Best Bug Out Backpack: Prep For Survival

Choosing the best bug out backpack requires consideration and extensive research. After all, for years to come, this bag will be your best friend and savior. You want to make sure it’s to your liking and meets all of your requirements, right? It must be visually appealing as well as functional. So you’re probably wondering what makes a great bug out bag usable on a daily basis. You’ve arrived at the right place.

Most people believe that if an emergency arises, they will be able to escape the “problem” quickly and easily by car, but the truth is that you cannot rely on the roads in a bug out situation. Everyone will be on the road, attempting to get away from the same situation as you. The smartest thing to do is grab a backpack and set out on foot, and, for that, you’ll need a durable and lightweight backpack.

There is a bug out backpack that is perfect for you! It’s simple to use and may be customized to fit your specific requirements. All you have to do now is figure out which one it is. Here’s where we come in! We conducted in-depth research into all of the crucial aspects to consider and compared the 8 finest bug out backpacks on the market today. Read each one carefully, give yourself some time to consider your options, and pick the best one for you.

What to Consider Before Buying

When it comes to backpacks, there are a plethora of options and factors to consider when selecting the perfect one. The features you should look for in a backpack differ slightly from those of a hiking bag or duffel bag, and some of them are highlighted below.

Civilian vs. tactical style

This is simply a matter of style and appearance. There are some features in the tactical style design that you will not find in the civilian style, such as more pockets, thicker fabric, a sturdier design, and more color combinations. Because the tactical style is intended for military use, all of these features are available.

The civilian design, on the other hand, is focused on everyday use and does not necessitate all of the extra features. As a result, tactical style bags are more costly. Whatever style you choose, make sure you buy from a well-known brand.

Size

Another thing to keep an eye out for is the size of a backpack. Do you want to go with a light bug out bag or a larger bag? Maybe you’re a single person who only needs things for yourself, or maybe you’re a family man who wants to have a little more gear in there to provide what your family might need. This will help you decide on the appropriate size of bag.

Color

Color is something that many people are keen about. And the color chosen is primarily a matter of personal preference. However, black is a popular choice because it blends in well in an urban setting. If you live in a snowy area, a white bag might be a better option. The most important consideration here is to select a color that complements your surroundings.

External vs. internal frames

For bug out situations, you will need a backpack with an internal or external frame. Something that will provide you with an additional layer of support. Some backpacks lack this frame, making it difficult to carry the bag for long periods of time, so if you’re planning on going on foot choose a backpack with either an internal or external frame. For bug out situations, a frameless backpack is not an option as you never know where you’re going to end.

The best match for your torso

Choose a backpack that is a good fit for your torso. It should not be too loose or too tight. A backpack that fits your torso perfectly will help you balance your load and you’ll be able to carry more gear for longer periods of time.

Straps

Shoulder straps, chest straps, and waist straps are also important considerations when choosing the best bug out backpack. They will aid in the best possible fit of the bag on your body. The waist strap is crucial because it allows you to carry the majority of your weight on your hips, allowing you to travel longer distances because carrying weight on your hips is much easier than carrying weight on your shoulders.

Price

Backpack prices are mostly determined by fabric, size, and brand, and the majority of them range between $100 and $300. Those that are a little more expensive are usually big-name brands like Osprey or North Face, but they are usually larger and have special padding and extra features like a water bottle holder, whistle, and so on. So, if you don’t need all of these features, there are some pretty nice backpacks in the $100 – $200 price range that will serve their purpose as bug out backpacks. Just keep in mind that you choose one that’s sturdy, strong, and light.

Best Products on Today’s Market

Now that you know what qualities to look for when selecting the best bug out backpack, it’s time to read through our reviews. These are some of the top bug out backpacks you should consider, in no particular order.

Osprey Packs Atmos 65 Backpack

Price: approx. $240

Weight: 3.55 pounds

Size: 6 x 14 x 27 inches

Material: 100D x 630D nylon

Best use: hiking, climbing and backpacking

Special features:

• Floating top pocket
• Zippered front pockets
• Sleeping bag compartment with a detachable divider

About: The Osprey Atmos 65 backpack is a highly comfortable backpack with an adjustable foam harness and a hip belt that ensures a good torso fit. It has a vented mesh back panel and fast suspension, making it very comfortable to carry around.

