Joshua Babicz
Finding the right survival backpack is essential for anyone who needs to have a reliable piece of gear in survival settings. You’ll want to find a survival pack that can carry all of your gear and tools, yet is comfortable to wear over an extended period of time. Today we’re going to share with you our buyer’s guide for purchasing the best survival backpack on the market today.
Best Survival Backpacks to Buy in 2022
1 – 5.11 Tactical Military Backpack – RUSH12
Materials & Design
As one of the best survival backpacks, this bag is constructed from 1050D nylon, which is durable and resistant to water. The YKK zippers are self-repairing, and you can customize this bag with your nametape and flag patches. This is one of the top-rated survival backpacks on the market, thanks to its long-lasting construction and the quality of the materials used. It’s MOLLE compatible, and you’ll be able to attach additional gear around the whole of this survival backpack.
Storing & Carrying
Within this military backpack, you’ll find sixteen compartments, as well as a spacious main compartment for storing your bulkier items. The MOLLE webbing allows you to add plenty of additional belongings, so although it’s not the largest backpack, you’ll still have enough space for a multi-day trip if needed. For your comfort when you are hiking around all day, you’ll enjoy the comfortable straps, hydration pocket, adjustable sternum strap and two compression straps.
Pros
- Comfortable shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap
- Made from 1050D nylon material
- Sixteen different compartments to choose from
Cons
- Not the largest capacity survival backpack, so it’s best for single day outings
2 – 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Backpack
Materials & Design
Constructed from 1050D nylon, this is a durable bag which offers multiple storage options for keeping all of your gear secure. You’ll appreciate the strong self-repairing zipper closures, which ensure that your belongings don’t slip out or get damaged while you’re on the go. This bug-out bag has a capacity of 37 liters and offers twin drainage grommets. To ensure you keep hydrated on the go, you’ll appreciate the hydration pocket that’s included in the design. The water repellent coating will keep your gear and your new survival backpack safe and dry during unexpected downpours.
Storing & Carrying
This multi-purpose bag can be used for a variety of trips or days out and contains plenty of pockets and compartments to store all the gear you need. The bag offers two compression straps and contoured straps for your shoulders. If you are in a rush, you’ll appreciate the grab and go handle, which is reinforced to ensure it lasts for many years to come. MOLLE webbing is present around the bag, allowing you to store additional survival gear as needed. Inside, you’ll find multiple compartments and on the outside is a water bottle holder to ensure you keep hydrated on the go.
Pros
- MOLLE webbing on the outside of the bag
- Constructed from 1050D nylon
- Water repellent coating on the backpack
Cons
- Designed as a day pack, so if you are going on an extended trip, you’ll want to consider something bigger to fit all of your survival gear
3 – Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack 31 Liter Capacity
Materials & Design
Constructed from 500D Cordura fabric, this is a durable and high-quality option, hence the higher price point of these backpacks. The zippers are hardwearing and will last for years to come even with rough use and regular trips. The pack itself is incredibly lightweight, and it’s designed with military and law enforcement officers in mind.
Storing & Carrying
With a 15″ shoulder drop, you can customize the fit of this pack to your size and height. The side pockets have been redesigned to ensure that they can expand to fit all of your belongings and needs. For comfort during even the longest and hottest days of the year, you’ll appreciate the vent system which makes it perfect for hiking all day long. One of the pockets is completely detachable from the pack, and it can be used to carry a first aid kit or anything you might need to have easy access to. With so many different compartments to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding a home for all of your essential gear.
Pros
- Made from 500D Cordura fabric
- One of the pockets is detachable
Cons
- One of the most expensive backpacks in this selection
4 – 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack Bug Out Bag
Materials & Design
Created by a veteran-owned business, you are in good hands when purchasing this backpack. The survival backpack is made from rugged and waterproof material and measures 10 x 13 x 19 inches, and offers users storage of up to 40 liters. It can be compressed down to 20L in size, thanks to the straps, making it one of the top survival tools on the market today, and you won’t need a rain cover thanks to its waterproofing. One of the best things about these survival packs is the 1-year warranty which is included with your purchase, which is excellent considering the low price point of this best survival backpack.
