You never know when disaster could strike. During an emergency, it’s important to have a wide array of supplies to help you and your loved ones until help arrives. That being said, a good survival backpack is a great thing to have, especially if you frequently hike or camp, or live in an area that regularly experiences inclement weather.
Since there are hundreds of reputable survival backpacks on the market, I have rounded up the top ten best survival backpacks, so you can decide which backpack is truly the best option for you!
10 Best Survival Backpacks on the Market
| Preview | Survival Backpack | Dimensions | Weight | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 Osprey Men’s Atmos 65 AG Backpack | 10″ x 16″ x 23″ | 3.9 lbs | ||
 | #2 BLACKHAWK! Titan Hydration Pack | 20″ x 12.5″ x 7.5″ | 2.2 lbs | ||
 | #3 Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack | 7.1″ x 11.8″ x 20.5″ | 5.4 lbs | ||
 | #4 Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack | 14.5″ x 9.5″ x 16″ | 3.0 lbs | ||
 | #5 TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack 55L/65L/85L+20L for Men Women | 27.6″ x 13″ x 7.9″ | 4.07-4.97 lbs | ||
 | #6 Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack | 26″ x 16″ x 12″ | 3.19 lbs | ||
 | #7 AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack | 18″ x 8″ x 37″ | 4.27 lbs | ||
 | #8 3V Gear Velox II Large Tactical Assault Backpack | 18″ x 11″ x 10″ | 3 lbs | ||
 | #9 Mardingtop Tactical Backpack | 12.2″ x 10.2″ x 20.5″ | 2.7 lbs | ||
 | #10 REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack | 13″ x 20″ x 11″ | 3.3 lbs |
#1 Osprey Men’s Atmos 65 AG Backpack
- Easy to secure.
- Dual zipper enclosure.
- Eight pockets.
- Adjustable harness.
- Holds approximately 65 pounds.
- Hip belt could potentially cut into your skin.
- Fabric makes squeaky noises.
- Straps are easy to break.
What is the best feature of this survival backpack?
The anti-gravity suspension system is argumentatively the most popular feature of the Osprey Men’s Atmos 65 AG Backpack. With this suspension system, you won’t feel an overwhelming amount of weight on your back. In other words, this backpack is extremely easy and comfortable to carry for an extended amount of time.
Can I access my stuff easy?
Yes! Another great feature of the Atmos Men’s Atmos 65 AG Backpack is a mesh paneled pocket that makes it extremely easy to reach and grab things you might need on the go, such as your cell phone. Aside from the mesh paneling, simply access the rest of your items through the backpack’s main zipper enclosure.
How can I secure this backpack on my body?
The Osprey Men’s Atmos 65 AG Backpack is dedicated to providing users with a comfortable and secure experience. That’s why it is designed with a padded hip belt that extends further than most standard survival backpacks.
With this padded hip belt, users are able to buckle and secure the backpack from their waist while feeling comfortable and extra supported.
You can also secure the backpack to your body utilizing the harness. Therefore, you will be completely strapped into your backpack and won’t have to worry about your backpack slipping or falling off while you hike or explore an area.
#2 BLACKHAWK! Titan Hydration Pack
- Removable waist belt.
- Main compartment features two large mesh pockets.
- Hydration pack that can store up to 100 ounces of water.
- Large enough to hold everything you would need on a standard camping trip.
- Not as resistant as the manufacturer markets it to be. In other words, inclement weather could potentially damage the bag.
- Backpack feels heavy and an increasingly uncomfortable the longer you carry it. So, this isn’t the best survival backpack if you’re planning on carrying it for a long distance.
Is this just a survival backpack?
Upon first glance, the BLACKHAWK! Titan Hydration Pack looks like your standard survival backpack that has the ability to hold a variety of survival necessities. While you can definitely store everything you would need to survive a disaster in this backpack, you can also use this backpack to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Yup, you read that right. You can actually store water in this survival backpack and drink water from it. The system is simple. A special compartment allows you to store a maximum amount of 100 ounces of water. Then, BLACKHAWK!’s special bitable valve connects the compartment to your mouth.
When you’re not using the valve, simply store it in its special nook located on the front of the backpack.
Can I still store survival materials in this backpack?
Of course! The hydration pack is just one of the features of this survival backpack. Don’t worry about not having enough room to store any other materials because the BLACKHAWK! Titan Hydration Pack features various pockets and compartments that are included in standard survival backpacks.
