In this article
It can be a little daunting for beginners to know what all these acronyms mean, not to mention know which ones to focus on. Ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers.
BOB, GHB, EDC, INCH... Which survival “bag” is right for you?
It is easy to find different people who live in different situations and have different needs. That’s why we need to specify what each bag is for and highlight the differences so you can make the right choice.
The BOB (Escape Bag)
BOB stands for Bug-Out Bag. It gathers transportable essentials to leave a place and reach a planned destination: close, accommodation or reception indicated by the authorities. It does not guarantee a week of autonomy. Adapt water, food, clothing, treatments, documents and communications to the home, transport and season. Evaluate the loaded weight, realistic distances, and organized replenishment opportunities. The bag completes a plan; it does not replace a destination or emergency services.
Add the needs of people who can’t wear their own gear. Rain and cold protection can be helpful during the wait or ride. A tent or a means of ignition does not allow you to settle in a dangerous place; give preference to the planned reception resources.
Hiking Bag
Example to compare according to your real need. The Canada and France variants may differ: check dimensions, capacity, power supply and delivery conditions.
Osprey Rook Sac de trekking homme, 50L, Dark Charcoal/Silver Lining
View on Amazon.co.uk — Osprey Rook Men's Trekking Bag, 50L, Dark Charcoal/Silver LiningSandpiper of California Bugout long-range backpack 26 x 15.5 x 10.5", 26 x 15.5 x 10.5-Inch
Example to compare according to your real need. The Canada and France variants may differ: check dimensions, capacity, power supply and delivery conditions.
Sandpiper of California Sac à dos longue portée, 66 x 39,5 x 26,7 cm
Visit on Amazon.ca — Sandpiper of California Long-range backpack, 66 x 39.5 x 26.7 cm
Falko Sac à dos tactique pour hommes et femmes, 50 L, 2,4 fois plus résistant, grand format, système Molle, idéal pour les situations d’urgence en extérieur
View on Amazon.co.uk — Falko Tactical backpack for men and women, 50 L, 2.4 times stronger, large format, Molle system, ideal for outdoor emergenciesLarge capacity bag
Example to compare according to your real need. The Canada and France variants may differ: check dimensions, capacity, power supply and delivery conditions.
5.11 Sac à dos tactique – RUSH24 2.0 – Pack militaire Molle, CCW et compartiment pour ordinateur portable, 37 litres, taille M, style 56563/56564
Visit on Amazon.ca — 5.11 Tactical Backpack - RUSH24 2.0 - Military Pack Molle, CCW and Laptop Compartment, 37 litre, Size M, Style 56563/56564
5.11 - Sac à Dos Tactique - Imperméable - Robuste - Fonctionnel -Trekking - Mission - 20 Compartiments - Emplacement pour Réservoir d'Hydratation - Modèle Rush 24 2.0 - Black
View on Amazon.co.uk — 5.11 - Tactical Backpack - Waterproof - Robust - Functional -Trekking - Mission - 20 Compartments - Hydration Tank Slot - Model Rush 24 2.0 - BlackThe 72-Hour Pack
The term “72 hours” refers to a first goal of home preparation, taken up by the Canadian authorities. It does not prove that a commercial kit contains all the necessary, and does not constitute a three-day guarantee of survival. A kit can be assembled on its own or bought and adapted. Compare its contents, quantities per person, special needs, total cost and ease of use. Do not reject this first goal because a larger bag has another name. Choosing and adapting a bag →
For a hike, prepare the essentials for the activity and an exit plan. A family kit called “72 hours” does not replace the equipment, insulation and means of alert adapted to the natural environment.
The GHB (Get Home Bag)
GHB stands for Get Home Bag, or Back Bag. It aims to interrupt the usual journey: transport failure, prolonged waiting or detour. The destination can be the home, a loved one or a safe reception, according to the instructions. No length of a day or distance of 100 km defines this bag. Estimate your truly practicable journeys, your limitations and the alternatives; walking should not become an obligation if the path is dangerous.
If you need to leave a vehicle for a safe place, take the accessible essentials. During a winter block or in an isolated area, staying in the vehicle and reporting your position may be preferable; follow the instructions adapted to the situation.
The GHB often takes over elements of the evacuation bag. The second set is justified especially if the first one is inaccessible during your travels. A vehicle kit can share these functions, but regularly check storage temperatures, consumables and the presence of equipment when you change cars. Secure loads; a heavy and bulky bag can limit your possibilities rather than increase them.
Large capacity bag
Example to compare according to your real need. The Canada and France variants may differ: check dimensions, capacity, power supply and delivery conditions.
