A bug-out bag is a well-known essential for survivalists, as it equips individuals to be ready for a range of emergencies, including hurricanes, fires, pandemics, and apocalypses. An optimal survival backpack should function as life-saving equipment, offering sufficient long-lasting food, medication, water, and other necessities for a minimum of 72 hours. This bag is vital for those seeking to swiftly escape to a secure location during unpredictable times.
With numerous backpacks available in the market, selecting the most suitable bug out backpack can be a difficult task. The choice should be based on its functionality for storing your emergency bug out kit rather than its appearance.
According to statistical data, a significant number of Americans have a preference for depending on local government agencies during disasters, which leads them to have a misleading sense of security. However, in such situations, local agencies tend to become overwhelmed due to the breakdown or shutdown of utilities.
Having a well-prepared bug out bag readily available increases your chances of surviving a disaster by providing a convenient option to quickly grab and flee if necessary.
Top Best Bug Out Bags on the Market Today
Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Backpack
This 2-Day Assault Pack is a civilian version of the military-grade 3-DAP, which is extremely successful. In my opinion, it is the best bug out backpack available. It has all the fantastic features of the 3-DAP, including the signature 3-Zip opening and very comfortable shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are adjustable to fit most body types. Although it doesn’t have a waist strap to distribute the weight, it is still very comfortable to carry when fully loaded. It offers a generous amount of space and, despite not having the typical box shape, its tube shape allows for more capacity at 27L compared to a similar-sized backpack with a box shape. The side pockets are large, possibly intended for carrying big water bottles. On the positive side, the pack has compression straps to keep the contents compact and reduce the overall size of the load.
The primary characteristic of this backpack is its distinctive 3-Zip opening, which allows for easy access to the main compartment. Inside, there are two internal mesh pockets, two pouches, and a padded compartment for hydration or a laptop, with external side access. Additionally, it has MOLLE webbing on the front and is designed to be inconspicuous, aiding in blending in. Overall, this backpack is outstanding in terms of both its design and functionality. It is constructed using 500D Cordura and features YKK zippers, providing durability and an appealing aesthetic appearance.
Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
The Condor 3-Day Assault Pack is a spacious backpack that would be a great choice for putting together a 2-person survival kit due to its ample storage capacity. Its main compartment is roomy and includes two mesh pockets and compression straps to keep everything secure. In addition, the backpack offers multiple organization options with large front and back pockets, side pockets, and even a compartment for hydration bladders. It also features external MOLLE webbing for attaching additional gear. The back and shoulder straps are padded for added comfort during long treks. Although the backpack is quite heavy when full, it is designed with chest and waist straps to ensure a comfortable fit. The pack is constructed with high-quality Cordura Nylon, a durable material commonly found in military-grade and premium backpacks.
5.11 Tactical RUSH 72 Backpack
The Rush 72 is an extremely organized bug-out bag that boasts an abundance of pockets. It serves as an excellent choice for travel, as it conveniently fits in the overhead compartments of airplanes. Referring to its tactical backpack’s name, the ’72’ denotes its capacity to sustain survival for 72 hours, equivalent to three days.
Originally designed for heavy-duty tasks, this enormous military bag boasts giant-sized pockets. The admin panel accommodates items such as a notebook, pencil, important documents, a knife, credit cards, keys, and more.
The bug-out bag has a main section with dimensions of 23 inches in height, 13.5 inches in length, and 8.5 inches in width. Additionally, it features three zippered pockets to organize essential survival gear efficiently. The hydration pocket measures 21 inches in length and 13.5 inches in width. The left and right side pockets have dimensions of 16.5 inches in length, 6 inches in width, and 1.75 inches in height.
GoRuck GR2 Tactical Backpack
The GoRuck GR2 Tactical Backpack is a well-regarded bug-out bag that is constructed from durable materials, ensuring its survival even in the face of a fire attack! With a generous capacity of 40 liters, the GR2 is widely recognized as a military-style pack.
Don’t worry about adding a little more weight because the bag is very large. The bag is made of 1000 denier CORDURA, and the zippers are heavy-duty and produced by YKK. With all the essential gear like a first aid kit, food stock, and water bottles, you will be fully prepared to survive any situation on Earth with this bag on your shoulders.
Direct Action Dragon Tactical Backpack
The Direct Action Dragon Tactical Backpack is a survival backpack designed for military agents, but it can also be used for everyday carry because it is lightweight and has a volume of 25 liters.
When it comes to the inner components of this bug-out backpack, there are four storage sections available, which include the primary compartment, the compartment on the backside, along with pockets on the front and sides. Now, let us examine these compartments more closely.
- The main compartment has an internal pocket to hold things securely. At the same time, the main compartment is compatible with a hydration bladder pocket;
- The back compartment has padded sleeves, as well as YKK zippers;
- The front pockets come with a waist strap that can be easily attached or detached, as well as Velcro ID Panel;
- The side pockets are compatible with MOLLE webbing and PALS webbing, so all the gear can be easily organized. The side pockets can expand as well as the front pockets.
Osprey Stratos 34 Hiking Backpack
The Osprey Stratos-34 is a hiking backpack with a capacity of 34L that I believe would be an ideal choice as a bug out bag. While it may not have tactical attributes like MOLLE webbing, this versatile backpack provides ample storage for your survival gear.
One of the things I really liked about this backpack was the fact that it has a dual zipper panel that gives access to the main compartment. Similar to the Mystery Ranch backpack, this panel opening is more convenient than a top access backpack. However, the backpack’s tube frame limits the interior space and does not expand like the Mystery Ranch pack. The Stratos-34 has adjustable shoulder straps and a waist strap that can be adjusted to achieve the perfect fit. Additionally, the waist strap has two zippered pockets where you can store small items that you need quick access to. The backpack is constructed with high-quality 420HD Nylon fabric, which offers excellent tear resistance and is also waterproof. Another positive feature is the well-ventilated mesh back panel and lightweight air suspension frame, which help support the weight of the backpack and make it comfortable to carry.
Mardingtop Tactical Backpack
Mardingtop is a tactical backpack that is reasonably priced and a great choice for bug out gear. It is available in three sizes, and I recommend the 35L pack for emergency preparedness. This backpack has excellent construction and multiple compartments that make it easy to organize your survival gear. The backpack is made of 600D polyester fabric, which is not the best quality for a tactical backpack. However, polyester holds colors well, allowing the Mardingtop to come in various attractive colors. On the downside, polyester is prone to tearing and does not offer water resistance. On a positive note, the zippers and buckles on the backpack are of high quality, and the shoulder straps and waist belt are padded with sponge. Additionally, the pack has adjustable sternum straps to balance the shoulder straps and MOLLE webbing and bottom straps to attach extra storage items.
