I get so many fantastic comments on this site from all of YOU: my readers! I’ve never claimed to be an expert at all things preparedness. This is much more of a “learn as I go” sort of blog! But so many of you ARE experts in so many areas! I learn from your comments and thoughts daily. Keep ’em coming! And if you’ve never commented, I’d love to hear from you soon!
But you don’t all get to read each other’s comments every day as I do. So, I thought I’d put comments on similar topics in a post together once a month or so to give you all a chance to learn from each other! Thanks to everyone who left these comments over the last couple of years!
Readers’ Insights On 72 Kit or Go-Bag Packaging/Bags:
Tips on On 72 Kit or Go-Bag Packaging/Bags From Kim:
I have a drawstring shoe bag that hangs outside of my backpack. I didn’t want the shoes taking up so much valuable space in my pack so this was my solution.
Advice About the 72 Kit or Go-Bag Packaging/Bags From Keri:
I use my soccer bag to carry everything in. I used it when back packing in Europe to staying in the Hotter weather in Texas. You can use your soccer bag as a back pack, with the little straps, or if you need to change things up use it over your shoulder.
We also use ziplock baggies to put our extra pair of shoes in and then put that attached to the soccer bag so it can hang freely without getting ruined. We would also put rolled up newspapers in the shoes to dry them up so we can wear them again quickly if needed.You can also store the soccer bag in a large garbage bag so it doesn’t get wet and when done with the garbage bag, roll it back up and stuff away.Hope this helps.
Tips On 72 Kit or Go-Bag Packaging/Bags From the Naptown Organizer:
You can wear a backpack on the back and your baby on the front, or vice versa. Our Ergo supports up to 40 lbs of child, just in case you’re worried about carrying your little ones. It also has a zippered pocket, and a pull-up cover for their heads if it is in inclement weather.
Envy’s Tips on Go-Bag Bags:
I just want to post a word or two about backpacks. I have been working on my bug-out bags for a while and I first just got a decent backpack like the kids might use for school. These are OK if you don’t have any other resources, but the weight in the pack is all on your shoulders. I have tried hiking some with a pack like this and it is incredibly tiring in just a short time. I know we have to work with what we have, but you might just consider getting one of the camping backpacks that have the substantial belt that goes around your waist.
The weight of the pack is supported by your hips and makes traveling for any distance, much easier. I recently bought this type of pack and I really love it. I am a grandma and hiking with a 30-40 pound pack on my shoulders isn’t something I could do very easily (probably not at all). I keep this pack in my car so I will have it if I need to get home somehow. Also, it is at home when I am and is easily accessible if I need to leave from there.
I am glad that so many of you are getting prepared. Begin with what you have, but if you can save up the money and get the one shown above (or one similar) I know you will be very glad that you did. I was blessed to find the one I bought on clearance online. It was a $200 backpack that I found for $35. They are sold out now, but maybe you can find a similar deal for the kind of pack that you want. Good luck!
Ruth’s Tips on Go-Bag Bags:
My youngest son has a catchers bag…and it has wheels on it. It has wheels on it and will pull. Also you can put the handles on to use as backpack straps.
Insights on Go-Bag Bags From Anna:
Some roll-up slings or baby carriers (like a mei-tai or moby wrap) would allow you to carry up to two children each (one on front, one on back), or one child and one backpack each (child in front carry, backpack on back). Even a simple ring sling or a sheet tied to make a pouch that goes over your shoulder would allow you to carry a child and have hands free and also wear a backpack. You could google homemade slings and come up with a lot of ideas. Hope that helps!
Tips On 72 Kit or Go-Bag Packaging/Bags From Ric:
Really you need a back pack as you may need to move. A key here is weight really. You need to be able to carry you bag as well as in your case and mine a child. I regularly take walks with one or 2 children added to me own weight. If you have pets, they will need food and water at least. Most dogs can carry a small pack with food and some water with folding bowls. A good start but really you need to be able to carry your stuff in a pack because you can not count on smooth roads to travel on.
Insights on Go-Bag Bags From Judy:
I use a backpack but instead of giving away my grandkids stroller I would just plop my backpack in and away I’d go. The wheels are goodsize and I think it could take moderately rough terrain…not to mention it would save my back and it is definitely better to push something rather than pull it.
Tips On 72 Kit or Go-Bag From Don Huffman:
Something you might want to think about is a push/pull golf cart. They are easier to maneuver than a wheeled backpack. I have one of those with a army duffel bag. Bag is too big to carry but can be pulled on cart. You can put bulky, heavy items like a tent, cooking stuff, and change of clothing for a couple of people including shoes, underwear, outer wear. Also if someone gets tired of carrying backpack you can hook to cart without adding too much pull weight. Then I have a backpack for emergency things, water, food, emergency medical kit and other essentials.
Insights on Go-Bag Bags From Jennifer:
Finding the funds for 7 backpacks and a dog saddle bag is quite stressful. So… I purchased those drawstring backpacks. I know they are clumbsy, not comfortable and really not practical, but until I can get the funds together for “real” backpacks I can at least use them to seperate everything so I know who’s missing what. I also figured that when I do get the funds for those backpacks I can then use the drawstring ones for something like my car kit or to hold the extra pair of shoes. The strings are long enough that I could easily carry it over the top of my backpack with ease. That being said I’m also looking for fanny packs. Grandma always told me to never keep all of my money when traveling in the same place. Grandmas are always right… right??? Figured a fanny pack was a good choice also for snacks and certain meds for the kids so that we did not have to keep getting in the backpacks all the time…oh… I’m so so excited!!!!!
Tips On 72 Kit or Go-Bag From Catherine:
My kit is actually in two parts. First, I have a small backpack that was designed for a laptop. Then, I have a carry on sized wheeled suitcase. The backpack fits nicely on the suitcase for rolling over smooth floors, and the suitcase is small enough that I can carry it over rough surfaces.
Insights on Go-Bag Bags From Anneta:
We have 3 in our house so we chose 3 different ways to package 1) for my husband we have a military style duffle bag , it is good quality canvas and has a long strap and can be carried on his back . Is very roomy and can handle some of the bigger items . 2) for me a back pack ,a larger one that is normally used for long hiking trips. The reason for bigger bags is that we have food allergies and medications that will also have to be packed for so not just any packaged foods will work for us . 3) a smaller back pack for my son .
Great tips and thoughts! I hope you found something helpful! Anything else you’d like to add/share?