younger dudes to go patrol and recon. |
have gun will travel
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
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Originally Posted By Greenspan: Everyone needs some basic pack, but I think the bugging out on for with a pack thing is often way over stated as a prepper fantasy. You as a backpacker already know the limitations here and I assume can plan within reason. This. He'll, I'm 73 and I've got four packs not counting my Camelback hydration pack. Just bought another one today. You may not be bugging out, but if you need to live of the land, sooner or later you'll make a kill and need to haul it in. Having extra packs so if you really soil one it's no big deal. |
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Originally Posted By Greenspan: Everyone needs some basic pack, but I think the bugging out on for with a pack thing is often way over stated as a prepper fantasy. You as a backpacker already know the limitations here and I assume can plan within reason. Also agree. Mid 40s and I have way more "packs" than I need filling up my gear room. I live in a rural area on acreage so the chances of me loading up a pack and bugging out for "SHTF" is about as slim as it gets. I do need to get my 72hr bag back in order but its more or less something to go with me should I need to spend a weekend at a hotel, or family members should there be some type of local disruption, or even an emergency at work that has me away from home for an extended period of time. Sure, I keep a few items in there that could sustain me for a night without shelter but that's not its primary purpose. I am a bit of a wilderness survival enthusiast so I always keep a small tarp, some paracord, fire starter type stuff in my gear but its use case is probably pretty slim. If something during a societal collapse has me fleeing my home, I won't want to be carrying any significant weight or bulk because it's a retreat type situation. I spend a lot of time hunting off grid in my AO, and several other areas from year to year. Living out of a pack in the wilderness for anything more than a short term planned trip for a specific season is going to be tough, if not a fantasy. I have spent a week living out of a pack in the back country many times in recent years and I have about zero intention of "planning" to try and do that forever. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By raimius: I would have at least one med/large pack. Bugging out on foot should be a last resort. Bugging in is preferred. Leaving with a vehicle is a 2nd choice. On foot...probably going to end poorly, but no other options left... This is the correct answer. You should already be in your bugout place. Those of you that think you will be welcomed where ever you are going to “bugout” to, good luck. |
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Originally Posted By Greenspan: Everyone needs some basic pack, but I think the bugging out on for with a pack thing is often way over stated as a prepper fantasy. You as a backpacker already know the limitations here and I assume can plan within reason. This. And while normal folks instantly becoming backpackers is not likely to work out well, another use case for it might not be taking your things and you somewhere but you fetching things and toting them back. One of the common training tasks on the field exercises I run are cache recoveries/raids/supply drops, and it seems about 50% of the time noobs don't think to run the exercise with an empty pack in order to have backhaul capability. |
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I think it really depends on where you live. If you live in an area where you can expect to have to evacuate for inbound hurricanes, it only makes sense to have a bugout plan (not just a single bag) AND a place to bug out TO. I think having a place to go to and a solid route (with recon done in advance) is pretty important….more important than the bag you are carrying. If you live in a super cold climate, then your bag is more likely to be a “survive a night in the deep cold” bag in order to enable you to get home to warmth. The idea that any of us here in the US are going to “bug out and live off the land” is a prepper fantasy. Maybe not so much fantasy if you live in an African shithole or a country likely to be invaded by your neighbors….but for us Americans, it’s (thankfully) a prepper fantasy. When we travel by vehicle around the country, I carry a small “bug out” backpack but it’s just an essentials bag. We use it as a day pack for short hikes. I keep water, small snacks, fire starting and a small stove, and some basic first aid supplies in it. If I broke down, I could grab that bag and hike out if needed. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
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thanks everyone lots of good info and I totally did to think of having to pack out an animal plus many short supply type trips if the vehicles are out of commission a frame pack can carry the heavy loads if needed |
have gun will travel
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
|
Originally Posted By dayphotog: thanks everyone lots of good info and I totally did to think of having to pack out an animal plus many short supply type trips if the vehicles are out of commission a frame pack can carry the heavy loads if needed You mention having to pack out an animal, which I have done several times and frame hauler style packs are super versatile for hauling anything. I have had a few brands over the years, but my favorite is still the Kelty hauler, unfortunately it was discontinued years ago. If I could only have one external frame pack it would be that. External frame packs while not as comfortable as a dedicated internal frame, are very utilitarian and a lot of random crap can be tied on/ to it without much effort. With that said I still wouldn't want to carry the rest of my life with me in any pack 
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Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Pappas why do we have this cart Because no ruck sacks What's a ruck sack Pappa It's a bag it's why we have this.... Pappa what kind of bag It's a bag on our backs, it's used to... Pappa Yes Is it heavy Well it can be if your carrying two peoples worth of..... Pappa... Bang. Fuck this cart....
