Sandpiper of CaliforniaBugout Backpack

Its called a bug-out bag for a reason and S.O.C. delivers in the "72-hour” backpack department. Useful for work, school, hiking, or getting out of Dodge this is will accomplish its purpose without requiring you to spend a small fortune.Exterior/ Interior Materials: You can just give it a few squeezes and tell its going to hold up in adverse conditions. The exterior of the Bugout is extremely rugged, a major reason i had to part with my 10-year old Kelty backpack. Its amazing how technology changes so fast with these backpacks especially where abrasion resistance and durability is concerned. I have a feeling it will last a long time and take a beating. It has aluminum backstays which seem to be really light so the backpack itself won’t be too much of a weight factor when planning longer trips or evacuating your home.Straps and Harnesses: The Bugout is ergonomically designed and gives you a low profile when you have the waist-band and sternum straps buckled together. You won’t feel bulky at all and all the weight will be distributed on your hips, vice shoulders. The compression straps look somewhat thin (not the harnesses themselves) and will probably wear away faster than the bag. I don’t expect this will happen for awhile though.***Cool feature*** The waist band and shoulder harnesses tuck away nicely in a thin compartment. You can then use the adjustable shoulder strap and carry it like a duffel bag. I haven’t found a need to do this just yet, but its nice to have options.Compartments and Pockets: This pack is spacious and comes with expandable option which makes it go from 2,900 to 3,300 cubic inches (50 to 54L). I use it mainly for work but I’m sure i could use this on a 3-day hike easily. To give you an idea, I can fit a lap-top, change of clothes, boots, notebook, and snacks in there with ease. It does have an organizer panel for pens or small tools. You will definitely be able to keep your knives, compasses, and eating utensils in there if you are going camping or have to get out of town.Hydration Compatibility: You can use this with a CamelBak or other bladder-style hydration system. I suppose this is why it doesn’t come with side pockets to put your water bottle in. I prefer to use a water bottle instead and its a bit inconvenient to have to dig it out of the bag (first world problems i guess). I think thats really my only gripe though.Sandpiper made a solid backpack here. I am very satisfied with this purchase and looking forward to taking this out on a hike in the future. Maybe its because i don’t buy new backpacks every few years, but this Bugout Backpack has me very impressed.

It is very well made and versatile in many ways. You can carry it on your back or put the straps away in a convenient pouch and carry as a suite case if you need to. Packing it with a lot of clothes, etc. Why? Because of the expendable straps; after packing then knee tighten the straps to compact your backpack. Note too, the large space where you store your clothes is water resistant. Comes with lots of pockets and zippers. The back zipper area can even hold a large laptop. Most durable backpack I owned. The care in design, manufacturing and quality gets my salute and 5 Stars. The price is amazingly worth what quality bag you can get. Check it out. Thank you for caring for us serving your great Country.

Bought for use in US Army field exercises where a Coyote brown multi-day pack is necessary. I switch between this pack and the Army-issued MOLLE rucksack and old Alice pack. This pack is able to carry all equipment, food, and clothing necessary to sustain me during field exercises for at least a week. I am able to carry a sleeping bag, bivy, change of uniform, toiletries, basic radio equipment, and food without any issue. The pack also extends in size by unzipping a zipper on the back. With a wet-weather bag as lining, it is easy to pack and search through, especially as the zipper zip fully down both sides, allowing the main compartment to open like a book. The forward compartments are useful for writing supplies, maps, protractors, and other small items. I have found the zippers, pulls, and straps to be strong and well-made. The pack is comfortable to carry for extended wear (including 12-mile ruck marching without halts) and breathes well enough to prevent heat rash. That is, unless a full water bladder is carried in the bladder compartment in the back of the pack, causing the back to bulge and come into contact with the wearer's back. This has not caused me heat rash -- even after a week of carrying it in a Fort Bragg summer -- though, it definitely makes the pack more awkward to carry. That being said, it is my go-to pack for long field events.

I have had this pack for over 2 years. I was concerned about a couple of the reviews about the quality of the bag. At the price and the capacity of the bag, I overlooked those problems and bought it, especially for the carry on use. I bought the black version, that I think is a big lighter and thinner than the other ones. It may nt be for combat use, but for travel and hiking it has proved to be a very good pack. It has enough zippered pockets in the second biggest section. I brought it through week travels to New Orleans and California with no problems. All carry on. I still zippered it tight and it worked well. There are a lot of organizational pockets in the smaller sections. I carried enough for a week travel with camera equipment and lenses. My friend who drove me to the airport remarked on how heavy it was, 25-30 lbs and no loose zippers.The less perfect characteristics are that there is a soft bottom with no cushion, so that if a hard item is there, it could be uncomfortable. It does seem to hang lower so that it does touch lower than the hips in the back. For hiking and for long walking in the airport, it is important to organize items so that softer cushion items like clothing is on the bottom and above that are heavy items toward the back. The larger section does have straps, but is not the most organized.I do not have a bag that hold this much luggage and clothing. Perfect for carrying a lot of stuff. Need a protective cover for a computer.