I was looking at my options for an EDC bag as well as a get-home bag and it soon struck me that I am very rarely more than a mile from my car so apart from a very few essentials to be physically carried on me at all times, by EDC and my GHB can essentially be the same thing, stored in the boot of my car, or at least my EDC can be very small and simply be put inside my GHB should the need arise.

First thing about any category of SHTF bag has to be the bag itself obviously! So, what specification should it be?

  • As small as possible but as big as needed.
  • Lightweight
  • Easily carried
  • Several pockets/compartments
  • Subtle design so I looks like any other commuter getting home

To satisfy this list I started looking at laptop backpacks because they are easier to carry than a shoulder/messenger bag and they look just like anyone else’s backpack in an urban environment. I wanted a quality make so took a look at the Targus range as they have a good reputation and I’ve used the brand before. It didn’t take me long to find this Drifter 16” backpack which looked ideal to me. It even has two mesh pouches for water bottles.

Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack

I know some people choose the gear first and find a bag to fit it all in afterwards but I wanted to set the size I was willing to carry first. It will make me more focused on what I actually need to put in the bag instead of an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach.

Having bought the bag I’m pretty impressed with it. It feels very well made and has plenty of compartments for gear. To give you a quick run-down starting with the main compartment and moving outwards:

  • Main Compartment – split into two, one with laptop-retaining Velcro strap across top
  • Small cushioned compartment hand-deep in the top of the rucksack
  • Full compartment with document section and zip/net compartment which is half depth
  • Single compartment (the one in the photos with the Targus badge on the outside)
  • Compartment which folds open with pen holders and internal zipped compartment.
  • Small single compartment
  • Each side – Zipped compartment (designed for power leads etc I would imagine)
  • Each side – Webbed bottle holder

It also has comfortable padding on the back, strong straps and a carry handle on the top.

Now to start narrowing down what I should put in it…………