Do you want to be prepared for any situation? Invest in a long-term survival backpack, and rest assured that no matter what comes your way, you’ll have the supplies necessary to make it through.
That is why we take the selection of a good backpack so seriously. We consider many factors when we choose backpacks for this list: weight, design, comfortability, color, durability, and much more.
This buyer’s guide will not only provide you with a list of the best survival backpacks, but it will also help you better understand this important piece of equipment since it is the frame on which you will put all of your important survival gear in. They’re much more than zippers and straps!
Lets dive straight in.
- What to Consider When Purchasing a Survival Backpack
- 1. (Best Quality + Value) Loowoko Survival Backpack
- 2. Osprey Atmos AG 65 Men's Survival Backpack
- 3. G4Free 40L Lightweight Backpack
- 4. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame
- 5. Condor 3-Day Assault Pack
- 6. 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack By Tacticon
- 7. Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Survival Backpack By TETON Sports
- 8. MOLLE Tactical Backback By Mardingtop
- 9. (Best on a Budget) NEVO Rhino 50L/60L/80L Internal Frame Backpack
- 10. Tactical Military Army Rucksack By CVLIFE
- 11. Eberlestock Bandit Pack
- 12. Mountaintop 70L + 10L Internal Frame Backpack
- 13. Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Survival Backpack
- 14. Mardingtop 65+10 Internal Frame Survival Backpack
- 15. 50L Survival Camping Backpack w/ Rain Cover By Loowoko
- Must-Watch Video
- Conclusion
What to Consider When Purchasing a Survival Backpack
Here are some of the top things to consider when buying a long-term survival backpack.
- Lightweight: Keep in mind that you will be moving around a lot in the wilderness, so the survival bag should be as light as possible.
- Comfortability: When purchasing a survival backpack, comfort is essential. This means that when you fill it up, it should sit comfortably on your shoulders, and you shouldn’t feel pain.
- Design: Before purchasing a survival backpack, determine how much space you require by assembling your emergency zone supplies. If you are considering packing more items, purchase a larger survival kit and vice versa. Additionally, look for water-resistant emergency survival kits when possible.
- Color: It is best to choose a backpack in a dull color so that you do not draw attention to yourself when you are in a survival situation.
- Durability: Obviously, a well-designed, high-quality survival backpack kit is required for durability. Your backpack should be able to withstand the elements and the environment in the wilderness.
Bug out bags are essential for surviving an emergency; click there to learn how to make one.
1. (Best Quality + Value) Loowoko Survival Backpack
This Loowoko survival backpack is one of the most affordable options on the market. It doesn’t have as many features or as high of build quality as the more expensive packs on this list, but it’s still worth considering if you want to save some money.
It’s made of rip-stop polyester, the same material used on high-end survival backpacks. It’s made to be rip and abrasion resistant, as well as water-resistant. It also comes with a rain cover for added protection if it starts pouring.
It has well-padded straps and a breathable design, so it should provide adequate support when carrying a heavy load. In short, this is the best quality backpack that you can purchase on this list without breaking the bank.
2. Osprey Atmos AG 65 Men's Survival Backpack
Osprey is a household name in the backpack industry. This may be the best survival backpack on the market. They produce some of the best-looking, most durable, and highest-quality packs money can buy. Of course, that reputation comes at a higher cost.
If you’re serious about getting a survival backpack, it’s worth spending a little more money to get the kind of quality you can rely on.
This pack is intended for week-long backpacking trips. With 65 liters of storage space, you should be able to fit everything you need to survive on the trail without causing back or shoulder pain. The shoulder strap is cushioned and there are waist support straps.
The AntiGravity Suspension is the most impressive feature of the Osprey Atmos AG 65.
This technology evenly distributes the weight of the pack across your shoulders, back, and waist, giving the impression that you’re carrying much less weight than you actually are.
It also has some seriously impressive mesh padding, which allows a lot of air to circulate around your body.
In short, this backpack is a little more costly, but the quality of the material will last you many many years.
3. G4Free 40L Lightweight Backpack
The G4Free 40 liter Water Resistant Backpack surprised us by making our list, and it surprised us even more by demonstrating that it is such an excellent overall value.
The G4Free, at 40 liters, is on the smaller end of the survival backpack size spectrum, but it’s so incredibly convenient that we couldn’t leave it out.
The G4Free is not intended for use by Everest guides. It’s not for anyone on Everest, in fact. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to evacuate quickly, simply pull this handy backpack from the drawer and open it. You’ll have 40 liters of high-quality storage space at your disposal in seconds.
4. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame
The Teton Sports Scout 3400 has a storage capacity of 55 liters and some of the most common sense design touches we’ve seen. The 3400 has a slew of features that make transporting survival gear simple, easy, and painless.
