An adequately equipped survival backpack could make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Survival, which used to be uncomplicated, has become remarkably challenging for contemporary Americans. When disorder prevails, finding food, water, warmth, and shelter can disastrously prove to be a struggle for those who are not prepared. If a medical crisis or a threatening predator is added to the mix, a miniature apocalypse can annihilate any possibility of survival. Nevertheless, someone who is trained, properly equipped, and possesses the right mindset (along with high-quality gear) can conquer all obstacles.
When you choose to venture into the wilderness, having the most superior survival backpack is essential as it provides vital support for your necessary equipment, which may consist of innovative tools and gadgets.
If you find yourself alone or with your friends or family members in a place with no population or experiencing natural disasters like pandemics, storms, or earthquakes, it would be necessary to take measures to ensure personal safety.
If a situation arises unexpectedly, with no possibility of reversal, then it is vital to have one of the finest survival backpacks.
It is important to consider that you may be influenced by different factors in both tactical and survival situations.
We have developed the ultimate survival backpack guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best backpack for your outdoor activities.
Tactical Rush24 Military Backpack
The Molle military backpack of tactical nature is a relatively moderate introduction to the RUSH series. This rucksack with Molle system is particularly suitable for urban use, as it facilitates the process of going off-grid.
Therefore, it can be referred to as the ultimate urban survival backpack.
The Molle backpack has a padded sleeve for laptop or other electronics, a space for eyewear storage, two top pockets with an internal slop pocket, and a concealed CCW pocket.
The pack is perfect for rural and city excursions, as well as anything in between, because it has plenty of storage areas and spacious MOLLE attachment points that allow you to organize your essential gear exactly where you need it.
Battle Pack Tactical Backpack
The battle pack tactical assault backpack is equipped with multiple Molle loops, as well as a patch area specifically designed for flag patches and name tape.
The bag also has a front pocket with a zipper which contains compartments to organize items such as a concealed carry firearm, pump, tools, camera, maps, and other miscellaneous items.
It can serve as a versatile backpack for various purposes such as a 3-day assault tactical backpack, Molle backpack bug out, combat backpack, military rucksack backpack, or trekking backpack.
Direct Action Tactical Backpack
Designed exclusively for law enforcement and military personnel, this backpack is both versatile and lightweight, with a capacity of over 25 liters.
This backpack is of medium size and offers a wide range of camo and solid colors, which makes it a suitable option for hunters and individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
With an ideal EDC or Everyday Carry bag, the color/camo selection, along with a low profile appearance, contributes to its look and feel.
If you are in need of a sturdy MOLLE backpack to carry items such as a tablet, laptop, hydration bladder, iPad, and more, or simply want a reliable foundation for the BuB or Bug Out Bag, this backpack offers exceptional value for its price.
Osprey Kestrel 38
Osprey is well-known in the outdoor gear industry for their comfortable and high-quality products. The Osprey Kestrel 38, and its counterpart the women’s Kyte 36, are exceptional choices for a survival backpack. These packs, despite their tall and narrow design, maintain Osprey’s renowned durability and also incorporate key features necessary for a reliable survival pack.
This pack is tall and narrow, and it comes in two sizes: S/M with a capacity of 36 liters, and M/L with a capacity of 38 liters. Both sizes can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. The pack is designed for comfort, with padded shoulder straps and a mesh hip belt with pockets. The Airscape back panel provides additional comfort and breathability. The main compartment is made of water-resistant 210D and 630D Dobby Nylon, and it can be accessed from the top or bottom. The pack also includes a sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider.
REI Co-op Trail 40
Not everyone can afford to spend more than $150 on survival gear, but the REI Co-op Trail 40 is a great option that fills this gap effectively. Although it does not have expensive features, this pack focuses on the essential aspects.
The Trail 40 is a survival backpack that weighs three pounds and has a capacity of 40 liters. It is made of durable recycled nylon and nylon ripstop material. The backpack has a full-zip front panel and internal organizational features that make it practical and functional. The internal spring steel frame and padded suspension system distribute weight to the hips and provide maximum comfort. Inside, there is a simple pouch, a pocket, and a hydration reservoir sleeve. The backpack also has compression straps, water bottle pockets, and gear attachment points such as dual daisy chains, loops, and top and bottom gear straps. Additionally, there are external pockets including a hidden mesh stuff pocket and hip belt pockets.