Storing & Carrying
You’ll appreciate the range of sizes of the compartments and pockets in this bag, including one for your laptop and hydration pack. There is an insulated compartment specifically for the hydration bladder, so you’ll keep refreshed during the hottest weather conditions. There’s also a hand gun holster built into the design of this bag, so it’s ideal for survival training. The shoulder straps are fully adjustable, so you’ll be able to fit this bag to your body for a comfortable and enjoyable training experience. Thanks to its compact design and the ability to make this bag even smaller, it’s a great option for a school backpack.
Pros
- This backpack can be compressed from 40L down to 20L
- It can store a hydration bladder, laptop and hand gun
- Under $50 and highly rated by thousands of users
Cons
- Shoulder straps may dig in if you are carrying a heavy load as there is no internal or external frame
5 – PANS Backpack for Men Large Military
Materials & Design
One of the great things about this heavy duty backpack is that it is expandable, thanks to the side zipper. When expanded to its full capacity, it can reach up to a 64L capacity, which will keep all of your gear securely stored inside this bag. This backpack is resistant to water, so doesn’t need a rain cover to keep your gear dry. There are plenty of storage spaces available, thanks to the four main storage compartments. You’ll even find two separate pouches for your walkie-talkies, and you’ll be able to use this piece of equipment even when you are walking along.
Storing & Carrying
This backpack can easily be adjusted to fit your body size, thanks to the chest belt and shoulder straps which are adjustable. The chest strap helps to distribute the weight of your equipment, so you don’t feel too much pressure on your back and shoulders after a day on the run. You can keep all of your belongings safe in the multiple compartments, and a water bottle can be held in the mesh pocket on the side of the bag. With a MOLLE system on the front, you don’t need to worry if you run out of space inside, as you can easily attach further equipment here. Finally, you’ll find smaller pockets for those essential and valuable items such as a fire starter or cell phone.
Pros
- One of the most versatile survival backpacks thanks to its multiple storage compartments
- Plenty of attachment points on this survival bag
Cons
- No internal frame or external frame to this bag
- Best suited for a day hike or trip, as the material is not the strongest
6 – Military Tactical Backpack Bugout Bag Lazer Cut
Materials & Design
Constructed from 600D polyester, this pack is both water resistant and lightweight. It weighs just 2.3 lbs, making it a great option for days out or taking on ships. The buckles and zippers are of a high quality, making this pack a great investment for the future. You’ll find the capacity of 40L to be perfect for days out, and its dimensions are 20 x 14 x 9.5 inches. There’s a separate compartment for your laptop, which can fit a device with a screen of up to 17.5 inches. Your purchase can be returned at any time if you aren’t satisfied, so you can buy this bag with peace of mind.
Storing & Carrying
With an amazing nine pockets to choose from, you’ll be able to keep your personal belongings and anything from your loved ones safe and secure in this pack. You’ll have easy access to your essential items, thanks to the MOLLE compatible design. While there are no external frames to the pack, you’ll find it extremely comfy to wear thanks to the straps which are foam padded and the breathable back panel. When the bag is not in use, there’s a drawstring storage bag that you’ll receive with your purchase.
Pros
- Made from 600 denier polyester
- Can fit a 17.5-inch laptop
- One of the most durable survival packs
Cons
- 40L capacity means it’s best for days out and not overnight expeditions
7 – Gelindo Military Tactical Backpack
Materials & Design
These survival backpacks offer an intermediate capacity of 35 liters, and weigh just 3.3 pounds. Inside the pack, you’ll be able to store a 14-inch laptop and enough clothing to last you for two or three days on the go. It’s ideal for daily use and is one of the lowest-priced backpacks on the market in this best survival bag category.
Storing & Carrying
You’ll be able to store everything you need in these survival backpacks and although they don’t offer an internal frame, they are well structured and comfortable to wear all day long. The padded back and shoulder straps give you comfort while on the go, making it just as easy to wear as a frame backpack. When you need to add extra accessories, you’ll appreciate the MOLLE system, which all good packs have nowadays. Finally, to keep you hydrated on the go, the water bladder compartment will keep your drink at the correct cool or warm temperature for up to four hours at a time.
