Rucks, bug out bags, etc....some thoughts...

[Hawkeye]

This is just hitting the highlights of various points we wanted to touch on in regards to various packs and usage, etc... More to come down the road.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Good Post
Since the war Military bags are so common anymore no one looks twice, camo hunting bags ditto. This is Oklahoma, the heartland and provider of Soldiers and known for hunters. After SHTF greyman is out, like you said look and act professional , supposedly most here are professional survivalist or striving for it right? LD3 talked about ripples one time, in this case make a small ripple that says "I wouldnt".
Solid color are great except for stuff that doesnt belong. Light colored Sand is not gonna do anything but stick out in the woods and towards twilight it actually shines, reflecting light. If thats what you already have then try and break it up with different colored pouches. marker, paint, burlap strips or something. Deer hunters will know what i'm talking about because its a weakness on the deers coat at twilight, it shines.
Frame packs rule. I went many years without them but once I found them I wont look back.
On my large bag, that is for leaving and living, it is big and it has alot of stuff and it often scoffed at by many BUT I know what it takes to live here in Oklahoma where the wind blows 30-50 more often than not and with temps below freezing and moisture coming down in winter you will die in a hammock/tarp setup that makes it elsewhere. In fact during the blizzards over the last few years many folks died trying to "ride it out" in the car or being underdressed/prepared. Temps were well below freezing mark and the wind was steady at 50 with 70mph gusts and snow with zero to 10yds visibilty. In spring it might be making a shelter during a highwind hailstorm because weather doesnt care. When the straightline winds hit it is usually 50-80mph so hows that tent or cute one sided tarp gonna hold up? Your shelter may have to "go to ground" next to a large log/rock with a wrapped tarp and a waterproof sleeping bag because other stuff wont cut it. That sleeping bag takes alot of space and with winter layers it doesnt weigh 1/2 lb and fold into the palm of your hand like so many other reviews of some. With the lightening in the western side you cant be near trees or large outcroppings so tarp usage can get limited in hasty setups and a tent might be needed and maybe them metal, all the rage, stakes arent so good after all there Benjamin Franklin!
KNOW YOUR AREA of OPS and if a big bag is needed then get one because there are no do-overs with nature.
Great thoughts on quality too.

[Grand58742]

Good video.

[ibetiny]

I have a question that would be a good one to brainstorm a little. I have a very small boned wife (110 lbs and 4'11") and two very young children at home. I have separated my B.O.B. into two packs. My question is what goes into each pack. We do not want nor need two tents and things like that. I would like my wife to be able to take the kids and her B.O.B. and leave without me but when I pack everything she would need it's too heavy. Remember she would have the two toddlers so the gear requirements are a little different. To add insult to injury, we live in a place where the climate can be 110 in the summer and -40 in the winter. Right now she will not bug out without me but if "something" happens, I will not be permitted to leave work. Does anyone have suggestions? Can we brainstorm some, it might help others too as I can't be the only one.

Tiny

[jimmycthemd]

Just a thought...you might try a game cart for her to carry things in addition/instead of the pack. They come in many sizes and some are aluminum framed to keep the weight down. Another idea would be a 'little red wagon' that could double as a kids' toy as they grow. I know my wife (also 4'11" but not skinny LOL) uses an old kids' wagon we picked up at a yard sale to work in her flower garden to haul potting soil, etc.. These might not be that manoeuvrable as a bug-out-bag, but how manoeuvrable is she going to be with two toddlers?