What’s in a backpack? Your EDC gear? A first aid kit. A water bottle and map? If you keep anything remotely close to these in your backpack, chances are it’s important to you. Having one of the top backpacks is important for carrying important things. So we’re going to cover the top survival backpacks in this guide.
The 6 Best Survival Backpacks Are:
- Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
- Molle II Rucksack
- Osprey Stratos 36
- 5.11 Rush 72
- REI Co-op Traverse 70 Pack
- Explorer Tactical Gun Concealment Backpack
Page Contents
Survival Backpack Buyers Guide
Before going to buy a survival backpack or any other survival item, knowing exactly what you’re looking for will help shortcut the buying process and the selection a breeze.
What To Look For
Here are a few general attributes that would apply to the best bug-out survival backpack to look out for in your search. Finding the right one means looking at a lot of different backpacks for different purposes. But in general, all serve the same purpose.
- Stay Gray
Go with a Gray Man approach to your backpack and other gear you’ll be carrying with you out in public.
The more tactical and “that bag looks like it’s packed full of bullets and worn by a guy who’s had a few mullets” you look, the more attention you’ll draw to yourself. Which puts you more at risk.
- Longevity
You don’t want to drop $50 or $100 on a backpack that you plan on using more than once to fall apart within six months. Buy quality from a brand that specializes in backpacks that can take a beating in the outdoors.
6 Best Recommendations
From the list of backpacks above, here are the details about each bag.
1. Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
Overview: This is a well-constructed backpack for tactical and survival use. It has a whopping 1085 reviews on Amazon. It’s one of the best sellers with loads of features and options to carry practically anything you need.
Specs:
- Large load cargo capacity compartment
- Designed for easy access and organization (7 pockets)
- Hydration-pack compatible (2L or 3L bladder
- Body contour shoulder straps with D-Ring for equipment attachment, sternum strap, and removable waist belt
- Individual foam pad back panel for extra comfort and maximum airflow
- Heavy-Duty carry and drag handle
- Total dimensions: 22″ x 17″ x 11″; 3038 cubic inches; 50 Liters
Here’s a video review giving you all the details about this bag.
2. Molle II Rucksack
If you need a real heavy duty backpack that’s built for survival purposes. This is it.
Specs:
- 1000D Nylon
- Made in US
- Approximately 4,000 cubic inch capacity (without sustainment pouches)
- Sustainment pouches (included) add 500 cubic inches, each, to total capacity
- Completely customizable modular molle system
- Molle assault pack- and waist pack-compatible (available separately)
- Durable polymer gen-iv frame
See it on Amazon here.
3. Osprey Stratos 36
See it on Amazon here.
4. 5.11 Rush 72
There’s been talk about this being the perfect bug-out bag. For the price, it better be good. It’s more expensive than something you would want to spend on something you don’t use every day or would get much use out of it.
Specs:
- The Backpack features bug out bag design, built from high strength, water-repellant rucksack made with 1000D nylon; 3342 cubic inch / 55 liter total capacity
- This Molle backpack is ready for patrol. Dual-zippered front and main compartments with glove friendly molded grip pull. admin organization pocket to store maps, pens and documents.
- This military backpack features a front pocket – 15.5 x 11.5 x 2 inch, main compartment – 23 H x 13.5 L x 8.5 inches, hydration pocket -21 x 13.5 inches, left and right side pockets – 16.5 x 6 x 1.75 inch
- Adjustable dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps; cinching waist strap and dual compression straps keeping your rucksack pack secure and comfortable.
See it on Amazon here.
5. REI Co-op Traverse 70 Pack
See all the details at REI here.
6. Explorer Tactical Gun Concealment Backpack
If you’re looking for the best concealed carry backpack, this bag would be a good choice. It was built specifically for a concealed carrier.
It’s priced very well for what you get and has plenty of camo options for style.
See it on Amazon here.
Essential Items
A common question I see is “What should you have in a survival backpack?”
There are a few essential survival items that every backpack should contain. Whether it’s for traveling, backpacking, or one with a bottle holder you use for casual biking.
Here’s 7 essential items to have in your survival backpack that will help you for wilderness survival or for EDC purposes:
- Paracord
- Tactical Knife
- Multi-Tool
- First-Aid Kit
- Duct Tape
- Water Canteen (see the best survival canteen here)
- Tactical Flashlight
Conclusion
Whether or not you’re looking to buy the best survival backpack or one of the top tactical backpacks, doing your homework on a few models will help a lot. Going to a store to physically see and hold the backpacks helps a lot as well.
What survival backpack do you use?
For more buyers guides on the best survival gear, visit the gear guide here.
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