Which light for PCC (9mm) for "Get Home Bag" use and HD

[dojpros]

For proof of concept, get me done, any old sports duffel will due.

For an optimzed backpack, you will want to get to tool configured with light/optic/sling and see how it folds up.

With those data points, I would be looking at a well made pack that will not attract an inordinate amount of attention.

My default in such spaces tends to be Tom Bihn for EDC and Osprey for “hiking”. I would likely be angling to a more hiking oriented bag as I suspect that you will need some length to the bag depending on the number/type of folding configurations you will have to choose from.
Edited to add

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/fpc

that link states it folds from 31 ish top 17ish

and it comes with a bag so there is your get me done one right there until you pick a pack. The 17 inch length opens a virtual world bags to you as even edc/travel stuff is 18-24 inches on a side.

 

[KW Driver]

I’d definitely lean into the hiker trash/tourist backpacker vs vet bro look, or even hunter.

Never be the highest priority target, or the weakest looking easy victim

 

[JCinPA]

@Whisky Indeed! Quite a deep rabbit hole!! I just finished setting my Ruger PC9 up and will post it in a separate thread momentarily.

To those talking about type of bag, and wanting to look like gray man or "not wanting to attract an inordinate amount of attention" while you may disagree (and this is certainly YMMV territory here) That is exactly what I DO NOT NOT want.

A "get home bag" concept, to me, is specifically to get home in an environment that has already had the SHTF. It is not for bugging out or extended times away from your home or base. For example civil unrest has gotten so bad authorities have shut down car travel or something. Or there may be rioting near my office, and I cannot get out.

Whatever the case, I want to look like a porcupine, not a victim. In that locking toolbox I linked to earlier I'd keep the Glock45 and the Ruger PC9, lots of magazines, tactical boots and clothing, a light jacket and hooded rain jacket, and the bag, which in my case is an LA Police Gear 3 Day Backpack 2.0.

Once the SHTF, boots on, guns out and I head for home, hopefully driving. Most likely I'll get all the way home in the SUV. But, if I get stuck or stopped, and road travel is not practical for whatever reason, I'm no longer interested in looking inconspicuous. I want to send a very clear and belligerent FAFO vibe that nobody will mistake. "Find someone else, if you value your life" kinda thing.

My office is about 16 miles to my home, so this would be a relatively short journey, probably drivable, but I want everything I need to strike out on foot and not look like, or become, a victim.

Again, this is a highly unlikely scenario. But right now it is at least an order of magnitude higher than it was several years ago, and getting worse. It's like that fire extinguisher I keep in the kitchen. I'm no operator wannabee but this is a level of caution I've decided makes sense for me in the current environment.

 

[Rob72]

SWAT (Strengths/Weaknesses/Assets/Threats):
S- Touristy/Nike bag is randomly unthreatening
W- I personally have never found one built in a way that does not scream "GUN!!" with a gun inside the bag. They also tend to punch-through, if used very much (and wrapping your piece in layers of towels or whatever to try to break up the outline increases the non-useable load, or your load increases to the point where you're rucking, not light & fast getting home).
A- Generally carry most comfortably
T- Punch-through/catastrophic splitting when needed

Sorry, I did not add proposed solutions.

Still "tac-bro/outdoorsy", but I very much like Savior equipment's offerings. They are incredibly well made, at reasonable price points. The biggest problem I have is their limited production manufacturing model. If you see something you like, get it, as it may be gone in a month or two.

I find Sneaky bags to be an absolute best-of, but it looks like they may be out of business. I have a Nautilus, and it is total "college kid geek" unless you look REALLY closely. SERT.us still has the Nautilus in Navy, and has some other bags that look comparable.

For reference, I carry a Sig P250, extra mag, pocket IFAK, Veritas door stop, AA light, multitool, diabetic snacks, a Frog Toggs rain suit and a few other items comfortably and easily on an almost daily basis. I use Savior's IFAK pouch as an organizer. The Nautilus itself is rigid enough that it does not lose shape and it is very difficult to see how much weight it actually carrys (e.g., no bag-sag, taught-looking straps, etc..).

 

[nortac]

@JCinPA , I understand your desire for your GHB to be "high profile" during actual use, but what about when it's stowed in the vehicle? Of course if it's in a locked storage box, it won't matter what it looks like. But if it's on the floor in the back seat, perhaps a low profile might be advantageous.

 

[nortac]

I kinda like this one:
Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Savior-Equipment-Specialist-Tactical-Compartment/dp/B0BNCMWN7G?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

or this one:
Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Savior-Equipment-Rifle-Bag-RB-309SG-ARTD-V1-TN/dp/B0DCH5QP9F?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

or this one:

Amazon.com

 

[JCinPA]

It's out of site in the SUV, tucked away in the lockbox.

If I'm on foot, I want to look prickly. Dangerous and irritable. Gray Man is furthest from my mind at that point.

 

[nortac]

It's out of site in the SUV, tucked away in the lockbox.

If I'm on foot, I want to look prickly. Dangerous and irritable. Gray Man is furthest from my mind at that point.

Just sling up!

 

[dojpros]

Mild thread drift-
1. RE exuding the FAFO vibe- I would humbly submit if you have to ask the question if you do or not, you already know the answer.
2. If you have to hike the 16 miles, your clothing/boots/socks and fitness are going to drive the train far more than the LAPG "tactical" bag.


3. Just out of curiosity, how long does it take you unsling the bag and put 5 rds on an 8 inch circle at 5-10-15-20-25 yrds.
I ask re varied distances because that time difference is significant if the threat is closing on you or otherwise moving to a position of tactical advantage. Ergo there may be some credence as mentioned above that if it is time to go to the bag, maybe it is time for it to be slung and "out."

 

[nortac]

^^^ THIS, particularly if you have to assemble a broken down gun as opposed to one which just folds.