Anyone who has used this bag has only had positive things to say about it because it exceeds their expectations. At this pricing point, the bag’s quality is unquestionably good. The only issues that have been mentioned are always linked to shipment and product defects.

The bag comes in Glacier blue and has built-in chest, hip, and shoulder straps for a secure fit. It is suitable for backpacking, climbing, and trekking. When compared to other bags of similar size, it may be one of the best on the market. Another great feature of this Osprey bag is the elastic front, superb cinch style, and numerous pouches on the hip belt.

PROS: 

• Additional features
• Breathable
• Storage
• Comfy
• Lots of pockets

CONS: 

• Insubstantial buckles
• Small belt pockets

Related products: Most of the buyers who bought the backpack also opted for this Grabber Space All Weather Blanket. It’ll be a good addition to your bag out backpack because it’s designed to retain and reflect over 80% of radiated body heat. Also, if you’re planning a longer hiking trip and want to keep your backpack weight to a minimum, this blanket will suffice.

Sandpiper of California Long Range Bugout Backpack

Price: approx. $170

Weight: 7 pounds

Size: 10.5 x 26 x 15.5 inches

Material: polyester, 600D/poly canvas

Best use: traveling, backpacking, military

Special features: 

• MOLLE panel
• Hydration bottle compatible
• Padded lumbar area
• Expendable main compartment
• Organizer panel
• Available in three colors (black, brown, and camo)
• Larger capacity for extra gear
• Multiple attachment points for extra equipment
• Easily customisable to suit your own special needs

About: The Sandpiper of California Long Range Bugout Backpack was intended to hold more stuff than a typical backpack, and the padded lumbar area and mesh lined back allow you to comfortably carry the bag for long periods of time.

The bag’s main section is designed to expand effortlessly, allowing you to carry all of your hydration, survival, and communication gear. Another fantastic feature of the bag is that it provides the abundance of pockets and attachments, as well as the organiser panel. These components will ensure that your bag is well-organized and that you can reach out for something quickly.

The benefits and drawbacks of this bag mainly revolve around its size. If you need a lot of space, this bag is perfect for you; however, if you don’t need that much capacity, we recommend avoiding it to keep the weight to a minimum. It all comes down to personal preference and selecting the best decision for you.

PROS: 

• Price
• Size
• Numerous compartments
• Customizability
• Padded lumbar area and waist belt

CONS: 

• A 1000D cloth would be preferable than a 600D cloth
• This product is not made in the United States

Related products: While this backpack is perfect for a few days of trekking, we recommend the Sandpiper of California Rolling Loadout Luggage bag if you’re planning a longer camping vacation. The backpack and this luggage bag are frequently purchased together by customers since they make a terrific traveling set.

Explorer Tactical Assault Military Backpack

Price: approx. $40

Weight: 5 pounds

Size: 20 x 11.5 x 11 inches

Material: 600D/poly canvas

Best use: excursions, camping trips, military, sports activities

Special features:

• 6 pockets
• 3 handles
• Adjustable compression straps

• Padded adjustable shoulder straps
• Disposable feature

• Durable 600D polyester

About: The Explorer Tactical Assault Military Backpack is a low-cost backpack that provides you a lot of bang for your buck. It has one huge compartment, six pockets, and three handles.

If you fill the bag full to the brim, it can expand another 3 inches. It’s ideal for all of your camping vacations, excursions, paintball gear, and any 72-hour go pack.

The major problem we have about this bag is that if you’re taller or weigh more than the typical person, the bag may not fit you properly, and the waist belts will be useless. The side pockets are also not as deep as they should be, and the zippers can get stuck at times.

This bag, on the other hand, is really spacious, with a deceptively huge main compartment and little pockets that make it easy to organize your belongings.

PROS: 

• Low price
• Numerous compartments
• Size

CONS:

• It’s heavy.
• The side pockets could be a little bigger.

Related products: You won’t go wrong with this LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, which is commonly purchased with the Explorer backpack. It eradicated nearly all waterborne protozoan parasites and bacteria, ensuring that your water is free of contaminants. It’s an excellent thing to have on hand in case of an emergency.