The Teton 55 liter Scout 3400 backpack has all the style and comfort of a backpack that costs twice or three times as much. When you sling it, you can feel the build quality, and you can see it when you inspect the pack closely. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill survival backpack. This is the real deal.
The 3400 is made of water-resistant Diamond Ripstop 600D nylon and has a roomy sleeping bag compartment that can be used for other things if you’re going to an evacuation shelter, lots of webbing, straps on the outside, and great balance for extended wear.
5. Condor 3-Day Assault Pack
This is a tough survival backpack with a lot of useful features. It has a large cargo capacity compartment with separate side pockets that can accommodate up to two 3-liter hydration bladders, contour straps with a waist belt, sternum strap, and D-Ring for attaching equipment are included.
The main compartment has two double zipper pulls for easy access to your gear.
The Condor 3 Day Pack includes individual foam-pad back panels for maximum airflow and comfort. Grommets for drainage are included in all compartments. Although some have questioned its quality, this is a tough pack that can withstand pretty much anything you throw at it.
The main compartment has gear straps and two additional mesh side pockets, while the second compartment has two radio pockets, three map/document pockets, and penholders. The Condor 3 Day Pack, with a total of 7 compartments, is an obvious choice when looking for a high-quality survival backpack. It may not be Grizzly Bear proof, but it is extremely strong!
6. 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack By Tacticon
To begin with, this backpack has several compartments both inside and outside. These distinct sections make it simple to stay organized. There’s an electronics pocket, a hydration bladder, and other features.
The backpack’s design is appealing because it is adaptable to your needs. Several retention straps on the backpack’s sides allow you to compress or open the bag as needed. There’s also a vertical strap on the top to help support the pockets on the front of the bag.
The tactical backpack has a total capacity of 40 liters and is quite durable. The waterproof lining inside each compartment keeps your gear dry. Water-resistant zippers are used on the bag’s exterior.
There’s also double-stitching throughout for added security.
Overall, the backpack is a solid option with some noteworthy features. In the unlikely event that the bag is damaged, it comes with a one-year warranty.
7. Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Survival Backpack By TETON Sports
Despite its size, the backpack is not bulky to wear. This is due to the fact that it is completely adjustable.
You can get a comfortable fit regardless of your size thanks to multiple torso, shoulder, chest, and waist adjustments. Furthermore, the backpack has heavy padding at key stress points to prevent pain.
In terms of storage, the bag itself is extremely versatile. Teton Sports included a number of compartments as well as multi-purpose straps. There’s a special section at the bottom for your sleeping bag. That way, you can get to it without having to unload everything.
If you need that space for something else, simply use the compression straps to keep your sleeping bag in place. There are several smaller pockets on the sides of the backpack. These pockets also function as pass-through gear loops.
This model, like many survival backpacks, is a top-loader. The benefit of this is that there is only one way into the main storage compartment, which keeps your belongings safe.
This specific backpack also includes a protective cap made of durable Ripstop fabric to keep water out of the bag.
8. MOLLE Tactical Backback By Mardingtop
The bag is well-designed and has a lot of functionality. Throughout the bag, there are several large compartments to keep your gear separate and organized. There’s even a spot for your hydration pack!
There are compression straps all over the place if you need to manage the load. The straps help to evenly distribute the weight while also preventing any loose items from sliding around on you as you walk.
To compensate for the lack of interior space, Mardingtop has outfitted this backpack with several MOLLE straps.
These straps, which are located on the front and sides of the bag, can be used to secure extra gear that won’t fit inside. They’re ideal for self-defense weapons, flashlights, and anything else that requires quick access.
Mardingtop did not skimp on material quality. The entire bag is made of 600D polyester. It’s a naturally water-resistant material that can withstand whatever Mother Nature has in store for it!
9. (Best on a Budget) NEVO Rhino 50L/60L/80L Internal Frame Backpack
If you want to save a bit of money, and still get an awesome survival backpack, the NEVO RHINO is a great option. At just a very affordable price, it’s one of the cheapest backpacks on this list and it’s still tough enough to be your survival companion in any number of situations.
One of the most important considerations, when you’re buying a cheap backpack, is the quality of the materials and the stitching. This pack is made from nylon fabric, which has been carefully sewn together to ensure there are no weak spots.
The NEVO RHINO comes in three sizes (50L, 60L, & 80L) and has a bunch of features that make it perfect when you’re in difficult situations.
It comes with a rain cover that makes the bag totally waterproof when the heavens open. There’s also a 6.1-inch waist pack that you can store your smartphone in and a hat bag for easy access.
10. Tactical Military Army Rucksack By CVLIFE
If you need to be discreet in public, you can simplify the bag by removing some of the “tactical” features. When fully assembled, this is a heavy-duty bag with all the features you’d expect from a survival-focused piece of equipment.