Pros
- Weighs just 3.3 lbs
- Sturdy backpack with a padded back and shoulder area
Cons
- Designed for taller users, so many women find these backpacks to be difficult to wear even with the hip belt
8 – REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack
Materials & Design
Constructed from high-density materials which are water resistant and durable, this 40L survival pack measures 13 x 20 x 11 inches in total. You’ll appreciate the heavy duty zippers and cord pulls used throughout its construction, which allow you to find your belongings in a rush. Although one is not included with the purchase, you’ll find this bag to be hydration bladder compatible, ensuring you are kept well hydrated on the go.
Storing & Carrying
This military survival backpack uses the MOLLE webbing system, which allows you to add additional pouches or items to make this into a multi-day tactical backpack. The main compartment is very spacious, and you’ll have multiple other smaller compartments if you need to access essential items in a rush. You’ll find this to be a really comfortable bag to wear all day long, thanks to the padded shoulder straps and ventilated mesh back. There are also front and side compression straps to keep everything secure while you’re hiking or on the move.
Pros
- One of the cheapest survival bags on the market
- Padded shoulder straps and back
- MOLLE webbing throughout the bag
Cons
- Lower quality construction in comparison to more expensive models on this list, meaning it may not last as many years
9 – NOOLA Tactical Military Backpack Army Pack
Materials & Design
Made from 600D Oxford fabric, the dimensions of this survival backpack are 13 x 19.7 x 8.7 inches. It has a capacity of between 50 and 60 liters, depending on how you use the attachments which are included. The material is water resistant and durable, and you’ll appreciate the large size of this survival backpack without it being too bulky for carrying around over an extended period of time. You’ll keep well-organized thanks to the extensive range of front and side pockets and the MOLLE webbing for attaching your additional gear.
Storing & Carrying
This bag offers extensive storage solutions for any survival situation, and you’ll keep well-organized thanks to the various compartments and sections. Survival kits can be spread out throughout the bag, and you can increase or decrease the size of the pack to fit your needs, thanks to the detachable front bag and side pouches. These packs can then be used separately as additional bags to distribute the weight of all of your belongings more evenly. The MOLLE system allows plenty of additional attachment points and is great for someone who needs to carry a sleeping pad or a huge selection of gear. You’ll find this bag to be extremely comfortable even during a long day on your feet, thanks to the design of the shoulder straps and back.
Pros
- This backpack is made from 600D Oxford fabric and is water-resistant and durable
- Ideal for anyone carrying extensive first aid equipment or gear, thanks to the detachable pouches
- It has a capacity of between 50 and 60 liters
Cons
- Shoulder straps are not the most comfortable or durable
10 – WolfWarriorX Large Capacity Military Tactical Hiking Expandable 39L-60L Backpack
Materials & Design
Made from water resistant and hardwearing 600D material, this is a great option for your next outdoor adventure and is suitable for both men and women. The bag can be expanded from 8 inches to 13 inches on the side, and the capacity can reach up to 64 liters, which is fantastic for backpacks of this size. You’ll appreciate the various side pockets and compartments on offer, where you’ll find space to store everything you might need.
Storing & Carrying
The chest belt on this backpack can help to disperse the weight of this backpack and make carrying it around all day long comfortable. There is an additional waist strap, which helps to keep it secure and tight to your body. You’ll keep hydrated on the go, thanks to the water bottle pocket, and the walkie-talkie pouch ensures that you can keep in contact while walking. Finally, the MOLLE straps allow you to add further accessories to your bag, increasing the capacity of these backpacks even further.
