Backpack Selection Criteria

There are many factors to consider when selecting a backpack, where the choice will vary by person.  But let me tell you some important ones that everyone will want to know about.

1. Backpack size is important.  You want it large enough to carry all the items you will need (not want).  But not so big that it is hard to carry.  The US Military 3-Day Assault Pack , available at most real military surplus stores , is approximately 1750 cubic inches and carries the bare minimum to last a soldier for 3 days including Ammo. This pack rides high to enable carrying other gear, including a fanny pack, or a pistol, around your waste.  However, this pack may be small for most civilians, and a high riding pack is harder to carry for long periods, due to the leverage it has on your shoulders. An Osprey pack like the one pictured here, rides close to the back and will be easier to wear for long periods The US Army Ruck Sack is larger with optional add-on storage and holds around 4,500 cubic inches.  No one camps out more than the US Military, and their products are top quality and all Made in the USA.  IF it is NOT made in the USA, then it is NOT real Military and don't buy it as such.  There are however many good non-Military Packs available from quality, trusted stores like REI who also offers a lot of Expert Advice online AND in the stores, to help pick the right backpack, but also what to put in it. There are a number of other Back Pack Guides, but note they are often biased toward products they sell. While Military Surplus packs usually offer the best value, more expensive packs tailored for comfort and convenience can be excellent.  My first choice for these is www.REI.com and please note, I receive no compensation for this recommendation, and make it only because they have an excellent products and return policy. Starting with a small pack, will force you to pack light or hiking. But a bugout pack should be a larger one.
2. Backpack weight, especially when full, is also important.  The greater the distance you will be packing, the more important this becomes. The average person can only pack about 15 to 20% of their body weight any distance. A typical adult pack might weigh 30 to 45 pounds.  Athletes, and soldiers can carry up to 80 pounds, but it is torture. Water weights 8.4 pounds per gallon, and you need to drink at least one gallon per day; up to 3 gallons (25.2 lbs) per day in arid conditions. Having smart EDC carry items will reduce your pack load.  Multi-purpose items can also reduce your pack weight; for example, using your poncho as a tent tarp. Think light, plan light. 
3. Backpack Straps are important for comfort, especially on long trips.  They must be comfortable on the shoulders and hips (must have hip straps), and also have a chest strap to keep the shoulder straps from sliding off.  Notice how the REI Backpacks, conform to the back.
4. Backpack Color can be important.  Are you evading an enemy and need a outdoor color, or lost,  want to be seen, and need a bright color?
5. Pockets and compartments can really help organize your gear, but be sure the main compartment is large enough to carry your bigger items, like a tent / bivy sack, and modular sleeping bag, &/or a Hennessy style Hammock.
6. Water resistant is good, but also pack your contents in water proof containers

Now it is time to get yourself a pack, and take our Survival Test.  Our Alone Series will give you some good ideas on what to carry in your pack.

For additional information, see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents
 

Alone Season 1 Pack List 

Alone Season 2 Pack List  

Alone Season 3 Pack List  

Alone Season 4 Pack List  

Alone Season 5 Pack List
Alone Season 6 Pack List

Alone Winners Pack List
Backpack Selection Guide

Alone Survival Plan  

Naked & Afraid Survival Plan 

Survive on a deserted island  

Wilderness Survival TEST

 

Survival Pack (Security Patrol or Bug Out pack)  

Wilderness Survival Pack (Video)  

Wilderness Survival  

Edible Wild Plants  

Greenbriar (catbriar) 

Cattails 

Dandelion  

Chickweed & Hackberries 

Survive on a Deserted Island

Top 10 List of Prepper info
Top Rated Prepper Handbook Posts of all time

Top Rated Prepper Website
Top 15 Prepper Movies or Shows

EDC Survival (Every Day Carry)
Top 3 EDC Survival Knives 

EDC-Men
EDC-Women  
 

Or click on a label below for similar topics.

Best Camp Sight Selection Criteria

What makes the best camp sight? Have you ever seen a camp get flooded by rising water levels or runoff down a hill? Clearly that is not a good sight. Start searching for your site well before dark. Water access is an important factor. Look at your topo map; open circles indicate flat land, while stacked lines ringing a site can be good windbreaks. Cold air flows downhill, so higher land will be warmer at night. Anticipate how terrain could intensify weather. Could a long valley become a wind tunnel? Where will the runoff flow in a storm? What will attract lightning? Use natural advantages, seek shady forests in the summer, maximize southern exposure on cold days, and "choose a dry, sunlit spot with a steady breeze in mosquito country. Think, Anticipate. Here is some good information inspired by BackCountry.com, a growing provider of quality camping gear.

