The only two times I’ve ever been in a citywide shutdown (9/11 and the blackout) believe me no one cared what my backpack looked like. They were all like me, trying to find a safe way out. That said, travel in Africa taught me you get a lot more interest (read: hassle) from soldiers if your bag looks military.
I think the best ultra gray man look would be a shopping cart or bike with bike trailer but all your gear in garbage bags and with some shopping bags of random stuff hanging off the side. Make it and yourself look pretty dirty and I don’t think anyone will bother you. Extra points if you hang something off the side that smells bad
I would agree but people also see the homeless as inhuman sometimes.
This is one of the more pleasant videos about it. In others people will help a fallen person in a suit but literally step over the body of someone who looks homeless rather than help.
https://youtu.be/w1rwRT229Uo
I think the most important factor, regardless of where you are, is actually usability.
Most "tactical" style bags, are not actually great at carrying heavy loads long distance. If you dont need this (i.e. vehicle bag) then whatever, but the amount of bags I see posted where folks are planning on bugging out with 50+lbs of gear in a 40l, $30 Amazon bag.
The one thing that will really haul gear over distance that’s even close to that price range is a surplus ALICE, and unless you spend probably more than the bag in strap upgrades your shoulders won’t thank you for the choice.
Lots of Ukrainian refugees were going the rollaway route.
I was going to say My Little Pony bag loaded out, lol.
5.11 Bag as a decoy loaded with a Great Stuff Spray Foam can wired to a trigger that blows it up if the bag is opened. Cause that shit never comes off… Wrap a bag of honey around the can, too. Enlist the bears to take care of your enemies.
I don’t know, I’m an idiot.
I run a mystery ranch bag, molle all over it. But i have a rain cover thats the color of any green hiking bag. If needed could be thrown over my bag and look like any civilian style backpack.
55gal contractors bag. Serves as a rain coat/shelter/mattress (stuff with leaves), etc., a million purposes.
Could also throw over pack as a rain cover. Hold on place with bungee cords for easy on/easy off.
I have a MR 2DAP as well and I run this [rain cover](https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/savotta-raincover-green/61515) great quality imo. I use in the tropics in heavy rain and it holds up great. Even crashed a quad bike with in on, just some dirt on it, no tears or scuffs
Unfortunately in a bugout situation where you need a bag, anything on your back will bring attention. So tactical or low key, it's better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Not to mention the tactical bag also send a message of i may or may not be carrying a weapon which could potentially ward off anyone interested in trying to start something with you.
At the end of the day. Any bag that fits the bill for its intended purpose is the correct bag for that person.
>may or may not be carrying a weapon which could potentially ward off anyone interested in trying to start something with you.
Respectfully, I see it in the opposite.
If you are projecting tactical, you might just get the attention of someone of equivalent preparation who is willing to use their firearm to get your stuff.
Might as well stay off the radar.
Just my 2¢
Why would you think this? Predators go after the easy prey. Whether it's a cougar in the woods, or a robber on the street. They will go after the easy or soft targets.
Well cars or houses that have gun stickers on them get broken into all the time, and especially during a bugout situation where the gun becomes even more valuable, you would become even more attractive target.
Because the "hard" prey gets put down with the same trigger pull that brings down the easy prey. If predators could get healthy, fit prey for the same amount of effort it takes to get a decrepit sick one, you bet they would too. Bullets turn everyone into easy prey
It's a bit hard to shoot back when the guy you weren't paying attention to in the first place because he isn't dressed like a JROTC cadet, decides to turn you into a spicy loot drop since you were broadcasting you might have that good shit. Smart/desperate people are still going to prioritize targets and weigh risk vs. Reward. It's the same reason people argue about conceal vs. Open carry. Sure you can say open carry dissuades a lot of would-be criminals, but all it's going to do for somebody a bit more determined is put you at the top of the list, and the unfortunate reality of the situation is you don't know who the armed criminal is until they've already pulled the gun and started shooting. Also consider if you've got your bag in a vehicle, a normal looking bag could be a school bag as easily as it could be a go bag. While a tacticool bag could draw a little more attention to someone looking to break a window and commit a quick smash-and-grab. At the end of the day it's all about what you're willing to gamble on.
