If you don’t know where to start in prepping, this is where I am getting the outline of my discussions here!
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You will notice that this is a replay of a previous podcast, but as I have been going through the beginning stages of starting your journey into preparedness, I thought it best to cover choosing bug out bags before I discuss what goes in it.
Topic:
Choose the Correct Bug Out Bag and How to Pack it for Stability and Proper Fit
Which comes first, the bag or the gear?
Gather supplies, then choose bag
Get bag, then choose supplies
I recommend getting bag first
So you don’t pack your house in it
When choosing your bag, keep this in mind for a great fit
Color
Capacity
Torso Size
Load Support
Gear Access
You will be visible if you look different than everyone else
Do not want to draw attention
Be prepared without “looking prepared”
Choose neutral or mute colors
If you use camo, OD green, or black you scream, “I am prepared and tactical” or “I have lifesaving equipment in my bag… Just take it.”
If you use bright colors, you draw attention. People can’t help but notice you
If you are going on a night trip, don’t pack for a month’s trip.
Choose the correct bag.
1-2 Nights
20-50 Liters
1.5-4.5 lbs
2-3 Nights
50-60 liters
2.5 to 5 lbs
3-5 Nights
60-80 liters
2.5 to 5+ lbs
5+ Nights
80+ liters
4-6+ lbs
Choose a Pack based on Torso Size, not overall height.
Measure yourself
Base of your neck to your hipbone
Women and children sizing is available from most manufacturers
Their torsos are shorter
Up to 15.5 in
XS
16-17.5 in
S
18-19.5 in
M / Regular
20+ inches
L / Tall
Determine the Load Support or Frame of the Pack
Types of frames
External
Better Weight Dispersal
Further from body
Internal
Close to body
Poor weight dispersal
Hybrid Framed
Perimeter Frame
Trade off
Better weight dispersal than internal
Closer to body than external
Get to Your Gear Easily when it Matters by choosing the right pack.
Unloading your pack stinks
You want a pack designed to organize and compartmentalize
Typical Pack Pockets
Main Compartment
Where you will place the bulk of your items.
Pack items that you don’t need constant access to
Heavy items need to be center of pack, near your back
Medium weight items get packed around the heavy core.
Keep all the weight possible at your spine
If weight is too high, you will be off balanced
If weight is too low, you will lean forward to balance and overwork your back
Sleeping Bag Compartment
I prefer lashing on bags and tents
This would be a good spot for a hammock pack and mosquito netting
Keep the weight a little lower here
Water Bottle Pocket
I don’t like these, but I will place bottles in these as long as I can tie the bottle.
If I can’t tie the bottle, it doesn’t belong to me
Hip-belt Pocket
Great for ID, a little cash, maybe a food bar
Top Lid Pocket
Keep low weight here
This may be used to fine-tune the balance of the pack
Front Pocket
Keep light items that you will be needing a lot in in all outside pockets
Lots of utility features are available, so use what you need.
You can’t buy what you didn’t know was there.
Compression Straps
I use these for tightening my pack down to keep weight on my spine
I also lash things down with them
Hydration bladder with drink tube
This is almost perfectly designed to keep your heaviest item on your back
You can drink on the fly
Daisy Chain
Perfect for items on carbiners
Great for lifting bag
Pole Loops
I don’t use these much
Rain Hood
Tucked away in a Velcro compartment to pull over bag
MOLLE Compatibility
Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment
Lots of compatable options
Tool sheaths
Pouches
Medkits
And More
I typically lash these to the front straps for ease of access
Adjust your pack every time you wear it, and do so in this order:
Hipbelt
Shoulder straps
Load lifters
Sternum Strap
Stabilizer Straps
Final tweaks
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Ken is addicted to fitness and mountain biking. He is such a thrill seeker, people are starting to be concerned!He enjoys MTBing, Hiking, Climbing, Geocaching, Orienteering, Weight Lifting, and Wilderness Survival.