In the event of a natural or manmade disaster where immediate evacuation is necessary, it is essential to have all the necessary items to ensure survival readily accessible. This is where a bug out bag becomes vital. A bug out bag is a bag that contains essential items for sustaining life, such as survival food, which can be easily grabbed and taken along. The size of these bags can vary from large multi-day packs to smaller ones. Due to the extensive range of available options for bug out bags, it can be quite challenging to make a decision.
Eberlestock Switchblade
During a bug out situation, it can be advantageous to blend in with a crowd and avoid drawing attention. Although most bug out bags do not possess this characteristic, the Switchblade excels in this aspect. Disguised as an ordinary backpack, it contains strategically designed compartments for efficient organization of small items. Additionally, it offers ample space to accommodate all essential survival gear for a duration of one or two nights while dealing with an emergency situation. Personally, I particularly appreciate the ergonomic zippers as they enable prompt access to various sections of the bag.
Kelty Coyote
- Two front zippered pockets
- Many size options
- Amp Flow ventilated back panel
The Kelty Coyote Bug Out Bag is a large bug out bag that is currently available for purchase. It comes in two sizes, 60 and 105 liters, depending on your specific emergency loadout needs. This hiking backpack is designed for long-term use and has enough room to carry all the necessary gear for multiple days in the field, ensuring your safety. Even in hot conditions, the ventilated padded back panel provides comfort, and the bag can be adjusted to fit your torso, allowing you to easily carry a substantial amount of gear. Additionally, the top lid of the bag can be securely fastened, providing extra protection in harsh weather conditions. One exceptional feature of this bag is the dedicated sleeping bag pocket, which allows you to conveniently bring along shelter and warmth wherever you go. This is a rare feature that is not commonly found in most bailout bags, making the Kelty Coyote Bug Out Bag an outstanding and reliable choice to have in case of an emergency.
Sitka Drifter
If you need to include preparations for bad weather in your emergency plan, you will require a TPU-laminated bug out bag such as the Sitka Drifter. This bag, made of sturdy 450D ripstop material, has a water-resistant exterior and a design that prevents water from entering the gear you pack inside. With top and side padded handles, it is convenient to retrieve this bag from your car or an overhead compartment. The Sitka Drifter is known for its comfortable yet durable construction, making it a suitable choice for emergency situations.
Kifaru 357 Mag
The Kifaru 357 Mag is a top-of-the-line military-style bail-out bag that offers a high-capacity storage solution for everyday carry. With a total volume of 54.75 liters, when you consider the main compartment, side pockets, and lid, this bag provides ample space. The inclusion of an internal frame ensures that weight is evenly distributed, regardless of whether the bag is fully packed or lightly filled. The hiking backpack frame also maintains the bag’s shape, preventing it from becoming misshapen or unbalanced during movement. Additionally, this bag is compatible with hydration bladders, ensuring you can stay hydrated during long emergency treks. Furthermore, there is enough space to accommodate a sleeping pad. The bag’s height also makes it suitable for carrying long hunting tools when foraging for food in the wilderness.
Eberlestock Switchblade Bug Out Bag
The Eberlestock Switchblade is a bug out bag that can be used for concealed carry weapons. It is equipped with internal pockets for organizing small survival items and ammunition. Additionally, it has a designated compartment that can accommodate a 17-inch laptop or a hydration bladder. Despite its combat-ready design and durable military ballistic nylon construction, it maintains a low-profile appearance. This is achieved through the integration of PALS webbing on the exterior of the bag, which is not immediately noticeable to untrained individuals. This avoids drawing attention and becoming a target for those who may not be adequately prepared for a disaster.
Kelty Coyote 85
If you require a large bag for carrying numerous supplies, the Kelty Coyote 85 is recommended due to its spaciousness and reasonable price. With a volume of 5,000 cubic inches, it can hold enough supplies for multiple days and provides comfortable support through its internal frame and padded hip belt. Additionally, the exterior pockets allow convenient access to essential items such as maps, water filters, and flashlights.
Prior to purchasing this pack or any multi-day pack, it is crucial to compare your torso length with the range provided by the manufacturer. In the event that your torso length is not within this specified range, the weight distribution of the pack will not be adequate. A correct fit ensures that the majority of the pack’s weight is supported by your hips rather than your shoulders. While this pack is suitable for most individuals, taller individuals such as myself, standing at 6’6”, may find that it does not effectively handle heavy loads.
QT&QY 45L Military Tactical Backpack
A bug out bag is not suitable for everyday carry, hiking, or hunting because it must be consistently packed and ready for use. As a result, you may end up owning an expensive bag that you never use. Therefore, it is logical to spend less money on a bug out bag compared to the packs you use regularly in your daily life. The QT&QY Tactical Backpack is the ideal choice for those looking for an affordable bug out bag. It is functional and has a 45-liter capacity, providing enough space to store the essential items you’ll need. However, this bag is not designed to comfortably carry a heavy load, so if you overload it, you will feel the strain on your shoulders after just one mile. This is why I particularly recommend this bag for individuals evacuating with a vehicle or bike. If this aligns with your bug out plan, then this bag offers the best value for your money.
GWA Citadel Gen.3 Mk2 Bug Out Bag
Due to its limited production, the GWA Citadel can be difficult to locate; however, the wait is often worthwhile. The design of this bailout bag was meticulously planned for seven years, resulting in three different versions that have made it one of the top choices available (when it’s in stock). The primary compartment, which features a zipper closure, is lined with velcro, allowing it to be compatible with smaller bags and pouches, enabling a well-organized bug out carry. The zippers are designed in a reverse style to prevent snagging and zipper failure during critical situations. The water bottle pouches are spacious enough to accommodate a 40oz container to fulfill all your hydration needs. Additionally, this bag is proudly made in the USA, using top-notch materials and construction techniques, ensuring its durability and reliability for bailout situations.
Final Thoughts
When you are forced to evacuate your home due to a disaster, the task of packing a bag is not something you want to prioritize. If you rush the packing process, you could easily forget important items like a water filter or medication. However, this issue can be resolved by using a bug out bag that is always packed and prepared for such situations. When selecting from the provided list of top bug out bags, take into consideration what items you intend to carry and how you plan to evacuate. These considerations will help guide you towards the most suitable bug out bag for your needs.