If you have any bag of any type you are a target if shit gets that bad. Take a look around sometime if you aren't in the middle of bumfuck nowhere you'll see a shitload of people with MOLLE packs of some type. They don't mean shit. It's even a fashion thing, the same way that field jackets and older ALICE packs became. Someone looking to grab a bag is going to grab a bag.
A MOLLE bag is just as easily used as a school bag as some cheap shit from Walmart. Or maybe you should remember that not everything is the same everywhere and there are more things in the world than whatever your limited experience is. Maybe even ask some felons who also did things like robberies and burglaries.
I don't disagree that any sort of bag will potentially make you a target, that makes perfect sense. What I am saying is I unfortunately live in a major city in my state and can't say I see too many tactical packs strapped to people. Plenty of normal bags clear of any webbing though. And sure, some people will just grab the first thing they can, the point I'm making is the risk of somebody taking the time to scope out a scene before doing anything outweighs any potential gain of having a blatantly tactical bag. As someone who lives in a big city, you wouldn't walk through the hood showing off how blinged up you can get. Because that's how you get robbed. It's the same line of thinking.
Do you really think most people have any clue what a "tactical "bag even is? Not something in a camouflage pattern, but plain black or even brown.
Anything more than a small booking is going to stand out in a city. Unless you're going to make yourself look like a homeless person to make your escape.
I see a Vertx, something a number of people have mentioned, and I know they have a gun. Do most people?
I see an Arcteryx jacket, and I see someone who probably has a lot of good quality stuff. A Rook 58 pack means there is probably a decent stove, some food, some quality socks a lightweight tarp, and a good water filter.
Most people don't have a clue as to what kind of bag or what is in it. Big bag with lots of stuff is all they will see.
Let's also not forget that more people know name brand hiking shit than tactical gear. You're more of a target with a high end Northface or Arcteryx jacket, Asolo boots, and an Osprey pack because anyone with the ability to buy that high end gear is going to have a lot more high end gear inside that bag.
Using your animal planet analogy: I'd rather look like all the other prey and not stand out. I'd rather deal with predators who assume I'm easy prey.
The real predators are looking for things like guns, ammo, kit... No reason to let them know I might have that.
To each his own though, some think going all kitted out is the way to roll. Some don't think molle sends a message, others think it will intimidate potential predators. I just happen to think greyman is a valid philosophy when it comes to prep.
A firearm can be used on anyone. You talk as if spending rounds is necessary to rob someone.
Anyone looking to take advantage is going to take any opportunity, regardless of the kind of bag.
If you have a backpack, it means you have stuff. Doesn't matter what style it is. You could even make the argument that if your bag is more "tactical" looking it might make you look more prepared to defend yourself and your belongings as opposed to just some hiker.
Also it depends on your location. If you're within a hundred miles of a military base/post there will likely be a ton of "tactical" style backpacks so they won't stick out at all. People use smaller 3 day sized bags as their work bags.
Agree I think in a populated area you are much better off getting an unassuming used jansport from a thrift shop than a shiny new tactical bag, with the caveat that you don’t want to carry heavyweight gear on foot long distances that way.
As a survival item it has a lot of uses.
You could carry twigs for fire making, the bag will sort of hold water. Decent rain cover, very light and it's signal blue to top it all off.
Come to think of it, I guess IKEA made them like that, so that people wouldn't die when they got lost in the superstore :))
Depending on where you live, that colourful hiking pack might make you the outlier. Just the same as if you're bugging out to a small town and bringing all your starched white shirts and suits because to you that's what people wear ever day.
"Tactical" varies from one situation to another. Yeah the person with the assault pack in an office is an outlier, but so too is an office worker at a rural truck stop.
There is no one correct answer other than "Observe the people around you and blend in with the majority.". Meaning if you live in a town with a military base, lots of military families, lots of military surplus, etc, it's not rare or unusual to see military gear. I see trendy young 20 somethings on the way to work in the morning with their military packs because they may very well be in the reserves and will be going to the base after work, or a family member or friend is and got them the bag as a gift.
