One should prioritize having a bug out bag that is easily accessible and lightweight, specifically tailored to meet their personal requirements, as the best option. It is a common misconception that during a crisis, one can easily escape the situation by car.
However, in a genuine emergency situation, you cannot depend on roads to take you to your desired destination. This is because that is where everyone else will be, resulting in various traffic jams and chaos.
Recall the news coverage depicting extensive lines of cars waiting at gas stations and causing traffic congestions on the highways during Hurricane Katrina.
HOOFING IT TO SAFETY
In a time of crisis, your legs serve as the most dependable mode of transportation. Hence, it is crucial to select a bug out bag that is both comfortable and lightweight to ensure optimal choice.
Soldiers undergo conditioning to bear burdens of up to 70 pounds on their backs, covering distances of 10 miles or more. Personally, I acknowledge my inability to endure such an exertion, and I assume the same applies to you. If by chance you possess this capacity, my sincere admiration goes out to you. Nevertheless, for ordinary individuals like us, the weight of our emergency bags bears great significance in ensuring our survival during potentially dangerous situations.
GIVE YOUR BAG SOME PERSONALITY
I have previously mentioned that it is important for your bug out bag to be tailored to your individual circumstances in order for it to be optimal. Your bug out bag may contain certain items that someone else’s bag may not. Therefore, it is vital that you choose a bag that suits your specific requirements.
There are many varieties available in different sizes to choose from. To determine the appropriate size for you, a useful test is to consider the weight you will be carrying. If you can bear it while hiking for an hour or longer, then you should be fine. It is highly likely that this test alone will make you reassess what items are essential compared to what we consider as “nice to have.”
Below, we have listed our top bug out bag recommendations, all of which have been thoroughly evaluated and endorsed by a survival specialist. It is important to note that these suggestions should be considered as general advice, and selecting any one of these options will ensure an excellent personalized bug out bag. Choose the one that suits your needs best.
OUR PICKS
MYSTERY RANCH 2-DAY ASSAULT PACK
We have an overnight pack from Mystery Ranch, which is a lightweight tactical backpack with an internal frame in military style. It is equipped with padded straps and abundant MOLLE webbing to facilitate hanging additional gear.
The 2-Day Assault Pack from Mystery Ranch is a downsized edition of their 3-day assault pack. We favor this version over the 3-day pack due to its smaller size and lighter weight of 3 pounds. It offers 27L of space, dual water bottle holders, extra webbing, and adjustable straps. Despite being labeled as a 2-day bag, it can easily accommodate a 3-4 day trip.
The bag contains compartments that are self-contained and isolated, and it features a strong reinforced Y-shaped zipper. Internally, the bag is equipped with organized compartments where you can conveniently carry your knife, kit, and food. Additionally, it provides space for any tech devices you may wish to bring, including a computer that can be safely placed in a padded sleeve.
TACTICAL RUSH 72 BUG OUT BACKPACK
This bag, which has a heavy-duty military-grade design, is water repellent and comprises dual zippers and multiple compartments. It is suitable for various purposes, such as hiking, camping, hunting, or as a tactical or survival bag, rather than solely for “bugging out.”
The Bag, which has 37L worth of storage space, is known as a 72-hour bag as it can hold essential gear for multiple days. It contains some interesting features such as fleece-lined glasses pockets and a contoured yoke system that includes specially designed pockets for maps and quick-grab items.
There is a 60oz hydration system built inside, and it also features a dual density closed cell foam shoulder strap that offers comfort. It has received excellent reviews overall. You won’t make a mistake if you choose this product.
CONDOR 3 DAY ASSAULT PACK
The Condor, 3 Day Assault Pack, is specifically built to accommodate enough gear for a minimum of three days, and possibly even longer. It boasts a 50L capacity, which is nearly twice the size of our initial choice and 1/3 larger compared to the Tactical Rush. This backpack encompasses seven compartments in total and offers ample space for virtually everything you would require in a three-day bag.
With its well-designed compartments, the bag includes additional side compartments that can carry two water bottles and features radio pockets, pen pockets, and mesh pouching. The size of the pack is larger and could potentially be suitable for a week-long bag.
MAXPEDITION FALCON III BACKPACK
The Maxepedition Falcon III Backpack has a capacity of 37L, making it suitable to last for 72 hours with all necessary supplies. Additionally, its lightweight nature of two pounds does not compromise its durability. The backpack features a rugged appearance, multiple compartments, and external straps for additional equipment storage.
The bag is designed to be ergonomic and is made of 1050 water and abrasion-resistant nylon. It is slightly larger than our first two picks and smaller than the Condor. There are various color options available and it features lockable zippers and CCW pockets.
DIRECT ACTION GHOST TACTICAL BACKPACK
This backpack, which was initially made for the military, is another high-quality option. It is called the Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack and it serves as a 72-hour go bag with a capacity of 31L. The backpack is resistant to water and has a patented vent system. Additionally, it features a detachable second pack that is connected to the main compartment.
This bag is well suited for use as a tactical, hunting, or gear bag and includes a hydration sleeve. It also offers space for laptops and other electronic devices, including flashlights and cords. The front of the bag features laser-cut MOLLE, and the detachable portion provides extra storage pockets and zippered spaces. Made in the USA, the bag is lightweight yet still maintains its heavy-duty feel thanks to the 500D Cordura fabric. Additionally, the bag is available in camo as well as 8 other variations. If you are in search of a military-style bag that is spacious and has well-organized compartments, this could be the one for you.
AVOID DRAWING ATTENTION
When selecting your ideal bug out bag, it is important to take into account its appearance and color as a final consideration.
If you are only preparing for common emergencies, the importance of appearance and color may not be significant. However, if you are planning for a worst-case scenario, such as a SHTF situation, appearance and color could be of importance.
Initially, the temptation may arise to opt for a military-style backpack due to its affordability at surplus stores and its probable adequacy in terms of storage space and compartments. Nevertheless, in dire situations, a crucial aspect of an effective bug out bag is its ability to avoid appearing conspicuous.
Isn’t it confusing?
However, it is logical if you consider it. In a worst-case bug out situation, it is undesirable to appear conspicuous as you evacuate. Otherwise, individuals may become aware of your situation and covet your belongings. In times of desperation, people may engage in unpredictable actions. Hence, it would be beneficial to camouflage yourself with your surroundings to the greatest extent possible and select an appropriate bug out bag.
In order to ensure survival after a disaster, it is essential to consider the importance of maintaining a low profile. Hence, it is crucial to strategically assess and adapt oneself to the specific environment, if necessary, to effectively blend in.
CONCLUSION
Creating the perfect bug out bag is a highly individualized task. It is likely that the contents and appearance of your bag will differ significantly from ours, and that is perfectly acceptable.
Selecting a bag is among the various means by which we can infuse our personality into it while simultaneously enjoying ourselves.
If you already possess a bag, which one would you select and what is the reason behind your choice? However, if you do not possess a bag, do any of these options seem more attractive to you compared to the others?