Spec-Ops Brand t.h.e. Pack

Price: approx. $150

Weight: 3.1 pounds

Size: 18 ⅜ x 9 ¾ x 9 ¼ inches

Material: 1000D/poly canvas

Best use: excursions, sports activities, military, everyday use

Special features:

• Dual compression straps
• Integrated load loops on pockets
• Removable waist belt
• Easy adjustments
• Dual external access port coverings

About: Spec-Ops is a trademark of the Spec-Ops Company. T.H.E. Pack is composed of Cordura nylon fabric, which is one of the most durable textiles in the 1000D category. It’s made to endure the stress of frequent use of the carry and drag handles. Essentially, this bag was constructed to last and was designed for military use, but it is also ideal for civilian use. So, if you’re looking for a suitable bag for your sports activities or hiking trips, this could be it.

The bag is waterproof and has a capacity of 2550 cubic inches. It’s also built to last, with heavy-duty zippers added. This is a fantastic addition to the military pack series. The only real disadvantage of this bag is that it is costly, but you get what you pay for.

PROS:

• Durability
• Waterproof
• Spacious
• Numerous compartments
• Heavy-duty zippers

CONS: 

• Costly
• If you’re taller, it may appear like you’re wearing a child’s backpack.

Related products: Designed to fit precisely with the Spec.-Ops. backpacks, this Spec Ops Main-Frame will be a great addition if purchased with the backpack. The bag will fit into the main compartment and is ideal for carrying laptops, paperwork, file folders, and other daily necessities.

5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Back Pack

Price: approx. $130

Weight: 3 pounds

Dimensions: 7 x 20 x 12 inches

Material: 1050D nylon

Best use: excursions, sports activities, everyday use

Special features:

• Wide wraparound platform
• Adjustable sternum strap height
• Strengthened grab handle for greater grip
• Mesh pockets
• Water repellent coating

About: The Rush 24 tactical backpack is more of an everyday carry bag than a tactical backpack because it is designed to carry enough supplies to last you 24 hours, hence the 24 in the name. With almost 20 compartments, it has been particularly designed to give outstanding storage capacity and organization.

With its superb mobility qualities, this backpack was meant to accompany you everywhere you go, regardless of the weather or situation.

It’s well-designed, with a pleasing look and feel, and plenty of space for organizing all of your belongings. It also contains self-repairing zippers, which makes it easier for you when the zips appear to be coming undone.

This bag has a few significant flaws, including the lack of a waist belt and the fact that it is not designed to carry as much weight as other bags. There are also some minor difficulties with the stitching, which can unravel at times.

PROS:

• Water-resistant finish
• Self-repairing zippers
• Plenty of storage

CONS:

• No waist band
• Lighter than other bags
• Low quality stitches

Related products: This C5 Smartphone/PDA Case, which is specifically created for use with tactical backpacks, will be an excellent addition to this bag. This cover is made of 1000D nylon and will keep your PDA or phone safe and accessible. It also incorporates a high-impact locking clip, making it incredibly functional and long-lasting.

Maxpedition Vulture-II Backpack

Price: approx. $130

Weight: 3 pounds

Dimensions: 20.5 x 16 x 7.5 inches

Material: 1000D DuPont Teflon fabric

Best use: short hiking trips, sports activities, everyday use

Special features:

• 1″ sternum strap
• 2″ integrated belt
• Triple-coated water-resistant material
• 4 color options

About: This Maxpedition Vulture-II Backpack is appropriate because it is guaranteed to provide you with the best support for maximum trips. The water-resistant finish with a triple coat of polyurethane and a final coat of DuPont Teflon fabric is one of the Maxpedition Vulture-II Backpack’s primary features.

It also has exceptional sturdiness thanks to the nylon 1000D fabric utilized in its design.

This bag is ready to go with you anyplace, rain or shine, and you can rest easy knowing that all of your belongings are safe. The only major drawback is that it is a little smaller than some other backpacks in its category and lacks organizational sections, but the pack is fairly big, with many tiny front compartments that are quite spacious and one enormous main compartment. It also contains a slip pocket, which is a useful addition for those who like to stay organized.

