So I like to think that I am prepared, but I took a hard look at my preps and decided that I should be spending A LOT more time here instead of cutting it up in the GD area.
With the current state of affairs it is time for me to step it up a bit.

Making up some BOB's for the rest of the family.

What would be a good source to get.  Alice or Molle?

ALICE
http://cgi.ebay.com/Large-Alice-Pack-Rucksack-US-Military-NEW-/330514494664?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf432f4c8#ht_3378wt_907

MOLLE
http://cgi.ebay.com/Desert-MOLLE-SDS-Large-Assault-Pack-DCU-3-Day-Backpack-/290503253598?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a357de5e#ht_2764wt_1141

Many thanks
Ox

I have a large ALICE and like it alot.  Its got a ton of space, but my biggest gripe is the extra weight of the frame.  I also just got a 3-day bag for $30 from LAPG - the same one in Flashbang1063's post here:

Flashbang1063's minimalist 3-day pack

Seems to be a good bag for a great price.  Its smaller than the large ALICE, but I'm experimenting and want to see if the loss of space is worth the savings in weight to me.

Awesome.
Just saved Flashbangs thread.  Will be going back to that one as a reference.
Many thanks

I started with medium alice packs, but the frame was my issue too just didn't like it. That being said the price can't be beat on the alice packs and I think there are some lighter frame options out there.



Below are a couple of threads to check along with the other mentioned above.





http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=10&t=334683





http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=18&t=643427





http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=18&t=643266

 

My philosophy on BOB's has changed over the years.

I used to find the biggest bag I could and cram as much as I could into it. I also spent too much money.

I figured that I should keep the BOB in my truck instead of my home. If it is down in the basement it does not help me at work or if I am out around town.

The big bag I kept in the truck always kept getting in the way and drew attention if I had to keep moving it. I decided to go smaller.

I bought a like new USGI woodland Camo ALICE pack and a DOWNEAST FRAME upgrade. The bag cost me $15, and the frame with straps $40. It is very comfortable and affordable. Over time I bought some cheap MOLLE woodland camo pouches to attach to it.

The DOWNEAST FRAME IS AWSOME.

I now keep the BOB in a plastic bin in the back of my truck. It just looks like a beat up, cheap utility box.

I also pared down my needs to the necessities.

Food (kept in a 5 gallon bucket - I can pull food from it when I need it)
Water
Warm clothing
Poncho
Tarp
Paracord
Hammock
Knife
Lights
Blankets (in the winter sleeping bag)
Personal defense items
Fire/cooking
Misc items
Tools

I also keep a spare set of boots in the truck in a 5 gallon bucket.

Keep it really simple and inexpensive. I find I use items from the BOB for everyday stuff. If you are spending a lot of money on it, you probably are doing it wrong.