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.