My modular solution
After having a half-dozen set-ups over the past couple of years, I have finally developed a modular system that seems to work well for me. I can’t post photos right now, but will be able to next week, if you want to check back for them.
I have a smaller day pack and a larger pack, complimented with detachable side pouches. The bags are the Fieldline Alpha Ops Day Pack and the Alpha Ops Internal Frame Backpack in brown, both purchased at Walmart for 19.95 and 39.95 respectively. I had to go to ****’s Sporting Goods to find the companion Alpha Ops Side Pouches at 9.95 each.
The smaller bag is set up as a Get Home Bag, while the larger one is more of a Bug Out Bag, with the side pouches being transferrable to either pack or they can be carried one off. For instance, I drop the Comfort & Convenience Pouch in my motorcycle saddlebags,take it with me if I’m riding in someone else’s vehicle, and drop it in my carry-on if flying.
I don’t have the contents of the day pack listed below, but it is similar to the large pack, minus some of the larger items and the extra food.
MAIN PACK
Main Compartment
Maps (home state & 5 bordering states in dry bag)
Balaclavas & ballcaps (2 ea.) in dry bag
Gloves (cotton, wool, heat-resistant, & rubber-coated) in dry bag
Toasty Toes & Warm Hands chemical packs (3)
Underwear, socks, handkerchiefs (3 ea.) in dry bag
Wool Military Blanket
LED Crank Flashlight
2 litre hyrdation bladder & tube
Insulated 1 liter Stainless Steel Water Bottles (2)
Stainless steel 3 in 1 water bottle (bottle/pot/cup)
Faded Black BDU Pant & Shirt
Shoes
Boonie Hat
Outer Compartment
Ponchos (1 clear, 1 woodland camo)
Survival Blanket
50 ft. paracord, 3 large nylon zip-ties
AM/FM/NOAA battery/crank radio w/ lights in drybag
Spare drybag
Small Outer Compartment
Hand Sanitizer Spray Pen
Assorted hand wipes
Moist Wipes (30)
Padded Pouch
iPhone AC/DC plugs & patch cord, headphones,
Left Side Pockets
Large fixed-blade knife
4 freeze dried meals
Right Side Pocket
Lightweight folding saw
4 freeze dried meals
Comfort & Convenience Pouch (all contents in clear waterproof box)
Insect repellant
Itch Relief Spray Pen
Band Aids (10)
Bic Lighter
Eye Drops
Hand Sanitizer
Keys
Leatherman Micra multitool
Lip balm
Motion Sickness Pills
Anti-Diarrheal Pills
Ibuprofen
Nail Clippers & Emery Board
Neosporin + Pain Relief
Rollens disposable sunglasses
Spare reading glasses
Squeeze light
Sunscreen
Tide stain stick
Tooth brush, paste, pick, & floss
Wet Wipes (10)
Health & Hygeine Pouch (all contents in clear waterproof box)
Medications (1 wk in pill organizer, 1 mo. Supply in Rx bottles)
2-in-1 Body Soap/Shampoo
Deodorant
Quick-drying camp towels (2)
First Aid Pouch (all contents in clear waterproof plastic box)
Gloves
CPR Mask
Assorted adhesive bandages, gauze pads, tape
Ammonia capsules
Constricting Band
Triangular Bandage
Water Filter Pouch
Water filter
Food Pouch (no-prep)
Tuna (3)
Beef Jerky (3)
Nuts (3)
Spork
Quick Cooking Pouch
Folding Sterno Stove
4 cans Sterno
Bic Lighter
Firemaking & Open-fire Cooking Pouch
Mess Kit (Pan, plate, pot, lid, cup)
Salt/Pepper
Hobo tool (fork, spoon, knife)
Dishcloth
Waterproof Matches (160)
Bic Lighters
Firesteel
Soaked cotton balls & dryer lint
Water purification tablets (50)
Tools & Navigation Pouch
Folding trowel
LED lights (head & hand)
Utility knife w/ belt sheath
Skinning knife w/ belt sheath
Wire Saw
4 in 1 screwdriver
Lensatic Compass
Binoculars
Knife Sharpener
Seat belt cutter/window punch
Whistle/Compass
LED strobe light & pinch light
Small multi-tool
Small screwdriver/magnet
Assorted snare wires (10)
Fieldline also makes a Ops Essentials Sling Bag that I plan to purchase and outfit for Every Day Carry.