How can I secure this backpack to me?
Aside from the standard backpack straps, the BLACKHAWK! Titan Hydration Pack includes a waist belt with multiple attachments. This ensures that your backpack will remain secured to your body regardless of what you’re doing.
#3 Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack
- Removable hip straps.
- Flexible design that promotes air flow.
- Discreet and versatile.
- Designed to carry materials for a three-day trip.
- Does not include a bladder.
- Stitching isn’t the best quality.
What are the design elements of this backpack?
The Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack has many design elements that make this one of the best survival backpacks on the market. Firstly, the Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack is designed with Codura 500D. If you’re unaware of this fabric coating, it’s basically an upscale premium quality coating that makes fabrics water resistant.
This survival backpack is also designed with various treatments, such as PenCott and NIR. This means that you will be undisclosed and hidden with this backpack. While this might seem like the opposite of what you want in a survival backpack, it can actually be a useful feature if you ever need to hide from someone or something.
Is this backpack comfortable to carry?
Yes! The straps and internal structure of the Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack is stuffed with foam. This means that you will feel the plushness of the foam while you carry your backpack around for an extended amount of time.
One of the most annoying things about carrying a survival backpack around for an extended mount of time is often the friction and heat that is generated from the backpack rubbing against your body. This can easily generate sweat and a general uneasiness.
Luckily, with the Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack’s flexible design, air flow is enhanced. So, you won’t have to worry about any of this happening during your long trip.
#4 Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack
- Medium sized, so you can fit everything you need and more.
- Accommodates 100 ounces of water in the hydration pack.
- Various pockets and compartments makes it extremely easy to organize and store items.
- Stiffness makes it difficult to morph the backpack to store various items.
- Zipper is unreliable.
Is this backpack comfortable to carry?
Yes, the Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack is extremely comfortable to carry! The internal structure of the Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack is crafted with a blend of 3D mesh and plush padding. These materials align the entire back of the Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack, as well as the shoulder straps.
This means that you won’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable by straps that dig into your skin or a backpack that harshly rubs against your back.
What can I fit in this backpack?
The Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack is medium sized. This means that it can accommodate everything you would include in your standard survival backpack, as well as a little bit of extra materials you need to tailor your survival backpack to your needs.
The Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack is also equipped with a hydration pack that can accommodate up to 100 ounces of water. You can choose to use this as extra water storage that you can eventually use to fill up your water bottle, or you can purchase a bitable port, so you can drink straight from the hydration pack.
What makes this model different from other Maxpedition backpacks?
The Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack is argumentatively Maxpedition’s most advanced and revolutionary design. One of the highlighted features of this model is the RALS webbing that’s featured along the external portion of the backpack.
Although this might seem like a slight and subtle feature, you’re able to attach various objects to the backpack because of this feature. So, this model is more efficient and accessible than other Maxpedition backpacks.
#5 TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack 55L/65L/85L+20L for Men Women
- Various pockets and compartments makes it easy and efficient to organize and store anything you need.
- Between standard shoulder straps and a revolutionary sternum strap, you won’t have to worry about stopping to readjust or secure your backpack throughout your journey.
- Built to store items and materials that would sustain someone for up to fifteen days.
- Mesh and plush padding makes this an extremely comfortable backpack to carry.
- Does not include a water bladder.
- Not as flexible as marketed.
- Buckles are unreliable.
What is the best feature of this backpack?
The best feature of the TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack is argumentatively the notion that this survival backpack can carry a ton of items, yet even at capacity it still feels lightweight and even comfortable.
With a deep and expansive silhouette, as well as extra storage from various pockets and an external hood, you have the luxury of storing virtually everything you would need to survive in the TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack.
But like previously stated, this survival backpack’s design makes it feel extremely lightweight no matter what is inside. In fact, the bag itself weighs just shy of five pounds. So, you don’t even have to worry about this large survival backpack creating unnecessary extra weight.
Can I attach items to this backpack?
Yes! The TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack features various straps and pockets that enables you to attach virtually anything you want to the backpack. For example, this survival backpack features eight compression straps where you can loop and tie objects.
The TERRA PEAK Adjustable Hiking Backpack even includes a nook where you can securely attach your trekking or skiing poles.
#6 Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack
- An array of compartments and pockets make it easy to store a wide variety of items you might need for survival.
- Velcro and zippers are used interchangeably to create an easy to access survival backpack.