Overall, we think it’s a fantastic bag for regular usage.

PROS:

• Waterproof
• High-quality cloth
• Lightweight
• Spacious
• Sturdy

CONS:

• Small size
• No storage sections

Related products: Additional Maxpedition goods include this bundle of four TacTie straps and this bottle holder, all of which may be purchased separately. TacTie straps are rather simple to detach by hand, and no special equipment is required. The bottle holder is designed to suit 1 liter sized containers/bottles and will keep your fluid at the proper temperature and close to your handreach.

Monkey Paks Tactical Backpack Bundle with Hydration Bladder

Price: approx. $80

Weight: 3 pounds

Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 5.5 inches

Material: 600D nylon fabric

Best use: hiking, camping, backpacking

Special features:

• 3 MOLLE attachments
• Huge zippers with paracord to make them silent
• Innovative hydration water bladder
• 2 double zipped pockets
• 600D nylon fabric

About: The Monkey Paks Tactical Backpack Bundle with 2.5L Hydration Water Bladder is an essential item for any unplanned emergency situation or camping trip. If you’re a prepper, this bag could be your new best prepping buddy.

With its changeable waist, fanny, and shoulder bag attachments, as well as two detachable zippered side pockets, the Monkey backpack has an ultra-durable design that allows you to carry a lot of stuff in an organized manner. It’s made to withstand any weather or terrain, and the double stitched seams mean fewer tears and rips.

The modular lightweight load carrying equipment design is fantastic, with plenty of storage for a multi-day journey. Excellent stitching and zippers, as well as a cleverly placed hydration bladder. The main disadvantage is that the bag was not built to carry a lot of weight, so you must be cautious about how much you stuff into it.

PROS:

• Long-lasting
• High-quality stitches, double seams
• Lightweight
• Includes hydration bottle
• Spacious
• Sturdy

CONS: 

• Not made to carry a lot of weight.

Related products: Having a LifeStraw Personal Water Filter and Survival Gear Kit with Embedded Compass, Fire Starter, Emergency Knife, and Whistle will make you even more prepared for any situation, especially because this is a terrific “emergency” bag. Both goods are high-quality and built to withstand any conditions. Preppers will love it!

Paratus 3 Day Operator’s Pack Military Tactical Backpack

Price: approximately $80 on discount

Weight: 4.45 pounds

Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8.5 inches

Material: 600D nylon fabric

Best use: hiking, camping, military, prepping

Special features:

• MOLLE attachments
• Side release buckles
• Heavy durable nylon coil zippers
• Double stitched seams
• Adjustable padded waist belt
• Body contoured shoulder straps

About: Whether you’re going around the world on a black operations mission or just taking a personal journey of sober reflections, the Paratus 3 day tactical backpack is made to be your travel companion.

With its tough 600D nylon construction, two huge zippered compartments, additional inner pockets, and two MOLLE pockets, staying organized is simple. With its compression straps and attached belts, this bag may be simply customized.

It’s incredibly durable for the budget, with a nice modular design and enough space to load 3 to 5 days’ worth of gear. It is not ideal for lengthy hikings due to its absence of a chest strap, frame, and tiny waist pads.

This disadvantage becomes more apparent once you’ve used up all of the inside capacity and are carrying a big bag on your back. Overall, this is one of the best bug out backpacks, and you get a lot of bang for your buck.

PROS:

• Pockets for organization
• Double-stitched seams
• Durability
• Price
• Hydration compatibility
• Adjustability

CONS: 

• Not recommended for extended travels
• Heavy
• No frame
• Poor quality waist pads

Summary

It pays to be prepared when it comes to picking the best bug out backpack. Hopefully, with this fantastic list to choose from and the many features offered, you will be able to find one that best suits your needs. You’ll never be caught off guard in an emergency if you’ve purchased the ideal bug out bag. Just remember that in an emergency, you need to go light, and there’s a lot of items that every emergency bag needs to have packed, so choose something light, organized, and large enough to carry all of the tools you’ll need to survive.

Do you have an excellent bug-out backpack that we overlooked? Please leave your suggestions in the comments section below. Happy prepping!

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC