[randomswissguy]

Hey Preppers from here and there.
I am looking for a new get Home Bag.
Until now I use a normal backpack where my materials for work are in it.

Now I just want a new bag to get home, my walk to work takes about 8 hours without a break, so i don‘t need a Big Bag just for a Day.

I still don't know what kind, whether shoulder bag or backpack.

Then there is the question of which brand and type, does anyone have any ideas or experience in an emergency?

Thanks in advance.

 

[wraithofroncollins]

Sure I will jump in here...
Ok this is just me, skills are lighter then gear. Just cause its 8 hours without a break, the GHB (I think of this as something different from a Bug-Out Bag) doesn't need to be a 72 hour kit (unless it does). So lets start with a few questions;
1. How do you see your GHB?
2. What is in the GHB?
3. Do you EDC?

Now that said, I recommend a Backpack as it lets you keep your hands free. You could easily be fine with what you have so, why the switch?

 

[Back Pack Hack]

You can spend $50 and you can spend $500 and still have a GHB that's capable to function as intended. As to shoulder/pack, that's a personal choice which is dependent on far too many variables.

 

[Jarine88]

I like the backpack idea, because as mentioned, it leaves your hands free. A satchel also leaves the hands free, but can become uncomfortable after a while of walking if there is much weight in it. Having traveled around the globe with various types of bags, anything carried in the hand or on one shoulder gets old pretty quickly.

To size the backpack, think what you need to get home. There could be obstacles, so plan for 24 hours. If an event happened early in the day in the summer and there are no obstacles in your way, the you will arrive home late afternoon with plenty of light. What if the event happens at 4pm in the winter? What about heavy rain, hail, sleet or snow? What if it happens on the hottest day of the year?

Whatever you choose, be careful. My GHB was stolen out of my truck in Nov 2019. Fortunately, there were no firearms in it, but I did lose some great stuff.

 

[Kauboy]

This question largely depends on what you NEED to get home.
That answer differs for everyone, so only you can truly know. @Jarine88 makes some great points about preparing for inclement weather. Your gear might change with the seasons to accommodate.

Once you have gathered your necessary items to make the 8 hour trip (plan for longer just in case), assemble these items into a well arranged and tightly packed clump.
Measure your clump. Then look for a bag with dimensions closely matching those of your clump.
Too often, the mistake is made to buy a bag first. Realizing we bought a bag that can hold way more than we thought, we proceed to fill it up and justify every little thing. This adds weight. Ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain.
Don't make that mistake.
Get a bag that will hold your predetermined essentials, and not much more. Your feet and back will thank you.

As for bag design, two well-padded shoulder straps, inconspicuous style (no molle webbing or camo), a waist belt is optional but encouraged, made from strong fabric that abrades well like Cordura.
For my budget, Maxpedition fits the bill in most situations. Your budget may vary.
Their "Prepared Citizen" and "Entity" lines have some great options, and everything I've ever bought from them was built solid with strong bar tacking, YKK heavy duty zippers, and tough fabric.

 

[Back Pack Hack]

.....Too often, the mistake is made to buy a bag first. .......

This... x 1000.

 

[Trihonda]

Another consideration is this. It is eight hours of travel time from work to home. My assumption is this is during ideal “normal” times. If the SHTF then you might encounter resistance, road blocks, detours, and other hazards that require you to delay or slow progress. Another aspect is that you might not necessarily be leaving for home at 8 AM. You might be leaving at 5 PM? Maybe an overnight stay is possible (or likely), in which case I would certainly plan for it.

I I echo the advice to determine what items you need to bring with, then get a bag that fits your needs. Too often I see people grab bags first, then just try to stuff them full of crap.

 

[ErickthePutz]

Buy it in an off color; bright blue, and pink are the least stolen and most ignored.

 

[AlaskaMike]

Another thought, once you get your bag put together, strap the puppy on and walk with it on a regular basis.

 

[wraithofroncollins]

Another thought, once you get your bag put together, strap the puppy on and walk with it on a regular basis.

Definitely a must to do...

OP,
Start small though if you aren't used to it. A mile once a week, then twice a week, then 3 times a week, then go up to 2 miles and repeat, then got up to 3 miles and repeat, when you can do 3 miles three times a week, jump to 5 miles once a week, then twice a week then, 3 times a week. then go 8 miles once a week, 10 miles once a week, 12.5 miles, then 15 miles, etc. until you can cover the same distance as you bug-out plus and add 5 to 10 to the max distance over time.

But given that Swiss and they have a culture of hiking, you may be aright there. The above is a suggestion for someone who has no experience hiking or back packing.

 

[WolfBrother]

Hey Preppers from here and there.
I am looking for a new get Home Bag.
Until now I use a normal backpack where my materials for work are in it.

Now I just want a new bag to get home, my walk to work takes about 8 hours without a break, so i don‘t need a Big Bag just for a Day.