- If you don’t want to fret with extra straps, simply remove the waist straps.
- Unlike most survival backpacks, you can actually travel on an airplane with this backpack. Just make sure you take out the aluminum plating.
- Only water resistant. Therefore, your backpack and items could be potentially damaged by rain or other inclement weather.
- Zippers are not as sturdy as standard zippers.
How can I access my items?
Accessing your gear with the Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack is extremely easy. All you have to do is utilize the simple U-shaped zipper to unlock the top compartment or the main compartment.
The Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack also features various pockets and compartments all over the backpack. So, you can store items you need more often in one of these accessible side pockets, such as your phone.
Is the backpack secure and comfortable?
Yes! The Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack is one of the most secure and comfortable survival backpacks on the market. This survival backpack is created with an innovative and revolutionary technology that promotes a maximum amount of air flow.
This means that you won’t have to worry about friction or heat being created, which in turn creates sweat. Instead, your body will remain a stable temperature and you won’t feel like your lugging a hefty ton of bricks.
This backpack is also comfortable because it’s made with plush padding along the backing and straps. This creates an aerodynamic that’s easy to transport for a long amount of time.
#7 AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
- Ample storage space.
- Designed with multifunctional pockets and compartments that are created with specific survival necessities in mind, such as a sleeping bag.
- Water resistant. Also comes with a hardcover for traveling in heavy rain and other inclement weather.
- Thick padding makes it extremely comfortable to carry this backpack.
- Does not come with a water bladder.
- You cannot fold and store this backpack to travel with and use at a later time.
What can I fit in this backpack?
The AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack has one the most diversified and expansive designs on the market. This survival backpack features a variety of small to large sized pockets and compartments. It even comes with a compartment designed specifically for sleeping bags.
In other words, you can fit virtually anything and everything you want in this survival backpack.
Is this backpack durable?
Yes! The AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is designed with a special coating that repels water. Between this innovative coating and the water resistant fabric it is made out of, the AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is designed to withstand average weather conditions.
Since weather can be harsh and unpredictable, the AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack even comes with a waterproof cover. This is a great feature to use during heavy rain and other inclement weather conditions.
Is this backpack comfortable to carry for extended periods of time?
Say goodbye to your days of only being able to travel short distances with your backpackor having to grin and bear it through the pain of carrying an extremely heavy and uncomfortable survival backpack, because the AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is extremely comfortable to carry.
The AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is equipped with plush padding along the shoulder straps and back pad, so this backpack molds to your shape. This plush padding also promotes airflow and lowers friction. So, you won’t have to worry about sweating or feeling overheated.
#8 3V Gear Velox II Large Tactical Assault Backpack
- One of the largest survival backpacks on the market.
- Features a blend of Velcro and zipper enclosures to make it extremely easy to access any strap, pocket, or compartment.
- Made with a PVC and nylon blend that is truly weather resistant.
- Adjustable straps and plush padding make this survival backpack easy and comfortable to carry.
- Does not include a water bladder.
- Stitches aren’t as durable as marketed.
What can I store in this backpack?
The 3V Gear Velox II Large Tactical Assault Backpack has a capacity of 1,628 cubic inches. In other words, this is one of the largest survival backpacks on the market. You can truly fit anything and everything you desire in this backpack.
What is this backpack made of?
The 3V Gear Velox II Large Tactical Assault Backpack utilizes 600 D PVC blended with standard nylon to create an extremely durable and resilient backpack. This PVC and nylon blend is one the strongest available. So, you definitely won’t have to worry about inclement weather or other environmental features ruining your backpack.
Will it be easy to access my items in this backpack?
Yes! The 3V Gear Velox II Large Tactical Assault Backpack offers a variety of compartments, pockets, and straps located all over the backpack. In other words, you have the ability to organize your items however you want to.
Generally, you should put the items you might need to access at any given moment in one of the front or side pockets. In order to access any of the pockets or compartments, all you have to do is simply pull the zipper, which features noise reduction qualities so you won’t have to worry about making a ton of noise while accessing your items.
#9 Mardingtop Tactical Backpack
- Designed to carry enough items to sustain someone for up to three days.
- Utilizes Velcro and zippers, so you don’t have to fret with hard enclosures.
- Variety of compartments and pockets makes it easy to organize and store your items.
- Waist belt is not removable.
- A little bit rugged.
What is this survival backpack made of?