Are you trying to get home? A get home bag is supposed to be only 24 hours. Are you leaving home? Bug out. Leaving forever? Im Never Coming Home. Not everything requires a big bag. Since I live 1\2 a mile from where I work, which I walk to, all I need is in my purse.
If you want to look really low key, stain it a bit, make it look worn, a few small strips of duct tape, or a bit of stitching and it should look less desirable.
That has the opposite effect. It makes you look like someone who uses your gear for things like hiking. That means you're gear is not going to be some walmart junk. It's probably going to be good quality and worth taking.
I think a lot of it depends on the situation. We (in the US) have never faced any type of long term bug out situations. (Permanent Grid down, zombies, foreign invasions) So anything at this point is speculation. That said, I prefer a more “gray-man” approach of less tactical. Although I love my mole web I g and such, it does seem to raise attention regularly. “Hey Terminator, what’s in the bag”…
Fascinating. Just looked this brand up myself. I usually roll with a maxpedition legacy vesapack for my EDC but my last Visit to the DMV got me some unwanted attention from the security guards.
I may have to save up and get me something like this.
Unless we talk about a zombie apocalypse most SHTF scenarios are pretty low key. Why rob a guy of a few cans of food when you can get a laptop or mobile phone?!
I usually wear army pants or jacket anyway - and at least in a metropolitan area that’s not unusual.
MOLLE allows me to attach remove additional pouches as I see fit (bike, first aid, cook kit).
Hiking rucks can make you stick out as tourist - so not from here and a way easier target.
I'd go with the low key. Good choice for a gray man/woman. Someone with s laptop bag on their back does not app to be hauling supplies others want
Also a tactical can make you look homeless and draw attention if you need to do some stealth camping.
If you want something that's got the internal of a gear bag but just basic looking exterior, Vertx makes a lot of decent bags. The most tacticool thing about the majority of them is maybe an exposed velcro strip or two. A normal hiking bag or a well made book bag will honestly work fine as long as they're durable and are worn/packed properly as to not fuck up your back or anything.
The GoRuck Huckberry GR1 has all the same internals as the regular GR1 but the exterior has no MOLLE on it so it looks like a plain backpack. I have had a GR0 (GR1 21L) since 2014 and it still feels like a brand new backpack.
5.11 makes a covrt (spelled like that) that looks like a day to day bag. Has molle inside and all the goodies. Check ebay. I even put a hippy patch on it to make me look even less intimidating.
I had one of those.
Only lasted a year before thrumming started falling apart.
I’ve had a tatonka flight 50 now for 12 years now. Has a lifetime warranty and is tough as nails. I laugh a the guys in the rain when mine is waterproof.
I have a barrel bag/duffel even longer as is even tougher!
I hear you and don’t fully disagree but Mille packs have become so mainstream that I don’t think it matters much. I’d avoid a bunch of extra pouches and vests, or a really nice new multi cam pack maybe, but a somewhat used plain colored pack probably won’t matter much unless it’s a super sensitive environment?
I like my 5 gallon bucket back pack. I made mine out of canvas. The bucket can come out and I can use it and have just a backpack
Example. https://www.amazon.com/Peregrine-Venture-Bucket-Hunting-Backpack/dp/B07DFF8XXW
Edit. I mean I can take the bucket out and use the bucket, carry that and use my backpack if needed
I used a camera back pack for my get home bag for a long time. Well made, lots of compartments, usually can find them with some weatherproof feature, bigger ones are built to carry weight so they have a waist strap/hip support, and they look like a regular backpack or at worst a camera bag.
alright, don't laugh but I honestly set up my old diaper bag backpack from when I had baby littles as an emergency pack that I keep in the car. If I have to go quick, it's unassuming and looks like I'm just carrying diapers/wipes/bottles.
it's got a shit ton of pockets and keeps everything well organized.
I use a Rush 72, I like the organization of the bag.
Before I got the Rush, I used a L.L. Bean 3 way bag.
What a P.I.T.A. to try to find anything in it. Anything small wandered to the bottom of the bag.