Pros
- Expandable up to 64 liters
- Suitable for men and women
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Cheaper construction than other backpacks on the market
11 – CRAZY ANTS Military Tactical Backpack
Materials & Design
With a size of 18.5 x 11 x 9.1 inches and a capacity of 37 liters, this bag can hold all of the belongings that you’ll need for your next tactical adventure. There are two detachable packs included, which give you two extra storage compartment options, making this into a much larger bag. Due to the size of the main bag, it doesn’t feature an internal frame, which would be a good addition when you have the additional weight and stress points from a heavy load. You’ll be able to carry a laptop of up to 15.6″ in size in the main compartment. The bag itself is made from 900D polyester, which is much stronger than other 600D polyester options.
Storing & Carrying
This versatile bag offers plenty of space for all of your belongings, and while there isn’t a sleeping bag compartment, you can easily hook a sleeping bag to the Y strap on the top or side. The MOLLE webbing offers you further storage solutions, and you can also add your hydration system into this bag. The shoulder straps are adjustable and padded, and they are contoured for further comfort. When you need to get your emergency kit in a rush, you’ll appreciate the quick release waist and sternum straps.
Pros
- This survival backpack comes with two detachable packs
- Made from 900D polyester
Cons
- No internal frame to the bag
- If you have a heavy load in the bag, it can put a lot of strain on your shoulders as it doesn’t have a frame backpack design
12 – CVLIFE Military Tactical Backpack Army 3 Day Pack
Materials & Design
These survival backpacks are constructed from 600D fabric, which is durable and water resistant. It has a 40 liter capacity and its dimensions are 20 x 11.8 x 12.6 inches. It’s a great multi-purpose pack thanks to its versatile design and can be used as a day pack or for a multi-day trip. After your purchase, you can contact the customer service team if you experience any issues with their backpacks. The buckles and zippers of this pack are of a high quality, meaning they’ll last you for years to come, even with regular use.
Storing & Carrying
Thanks to the front and side compression systems, you’ll be able to fit this bag to your needs. You can attach your survival sleep pad to the bottom, and it can also be made into a hydration pack by adding your hydration bladder. You’ll feel comfortable using this bag for an extended period of time, thanks to the padded back of the pack and the adjustable straps. It’s one of the top outdoor backpacks and would also be great for hunting, fishing and shooting.
Pros
- Made from 600D fabric which is water resistant and durable
- Ideal for survivalists on a multi-day trip
- Your hydration bladder can fit in the main compartment comfortably
Cons
- Poor design of the straps around the shoulders
13 – Monoki Military Tactical Backpack
Materials & Design
As one of the best survival backpack options, this bag has a capacity of 42L and its dimensions are 11.81 x 19.68 x 11.81 inches. It’s a spacious survival backpack, and the large capacity allows you to store all of your survival gear with ease. There are plenty of attachment points within the design, and you can attach the ten-piece collection of accessories you’ll receive easily with these. The two main compartments feature additional smaller pockets, so you can keep everything you need well hidden within this day pack. It’s a great bag for good organization which will help to improve your survival skills.
Storing & Carrying
Thanks to the MOLLE system, you’ll be able to fit all of the gear you need inside or on the outside of this bag, and it’s the ideal gift for one of your loved ones who loves adventure trips and expeditions. The shoulder straps and adjustable chest strap will give you good weight distribution, so you won’t experience discomfort when you’re on the go. This makes it a great option for law enforcement officers and anyone in the military, and you’ll also find the removable waist strap to be a handy feature. As well as the MOLLE strapping, you’ll find two D-rings on the shoulder straps for extra storage capacity.
Pros
- Plenty of additional storage solutions for your equipment, thanks to the D-rings and MOLLE strapping
- Available in a good range of colors
- Shoulder, chest and waist straps help to distribute weight evenly
Cons
- The buckles and zips are not the strongest, so you’ll want to treat them with care
14 – TianYaOutDoor 70l Hiking Backpack for Men
Materials & Design
Made from 900D Oxford fabric, this is a water resistant material which is also anti-scratch. If you are heading out on a two or three-day excursion, it’s the perfect option for you, as it can hold up to 70L, and with strong links and zips, it will last for many years to come. Unfortunately, the bag does not feature an internal frame, which is usually found in a pack of this size. The dimensions of the bag are 13.4 x 6.7 x 8.75 inches.