The Mardingtop Tactical Backpack is made with a 600 D polyester blend. This material ensures that the survival backpack remains water resistant. So, you won’t have to worry about a little bit of rain or snow affecting your survival backpack.
Does this backpack come with a hydration compartment?
Yes! The Mardingtop Tactical Backpack can accommodate up to 2.5 liters of water. It should be noted that it does not come with a bitable tube that connects to the hydration pack.
This hydration compartment is extremely beneficial for storing and carrying extra water. If you decide to purchase and install a bitable tube, you can simply drink right from your hydration compartment. If not, you can simply use your hydration compartment to refill your water bottle.
How can I secure this backpack to my body?
The Mardingtop Tactical Backpack is easy to secure to your body. All you have to do is use the standard arm straps in conjunction with the chest and waist straps.
Don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable or locked in because all of the straps are lightweight and equipped with plush padding. This creates the sensation that nothing is there.
In other words, you won’t have to worry about irritation or feeling weighed down.
#10 REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack
- Sturdy design with thick zippers.
- An array of pockets, compartments, and molle system make it easy to organize and store a variety of items you could potentially need in an emergency.
- Water resistant.
- Straps fit strange and are a little bit uncomfortable.
- Does not include a water bladder.
What can I store in this backpack?
The REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack is equipped with various compartments and pockets, so you can organize and store a variety of items as you please. It should be noted that the REEBOW Gear Military Tactical Backpack is designed to hold up to 40 L of equipment.
This survival backpack even has the molle system, which means it has various webbing where you can store extra items outside of your backpack, such as bug spray.
Does this backpack have a hydration compartment?
While the REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack is compatible with a hydration bladder, it does not include one. You can purchase and install a hydration bladder in this survival backpack if you decide it’s a feature you want.
It should be noted that if you choose to install a hydration bladder, it can only hold up to 2.5 liters of water.
Top Surival Backpack FAQs
#1 What Kind of Backpack Should I Get?
While the specific kind of backpack you get is ultimately dependent upon various things, such as your design preferences, desires, and budget, there are a few things you should consider when purchasing a survival backpack.
Make sure that your survival backpack is designed to be carried for at least three days. Also, your survival backpack should at least be medium sized with extra straps and compartments.
#2 How to Choose a Good Backpack for Survival?
There are three things you should look for when choosing a survival backpack.
- Firstly, choose a backpack that has a ton of room. If you’re going to be carrying a backpack full of stuff, mind as well make sure you have enough room to carry everything you could possibly need in a disaster. That being said, be mindful of how heavy and durable your backpack is going to be when it’s full.
- Your survival backpack should have various pockets and compartments where you can store various items. Having a variety of pockets and compartments will also make it easy to organize your items.
- Your survival backpack should be comfortable. After all, you’re most likely going to need to carry your backpack for at least a few hours. So, it should be comfortable.
#3 What to Put in a Survival Backpack?
What you put in your survival backpack is ultimately dependent on your personal preferences, any special medical conditions or needs you or your loved ones have, and your intended use of your survival backpack.
Generally, your survival backpack should have: First aid kit, Hydration system, Sleeping bag, Tent, Blank kit, Knife, Food, Matches, Flashlight, Batteries, Tape, Rope, Gloves, Compass etc.
#4 How to Attach a Sleeping Bag to Your backpack?
There are a few ways you can attach your sleeping bag to your backpack. Firstly, if your backpack has a sleeping bag compartment, simply store your sleeping bag in there.
Unfortunately, not every survival backpack is equipped with a special sleeping bag compartment. That being said, you can use the extra cords and straps on the outside of your backpack to secure your sleeping bag.
Simply place your sleeping bag between two cords, then bring the cords on either side of the sleeping bag towards the middle and secure them.
#5 What are the Loops on My Backpack for?
The extra loops on your backpack are designed to allow you to secure items to your backpack. For example, you can secure a sleeping bag or tent to your backpack. You could even use these loops to secure something smaller that you might need to use often, such as bug spray.
#6 Where to Buy a Good Backpack?
There are a ton of places you can purchase a good backpack! For example, most superstores like Walmart have a decent variety of good survival backpacks. Of course, specialty and outdoor stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods also have good survival backpacks.
If you don’t feel like running around town to find the perfect survival backpack, simply look online for your survival backpack. Amazon is a great place to find phenomenal survival backpacks.
