With hundreds of brands and models out there, it’s hard to know what to choose if you want the best survival backpack. Are you going to be in the back country for a long weekend or hopping on and off flights for six months or taking it on an extended excursion away from civilization? Whatever your reasons for getting a survival backpack, there are a few options worth considering before you buy.
Check out this list of some of the best survival backpacks on the market today, plus a handy buyer’s guide to take you through the steps of making the right decision when it comes to buying your own survival backpack.
Features:
- Made of Water Repellent and Super Durable Material
- MOLLE compatible
- 55 Liter Capacity
- 2 Main Compartments
- Easy Access Top Pocket, Hydration Bladder Pocket, and 2 Side Pockets
- Expandable “shove in” compartment for jackets, helmets, etc.
- Adjustable foam shoulder straps, waist strap and dual compression strap for comfort
There’s also a hydration pocket so you can carry a hydration bladder. It’s left and right side pockets are good for extra organization. The dual density foam shoulder straps are super comfortable, and the waist strap is a good addition for balancing the weight. It’s price point is somewhere in the middle of this list. It looks awesome, it’s nice and compact even with its decent capacity, and it comes in a bunch of different sizes and colors.
Check price of the 5.11 Rush72 Tactical Backpack
- Good weight distribution makes it very comfortable
- Made from super durable and waterproof material
- Perfect number of pockets and compartments
- Hydration pocket and shove-in feature are extremely useful
- Compression straps allow you to fully secure with no slippage.
- Molle compatibility allows for versatility in usage
- Not fully ergonomic, so not a good choice for those with back problems
- No other cons really, this is our top choice for a survival backpack
Features:
- Designed for 72 hour excursion
- 50 liter size
- Ample space with 2 main compartments and multiple pockets
- Built with supportive sternum and waist straps.
- Rear foam for comfort with air flow technology
- Hydration compatible for 2L/3L water bladders
- Fully MOLLE compatible
With a 50 liter capacity and seven pockets, including a hydration pocket for a 2L or 3L bladder, you should be able to cram everything you need into the Condor 3 Day Assault pack while managing to keep some semblance of organization.
It’s got padded shoulders straps as well as a waist and sternum strap, so even when it’s full, the Condor 3 Day Assault is comfy and the weight is well distributed. The cutout foam panels in the back are a nice feature which help with ventilation on the hot days.
One of the best features of the Condor 3 Day Assault pack is the price. One of the least expensive packs on this list, it’s got great value for money. Just remember that you get what you pay for, and the quality might not stand up to some of the more expensive packs. But the material is strong and it shouldn’t fall apart on you.
Check price of the Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
- Best value for money pick
- Perfect size for survival backpack
- Supportive features make it comfortable
- Air flow technology in rear padding help keep you cool
- Less able to stand up to heavy usage compared to top choices
- Not fully waterproof
Features:
- Built-in 3L antimicrobial hydration system
- Bite me valve included in hydration bladder
- Made of heavy duty materials
- Reinforced stitching adds durability
- Robust waist belt improves weight distribution/comfort
- Fully MOLLE compatible
The Blackhawk Titan is another awesome but expensive pack. It’s made out of heavy-duty nylon and has reinforced stitching, and feels super sturdy and strong. One potential downside is that with the extra strength comes a little extra weight, but its nicely distributed.
Even though it looks small and compact, it has a 40L capacity, so you’ll be able to fit a good amount of gear inside. A nice bonus is the integrated 3L Blackhawk hydration system that comes with the pack. It’s not water resistant, but you can always get a rain cover or use a garbage bag liner.
It comes in one size and one color – black. It looks awesome and feels well built and is designed to last. If you’re looking for a survival backpack that will last you for years, if not decades, the Blackhawk Titan will do the job. It’s not the cheapest, but you’re still getting good value because of how durable and well designed the Blackhawk Titan is.
