Understanding Types of Bags and Their Purpose

When some people think of a bug out bag they are actually picturing a different type of bag that is designed for a different purpose. Here we will discuss the four main types of bags and the specific purpose of each one. This does not mean you have to have four different bags. Depending on a number of factors you may only need one or two of them to have all the areas covered. For example if you have a hour drive to work that is 60 or so miles from your home then your get home bag and bug out bag might be the same bag. The bag size and contents may vary depending on your job, daily routine, and skill set. Someone with an office job will not have the same everyday carry bag as someone that works in a construction trade most likely. Like most of our articles the examples we give are more aimed at people who live in more heavily populated areas and daily life and emergency scenarios would take place in suburbs and urban areas. You must take into consideration what each bag is designed for and how that applies to you so you can pick the right size bag and carry the right supplies and equipment. The bags we will discuss are every day carry (EDC), get home (GHB), bug out (BOB), and I’m never coming home (INCH).

I’m Never Coming Home (INCH) Bag

You may have noticed I have not mentioned any cookware such as skillets, pots, or grills yet. That’s because I don’t keep those in my BOB, a lot of people do. My view is a BOB is there to help you get from A to B as safely and quickly as possible. That means being mobile for the majority of time. Cookware adds weight and slows you down and exerts more energy. The food I pack in my BOB doesn’t require any heating or cooking, so no need for the cookware. An INCH bag is a bag designed for the long haul. You don’t know how long you will be gone or where you may ultimately end up. There is no way I know of to carry that much food so you will have to get some along the way by scavenging, hunting, trapping, fishing, etc. To do this you can pack additional equipment such as premade snares, collapsible fishing pole, or whatever other equipment fits your skillset that will aid you in getting food. You will need a durable cooking skillet or pan, make sure it’s light enough not to be a burden like cast iron. Cast iron is great and can last longer than you, but it’s heavy. An INCH bag is not really for beginners. The items in it are more for making all the items you may need in the long term like shelter, hunting equipment and clothing. As you build your skill level you’ll get a better idea of what you personally would need in your INCH bag.

Final Thoughts

We have discussed four types of bags, each with their own purpose. Do you need one of each? Maybe, maybe not. It all depends on your unique set of skills, daily life, and plan incase of emergency. It can be expensive to have one of each. One way to cut this cost is to have a modular pack with a MOLLE system such as the GHB pictured in the top center of this article. This would allow you to have a smaller more lightweight bag that you put or store in your car. You could use the MOLLE system to add additional pouches that would store items needed in your BOB but not your GHB such as extra food, skivvy rolls, and blanket. Having a modular system also eliminates the need for redundant equipment such as ponchos, knives, fire kits in each bag. Another way to save some money is to consider the bag itself when buying one. How expensive and well built does it need to be? Your EDC bag will be used everyday and if ever needed so would your INCH bag. You want a bag that can take some abuse there. Your BOB, if you need to use it, will be used for a handful of days until you reach your new safe location. I’m not saying buy a cheap bag that will fall apart after a week of use but it doesn’t have to be of the quality that you could go hike the Appalachian Trail. Hopefully this article helped clarify the types of bags and which works best for your needs. Now go get started with your EDC bag.