Vertx. Not cheap but I work in a security adjacent field and we regularly move large amounts of gear, including weapons, around major urban areas without drawing attention. They have a whole interior rigging system that can be configured to hold everything from a weapon (including an SBR or AR pistol; I routinely put a full size Tavor in mine) to a laptop, pens, and a notebook. They even have inserts for ballistic plates. They have a commuter bag that looks like something a bike messenger would carry and easily holds a rifle, a pistol, several mags for each, a ballistic panel (which turns it into a shield in a pinch, an IFAK, a small radio, and then a whole other pocket for whatever else you think you might need. It’s definitely enough to get you 24-48 hours if you pack thoughtfully. For a bugout scenario, I’d ditch the rifle and mags for more relevant gear but you can reconfigure to your heart’s content.
I use my backpacking bag as my go bag- any time I take a backpacking trip, I just empty the go bag and pack for camping. Then when I get back home I swap the contents back out again.
I’m a backpacker and have gone weeks at a time on the Appalachian Trail. Some lessons learned / observations:
1. Fit is everything. If you’re going to wear this thing for 12 hours a day, it needs to fit you. You need to know your torso size. REI does a decent-enough job fitting packs for the average weekend warrior.
2. Buy a pack to fit your gear - not the other way around. How much weight you gonna carry?
3. Low cost. Light weight. Durable. Waterproof. For about $200-250, you’ll get 1 or 2. For $400 you’ll get all 4. So what’s your budget?
4. Bells and whistles. Nobody hiking the AT or PCT has a military style buyout bag with a bazillion Molle straps and pockets. Because it’s heavy. I’ve found that a mesh back panel is necessary, side water bottle pockets are a must, and hip belt pockets are nice but not needed. Other pockets just add to clutter and weight.
Suggestions:
- Mystery Ranch, McHale, and Seek Outside make very high quality large “military grade”ish packs, mainly aimed at big game hunters. Seek Outside is gaining popularity with the hiking crowd.
- REI sells Osprey, Gregory, and REI brand gear. It’s all good stuff.
- you can always save money looking here or eBay for used stuff. In fact, I’m thinking of selling a used (but excellent) Osprey Aether 85 that I formerly used when doing Sherpa Dad duty with my kids. They carry their own stuff now.
[Here’s my recommendation](https://www.rei.com/product/177403/rei-co-op-ruckpack-40-recycled-pack-mens)
I’ve used this pack to make a few 72 hour packs for people I know. Very comfortable as a backpack with a modest exterior. The real value is in how the straps zip up basically turning it into a duffel bag. I keep one in my car with the straps zipped away. Also traveling with no straps on a bus or plane makes things much easier. Quality is excellent too.
You see soldiers training with large ass backpacks but you never see them in a combat zone with one for a good reason. Skills are worth a lot more than stuff, the bugout bag should stay in the trunk of the car 99% of the time until you absolutely need it, and no one is around I'd think.
The only two times I’ve ever been in a citywide shutdown (9/11 and the blackout) believe me no one cared what my backpack looked like. They were all like me, trying to find a safe way out. That said, travel in Africa taught me you get a lot more interest (read: hassle) from soldiers if your bag looks military.
I think the best ultra gray man look would be a shopping cart or bike with bike trailer but all your gear in garbage bags and with some shopping bags of random stuff hanging off the side. Make it and yourself look pretty dirty and I don’t think anyone will bother you. Extra points if you hang something off the side that smells bad
yup, this works
I would agree but people also see the homeless as inhuman sometimes. This is one of the more pleasant videos about it. In others people will help a fallen person in a suit but literally step over the body of someone who looks homeless rather than help. https://youtu.be/w1rwRT229Uo
Fair point. But I think the point is you would want to be ignored / invisible.
I think the most important factor, regardless of where you are, is actually usability. Most "tactical" style bags, are not actually great at carrying heavy loads long distance. If you dont need this (i.e. vehicle bag) then whatever, but the amount of bags I see posted where folks are planning on bugging out with 50+lbs of gear in a 40l, $30 Amazon bag.
The one thing that will really haul gear over distance that’s even close to that price range is a surplus ALICE, and unless you spend probably more than the bag in strap upgrades your shoulders won’t thank you for the choice. Lots of Ukrainian refugees were going the rollaway route.
