BOB Utilities and Options to make a great experience   

There are a vast array of bags and packs out therethat you could use as a bug-out bag.  All of these bags have a million options available to them.

You will need to decide what is best for you when it comes to the different options on your Bug-out Bag. 

The following are some typical options on many bags available.

When you walk for miles and hours, you will be thankful to have hip straps to disperse the weight onto your hips.  But basic hip straps can be uncomfortable without hip padding.

Hip straps and hip padding

This one is very important.  Wider straps will make it much more comfortable, and tire your shoulders out much less. If you have narrow shoulder straps, it will dig into your skin and you will have to keep readjusting. You will probably get blisters, and at the end of the day, your shoulder muscles will barely be able to move.

Wide shoulder straps

Compression Straps are Extremely BeneficialThe main purpose of compression straps is to allow you to pack easily,and THEN synch down on your bag to tighten onto the gear. You pack a larger pack, and make it smaller with the straps. These are a vital item on bags, because they keep the weight of your pack on your spine better, allowing better stability and less stress.

Hydration Bladders keep the thirst awayWater is your heaviest and most inconvenient item in your pack.It is also the most important.

Bladders allow you to drink on the move, so you don’t have to keep stopping for a drink.

They usually hold 2-3 litters of water, which is more than just a small bottle of water. Bladders are usually on your back, keeping the heaviest items close to it as well.

Airflow channels or webbing makes a world of difference

If you are hiking with a sweaty back, it gets increasingly more uncomfortable through the day.  You will get chaffed and even sweatier.

Your shirt will bunch up and hurt your raw skin.

Good packs have air flow channels, or a mesh webbing that allows your back to breath as it sweats, reducing this problem.

Daisy Chains are a nice extra featureThey are the “handles” on the front of your bag with multiple small hook spots on it.  The handle is well built and is great for carrying the bag.  The small loops are perfect for attaching stuff with carabiners.

Pole Loops allow hands-free movementThe biggest problem with hiking poles is the inability to get rid of them when you don’t want to use them.  Use the pole loops on your pack to hang them.

I don’t use hiking poles, so I use these for attaching or stabilizing other gear.

Rain Hoods Keep your gear dryIf your pack has a rain hood, it will be tucked away in a Velcro compartment.  If you have one of these, it will allow you to pull it over your pack so water doesn’t soak into it.

For attaching geared stands for Modular, Lightweight, Load-Carrying Equipment. It is like having a bunch of straps on your pack.

• Modular• Lightweight• Load-Carrying• Equipment

MOLLE compatibility is a God-Send 

The following items are just a few MOLLE compatible items that you can get.

• Tool sheaths• Pouches• Med kitsA

Front Straps are on every pack anyways, make use of them

I always think of items I will need while hiking or orienteering.  The items that I know I will have to get to, I will lash to the straps on my chest and shoulders.

• A Compass• GPS• A Whistle• Small or medium

sized survival knife

When you walk for miles and hours, you will be thankful to have hip straps to disperse the weight onto your hips.  But basic hip straps can be uncomfortable without hip padding.

Know Your Pack, Save Your Life

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