The three large external compartments, on the other hand, are completely removable. Remove the side bags for a more streamlined appearance. Alternatively, you could take out the entire front storage compartment and use it as a smaller shoulder or waist bag!
The backpack has plenty of room for all of your essentials. When all of the compartments are attached, the total volume is 60 liters. Several organizers on the inside aid in keeping things in order.
The smooth metal zippers keep your equipment in place. The zippers are tough enough to stand up to the elements. Each zipper is also protected by rain-diverting flaps for added security.
11. Eberlestock Bandit Pack
This backpack is a pretty solid survival backpack option on the market. The LoDrag design gives the pack a distinct contour shape that tapers at the top and bottom, resulting in a close-to-the-body ride.
Eberlestock packs are fully compressible, with side-mounted compression straps that draw your load upward, optimally positioning the backpack over your center of gravity. This backpack also has compatible webbing on which you can attach additional pouches for your gear.
12. Mountaintop 70L + 10L Internal Frame Backpack
The mountaintop internal frame backpack is another vertically oriented mountaineering backpack that also works well as a multi-purpose survival backpack.
This backpack is large, durable, versatile, and has brimming with cords, straps, and webbing on the outside, allowing you to carry everything you need to survive three days or more in the wilderness or at an emergency shelter.
It has plenty of space for trekking in the Himalayas or hunkering down with the kids in a storm shelter.
With 70 liters of capacity in the main compartment, you can bring items that other packs would require you to leave behind, such as candles, extra clothing, an inflatable mattress for the kids to sleep on, and more.
If you become isolated in the wilderness, there is enough room for extra food, fuel for the camp stove, and water to keep you going for a long time before you have to start worrying.
In short, this backpack allows for much larger storage and is perfect for anyone who may have children or other family members they need to prepare for.
13. Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Survival Backpack
The Deuter Aircontact 65 appears to be ready for the most remote Alaskan backcountry. It has enough available volume to comfortably store 3 or 4 days’ worth of dehydrated camping food, power banks, fuel, backup dry clothes, emergency blankets, and anything else you need.
This is a pack that focuses on balance and comfort. It slips on like a new pair of socks and remains comfortable even after four days of traversing mountain passes.
When the going gets tough, the Deuter Aircontact backpack will not let you down. Because of its large storage capacity, you’ll have enough food, water, and emergency supply kit to last until the rescue teams arrive.
The pack has a pivoting hipbelt which allows you to perform difficult maneuvers. Furthermore, the ripstop Duratex 330D fabric ensures that your supplies are not damaged by penetrating branches or punctures.
14. Mardingtop 65+10 Internal Frame Survival Backpack
This is a 65-liter bag that can comfortably hold several days’ worth of food and all of your survival gear.
Things that aren’t practical to carry inside the pack, such as a collapsible shovel, can be attached to the pack’s numerous MOLLE loops, and Mardingtop comes with an effective and simple to deploy rain cover.
When the backpack is nicely raised, and the optional waistband allows your hips to comfortably shoulder some of the weight.
The detachable side pockets provide plenty of storage for emergency situation gear such as a headlamp, tactical flashlight, camping stove/fuel, compass, and more, while the webbing allows you to attach anything to the exterior.
15. 50L Survival Camping Backpack w/ Rain Cover By Loowoko
The backpack is a favorite among survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts because it is built to withstand the elements. The bag is water-resistant in and of itself. It’s made of polyester ripstop, which repels water and keeps it from ripping.
Loowoko, on the other hand, has added another layer of protection against heavier rains. The bag comes with a rain cover that is completely waterproof.
It fits over the entire bag and prevents water from getting in. Even so, it allows clear access to the straps, allowing you to carry on with your adventures.
The bag also has some useful features on the inside. There’s a separate shoe compartment for dirty hiking boots or wet clothes.
A comfortable S-strap system is also included. The straps are adjustable and have a curved design that can alleviate some of the strain on your back.
Must-Watch Video
Check out this must-watch video below on 50 items that you should pack in your survival pack to survive 100 days after a disaster scenario.
Conclusion
There are always a few critical things you need to consider when searching for a survival backpack. Make sure that it is water-resistant, durable, and is structured to fit your needs.
After you purchase your survival backpack, make sure that you also create an execution plan and always remember to not procrastinate on putting supplies in the pack. You may never know when you may need it.
Here are some more beneficial resources to help you with your emergency preparedness:
- 4 Essentials for Choosing the Perfect Bug Out Location
- Bug Out Bag Organization 101 (Tips & Tricks)
- 30 Best Bugout Bag Foods that are Highly Nutritious
The gear reviews are why I regularly check Defiel. The cost of survival backpacks is reasonable. I appreciate the tips and details for each. You know, the “someday I’ll trek there” feeling.
Looking forward to reading new blog posts… that was excellent.