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Daleo8803

Daleo8803

Move along, move along
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I know some people don't like the idea of these and other do. But I'm putting one together just in case I have to leave my home as a last resort.


Atm I have 2 backbacks. One is a large Alice pack with the metal frame and updated straps and padding. The other is a molle style pack (60L).

I like the Alice because of the metal frame. The molle does not have a frame.

As I will be carrying most of the heavy stuff for my small family I think the frame will help with the weight.

Do yal have any recommendations for a backpack? Or should I just keep with what I have?
 
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The Alice would allow you to comfortably carry more stuff but how far will you be bugging? I live in the woods so we keep get home bags in our vehicles and its more of a 24 hour size with the basics in it. Figure they are actually good for about 3 days and light enough that the wife can carry one.
 
Haven't done heavy backpacking years so no idea on the brands / models mentioned. However I will say a hip belt and chest belt help tremendously to redistribute the weight.

Also regular outings to both be in shape and see what you really need vs don't need.

If you have a dog(s) consider putting a pack on them too so they can help out.
 
Me. said:
Load up each with 60 lbs of stuff.

Take them for a 10+ mile hike through paved, unpaved, and wild areas.

Separate the trips by about a week.

Evaluate how well they/you did, and whether or not something else would meet a need you found during your discovery.


A lot of folks plan stuff, but never actually take the walk.
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A 60 pound load will smoke most folks - I remember the first bag I made - I tried to put it on and couldn't get off the floor (probably had 120# in it). My get home bags are around 30#. You are so right about not taking the walk. Got to see what you can realistically carry.
 
Me. said:
Also, always pack at least one smaller lightweight empty packable backpack. You never know when an opportunity to split the load might come up.

You can also stop along the way, decide what you really need for THIS situation, vs. all the ones you packed for. You can use the spare backpack to load up the stuff you won't need now, and then hide that pack.

Save weight now. Go back for it later if desired, it's ready to carry.
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Good tip. I’ve found that these Eddie Bauer bags are great for that. Small, lightweight, foldable, lightly padded straps, can take a frame sheet, can be had for as little as $5 on sale w member rewards. They have a 30L in addition to this 20L.

Stowaway Packable 20l Backpack | Eddie Bauer

Shop Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack at Eddie Bauer.
www.eddiebauer.com www.eddiebauer.com
 
Herk said:
A 60 pound load will smoke most folks - I remember the first bag I made - I tried to put it on and couldn't get off the floor (probably had 120# in it). My get home bags are around 30#. You are so right about not taking the walk. Got to see what you can realistically carry.
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This is good. A few of us have been rucking to get in shape. I have a 20 lb plate and a 30 lb plate. I also have a water bladder, first aid kit and a few other things in the pack. So let’s say I am carrying 30-40 lbs. i’m just an average 53 year old guy. After rucking weekly for a while I think I could probably knock out a 20+ mile day if needed. Make that pack 60 lbs and I’d guess my mileage would be way lower. And speed would suffer too. So unless you are really strong and fit try to lighten it up. Maybe small light packs for wife and kids to take some of the weight off. Or re-evaluate what you are taking. I’m more of a believer in a get home bag than a bug out bag. Most of us aren’t bugging anywhere and living off the land for long. I just want to get from point A to home.
 
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If you’re making a bag to leave your house, Pack according to how long your trip is gonna take & what supplies you’ll have on hand once you arrive.

if you have no plan and no set destination you’re nothing more than a refugee. That’s no Bueno.

I work all over NC, SC and Va. so I have 3 bag. I plan my bag on how long it will take me to walk home.
1st 24 hour bag. simple back pack EDC stuff in it a few power bars etc.
2nd 72 hour bag, like a large 5.11 Rush pack has seasonal appropriate sleeping bag, change of clothes, couple pair of socks underwear three or four freeze dried meal bags
3rd bag is a week or longer, large internal frame pack, purchased at the greater provincial outdoor store, specifically made for hiking long distances with a lot of weight. filled with all of the above plus other essential bush craft items necessary to get home.

since you’ve got a family everybody should have a small pack or a small sling pack. Maxpedition, 5.11 tactical makes good bags. But if you’re roucking the majority of the weight for a small family I’d suggest a roller

7DC26001-F2A5-463F-86DC-FB13C3FC5B89.jpeg

I snagged this picture off Google just for a reference. Someone on the board posted about one just a few days ago I believe, I apologize I can’t remember the name. I have a two wheeled version in my shed I got from Cabela’s like 15 years ago when I was out hunting supposed to hold like 300 pounds.

anyway probably a lot more info / personal opinion than you wanted, sorry lol I tend to ramble about this stuff.
 

I've got a Spear Pack system, Wind River and probably another half dozen packs. The heaviest pack I've had was about 70 pounds and it stayed packed for DMAT deployments. With so many ways to haul loads on wheels I wouldn't even think about hauling a pack that heavy on my back again. With that said I've got another half dozen smaller packs that contain various as needed things. None would be loaded over 25# or so.
 
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Me. said:
Load up each with 60 lbs of stuff.

Take them for a 10+ mile hike through paved, unpaved, and wild areas.

Separate the trips by about a week.

Evaluate how well they/you did, and whether or not something else would meet a need you found during your discovery.


A lot of folks plan stuff, but never actually take the walk.
Click to expand...
I know the first time I walked the Appachian trail my pack weighed 80lbs. It never weighted 80lbs again I can tell you that 😂
 
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