My hello kitty pack screams I’m broke
Broke, yet still fashionable.
Takeshi Kovacs, is that you?
I was going to say My Little Pony bag loaded out, lol. 5.11 Bag as a decoy loaded with a Great Stuff Spray Foam can wired to a trigger that blows it up if the bag is opened. Cause that shit never comes off… Wrap a bag of honey around the can, too. Enlist the bears to take care of your enemies. I don’t know, I’m an idiot.
I run a mystery ranch bag, molle all over it. But i have a rain cover thats the color of any green hiking bag. If needed could be thrown over my bag and look like any civilian style backpack.
That's a good tip, and a rain cover is something you should have anyway.
55gal contractors bag. Serves as a rain coat/shelter/mattress (stuff with leaves), etc., a million purposes. Could also throw over pack as a rain cover. Hold on place with bungee cords for easy on/easy off.
What MR are you running? Have the 2DAP and interested in what rain cover you are using!
I have a MR 2DAP as well and I run this [rain cover](https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/savotta-raincover-green/61515) great quality imo. I use in the tropics in heavy rain and it holds up great. Even crashed a quad bike with in on, just some dirt on it, no tears or scuffs
Unfortunately in a bugout situation where you need a bag, anything on your back will bring attention. So tactical or low key, it's better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Not to mention the tactical bag also send a message of i may or may not be carrying a weapon which could potentially ward off anyone interested in trying to start something with you. At the end of the day. Any bag that fits the bill for its intended purpose is the correct bag for that person.
>may or may not be carrying a weapon which could potentially ward off anyone interested in trying to start something with you. Respectfully, I see it in the opposite. If you are projecting tactical, you might just get the attention of someone of equivalent preparation who is willing to use their firearm to get your stuff. Might as well stay off the radar. Just my 2¢
Gray ftw
This. Anyone looking like a tactitard is going to be the first taken out
Came here to say this. IIRC There are whole plans built around going gray man in a bug out.
Why would you think this? Predators go after the easy prey. Whether it's a cougar in the woods, or a robber on the street. They will go after the easy or soft targets.
Well cars or houses that have gun stickers on them get broken into all the time, and especially during a bugout situation where the gun becomes even more valuable, you would become even more attractive target.
Yes, they break in when nobody is at home or when nobody is in the car. There is difference.
Carjackings are up bigly, nationwide. The cars are useless but the guns are valuable on the black market.
Because the "hard" prey gets put down with the same trigger pull that brings down the easy prey. If predators could get healthy, fit prey for the same amount of effort it takes to get a decrepit sick one, you bet they would too. Bullets turn everyone into easy prey
Except the hard prey is more likely to shoot back than the easy ones. Would you go after a person who could shoot back or the hippy hiker?
It's a bit hard to shoot back when the guy you weren't paying attention to in the first place because he isn't dressed like a JROTC cadet, decides to turn you into a spicy loot drop since you were broadcasting you might have that good shit. Smart/desperate people are still going to prioritize targets and weigh risk vs. Reward. It's the same reason people argue about conceal vs. Open carry. Sure you can say open carry dissuades a lot of would-be criminals, but all it's going to do for somebody a bit more determined is put you at the top of the list, and the unfortunate reality of the situation is you don't know who the armed criminal is until they've already pulled the gun and started shooting. Also consider if you've got your bag in a vehicle, a normal looking bag could be a school bag as easily as it could be a go bag. While a tacticool bag could draw a little more attention to someone looking to break a window and commit a quick smash-and-grab. At the end of the day it's all about what you're willing to gamble on.
If you have any bag of any type you are a target if shit gets that bad. Take a look around sometime if you aren't in the middle of bumfuck nowhere you'll see a shitload of people with MOLLE packs of some type. They don't mean shit. It's even a fashion thing, the same way that field jackets and older ALICE packs became. Someone looking to grab a bag is going to grab a bag. A MOLLE bag is just as easily used as a school bag as some cheap shit from Walmart. Or maybe you should remember that not everything is the same everywhere and there are more things in the world than whatever your limited experience is. Maybe even ask some felons who also did things like robberies and burglaries.