I still don't know what kind, whether shoulder bag or backpack.

Then there is the question of which brand and type, does anyone have any ideas or experience in an emergency?

Thanks in advance.

Opinions are like not on the front lower body parts. Most ebber boty has one and sometimes they stink.

Having written that - my opinion:

shelter - a two person space rescue bag like: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3EJQZS
heat - an alcohol stove like: https://smile.amazon.com/Lixada-Camping-Stainless-Folding-Titanium/dp/B01GRMMKKM
the stand serves as a windbreak and will allow small sticks to be used as fuel
Use a 1 liter screw top plastic pop bottle filled with pure grain alcohol (Everclear) for fuel. If it leaks onto you food PGA will not render it poisonous like denatured will.
Use a 1/2 to 1 liter pot hot boil water if need be.
food - two 3600 calorie lifeboat rations like: https://smile.amazon.com/SOS-Food-Labs-Inc-185000825/dp/B075TXP1P5
be sure to duct tape all surfaces to keep the easily punctured wrapper intact.
water - several 1/2 to 1 liter bottles of water

Normal EDC should include a SAKnife, ways to make fire.

Dress should be appropriate for the season. You should keep at work or wear good quality walking shoes.

 

[MaterielGeneral]

Water is heavy so have your canteen of choice to start and then have a small water filter like a Sawyer to replenish that water enroute.

You may want to have self-protection so if a firearm is out of the question, then get a spear knife. You can use it as a knife or attach a sapling to it creating a spear. I would recommend having screw handy to attach the sapling to the knife. You can also use it for a walking staff. COLDSTEEL Cold Steel Bushman Knife With 7" Blade Secure-Ex Sheath 14.75in. x 3.5in. x 2.25in. : Sports & Outdoors (amazon.com)

An Army poncho for shelter and for in climate weather. Some type of food like protein bars to keep your energy up. A compass incase you have to alter your route.

 

[LunaticFringeInc]

I am using about a 50-60 dollar well built bag I bought at Academy Outdoors thats Coyote Tan that is about the size of a large book bag teens use today for school. It has everything I need to get me home or to my BOL from my car/work where ever that may be. I can even lay low for a couple of days if I need to in reasonable comfort. It weighs about 20 lbs minus the weapons...AR and Pistol. Not much to it, just the basics to survive a few days. Im not 19 anymore (retired Vet in my early 50's still in above average shape compared to most 38-40 yo's) so I wanted to keep it fairly light, low drag and high speed. Staying very mobile and having only what I absolutely needed was my main priorities setting this bag up. Its a very simular set up to what Warrior Poet set up in one of his You Tube Videos, the bag is just a little more tacti-cool that what he used which here in Texas would likely not draw much attention to me.

 

[randomswissguy]

Hey Preppers from here and there.
I am looking for a new get Home Bag.
Until now I use a normal backpack where my materials for work are in it.

Now I just want a new bag to get home, my walk to work takes about 8 hours without a break, so i don‘t need a Big Bag just for a Day.

I still don't know what kind, whether shoulder bag or backpack.

Then there is the question of which brand and type, does anyone have any ideas or experience in an emergency?

Thanks in advance.

Sure I will jump in here...
Ok this is just me, skills are lighter then gear. Just cause its 8 hours without a break, the GHB (I think of this as something different from a Bug-Out Bag) doesn't need to be a 72 hour kit (unless it does). So lets start with a few questions;
1. How do you see your GHB?
2. What is in the GHB?
3. Do you EDC?

Now that said, I recommend a Backpack as it lets you keep your hands free. You could easily be fine with what you have so, why the switch?

Sure I will jump in here...
Ok this is just me, skills are lighter then gear. Just cause its 8 hours without a break, the GHB (I think of this as something different from a Bug-Out Bag) doesn't need to be a 72 hour kit (unless it does). So lets start with a few questions;
1. How do you see your GHB?
2. What is in the GHB?
3. Do you EDC?

Now that said, I recommend a Backpack as it lets you keep your hands free. You could easily be fine with what you have so, why the switch?

Hey, thank you for the reply.
Sorry for the long time to reply, I've been very busy. Thank you, I will take your answers to heart and think carefully.

 

[randomswissguy]

You can spend $50 and you can spend $500 and still have a GHB that's capable to function as intended. As to shoulder/pack, that's a personal choice which is dependent on far too many variables.

Thanks in advance.

 

[randomswissguy]

I like the backpack idea, because as mentioned, it leaves your hands free. A satchel also leaves the hands free, but can become uncomfortable after a while of walking if there is much weight in it. Having traveled around the globe with various types of bags, anything carried in the hand or on one shoulder gets old pretty quickly.