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i dont want my final jig in the belly of a squid.
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Originally Posted By protus: Pappas why do we have this cart Because no ruck sacks What's a ruck sack Pappa It's a bag it's why we have this.... Pappa what kind of bag It's a bag on our backs, it's used to... Pappa Yes Is it heavy Well it can be if your carrying two peoples worth of..... Pappa... Bang. Fuck this cart.... That pretty much summed up the whole damn movie!!! Know your dying, but don't teach your kid crap, let him be like 10 years old and totally dependent on you in the PAW... Helluva plan! |
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In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
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Having a pack with at least a few days supplies- whether you "Plan" to bug out or not- is basic preparations 101. Could be as simple as leaving and staying in a hotel to avoid a hurricane, etc. |
www.jrhenterprises.com
In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
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Originally Posted By Lowdown3: Having a pack with at least a few days supplies- whether you "Plan" to bug out or not- is basic preparations 101. Could be as simple as leaving and staying in a hotel to avoid a hurricane, etc. For many, the "bug-home/out" pack is just the foundation. It's a smaller, containerized package of preparations that distills down the essentials to what's on your back. It identifies limitations, advantages and disadvantages. It's the start point. As one's life and situation evolve and encompasses more facets of being prepared, the larger "bug out bags" kind of take a back seat. I'm getting rid of my larger packs (just sold my Kifaru EMR w/ piggyback scout...I carried over 100 pounds in that setup!), as I just don't want, need, or have any desire to "ruck" with that much weight. I'll still backpack and do day hikes, but SHTF packs are more geared towards getting home fast or patrolling the property. I still think it's a good practice to have a pack ready to go at home, in your vehicle, or when traveling. Again, it's just the essentials in a compact, short term package. ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
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Originally Posted By Lowdown3: That pretty much summed up the whole damn movie!!! Know your dying, but don't teach your kid crap, let him be like 10 years old and totally dependent on you in the PAW... Helluva plan! Probably the wife's view on the son's upbringing especially since she committed suicide to escape the situation. My former BIL and his wife raised their son that way. I was told not to give him any toys at Christmas that might encourage violence. She told me that they caught him and some neighborhood boys playing army using sticks as weapons. All were put on restriction for a week. WTF?? He grew up to be a successful professional anyway. I could see "The Road" scenario playing out a lot of places. |
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Just a thought but if some “event” did occur that resulted in needing a backpack, EVERYONE outside would have one. Every kid already has a couple for school. Everybody I know has several. They’re just everywhere. Granted I live next to the Appalachian trail and we get a ton of hikers walking through here twice a year but still… The point is, you might look odd without one. |
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Originally Posted By taliv: Just a thought but if some “event” did occur that resulted in needing a backpack, EVERYONE outside would have one. Every kid already has a couple for school. Everybody I know has several. They’re just everywhere. Granted I live next to the Appalachian trail and we get a ton of hikers walking through here twice a year but still… The point is, you might look odd without one. I have tons of backpacks just not sure I needed a large rucksack. I agree in that type of situation everyone will have a pack of some sort. |
have gun will travel
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
|
Originally Posted By radioshooter: Probably the wife's view on the son's upbringing especially since she committed suicide to escape the situation. My former BIL and his wife raised their son that way. I was told not to give him any toys at Christmas that might encourage violence. She told me that they caught him and some neighborhood boys playing army using sticks as weapons. All were put on restriction for a week. WTF?? He grew up to be a successful professional anyway. Originally Posted By radioshooter: Probably the wife's view on the son's upbringing especially since she committed suicide to escape the situation. My former BIL and his wife raised their son that way. I was told not to give him any toys at Christmas that might encourage