Check price of the BLACKHAWK Titan Hydration Pack
- Our pick as a Premium Choice for those who value quality
- Built in antimicrobial 3L water bladder
- Bite me valve allows for easy drinking
- Made of top-end materials
- Added durability thanks to reinforced stitching
- Probably the most durable survival backpack on the list
- Waist belt allows for added comfort/support
- Fully MOLLE compatible
- Slightly higher price point
- Not as lightweight for similar storage capacity as other options
- Only comes in one color
Features:
- 3D mesh padding allows for great ventilation
- 23L
- Lightweight, weighing only 3 pounds
- Ergonomic shoulder straps
- Lockable rear compartment for concealed carry
- Reservoir with tube port for hydration bladder
- A lot of PALs webbing allows for MOLLE gear attachments
Weighing only 3 pounds and with a 23 liter capacity, the Maxpedition Condor-II is a small and and durable survival backpack. It comes in small, medium and large sizes, and you can get black or khaki. The padded shoulder straps are pretty comfortable and it has a mesh padded back which offers some, but not great, ventilation.
It also has a hydration pocket and port for your hydration bladder. Exterior Molle webbing is a nice feature, perfect for attaching extra gear onto. It’s also got a concealed, lockable compartment which is perfect for valuables or sidearms. The Maxpedition Condor-II is a tough little pack with a mid-range price point.
If you’re looking for a great lighter weight survival backpack, this should be your choice. It doesn’t have as much storage capacity as some of the other packs on this list, but it’s the perfect pick if you’re OK carrying a little less and have a preference for a lighter weight pack that’s much more breathable and comfortable to carry.
Check price of the Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack
- One of the lightest survival backpacks
- Breathable material keeps you cool
- Ergonomic design allow for greater comfot
- Lockable rear compartment is a nice added touch, perfect for CCW
- Usage can be modified with plenty of PALs webbing allowing for MOLLE gear attachments
- Lightweight enough for every day carry usage
- Not as much storage space as other choices
- Slightly lacking in the number of individual compartments
- Might be too small for taller/larger people
Features:
- High density water resistant fabric
- 40L
- MOLLE compatible PALS webbing
- Ventilated mesh back and shoulder strap padding
- Hydration compatible
- Heavy duty zippers and utility style pull cords
The Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack has a 40 liter capacity but manages to stay pretty light, weighing only 3.2 pounds. It’s made out of high density fabric which is durable as well as water resistant. The Molle webbing on the front and sides is great for attaching gear to. Just remember your carabiners.
It has a mesh padded back and shoulder straps which are comfortable and can breathe, though the back doesn’t have as good ventilation as a pack with the cut-out back. There’s a hydration pocket for your bladder.
The best thing about the Reebow Gear is its price. It’s one of the least expensive packs on this list, and you don’t have to sacrifice much quality. The Reebow Gear is a strong, decent-sized survival backpack that has great value for money.
Check price of the REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack
- Excellent value, one of the best budget survival backpack options due to low price
- Made of durable and water resistant fabric
- Mesh padding allows for comfort and breathability
- Good amount of pockets and compartments
- Versatile – can be used as an everyday backpack or a survival backpack
- Some had issues with stitching and straps
- PALS webbing not properly spaced
- Some buyers complained of issues with zippers
Features:
- Anti gravity suspension makes it feel much lighter than it is
- Exceptional storage capacity at 65L
- Lifetime guarantee
- Adjustable harness and straps including easily adjustable hipbelt allow for comfort and good weight distribution
- Hydration sleeve for 3L bladder
- Removable floating top lid
- Sleeping bag compartment
This pack is ridiculously awesome. Its coolest feature is its continuous back panel of mesh, called anti-gravity suspension, which not only provides superb ventilation, but makes it feel like you’re carrying ten pounds less than you actually are.
It looks sleek and packs really well. It has a removable lid which is good for quick-access gear and valuables. It has a generous 65 liter capacity, so is good for longer trips, and has a hydration reservoir sleeve which can fit a 3L bladder.
The Osprey isn’t technically designed as a pure survival backpack – it’s more of a hybrid type survival backpack that has a lot of elements that make it a hiking backpack also. Regardless, we see it as one of the very best survival backpacks thanks to its great features and the lifetime guarantee, which allows you to send it in for repair or replacement at no cost, forever. In fact, we like it so much that it’s our #1 choice for a large capacity survival backpack (60L+).
We really don’t have any complaints about the Osprey other than that it doesn’t have the MOLLE compatibility. It comes in small, medium and large, and color options are red or grey. The Osprey Atmos looks and feels amazing, and has virtually no downsides. If you don’t mind paying for the best of the best, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is an excellent choice.