To size the backpack, think what you need to get home. There could be obstacles, so plan for 24 hours. If an event happened early in the day in the summer and there are no obstacles in your way, the you will arrive home late afternoon with plenty of light. What if the event happens at 4pm in the winter? What about heavy rain, hail, sleet or snow? What if it happens on the hottest day of the year?

Whatever you choose, be careful. My GHB was stolen out of my truck in Nov 2019. Fortunately, there were no firearms in it, but I did lose some great stuff.

Hey first sorry for the long reply time and thanks for the reply. I completely forgot about the seasons in the turmoil. And I also clearly overlooked the backpack variant with both hands free. $I'll think about it carefully.

And about your GHB, shit I hope you got over it.
Thanks in advance.

 

[randomswissguy]

This question largely depends on what you NEED to get home.
That answer differs for everyone, so only you can truly know. @Jarine88 makes some great points about preparing for inclement weather. Your gear might change with the seasons to accommodate.

Once you have gathered your necessary items to make the 8 hour trip (plan for longer just in case), assemble these items into a well arranged and tightly packed clump.
Measure your clump. Then look for a bag with dimensions closely matching those of your clump.
Too often, the mistake is made to buy a bag first. Realizing we bought a bag that can hold way more than we thought, we proceed to fill it up and justify every little thing. This adds weight. Ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain.
Don't make that mistake.
Get a bag that will hold your predetermined essentials, and not much more. Your feet and back will thank you.

As for bag design, two well-padded shoulder straps, inconspicuous style (no molle webbing or camo), a waist belt is optional but encouraged, made from strong fabric that abrades well like Cordura.
For my budget, Maxpedition fits the bill in most situations. Your budget may vary.
Their "Prepared Citizen" and "Entity" lines have some great options, and everything I've ever bought from them was built solid with strong bar tacking, YKK heavy duty zippers, and tough fabric.

Thanks dude, I'll think about it.

 

[bigwheel]

Believe if I had an eight hour walk to work I would look for a new career. That dont sound very doable. I would be too pooped out to work and need to call an ambulance and take extra heart pills to make that trip over a day or so. Why dont you buy an adult tricycle like Im trying to talk my wife into letting me buy. You just throw all you goodies in the basket and start peddling or flippy do switch if its electric which is what Im hoping Santa Brings me. I check on one at a local place that sells em. The lady said yes it would work good for old fat guys to ride it to work and back twice a day but they wouldnt have any for a few months and when they came it they cost 3,200 bucks thats crazy. I could buy two gun running cars for that kinda money. Im looking at some on Amazon.

Amazon.com : Adult Tricycle 7 Speed, 24/26 Inch 3 Wheel Bikes for Adults, Mountain Tricycles, Adults Trikes Men's Women's Cruiser Trike Bike with Large Basket : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Adult Tricycle 7 Speed, 24/26 Inch 3 Wheel Bikes for Adults, Mountain Tricycles, Adults Trikes Men's Women's Cruiser Trike Bike with Large Basket : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

[Rulit]

You must select a bag that has the below following characteristic:
Anti gravity suspension-which make you feel as if you're carrying less weight then you actually are. Harness that can be adjusted fit on the fly hip belt for the perfect fit front stretch mesh pocket for storing rain gear on extra layer quickly. Shoulder strap need to removable and adjustable must for easily transfer your gear and strap over your shoulder. Alternatively, this can attach the strap to your boat or kayak to keep your bag close at hand. Need removable floating top lid with dual zippered pocket and web attachment point. If have the reflective trim it would be helpful for increasing visibility in dark. If have Internal hydration reservoir sleeve hold up to a 3L reservoir which sold separately would be great. Because of you walk a long way so durability is the most prior thing.

 

[Jarine88]

Believe if I had an eight hour walk to work I would look for a new career. That dont sound very doable. I would be too pooped out to work and need to call an ambulance and take extra heart pills to make that trip over a day or so. Why dont you buy an adult tricycle like Im trying to talk my wife into letting me buy. You just throw all you goodies in the basket and start peddling or flippy do switch if its electric which is what Im hoping Santa Brings me. I check on one at a local place that sells em. The lady said yes it would work good for old fat guys to ride it to work and back twice a day but they wouldnt have any for a few months and when they came it they cost 3,200 bucks thats crazy. I could buy two gun running cars for that kinda money. Im looking at some on Amazon.

Amazon.com : Adult Tricycle 7 Speed, 24/26 Inch 3 Wheel Bikes for Adults, Mountain Tricycles, Adults Trikes Men's Women's Cruiser Trike Bike with Large Basket : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Adult Tricycle 7 Speed, 24/26 Inch 3 Wheel Bikes for Adults, Mountain Tricycles, Adults Trikes Men's Women's Cruiser Trike Bike with Large Basket : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

My now 26 mile commute home would probably take about 8-9 hours if I lost use of my truck. We just moved 10 miles further out of the city.

A bike could make it faster, but might stand out a bit. The electric bike would work if the event didn’t involve an EMP.