Best Waist Pack Bug Out Bag For Prepping
What actually makes a good bug out bag?
There are loads of "experts" here on the internet who will tell you all sorts of things about what you should have and what you shouldn't have, when it comes to Bugging Out.
There's the minimalist, you only need a small waist pack with the bear essentials crew.
Right up to, 'you must carry every possible bit of equipment for all scenarios' group of preppers who think everyone is a super fit Rambo type...!
In my opinion, they are both right... And wrong!
"Somewhere in the middle of these two Bug Out Bag enthusiasts theories sits little old you". Presumably confused and bewildered.
Right from the start a lot of people get confused as to exactly what a bug out bag actually is and why you even need one?
If your not too sure about bugging out (or bugging in) here's a quick refresher.
There Is, However, A Lot To Be Said For Lightweight Bugging Out
For a fast, lightweight BugOut, you still need an essential kit with you - a lightweight pack with your personal survival equipment is all you need.
Assuming you have a pre planned, safe BugOut Location to head to, it makes sense to get there fast, with as little hassle as possible.
So what use is a lightweight waist Bug Out Bag?
Basically a 24-72 hour survival kit with one purpose - to help you survive whilst getting from A to B.
Nothing more than that really.
You certainly are not looking to fully survive for weeks with this one.
This type of waist pack is an ideal emergency EDC bag or Get Home Bag as it's often called.
But, if you have a Bug Out Location already setup and equipped, then this is all you will need whilst on route to your safe location.
Typically, essential equipment below would be included in a Waist BugOut Bag plus equipment you thought necessary to yourself.
- Portable Water filter Bottle – *review article
- Emergency First Aid Kit – *see prices on Amazon here
- Personal Medication
- Compact Solar/WindUp Radio – *review article
- MultiTool – *review article
- 24hr Ration Pack – *review article
- Cash, Map/s, Mobile Phone, Lighter, Torch
The main things to be aware of with these waist packs, or any type of bug out bag, is the quality of fabric used to manufacture the pack - you need it to be strong enough to carry the load.
Material thickness & quality need to be considered
Both the NightHawk and the Maxpedition waist packs, shown above, are suitable for this type of BugOut Bag and will do the job very well.
However, there is a big difference in material quality and price between the two.
The NightHawk is lightweight at only 400grams but the material is a thinner 600 Denier polyester grade.
This reflects on the NightHawks price of around £15
Most waist pack with the 600D will be under the £45 mark, but are still very suitable for what we want in an emergency bag.
As normal, when you move up the ranks a bit to the Maxpedition pack, you can expect higher quality kit.
The MaxPedition Ptoteus Verispak uses the 1000 Denier material, which is obviously going to be far more hard wearing and tougher.
But, of course, the price will reflect that at £65.
However, if you planning to use a waist pack for more regular hiking trips I would most definitely suggest a heavier and more stronger grade.
1000 Denier Waist Pack Bug Out Bags From: £20 - £65
If your bug out plans are to more fast, then the waist pack is really worth considering as your principle bug out bag.
It will contain your essentials and not slow you down like a full backpack.
My waist pack (shown Here) contains all I require to get to my bug out location.
I have added a few items that I think are important to me:
Another space saver and something I recommend, is to carry some essential gear on your person.
Spare glasses, additional medication plus some pain killers and antiseptic added to my first aid kit.
duct tape and paracord, a small solar charger for my phone, a wash/hygiene kit, monocular.
torch and multi tool, gloves and a waterproof jacket, couple of Mylar survival blankets, water filter bottle, wet wipes, 24hr self heating ration pack.
cash, mobile phone, note pad with personal information and family contact details.
Build A Modular Belt Kit For Your Waist Bug Out Bag
If your looking to be ultra light and very specific with you bug out gear, then consider a belt system that you can build up yourself.
You'll need a good 1 1/2" belt and you simply add individual Packs with your essential gear.
These belt systems work really well, and for fast bug out to a safe location they are the ideal choice.
Prices are very good too - from around £15
This type of 'waist worn' bug out system is well worth considering as a fast means of bug out.
If you have you BOL already planned and equipped, then all you need to do is get there fast.
I would recommend this method for Every Day carry as well, as its so simple.
Happy Prepping Folks.
Steve
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1 comment
Hans
March 17, 2016 at 5:36 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Nice one chaps