Click here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com.
Check price of the Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 Backpack
- Anti Gravity feature makes it feel far lighter than it is
- Lifetime guarantee of free repairs and replacement is unbeatable (and best in the category)
- Great ventilation keeps you cool even on difficult journeys
- Many great features – hydration compatible, floating top, mesh side pockets, and sleeping bag compartment
- Doesn’t have MOLLE compatibility
- Might be too large in capacity depending on your needs (for example, it can’t be used as a carry on for air travel)
- More of a hybrid backpack rather than a pure survival backpack
Features:
- Internal frame allows for good weight distribution
- Water resistant material
- MOLLE compatible
- Detachable side pockets
- 90 day limited warranty
- Bottom zip access to main compartment for convenience
- Raincover included
The Mardingtop is a big pack. With 65 liters, it’s the biggest survival backpack on this list and is best-suited for long trips where you’ll be able to fit all the gear and food you’d need for multiple days in the back country.
Because of the potential weight you’d be carrying, you want it to be comfortable. The Mardingtop has padded shoulder and waist straps and its padded back make it super comfortable. Even with 50 pounds inside, the Mardingtop feels great.
Plus it comes with lots of handy add-ons. The Molle webbing is a nice touch, where you can hang tools, poles, etc., as is the detachable side pocket which is great for valuables. There’s also a rain cover included, which most survival backpacks don’t include.
Click here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com.
Check price of the Mardingtop 65+10L
- Molle compatability is rare on backpacks of this size
- Affordable for a 65L option
- Easy to deploy raincover is a bonus
- Bottom zip for main compartment is extremely convenient, especially for a larger backpack
- Heavier than ideal for a survival backpack
- Some buyers have had issue with comfort levels
- Taller/larger users have mentioned that it doesn’t fit well
Features:
- Made from durable and water resistant Cordura material
- Detachable front organizer pocket (3.5L)
- 31L in total
- Specially “Combat Vent” ventilation system
- Hydration compatble
- MOLLE compatible
The Direct Action Ghost Tactical is a nice, lightweight and versatile pack. It’s got 31L total capacity with a handy 3.5L detachable organizer pocket that clips on the front. You can fit plenty inside as well as outside with the Molle webbing on the front and sides.
It has good, padded shoulder and waist straps and a nice cut out ventilation system which keeps your back cool and dry. There’re handy elasticated side pockets too, perfect for water bottles, and it also has a hydration pocket for your hydration bladder.
It’s tough and water resistant. It has a mid-range price point, and lots of difference colors to choose from. The Direct Action Ghost Tactical is a great all round survival backpack
Click here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com.
DIRECT ACTION Ghost Tactical Backpack
- Made from quality Cordura material
- Detachable front pocket is an excellent feature
- Good ventilation tech does a good job at keeping your back cool
- Molle and hydration compatible
- Comes in many colors and designs
- Larger users have said that belt/waist strap is too short
- Some have had issues with zippers, seams, and stitching
- May not be as durable as some other options
Features:
- Detachable aluminum back stay allows for good weight distribution
- Expandable main compartment
- Hydration compatible
- Water resistant and abrasion resistant exterior
- Molle compatible
The Sandpiper of California bugout backpack is 47L and comes with an expandable main compartment. The padded shoulders and waist straps as well as padded back make it comfortable to carry even fully loaded. The padding does reduce breathability, but if you’re after comfort, the Sandpiper of California might be your survival backpack of choice.
Its aluminum back stays help distribute weight and make the pack feel sturdy and comfortable on your back. It has a hydration pocket and a small amount of webbing to attach some gear onto on the front. Its water resistant and comes with handy top and side carrying straps.
It comes in three colors and its price point is in the lower half of this list. The Sandpiper of California is a compact and durable, affordable survival backpack that’s versatile and useful in a wide variety of situations.
Click here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com.
Check price of the Sandpiper Bugout Backpack
- Expandable main compartment is a useful feature
- Detachable aluminum back stay helps weight distribution and can be removed if needed
- Molle and hydration compatible
- Good size for a survival backpack
- Too heavy for some
- Not the best breathability when carrying
- Thin material makes for lower durability
- Some had issues with zippers and straps
Buyer’s Guide
When you’re buying a survival backpack, you’ll want to consider a few important criteria. Hopefully these points will help you make the right decision.