violence. She told me that they caught him and some neighborhood boys playing army using sticks as weapons. All were put on restriction for a week. WTF?? He grew up to be a successful professional anyway. Not to derail, but my son was raised around the military, grew up playing “war”, I encouraged with his introduction to firearms, he played airsoft with a few middle school buddies, and I later took him with me to some rifle and pistol classes when he turned 16. Hell, that stuff is normal for a boy, isn’t it? Well, he’s mid 20’s, married, LEO/SWAT and Infantry 1LT(P) in the National Guard, just recently selected for company command in October. I guess my influence helps a little. . Back to the topic. The Integrated Skills Group has some great content and this is an older but very solid primer of selecting a backpack: ISG on selecting a backpack Originally Posted By dayphotog: I have tons of backpacks just not sure I needed a large rucksack. I agree in that type of situation everyone will have a pack of some sort. This isn’t a bad take. Larger packs are rarely used outside of major missions, operations, or distance backpacking with gear that isn’t “lightweight” or has bulky seasonal requirements. They’re also a young man’s pack. I have had my share and still have a few, but they’re not as used as much anymore. It really depends on the situations and scenarios based on your requirements and threat assessments. Personally, everyone should have a decent pack in the 20-30L range, maybe one as big as 40L or so. Larger volume is really for seasonal, bulky stuff, but do pay attention to load weight capacity/comfort ratings. Not that you want to carry heavy stuff, but if you need to, you’re going to want a frame and suspension system to keep it stable and not fail. Such packs are essential for keeping hand free and carrying more essentials and sustainment items that you just can’t stuff in your pockets. While I know more than a few who have their “bug home truck” stocked and ready, you should have backup plans if you’re truck is disabled, out of gas, blocked in, or inaccessible. Whether you really need a larger rucksack or not is really dependent on your philosophy of use and if you’re actually going to use it; otherwise, it’s going to be a wasted expense. I have an older (X-pac material) Seek Outside Gila 3500 pack. I think the total volume is around 57 liters. My last trip with that pack was to test going over 100 miles (total was 108 miles) without resupply; it took me 7 days and a wake-up and I had an extra day and half of food. That was/is about my maximum distance with a pack and no resupply (other than water). And that is about the maximum size of pack/weight I want to carry (total trail weight, food, fuel, and 3 liters of water) was just over 40 pounds. Granted, this was summertime, so clothing/insulation was at a minimum. Doing a trip in the colder months would need more volume and add a little extra weight for a better rated sleeping system and layered clothes. I won’t be moving as fast or as far in those same amount of days. ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
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Originally Posted By ROCK6: Not to derail, but my son was raised around the military, grew up playing "war", I encouraged with his introduction to firearms, he played airsoft with a few middle school buddies, and I later took him with me to some rifle and pistol classes when he turned 16. Hell, that stuff is normal for a boy, isn't it? Well, he's mid 20's, married, LEO/SWAT and Infantry 1LT(P) in the National Guard, just recently selected for company command in October. I guess my influence helps a little. . Back to the topic. The Integrated Skills Group has some great content and this is an older but very solid primer of selecting a backpack: ISG on selecting a backpack This isn't a bad take. Larger packs are rarely used outside of major missions, operations, or distance backpacking with gear that isn't "lightweight" or has bulky seasonal requirements. They're also a young man's pack. I have had my share and still have a few, but they're not as used as much anymore. It really depends on the situations and scenarios based on your requirements and threat assessments. Personally, everyone should have a decent pack in the 20-30L range, maybe one as big as 40L or so. Larger volume is really for seasonal, bulky stuff, but do pay attention to load weight capacity/comfort ratings. Not that you want to carry heavy stuff, but if you need to, you're going to want a frame and suspension system to keep it stable and not fail. Such packs are essential for keeping hand free and carrying more essentials and sustainment items that you just can't stuff in your pockets. While I know more than a few who have their "bug home truck" stocked and ready, you should have backup plans if you're truck is disabled, out of gas, blocked in, or