New to this, seeking advice

[Powerhouse]

Recently I have become aware how woefully unprepared I am to survive were the s&%t to hit the fan. The family and I discussed this at no small length over the past few days and have decided to prepare accordingly.

The question first and foremost in my mind is what pack to get? I do believe a back pack would be best for my purposes. To prep for my whole family (wife and two teen boys) I will be needing four, so everyone has an individual set of necessities, and so that they have their own basic survival kit. I have looked, and keep coming back to the ALICE pack, both medium and large. The large for me and possibly the boys as they are still growing, and the small for the wife. They are an older design yes, but have proven their durability over time. There are nicer packs on the market, but since I'm playing from behind and planning for four price is a factor to get everyone prepared quickly.

My plan right now is to keep them light and simple. I'm working on a list now but don't have it finalized yet. This is my starting point and need a little advice from more the experienced.

 

[Bioshock]

Being honest, You would come out better with some average school type packs.
Cheaper and would blend in anywhere.

For me,It was easier to buy the items then the bag to hold them.

 

[oldmetlfan]

It really will depend on what you plan to put in them. If you only want a raincoat and an extra pair of socks, a fanny pack will do.
Want to carry a kitchen sink, you will need the Mnt Everest backpack. You get the idea.
Do a search in this catagory for "bugout", or maybe just "bug" or "bob", and you will find quite a few threads to help you out with what you are looking for.

 

[Powerhouse]

I've done that search exactly! As far as school type bags, they don't really fit into my plan. The way I see it, I want to plan for the worst. If something happens that is bad enough to make me leave my home (another discussion altogether) I don't want some flimsy, brightly colored sack on my back.

I don't plan to take the kitchen sink, but I do want more than a spare pair of socks. Think of being prepared for a 4 day hiking trip, with ammo. Also, I've bought quite a few of those cheaper bags and watched them be totally destroyed by kids in a matter of days.

 

[Bioshock]

I've done that search exactly! As far as school type bags, they don't really fit into my plan. The way I see it, I want to plan for the worst. If something happens that is bad enough to make me leave my home (another discussion altogether) I don't want some flimsy, brightly colored sack on my back.

I don't plan to take the kitchen sink, but I do want more than a spare pair of socks. Think of being prepared for a 4 day hiking trip, with ammo. Also, I've bought quite a few of those cheaper bags and watched them be totally destroyed by kids in a matter of days.

Alot of people think a military type bag will make you a target.

I started with one of these:
US Military MOLLE II Rifleman set (4 bag) Woodland Camo
You can get them cheaper than that site
I actually still have this bag and think its great.
http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/13277.html

Now I have a couple of these:
North American Rescue Products Warrior Aid and Litter Kit (Pack Only)
http://narescue.com/Portal.aspx?CN=00F7FFE9B59D

and my wife has this:
MOLLE II (MODULAR LIGHTWEIGHT LOAD-CARRYING EQUIPMENT) 3-Day Assault Pack Large
http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/13264.html

 

[Bioshock]

Also have 2 of these folded upinside my packs

US Military Cordura Pack Duffel Bag

http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/392883.html

 

[talkstosquirrels]

Oh lord.... here we go folks!

K... not to get me started but....

I agree with you on the flimsy situation. Steer clear of those. I also agree with blending in, do not get military packs as they will have a sign lingering over them saying "I've got some really great stuff in here and am probably armed so just consider me and my family a target". Go to a high end camping store ie: REI, they have TONS of options that are SOLID. Get black, or a muted blue or something un military looking. Get one with hydration, water is your best friend. 3 days with out and your a goner.

Get propylene, or similar quick-dry ONLY! Do not even consider putting anything cotton in your bag. IF it gets wet, your F'd. 2 pairs ea. socks, undies, t-shirt, pants. 1 warm top, 1 gortex coat/pants. Put all those in a waterproof compression sack, you will be surprised at how small all that will get. Para cord and cloths pins. 1 pair is on your a$$, the other is either drying on in your bag, clean dry and warm. I'll stop there or this will get out of control. Feel free to PM me.

 

[oldmetlfan]

It sounds stupid, but make your list of items, buy them, then pile them up on the floor.
It's the only way you will be able to see how big a pack you need.
Don't forget to do a true long hike with the bag when it is full (not just around the block once).
You may find that you can make do with less items, just to save the weight.
Also, you will need to adjust it seasonally. You don't need a parka when it's 90 degrees outside.
It will also need to be tailored to where you plan to go. You might want hip waders if you are heading to swamp land.


Here's a couple other places you can read up on what people suggest carrying...

http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/bug-out-bag/
http://www.survivalistssite.com/~canuck/downloads/bob_list.pdf
http://gundoctor.wordpress.com/personal-preparedness/bug-out-gag-contents/

 

[protective measures]

Also checkout some of the wide variety of kits for all types of situations suggested by Doug Ritter at www.equipped.com.

It is an excellent resource.

 

[Powerhouse]

Thanks for the advice guys.

As far as the contents, I'm well on my way to having that covered. About the color, I intend to avoid people I see at all costs. I understand what you mean about becoming a target, but i'd rather blend in than stick out.