Ground Surface

Where you choose to sleep will be an important decision when picking a campsite. It’s crucial to pick a spot with flat, well drained ground to pitch a tent.

Making sure that your flat ground is even is also important. Even ground with no sharp protrusions will help you sleep soundly. Flat areas covered in grass or sand are two prime choices, if available.

Shade

After flat ground, shade is the second most important factor when choosing a campsite. Having permanent shade throughout the day isn’t necessarily mandatory. But shade in the at the right time of day is nice. Being awoken at 7 a.m. by a blazing hot sun broiling your tent is unpleasant in hot weather. At the same time, morning sun will dry tents and warm you up on cold mornings.

In the desert, shade throughout the day is a plus. Just make sure you pick an open area to set it up, and be cautious of the infamous desert winds.

What’s Above You

For the sake of your own safety, always be aware of what’s looming above you. Don’t choose to set up beneath a dead tree branch with the reasoning that ‘it’s still standing, so it’s probably safe.’ Same goes for rock slide and avalanche paths, as well as pitching a tent beneath a loose rock ledge. Always be cautious of these sorts of hazards, because Mother Nature isn’t always forgiving.

What’s Around You

Not only is it important to think about what’s above you, it’s also smart to note what’s surrounding you. You may not want to be camped right on the water’s edge due to bugs, thirsty animals, and flooding risk. But if you’re out there hauling your own water, it sure does help to be relatively close to a water source so you’re not breaking your back lugging precious water about. (*JR note: Rising water levels can be a hazard and running water noise can impair hearing things that you may need to hear.  So within 100 yards of  fresh water for convenience, but not too close.*)

If your forecast notes high winds, consider settling down behind a windbreak such as large boulders or a stand of trees. Don’t be caught on the flat open ground during a windstorm—it’s not a pleasant experience.

Privacy

Although neighbors can be a good thing, you don’t always want another party 20 feet away from you. Finding yourself a little bit of privacy makes your camping experience all that much more enjoyable, and really highlights the excitement of getting out into the wilderness. This doesn’t mean you have to backpack in 10 miles, or four-wheel in for hours just to get away from everyone else (although this kind of privacy sometimes can’t be beat). It’s easy enough to get off the beaten path without overexerting yourself or your vehicle. So don’t settle for the first spot you see if it’s surrounded by other folks or too close to the trail. Go out and find yourself a new—and better—spot!

Space

With ground surface, shade, and privacy settled on, it’s now time to discuss ample camping space. If you’re out backpacking and pitching a sole tent, there’s not as much of a need for a ton of space. Alternatively, if you’re with a larger party and lots of gear, you’ll need to find yourself a bigger spot. Tent space and kitchen space are obviously two of the most important spatial factors. But don’t cut corners if there’s fun and games to be had. Be sure to choose areas which allow for any activities you may have brought along. After all, just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all the comforts of home.

When choosing your own area for a campsite, it’s important to just keep in mind what exactly it is that you’re looking for. The number of people, dogs or no dogs, activities, trail access, nearby water sources—all of these will play into your perfect camping spot. So go out there and find yourself in nature—just be sure to be safe, have fun, and always leave the area just as clean as you found it.

Security

In a SHTF scenario, you want a camp sight that offers concealment and cover yet provides a look out point or points with the ability to see and hear what is coming from a distance.  For large groups, set up camp in concentric rings, with the command post in the center.  Have three (or more) outposts in a triangle (symmetric) shape that can see and provide cover fire for each other.  An additional layer of outer security is good if you have the numbers to provide early engagement of intruders before they get to your camp, or to be behind them if they get through. A Scout or Patrol Team that is on the move provides an extra element of unpredictable security.  The use of Night Vision and Intruder Detectors are recommended.


Inspired by BoysLife.org: How to build a survival shelter

BAD PLACES TO BUILD A SHELTER

1. Anywhere the ground is damp.
2. On mountaintops and open ridges where you are exposed to cold wind.
3. In the bottom of narrow valleys where cold collects at night.
4. Ravines or washes where water runs when it rains or near water that might rise.
5. Near dead trees or ones with dead limbs that can fall in high winds.
6. By a single tree that towers above the rest that could serve as a lightning rod.
7. Rocky ledges or below loose, boulder-strewn slopes where falling rocks or even a full-blown landslide, mudslide or avalanche could wipe you out.

For additional information see the following links:  
Blog Table of Contents