Perhaps you reside in a region like California that is prone to earthquakes? Or maybe you live in an area with a higher risk of bush wildfires? Are you situated in a flood-prone zone? If you happen to be in the US, there might be a hurricane risk, particularly in Florida.
Perhaps you might require a bug out backpack as a precautionary kit inside your car, should it malfunction while you are stranded in a remote location. Alternatively, it is possible that you simply prefer to be ready for unfortunate circumstances, regardless of your place of residence.
In regions where I anticipated the potential need for a swift departure from home during an emergency situation, I have consistently maintained a bug out backpack containing essential gear for such circumstances.
What makes for the best bug out backpack?
A backpack is the most practical bug out bag in a survival situation, primarily because military-grade ones are highly durable and well-suited for the task.
It is advisable to have a smaller backpack to ensure that only the essential survival items are stored in it and to keep it stored discreetly and out of the way.
The ones I am recommending here are the few backpack brands that are excellent for military or bushcraft use as day packs.
Depending on your location and the climate conditions you may experience, the size of the backpack can vary.
Typically, it is recommended to have a backpack that can sustain you for 72 hours, which is the typical duration for survival gear. However, opting for a smaller bug out bag that can last for 24-48 hours can be more advantageous over a larger and heavier bag.
If your living environment is colder, then you will need a larger backpack to accommodate your cold weather gear. Conversely, if your living environment is hot, a smaller backpack will suffice.
Our Picks
Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Backpack
The civilian version of the military 3-DAP gear is known as the Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Backpack. It measures 21 inches in height and features an adjustable shoulder strap to accommodate any body type. Unlike conventional backpacks, the Mystery Ranch backpack is designed in a tube shape, allowing for a larger carrying capacity than typical rectangular backpacks.
Condor 3-Day Assault Pack
The Condor 3-day assault pack is an excellent choice if you require a survival backpack for two people, as it has a capacity of up to 50 liters. Additionally, its back and shoulder straps are padded, providing comfort during use.
5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Military Backpack
The 5.11 Tactical Rush-24 backpack is a tactical bag that receives high ratings. It is smaller than the military Rush-72 backpack and can be used for various occasions. Unlike a typical bug-out bag, this military backpack serves multiple purposes. It is primarily made of basaltic nylon, which gives it excellent resistance to wear and tear.
Mardingtop Tactical Backpack
The Mardingtop Tactical backpack is a budget-friendly survival backpack for bug out situations, available in three different sizes. The recommended size to carry is 37 liters. It is constructed with polyester fabric, making it less expensive in terms of quality compared to other bags mentioned. Nevertheless, this bag offers ample space to efficiently arrange all your essential survival equipment.
Evatac Combat Bag
The Evatac Combat Bag is a survival backpack that is well-suited for the average man. When it comes to durability, this backpack is perfect for extreme conditions. It is crafted from heavy-duty 6000 polyester fabric, making it even more dependable compared to the previously mentioned bags.
Due to its waterproof feature, this combat bag has achieved a high number of sales, ensuring its safety for use in any situation. Furthermore, it is equipped with a convenient shoulder and chest strap, up to ten pockets for item carrying, and a padded pocket for laptops.
Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical
The Kelty Redwing Tactical is primarily a hiking bag but can also function well as a bug out bag. It was specifically created with extended comfort in mind, making it ideal for individuals who tend to pack excessively. With a capacity of 44 liters, the Kelty Redwing allows for convenient organization of enough essential survival items to last for 72 hours.
Karrimor SF Predator 30
The SF Predator is a more compact and streamlined backpack, lacking side pockets, but still equipped with the MOLLE system for optional attachment of additional pouches to the pack.
If I were to choose a backpack solely for a bug out bag, the Predator 30 would be my ultimate choice as it serves as the perfect tactical option.
With its Molle option for increasing load-carrying capacity and being a Karrimor pack, it is both incredibly cost-effective and highly durable for a survival backpack.
Savotta Jääkäri M 30
Savotta is another excellent brand of backpacks. They are slightly more expensive but offer high-quality products. Nevertheless, all the brands featured here have been proven to be durable and of high quality over many years.
Savotta, a Finnish backpack and outdoor gear manufacturer, is known for supplying the Finnish military, ensuring the quality of their bug out backpacks. Additionally, Savotta holds a place as one of Ray Mears’ preferred backpack manufacturers.
If you live in an area where a warm sleeping bag is not necessary, the Savotta Jääkäri M 30 is a great choice due to its smaller size. This way, you can save space while still meeting your needs.
The MOLLE system is utilized and there are various pouch upgrades that can be purchased individually.
Osprey Mutant 38
Why, then, would I suggest the Osprey Mutant 38 as a bug out bag, considering it is primarily intended for climbing purposes?
Simple and specifically made for mountaineering, this backpack is both strong and lightweight, devoid of unnecessary features typically found in regular hiking backpacks.
In that respect, it serves as an excellent bug out backpack!
Even without the Molle system, this bag provides sufficient internal space for your survival gear, eliminating the need for any additional storage.
REEBOW Gear 3-Day Assault Backpack
The capacity of the REEBOW Gear 3-day assault backpack is substantial. While it is not recommended for prolonged survival situations, it can accommodate enough supplies for a 3-day emergency period. Although the bag is constructed from heavy-duty material, it may not be as durable as certain other bags featured on this list.