Mystery Ranch Coulee 40
We are in agreement with the majority that the Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 earns high praise as one of the top survival packs. Despite its weight of 3.8 pounds, this pack is exceptionally durable and comfortable, capable of withstanding any challenge.
The 40-liter pack is made up of a 330D Robic nylon body with YKK zippers, a composite internal frame stays, Mystery Ranch’s well-known three-zip design, and the company’s popular Futura Yoke suspension. This suspension system is known for being highly comfortable and customizable, making it one of the best options in the backpack market. With its design and ability to make micro-adjustments, it is easy to forget you are even wearing the pack, even when it is fully packed. Additionally, the Coulee 40 is available in various sizes for both men and women to ensure a perfect fit.
5.11 Tactical Covrt18 2.0
If you are looking for a survival backpack that can adapt like a chameleon, it will be difficult to find a better option than the 5.11 Tactical Covrt18 2.0. This backpack has the ability to blend in seamlessly in various environments such as the streets, classroom, and trail, and it offers numerous noteworthy features worth considering.
The second-generation Covrt18 is a small and lightweight survival bag that weighs 2.34 pounds and has a capacity of 32 liters. It is designed to be durable and long-lasting. The bag is made of water-resistant 500D and 840D nylon and is available in four different colors. It has four compartments, namely the main, hydration reservoir, admin, and CCW compartments, as well as an external stuff pocket. The main compartment has a clamshell design with two mesh pockets, and the hydration reservoir compartment can also be used to store a laptop in a TSA-friendly manner.
Although it has a low-profile design, the 5.11 pack still has useful features such as dual compression straps, water bottle pouches, a rigid back panel resembling a frame, and a suspension system with a padded yoke and ventilation, along with a sternum strap. The Covrt18 2.0’s dimensions allow for great freedom of movement, and there are also small details that are appreciated by certain users, like the CCW pocket with Velcro, Hypalon gear loop, and flex cuff channel.
Condor Assault Pack
Due to its impressive utility features and classic design, the Condor assault pack is preferred by outdoor enthusiasts, operators, and even daily users, making it one of the best backpacks for survival.
Over time, the condor backpack has demonstrated its reliability in various rugged outdoor environments and challenges.
With an impressive volume of approximately 50 liters, the vehicle possesses ample cargo spaces to accommodate gears, accessories, tools, and various other items.
The condor backpack is very advantageous when it comes to organization, as it comes with multiple smaller compartments and the ability to include modular attachments.
The backpack’s priority is to provide comfort, achieved through features such as a removable padded waist belt, padding, adjustable body contour straps, and a padded back panel. Additionally, it is designed to promote natural ventilation, ensuring a cool sensation.
The condor 3-day assault backpack is a wise selection among large packs due to its numerous convenient features and top-notch utility.
Things to consider before buying a survival backpack
Survival conditions
When purchasing a survival backpack, it is important to consider the conditions you may face in a survival scenario as the simplest things are often overlooked.
When planning for your survival, it is important to consider the possible environments you may encounter. These could include urban, suburban, or rural emergencies, or even a combination of them. It is also essential to take into account factors like local geography, weather conditions, weather emergencies, and local wildlife. Additionally, think ahead regarding how long you might have to endure on your own – whether it is for days, weeks, or even months. Furthermore, consider the number of individuals who will be with you, particularly those who depend on you for care, like children or elderly parents.
Types of survival backpacks
When looking for a survival pack, it is important to consider different types of backpacks as only a limited number of manufacturers specialize in producing dedicated “survival backpacks”. By exploring different options, you may come across a backpack that was originally designed for activities such as hiking, backpacking, tactical use, or even school, but can serve as an emergency-ready option. It is worth noting that survival packs, similar to bug-out bags, can be categorized based on their intended emergency environment, which includes urban, wilderness, and tactical settings.