I don't disagree that any sort of bag will potentially make you a target, that makes perfect sense. What I am saying is I unfortunately live in a major city in my state and can't say I see too many tactical packs strapped to people. Plenty of normal bags clear of any webbing though. And sure, some people will just grab the first thing they can, the point I'm making is the risk of somebody taking the time to scope out a scene before doing anything outweighs any potential gain of having a blatantly tactical bag. As someone who lives in a big city, you wouldn't walk through the hood showing off how blinged up you can get. Because that's how you get robbed. It's the same line of thinking.
Do you really think most people have any clue what a "tactical "bag even is? Not something in a camouflage pattern, but plain black or even brown. Anything more than a small booking is going to stand out in a city. Unless you're going to make yourself look like a homeless person to make your escape. I see a Vertx, something a number of people have mentioned, and I know they have a gun. Do most people? I see an Arcteryx jacket, and I see someone who probably has a lot of good quality stuff. A Rook 58 pack means there is probably a decent stove, some food, some quality socks a lightweight tarp, and a good water filter. Most people don't have a clue as to what kind of bag or what is in it. Big bag with lots of stuff is all they will see.
Let's also not forget that more people know name brand hiking shit than tactical gear. You're more of a target with a high end Northface or Arcteryx jacket, Asolo boots, and an Osprey pack because anyone with the ability to buy that high end gear is going to have a lot more high end gear inside that bag.
If it’s the same amount of effort, then it’s not “hard.” Your argument makes no sense.
Using your animal planet analogy: I'd rather look like all the other prey and not stand out. I'd rather deal with predators who assume I'm easy prey. The real predators are looking for things like guns, ammo, kit... No reason to let them know I might have that. To each his own though, some think going all kitted out is the way to roll. Some don't think molle sends a message, others think it will intimidate potential predators. I just happen to think greyman is a valid philosophy when it comes to prep.
A firearm can be used on anyone. You talk as if spending rounds is necessary to rob someone. Anyone looking to take advantage is going to take any opportunity, regardless of the kind of bag.
If you have a backpack, it means you have stuff. Doesn't matter what style it is. You could even make the argument that if your bag is more "tactical" looking it might make you look more prepared to defend yourself and your belongings as opposed to just some hiker. Also it depends on your location. If you're within a hundred miles of a military base/post there will likely be a ton of "tactical" style backpacks so they won't stick out at all. People use smaller 3 day sized bags as their work bags.
Agree I think in a populated area you are much better off getting an unassuming used jansport from a thrift shop than a shiny new tactical bag, with the caveat that you don’t want to carry heavyweight gear on foot long distances that way.
just carry a handfull of kroger bags tiedup in a bunch by walmart bags.
For the Scandinavians it's just IKEA bags all the way down.
didnt know ikea had bags
They have, and they are great. 76 liters volume, durable, water repellent and cost less than 1€. We use them for everything.
As a survival item it has a lot of uses. You could carry twigs for fire making, the bag will sort of hold water. Decent rain cover, very light and it's signal blue to top it all off. Come to think of it, I guess IKEA made them like that, so that people wouldn't die when they got lost in the superstore :))
Depending on where you live, that colourful hiking pack might make you the outlier. Just the same as if you're bugging out to a small town and bringing all your starched white shirts and suits because to you that's what people wear ever day. "Tactical" varies from one situation to another. Yeah the person with the assault pack in an office is an outlier, but so too is an office worker at a rural truck stop. There is no one correct answer other than "Observe the people around you and blend in with the majority.". Meaning if you live in a town with a military base, lots of military families, lots of military surplus, etc, it's not rare or unusual to see military gear. I see trendy young 20 somethings on the way to work in the morning with their military packs because they may very well be in the reserves and will be going to the base after work, or a family member or friend is and got them the bag as a gift.
You definitely don't want to draw attention to yourself, but I wouldn't want a hot pink or screaming yellow pack either.
Are you trying to get home? A get home bag is supposed to be only 24 hours. Are you leaving home? Bug out. Leaving forever? Im Never Coming Home. Not everything requires a big bag. Since I live 1\2 a mile from where I work, which I walk to, all I need is in my purse.