5.11 Sac à dos tactique – RUSH24 2.0 – Pack militaire Molle, CCW et compartiment pour ordinateur portable, 37 litres, taille M, style 56563/56564
Visit on Amazon.ca — 5.11 Tactical Backpack - RUSH24 2.0 - Military Pack Molle, CCW and Laptop Compartment, 37 litre, Size M, Style 56563/565645.11 - Sac à Dos Tactique - Imperméable - Robuste - Fonctionnel -Trekking - Mission - 20 Compartiments - Emplacement pour Réservoir d'Hydratation - Modèle Rush 24 2.0 - Black
View on Amazon.co.uk — 5.11 - Tactical Backpack - Waterproof - Robust - Functional -Trekking - Mission - 20 Compartments - Hydration Tank Slot - Model Rush 24 2.0 - BlackMaxpedition Pygmy Falcon-II Backpack
Example to compare according to your real need. The Canada and France variants may differ: check dimensions, capacity, power supply and delivery conditions.
Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon-II Sac à dos Gris loup
Visit on Amazon.ca — Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon-II Backpack Wolf Grey
Maxpedition Sac à dos Pygmy Falcon-II, 23 l
View on Amazon.co.uk — Maxpedition Backpack Pygmy Falcon-II, 23 lDisplacement bag
Choose the bag after grouping your equipment. Try it loaded; capacity and comfort take precedence over a tactical appearance. The offers may have different variations depending on the territory.
Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack
Visit on Amazon.ca — Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack
Osprey Daylite Plus Sac à dos lifestyle, 20L, Black
View on Amazon.co.uk — Osprey Daylite Plus Lifestyle Backpack, 20L, BlackSmall Volume Bag
Example to compare according to your real need. The Canada and France variants may differ: check dimensions, capacity, power supply and delivery conditions.
Mountainsmith Mountainsmith Tour Pack lombaire unisexe pour adulte
Visit on Amazon.ca — Mountainsmith Mountainsmith Tour Unisex Lumbar Pack for Adult
Osprey Savu Unisexe Pack Lombaire, 2L, Postal Blue, O/S
View on Amazon.co.uk — Osprey Savu Unisex Lumbar Pack, 2L, Postal Blue, O/SRapiddominance Classic Military Messenger Bags, One Size
Example to compare according to your real need. The Canada and France variants may differ: check dimensions, capacity, power supply and delivery conditions.
Rapiddominance Sacs messagers militaires classiques
Visit on Amazon.ca — Rapiddominance Classic Military Messenger Bags
Sacoche homme en toile robuste, multi-poches et sangle réglable, style vintage - Sac bandoulière unisexe idéal pour le travail, les voyages et le quotidien
View on Amazon.co.uk — Men's bag in sturdy canvas, multi-pocket and adjustable strap, vintage style - Unisex shoulder bag ideal for work, travel and everyday useThe INCH bag (I never go home)
INCH stands for I’m Never Coming Home. This community term refers to a sustainable evacuation; it does not certify any ability to live for several months without permanent shelter. If the home is uninhabitable, first plan accommodation, contacts, documents, treatments and access to services. A larger bag alone does not solve a prolonged loss of housing.
Do not rely on hunting, fishing, gathering or improvised shelter for several months. Resources, skills, regulation, season and access to the territory remain decisive. Organized accommodation and accessible reserves are more concrete planning elements than a promise of self-sufficiency contained in a bag.
The EDC (Everyday Carry) kit
EDC stands for Everyday Carry: useful objects worn on a daily basis. Charged phone, keys, means of payment, useful contact details and small lamp can facilitate a service interruption or a late journey. Add only what suits your needs and the rules of the places frequented. A pouch or your work bag can pack them together; there’s no need to buy a separate bag. Test access to objects, protect spikes and batteries, and check what’s really left on you. An EDC does not guarantee a survival time of a few hours.
Can one survival bag be paired with another?
Yes, multiple functions can share the same hardware. For example, a daily bag can hold the lighting and battery needed for a trip interruption. However, avoid that a displaced object leaves the family kit incomplete. Keep a simple list and restore the contents after use; a bag in a trunk does not accompany you when you take the public transit.
Choose based on lived situations rather than a collection of acronyms. If you’re carrying a computer to work, measure the remaining space and weight for water, clothing, and essentials. Make sure that the bag follows you on trips where it would be useful and that you can wear it comfortably.
Last word...
The problem with these acronyms is not that they exist. The real problem is that people think in terms of “Hey, I have to have this or that type of bag” instead of thinking about all the different scenarios that can happen and then make their choice. So you should ask yourself:
If I am stuck in the city and all means of transportation stop working, how can I get home?
Describe a concrete scenario, estimate the needs and try the material before buying. Start with significant deficiencies, and then re-evaluate after an exercise or a change of season.
Your opinion
What set really accompanies your travels? What needs remain unsolved when you are separated from your main bag? Answer these questions to organize your kits without multiplying purchases.
Sources and benchmarks
References for Quebec and Canada. Sources consulted on November 2, 2026.