Just took a 5 mile hike with my BOB to make sure i havent overpacked, it seemed to go well but my shoulders were a little tired when i got back to my car. I am currently using a medium alice pack. What are your opinions on gear vs weight and what you should or should not bring? I was first thinking about buying a small pup tent for bugging out, but i now just threw one of These in my bob instead to save weight. Have you tried a test run with your bob yet?

How much does your BOB weigh? I can do 12 miles with roughly 20 pounds. I haven't done my BOB yet due to its weight of about 40 pounds.

To answer your question about what should or should not bring, that's really up to you. Everyone's need is going to be different therefore there is no right or wrong answer. Its all based on what you need.

I'm unsure about that survival tent you have. I have never used one. I have heard that most types like that are a 50/50. I suggest you do a few tests with and get back to us on how it works out for you.

What you really need to do is tighten down the waist belt and make it so that it sits on or slightly above your hips. You should have next to no weight on your shoulders when hiking/backpacking, whatever.

My BOB was in the 20-30lb range last I checked it. I've made several smaller hikes, and really haven't even noticed it. I also did one with it while wearing my body armor. I need to do a longer one, but I really don't think it will be too bad. As for the bag, if you can afford it, I'd upgrade from the ALICE. I like the ALICE a lot more than the MOLLE ruck, but other packs, such as CamelBak's TriZip, are much better.

That is indeed the problem as i was not using the waist belt.

I was told a while ago when I got to my first unit that it is a game of ounces, not pounds. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain.

Since then I have caught flak from the "pack light, freeze at night crowd" but I have been much happier since then.