Quality
When it comes to the quality of survival backpacks, there are two main considerations. The first is what the main material of the backpack is – what is the fabric or material that the backpack is actually made of. Most of the backpacks on this list are made of pretty high quality materials, and many of them are water resistant and very durable. If you anticipate having to deal with wet conditions, it makes sense to select a survival backpack that is water resistant.
The other element of a high quality survival backpack is the quality of the details and the construction. This is what separates the very best options from the rest. All three of our top choices aren’t just made of high quality material, they’re constructed to a high standard and are built to last. The easiest points of failure for the best survival backpacks are things like the zippers, straps, and seams. Our top 3 choices all perform very well on those metrics, with some of the picks lower down on this list don’t fare quite as well.
Size
First and foremost, what size survival backpack should you get? To figure this out, grab a tape measure and measure from the base of your neck to the small of your back. Most survival backpacks come in the following sizes: Small (16”), Medium (16” to 19.5”) and Large (20” and up). You’ll be able to find some models in XS and XL, as well as some with different sizes for men and women.
Capacity
You’ll want your survival backpack to have a capacity somewhere between 15 and 40 liters. Anything under 15 and you’ll run out of room with just your tent and sleeping bag. Most survival backpacks are designed for essentials, and you shouldn’t have to go over 30. If you’re going out for a week or more, you’re going to need 40 liters plus.
Weight
Obviously, the counterpart of capacity for the best survival backpacks is weight. Other features like additional padding also tend to lead to more weight. You want a balance between capacity, comfort, and the weight of your survival backpack – after all, the heavier your survival backpack, the more difficult it becomes to carry the same amount of survival gear and supplies around. Depending on what kind of scenarios, terrains, and lengths you anticipate your excursions will lead to, you’ll want to figure out how to prioritize weight vs. comfort vs. capacity in your backpack. The best survival backpack is different for everyone, and although we recommend one of our top three choices, the perfect choice for you might be lower down on the list.
Comfort
When you’re humping a 30lb pack up a mountain and the path is sketchy and there’s the danger of a bad fall with one misplaced step, you don’t want to be struggling under an uncomfortable pack. You want your shoulders, back, neck and hips to remain as comfortable as possible under the weight of a full survival backpack.
Padded shoulder straps are a must. Your shoulders will take most of the weight of a survival backpack and you want nice, thick, comfy padding around the shoulders. A padded hip belt isn’t 100% necessary, but feels good and helps distribute the weight. A chest strap helps keep the arm straps in place.
You also want to consider your pack’s ventilation. When it’s a hundred degrees out and there’s no shade, you’re going to want a pack with ventilation between your back and the pack. Look for survival backpacks with cut outs or, even better, mesh back panels which keep the pack off your back.
On the other hand, extra padding can help if your excursions happen more frequently in cold weather. Padding on a backpack is mainly for comfort, but it also acts as additional insulation in freezing conditions, so you should plan for the type of weather you’ll likely face when picking a survival backpack.
MOLLE/PALS
MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It’s the standardized system that the US and UK military use to make sure equipment can be attached to load-bearing items like tactical vests, bulletproof armor, and survival backpacks. It’s counterpart is PALS, which stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System. PALS are the actually feature you find on the best survival backpacks – it describes a series of horizontal rows of 1 inch (2.5cm) webbing, which is spaced out with 1 inch apart, and attached to the survival backpack (or other load-bearing items) at 1.5 in (3.8 cm) intervals.
This grid of stitched-on heavy duty nylon straps allows for the attachment of all equipment that uses the MOLLE system. This would include virtually all military equipment of the right size (learn more about military survival gear), plus plenty of civilian equipment. the MOLLE system has become very popular in outdoor and survival products as it provides a useful standardization for companies, and allows survival backpacks to become much more versatile as additional equipment and items can be attached easily with no hassle.
Hydration
Another thing to consider for those long, hot, dusty hikes is getting a pack with a hydration bladder. A hydration bladder allows you to keep hydrated without stopping every twenty minutes to take off your pack to access a water bottle.
Choose Best Survival Backpack!
So there we go. You should now have all the information you need to find the perfect survival backpack for you. Remember to stay safe and have fun out there.
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