Storing & Carrying
This bag is ergonomically designed with padded and comfortable straps that will relieve the weight and pain on your shoulders. While it’s not a frame backpack, it still offers good support thanks to the sternum strap which will take some of the weight off your back and shoulders. There are plenty of links thanks to the MOLLE system, which allow you to carry further equipment if needs be. With a roomy main section, it’s the ideal bag for survivalists who are looking for the best way to carry all of their gear.
Pros
- A low-cost bag with a large capacity of 70L
- The sternum strap helps to relieve your shoulders and back
Cons
- No internal frame to the bag, which would be helpful for further support with a bag of this size
15 – WintMing 70L Camping Hiking Backpack
Materials & Design
Made from 600D Oxford with a polyester lining, this is a durable and water resistant backpack and is far more hardwearing than regular backpacks you’ll find on the market. The material is anti-scratch, and you’ll also appreciate the high quality and reliable zippers. The bag’s dimensions are 13.4 x 6.7 x 28.75 inches, and it has an amazing 70L capacity. While it’s a larger bag than many others on the list, it’s still a great lightweight bag for your next camping or hiking adventure.
Storing & Carrying
All of your equipment will easily fit in these backpacks, thanks to the large capacity and smart storage solutions. The main compartments will easily fit your sleeping bag, and there’s also a separate laptop compartment and holders for two water bottles. The MOLLE webbing system will give you an even greater capacity still, and offers good weight distribution when carrying your whole survival kit. Thanks to the padded shoulder straps which you can adjust to fit your needs, you’ll still enjoy a comfortable experience using this backpack even when it’s full.
Pros
- 70L capacity
- Durable and anti-scratch material
- A low-cost option for such a large bag
- Wide range of colors available
Cons
- Stitching is not the strongest on this bag’s construction, so double-check the bag before using it for the first time
Features to look for in the Best Survival Backpack
As with any important purchase, the design and features of different survival backpack options vary greatly between brands. You’ll want to find a pack which offers everything you need and can comfortably fit all of your gear inside. Before comparing the best survival and tactical backpacks on the market, consider what you are going to be using this bag for as this is the best way to ensure you get a pack that fits your requirements.
Size & Storage
There’s no point getting a new backpack if it won’t fit all of your items in. There’s nothing worse than packing all of your gear, just to find out that everything doesn’t fit inside. There are a wide range of survival backpacks available to you, so you’ll want to find one in a size that fits your needs. The larger backpacks on this list are big enough to hold enough gear to last you a few days, however, are much bulkier and heavier to carry on your back all day long. There are some smaller hiking backpacks available, and these are great for short trips or days out and will help you to move quickly. In order to carry more gear, you’ll want to find a backpack with external storage such as MOLLE or strapping, as these will allow you to attach further items to the outside of your bag.
Comfort
While the size of the bag is crucial for carrying all of your personal items, it’s also important for your new survival backpack to be comfortable. There’s nothing worse than having a backpack on your back all day long for it to rub and cause discomfort. Consider the internal frame of your new bug-out bag, as this is important for your back when carrying a large bag for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, many of these bags don’t come with an external frame or internal one, which means carrying them for hours at a time can become uncomfortable. Another feature to consider are waist or sternum straps, or a hip belt, as they’ll help to distribute further weight off your back and shoulders. Compare the measurements before purchasing a bag, and try to find one with padded shoulder straps, so you’ll have a more enjoyable experience when you’re on the go all day long.
Durability
If you are investing in a new or costly survival backpack, you’ll want to find one that will last you for years to come. The best survival backpacks are often made from nylon or polyester, but you’ll find others constructed from leather or canvas. It’s important to find a water resistant pack that will protect your personal items in inclement weather conditions.
Doesn’t attract attention
The big difference between a survival backpack and a regular backpack is that it shouldn’t be attracting any attention or be seen as a fashionable accessory. In order to survive, you need to be able to blend in with your environment, and so your bag should be a sensible, neutral color and design. Try to find one that’s a combination of functional and discreet, so you can easily escape from other people without being noticed in a survival situation.
Related Articles:
