In the event of a disaster, it is not always reliable to assume that your home or shelter will be a lasting refuge. Preparing a bug-out bag is an essential investment for survivalists. The recent and devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian on the Bahamas demonstrates the importance of having an emergency survival bag.
To ensure successful preparation for evacuating, it is crucial to acknowledge that simply packing canned food and water bottles in a backpack and leaving is not the appropriate approach. In a disaster situation, it is necessary to anticipate the most severe circumstances.
Infrastructure could be in a state of gridlock, disrepair, or unreliability. There might be limited accessibility or safety concerns regarding food and water. It may be necessary to locate or construct a shelter on your own instead of receiving one. You might need to travel by foot and spend prolonged periods of time outdoors. The temperature and weather conditions will also play a role.
In this guide, we will discuss the top bug-out bag choices for 2023 and beyond. Our recommended bags meet all the criteria mentioned below, which you can also use as a reference for conducting your own research on available options.
Our Picks
WolfWarriorX Military Tactical Assault Backpack
We appreciate WolfWarriorX due to its affordability without compromising quality. Crafted from basic Cordura material, it possesses water-resistant properties. Additionally, it features MOLLE attachments for conveniently attaching extra bags or equipment on the sides and front. Notably, it includes a bladder pouch designed for a hydration system.
Regrettably, there is no cummerbund provided. However, the bag is equipped with a belt loop on the bottom front, allowing you to utilize your own cummerbund or a large belt to lessen the weight on your shoulders.
Priced at $40, this bag is equipped with basic straps and retention systems. It may not be a heavy-duty bag designed for extreme situations, but it can accommodate all your essential items, ensure their protection from moisture, and enable you to swiftly leave if necessary.
Eberlestock Switchblade
The Eberlestock is a small bug out bag with all the desired features, but it lacks the easily recognizable tactical appearance typically seen in bug out bags.
During a bug out situation, it can be advantageous to seamlessly merge with a crowd without attracting attention. This is not a common characteristic found in most bug out bags, but it is a skill that the Switchblade excels in. Disguised as a regular backpack, the Switchblade contains cleverly designed compartments that facilitate efficient organization and quick retrieval of small items. Moreover, it offers ample room to accommodate all the necessities required for surviving one or two nights while evacuating. One of the noteworthy aspects of the Switchblade is its ergonomic zippers, which enable swift access to various sections of the bag and are personally favored by me.
If you are in need of a compact backpack that can provide supplies for an individual for one or two days, then this bug out bag is the most suitable option. It provides sufficient room, comes in various colors, and includes additional features that would be valued by any prepper.
Kelty Coyote 85
The Kelty Coyote 85 is suitable for multi-day bug outs or accommodating multiple individuals from a single pack due to its ample space. It provides comfortable carrying for loads ranging between 30 to 50 pounds, and can accommodate a diverse range of people.
If you need to carry a lot of supplies, a bigger bag is necessary compared to a regular day pack. The Kelty Coyote 85 is a good option as it provides a balance between space and value. With a volume of 5,000 cubic inches, you can transport ample supplies for multiple days comfortably due to its internal frame and cushioned hip belt. During usage, the bag’s exterior pockets come in handy as they allow easy access to crucial items such as maps, water filters, and flashlights.
Prior to purchasing this or any multi-day pack, make sure to compare your torso length with the range specified by the manufacturer. If your torso length does not fall within the range, the pack will not adequately distribute the weight. A correct fit will place majority of the pack weight on your hips rather than your shoulders. Even though it fits most individuals, taller users such as myself, standing at 6’6″, may find that this pack does not handle heavy loads effectively.
This backpack is the top choice for carrying approximately 50 pounds of supplies and leaving quickly on foot during an emergency situation. It offers a reasonable price and includes all the necessary features for a spacious bug out bag.
Eberlestock LoDrag II
The Eberlestock LoDrag II is the top bug out bag choice because it includes a rifle holder and has a spacious capacity of 1800 cubic inches. This bag offers the convenience of carrying a rifle securely and comfortably, with the rifle scabbard positioned close to your back for optimal weight distribution. Additionally, the padded scabbard ensures the safety of your rifle and optic. The scabbard is designed to accommodate rifles up to 60 inches in length, allowing you to carry almost any rifle except for the longest ones. The bag itself is equipped with a shelf, giving you the option to have one large interior space or separate it into two compartments. Made with 420 denier ripstop nylon, the bag is highly durable. Thanks to the polycarbonate Gossamer frame, the bag is able to carry weight in a comfortable manner. Overall, this bag is perfect for a one or two day supply of provisions and offers the added advantage of carrying a rifle in a survival situation.
QT&QY 45L Military Tactical Backpack
A bug out bag is not suitable for everyday carry, hiking, or hunting, as it must always be packed and ready for immediate use. This means that you may end up owning an expensive bag that remains unused. Therefore, it is logical to spend less on a bug out bag compared to the durable packs you regularly use. The QT&QY Tactical Backpack meets this need for an affordable and functional bug out bag perfectly. With a capacity of 45 liters, it is the ideal size to store essential items. However, this bag is not designed for comfortably carrying heavy loads. If the bag is weighted down, you will feel the strain on your shoulders after walking for just one mile. This is why I particularly recommend this bag for individuals who plan to bug out using a vehicle or a bicycle. If this aligns with your bug out strategy, then the QT&QY Tactical Backpack is the best bug out bag option in terms of value for money.
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack
The RUSH72 is listed as one of our lightweight bags and has a capacity of 55-liters (2,894 cubic inches). It also offers the ability to expand up to 65 liters or beyond due to a complete MOLLE strap system.
According to 5.11, the top-front compartment can be expanded using four straps. They suggest that you can fit large items such as a sleeping bag or wet clothes between the main bag and the compartment. This means the total capacity could potentially exceed 55 liters, even without additional bags or containers.
The entire front and sides of the bag are covered with MOLLE straps, enabling the attachment of extra bags or equipment. If the bag is not full, the internal frame assists in maintaining its rigidity. Moreover, there is a hydration pouch included specifically designed for holding a drinking bladder and hose.
U.S Army-Issued Large ALICE Pack
On our list, the Army’s original ALICE Pack stands out as the most budget-friendly and durable bag. We highly suggest this bag for prolonged usage during extremely challenging circumstances, also known as “SHTF” situations.
The ALICE Pack is capable of enduring significant damage and continuing to function. In comparison to the WolfWarriorX bag, this bag is less complex. It lacks MOLLE attachments, high-quality YKK zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, and sophisticated retention systems.
What it possesses is a single, spacious storage space and conveniently sized outer pouches. The closures are equipped with dual-button fasteners on every pocket, the fabric straps are double-stitched and made from durable material, and the backpack has a complete aluminum frame with well-cushioned shoulder straps and a sturdy cummerbund.
Finding a high-quality ALICE Pack can be challenging due to the fact that these are genuine military surplus bags. Conduct thorough research and seek out packs labeled as “Made in the U.S.A,” “military surplus,” or “U.S.G.I” to ensure authenticity. Generally, these packs range in price from $90 to $150, depending on their condition, whether preowned or new. Beware of imitations that may not possess the same level of durability.