inaccessible. Whether you really need a larger rucksack or not is really dependent on your philosophy of use and if you're actually going to use it; otherwise, it's going to be a wasted expense. I have an older (X-pac material) Seek Outside Gila 3500 pack. I think the total volume is around 57 liters. My last trip with that pack was to test going over 100 miles (total was 108 miles) without resupply; it took me 7 days and a wake-up and I had an extra day and half of food. That was/is about my maximum distance with a pack and no resupply (other than water). And that is about the maximum size of pack/weight I want to carry (total trail weight, food, fuel, and 3 liters of water) was just over 40 pounds. Granted, this was summertime, so clothing/insulation was at a minimum. Doing a trip in the colder months would need more volume and add a little extra weight for a better rated sleeping system and layered clothes. I won't be moving as fast or as far in those same amount of days. ROCK6 Yes.... Why does ROCK6 wear a camo skirt.... Well son he... Papa...what about chiggers... Well I'm sure he's using bug spray.. Pappa..... Yes Wouldn't that burn... ( checks cylinder of revolver...fake bullets.....sees cannibal raiders approaching)... Yes it would....I'll be right back...stay here... I've tried to never go over 40lbs... Last few trips I was hovering around 28 excluding water..but I normally carry 3 liters minimum. Big thing is pack construction and suspension.. I'd rather carry 30lbs in a slightly larger pack with a legit suspension than a floppy plain padded pack or frame sheet style.. Reason I kinda dig that osprey rook mesh/tension set up . |
i dont want my final jig in the belly of a squid.
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Honestly even if your truck is disabled or road largely impassable due to traffic jams there are still better vehicle options than walking. Eg an ebike with a trailer Or a Segway type device or even a Onewheel. I put a lot of miles on my very old Onewheel+ and the new ones are insane. 32 mi range for the big one and 18 mi range for the tiny one. I kept one in the back of my truck for years. Even for something stupid like “I ran out of gas and it’s ten miles to the next exit” stuff. |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
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I always watch this and thought to myself that shopping cart was sucky enough pushing it across a flat parking lot, but a broken up highway? |
Think of how stupid the average person is and realize half of them are stupider than that.
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Attached File I don't need another one but snagged this this week for under $50. Couldn't say no, you know, in case one of my buddies is stuck using a shopping cart... |
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I really like this backpack for day hikes and as a bug out type bag. Throw it in any vehicle I’m heading out somewhere in. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z7QP62C There are some review videos on YouTube. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
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Some may disagree, but I think that the CFP-90 is still today, is a great piece of kit. And... They're damn affordable on eBay. |
A socialist may indeed be academically superior.
And yet, they are most certainly emotionally retarded.
Public education is the opiate of the masses.
And yet, they are most certainly emotionally retarded.
Public education is the opiate of the masses.
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The only reason I have a large ruck (100L Belgian) is for hauling winter gear. Originally Posted By myitinaw: Some may disagree, but I think that the CFP-90 is still today, is a great piece of kit. And... They're damn affordable on eBay. My buddy loves his. Definitely a neat pack. I like my 30L Savotta pack with 4x 1 qt. pouches. |
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I have more than a few backpacks. I guess you can call them rucksacks. Different packs for different purposes. Small 20-35ltr packs for sitting by a tree hunting all day. 45-65ltr packs for multiday hikes. Figure our what you will need to carry and size accordingly. As for your question I firmly believe yes, a pack of some sort is needed. It is a real bitch to carry much of anything without a pack and bugging out will include a fair amount of stuff. |
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Where There Are Sheep, Wolves Will Always Thrive
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...I think that the CFP-90 is still today, is a great piece of kit This one is clearly similar, but it's actually built around an ALICE frame. No tags, no labels, no nothing. I suspect it was a prototype design from TSSI years ago, since I just snagged it from their closing-down showroom and warehouse. Attached File |