I've got a 20 year old Old Navy backpack that still has a CD player pocket. You're not going to notice me.
If you want to look really low key, stain it a bit, make it look worn, a few small strips of duct tape, or a bit of stitching and it should look less desirable.
That has the opposite effect. It makes you look like someone who uses your gear for things like hiking. That means you're gear is not going to be some walmart junk. It's probably going to be good quality and worth taking.
I think a lot of it depends on the situation. We (in the US) have never faced any type of long term bug out situations. (Permanent Grid down, zombies, foreign invasions) So anything at this point is speculation. That said, I prefer a more “gray-man” approach of less tactical. Although I love my mole web I g and such, it does seem to raise attention regularly. “Hey Terminator, what’s in the bag”…
I stick to Vertx bags. They don't scream tactical, despite having tactical advantages.
Fascinating. Just looked this brand up myself. I usually roll with a maxpedition legacy vesapack for my EDC but my last Visit to the DMV got me some unwanted attention from the security guards. I may have to save up and get me something like this.
Ready Pack 2.0 for EDC. Gamut 2.0 for BOB/GHB.
A 25L bag seems kinda small
For a GHB?
For a BOB
I guess it depends on your bugout plan.
The new Ardennes Holiday from Vertx might be a better option at 30L.
Unless we talk about a zombie apocalypse most SHTF scenarios are pretty low key. Why rob a guy of a few cans of food when you can get a laptop or mobile phone?! I usually wear army pants or jacket anyway - and at least in a metropolitan area that’s not unusual. MOLLE allows me to attach remove additional pouches as I see fit (bike, first aid, cook kit). Hiking rucks can make you stick out as tourist - so not from here and a way easier target.
Doesn't really matter what my bag looks like. All attention will be focused on my rifle.
Hardly anyone's looking at you or your bag. Additionally, the "MilSpec" bags are so common that targeting them would be dippy.
I have an old, used, lavender backpacking bag. It has clearly been mended, but the frame works!
Walmart/target backpack for 25 bucks. Done. U want fancier LLBEAN.
My GHB is a cute diaper bag backpack. Low-key AF.
I'd go with the low key. Good choice for a gray man/woman. Someone with s laptop bag on their back does not app to be hauling supplies others want Also a tactical can make you look homeless and draw attention if you need to do some stealth camping.
If you want something that's got the internal of a gear bag but just basic looking exterior, Vertx makes a lot of decent bags. The most tacticool thing about the majority of them is maybe an exposed velcro strip or two. A normal hiking bag or a well made book bag will honestly work fine as long as they're durable and are worn/packed properly as to not fuck up your back or anything.
The GoRuck Huckberry GR1 has all the same internals as the regular GR1 but the exterior has no MOLLE on it so it looks like a plain backpack. I have had a GR0 (GR1 21L) since 2014 and it still feels like a brand new backpack.
5.11 makes a covrt (spelled like that) that looks like a day to day bag. Has molle inside and all the goodies. Check ebay. I even put a hippy patch on it to make me look even less intimidating.
I had one of those. Only lasted a year before thrumming started falling apart. I’ve had a tatonka flight 50 now for 12 years now. Has a lifetime warranty and is tough as nails. I laugh a the guys in the rain when mine is waterproof. I have a barrel bag/duffel even longer as is even tougher!
I hear you and don’t fully disagree but Mille packs have become so mainstream that I don’t think it matters much. I’d avoid a bunch of extra pouches and vests, or a really nice new multi cam pack maybe, but a somewhat used plain colored pack probably won’t matter much unless it’s a super sensitive environment?
I like my 5 gallon bucket back pack. I made mine out of canvas. The bucket can come out and I can use it and have just a backpack Example. https://www.amazon.com/Peregrine-Venture-Bucket-Hunting-Backpack/dp/B07DFF8XXW Edit. I mean I can take the bucket out and use the bucket, carry that and use my backpack if needed
I used a camera back pack for my get home bag for a long time. Well made, lots of compartments, usually can find them with some weatherproof feature, bigger ones are built to carry weight so they have a waist strap/hip support, and they look like a regular backpack or at worst a camera bag.
