Re: Bug Out Bag

[Rooster]

MREs don't taste that bad I would recommend that over the mystery bar

...unless it's a tuna MRE.

[autonomous]

oh right and the vegi omelet is one to avoid

[RandomCarnie]

I've been looking at packs recently, and I think I've settled on this:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/pro-force-snugpak-rocket-pack-backpack-or-yoke-system.aspx?a=370397

Rugged material, ample room in the main pack with the option of including the 'rockets' to make it a near-expedition capacity rig.

Just needs some MOLLE webbing for my shotgun scabbard.

As for contents, I already keep a waterproof bag in my pickup with the following (Entitled "The Oh Sh*t! Sack") :
1X - Complete change of clothes (cold weather)
3X - Pairs of socks; Dry socks are important.
2X - Nalgene 1L water bottles, one containing Peanut M&Ms (packaged), the other containing Iodine tablets and cheese cloth for filtering/sanitizing water.
5X - Bic lighters; simple, effective, waterproof.
2X - Flints; simpler, less effective, more waterproof.
1X - Tinder Kit; Just a couple of Altoids boxes worth of some lightweight, flammable material from around the house.
2X - Sewing Kit + Extra Zippers, Cordura Patches, and Nylon Cord; Stuff breaks, important stuff always breaks. Be able to fix it.
1X - Roll of Duck-brand Duct Tape; Self-explanatory.
?X - More Packaged Peanut M&Ms; Delicious, and high calorie - take a long time to go stale.

Important: Check the waterproof bag every so often, just to make sure things aren't molding - they trap moisture, as well as keep it out.

I also carry my old DAN First Aid Kit, an 18" Machette, and my good 'ol I.R.B.I. skinning knife in the cab. Total overkill for everyday use, but nice to know it's there when traveling the highways around here in winter. Also great for impromptu trips into the woods for bonfire + brews (usually ends up happening on lab days).

[autonomous]

I've been looking at packs recently, and I think I've settled on this:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/pro-force-snugpak-rocket-pack-backpack-or-yoke-system.aspx?a=370397

The strap system looks decent. It has a waist belt to put most of the weight on your hips lowering your center of gravity and reliving weight on your spine and shoulders. With a good pack you can carry 30% of your body weight and retain most of your agility if your in shape. If you pack right 4000 Cubic inches of pack space can get you threw 7 days comfortably . If you add on 10 pounds for a long gun and about 1 to 2 pounds for every 100 bullets pending type you should be able to get a good estimate of how much you are going to be carrying. The pack looks descent though.