094: Choosing and Packing the Correct Bug Out Bag for Stability - The Prepper Podcast

Housekeeping:

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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

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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