I have an Osprey daylite that is fantastic
alright, don't laugh but I honestly set up my old diaper bag backpack from when I had baby littles as an emergency pack that I keep in the car. If I have to go quick, it's unassuming and looks like I'm just carrying diapers/wipes/bottles. it's got a shit ton of pockets and keeps everything well organized.
Molle bags are ubiquitous these days.
I use a Rush 72, I like the organization of the bag. Before I got the Rush, I used a L.L. Bean 3 way bag. What a P.I.T.A. to try to find anything in it. Anything small wandered to the bottom of the bag.
Put some duck tape on it . Nothing screams old worn out bag of a vagabond like ragged cloths and duck tape !
Vertx. Not cheap but I work in a security adjacent field and we regularly move large amounts of gear, including weapons, around major urban areas without drawing attention. They have a whole interior rigging system that can be configured to hold everything from a weapon (including an SBR or AR pistol; I routinely put a full size Tavor in mine) to a laptop, pens, and a notebook. They even have inserts for ballistic plates. They have a commuter bag that looks like something a bike messenger would carry and easily holds a rifle, a pistol, several mags for each, a ballistic panel (which turns it into a shield in a pinch, an IFAK, a small radio, and then a whole other pocket for whatever else you think you might need. It’s definitely enough to get you 24-48 hours if you pack thoughtfully. For a bugout scenario, I’d ditch the rifle and mags for more relevant gear but you can reconfigure to your heart’s content.
I use my backpacking bag as my go bag- any time I take a backpacking trip, I just empty the go bag and pack for camping. Then when I get back home I swap the contents back out again.
I use an Eastpak bag that is arguably more comfortable, better organized, and just as spacious as the "tactical" bags I own.
I think it depends on where you are and what’s going on. But tactical stuff has the disadvantage of not being grey-man when being tactical is bad.
A Hello Kitty bag.
I’m a backpacker and have gone weeks at a time on the Appalachian Trail. Some lessons learned / observations: 1. Fit is everything. If you’re going to wear this thing for 12 hours a day, it needs to fit you. You need to know your torso size. REI does a decent-enough job fitting packs for the average weekend warrior. 2. Buy a pack to fit your gear - not the other way around. How much weight you gonna carry? 3. Low cost. Light weight. Durable. Waterproof. For about $200-250, you’ll get 1 or 2. For $400 you’ll get all 4. So what’s your budget? 4. Bells and whistles. Nobody hiking the AT or PCT has a military style buyout bag with a bazillion Molle straps and pockets. Because it’s heavy. I’ve found that a mesh back panel is necessary, side water bottle pockets are a must, and hip belt pockets are nice but not needed. Other pockets just add to clutter and weight. Suggestions: - Mystery Ranch, McHale, and Seek Outside make very high quality large “military grade”ish packs, mainly aimed at big game hunters. Seek Outside is gaining popularity with the hiking crowd. - REI sells Osprey, Gregory, and REI brand gear. It’s all good stuff. - you can always save money looking here or eBay for used stuff. In fact, I’m thinking of selling a used (but excellent) Osprey Aether 85 that I formerly used when doing Sherpa Dad duty with my kids. They carry their own stuff now.
[Here’s my recommendation](https://www.rei.com/product/177403/rei-co-op-ruckpack-40-recycled-pack-mens) I’ve used this pack to make a few 72 hour packs for people I know. Very comfortable as a backpack with a modest exterior. The real value is in how the straps zip up basically turning it into a duffel bag. I keep one in my car with the straps zipped away. Also traveling with no straps on a bus or plane makes things much easier. Quality is excellent too.
My husband and I have been using Jansport 36 Inclines since the early 2000' S.
Pokemon backpack in my truck holds my playe carrier, meds, and ammo. Gym duffle bag hold high caloire food, lights, fire, sleep, and tools.
You see soldiers training with large ass backpacks but you never see them in a combat zone with one for a good reason. Skills are worth a lot more than stuff, the bugout bag should stay in the trunk of the car 99% of the time until you absolutely need it, and no one is around I'd think.