Best Survival Backpack for 2024

Are you preparing for an immersive bushcraft or survival experience in the forest that spans several days? As we’ve discussed, gathering the right bushcraft equipment, from fire flints to clothing, is crucial. To ensure you’re well-prepared, you’ll need a backpack that’s not only suited to your specific requirements but also capable of withstanding the challenging conditions you’ll face during the adventure.

Navigating through the multitude of models and sizes available online can make it challenging to choose the right survival backpack, especially for beginners venturing into bushcraft for the first time. To identify the best options on the market, including reputable brands, let’s explore together.

We’ll also discuss the essential criteria you should consider when making a choice.

Best Survival Backpacks for 2024

Comparison table of the top 10 best survival backpacks in 2024:

Image	Name	Capacity	Weight	Price
	Osprey Atmos AG 65	65 Liters	4.56 lbs	Check
	Mil-Tec Woodland Arid	36 Liters	3.08 lbs	Check
	Amazon Basics	65 Liters	5.7 lbs	Check
	Seibertron Falcon	27 Liters	3.5 lbs	Check
	ZEHNHASE Tactical	45 Liters	2.64 lbs	Check
	Mil-Tec Military Army	36 Liters	3.06 lbs	Check
	Mardingtop Tactical	28 Liters	2.1 lbs	Check
	ProCase Tactical	40 Liters	1.4 lbs	Check
	LHI Military Tactical	35 Liters	2.56 lbs	Check
	MOUNTAINTOP Survival	70 Liters	4.4 lbs	Check

1. Osprey Atmos AG 65 Men’s Survival Backpack

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Specifications:

• Material: Nylon
• Capacity: 65 liters
• Pack weight: 4.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 34.25 x 15.35 x 16.14 in.

With a heritage dating back to 1974, Osprey is synonymous with quality, a trait exemplified in this backpack. The brand’s longstanding expertise shines through, ensuring top-notch performance and durability. With over a thousand positive reviews, the Atmos AG 65 is a real gem! It’s the simplest and most comfortable survival backpack we’ve ever tested, with every detail meticulously designed for the wearer’s well-being.

Its rounded shape molds perfectly to your back, eliminating pain or tension. Plus, with excellent ventilation, say goodbye to a sweaty back after hours of walking. With an exceptional 65-liter capacity, it offers ample space for all your gear.

The various belts and straps are adjustable. However, it takes a little time to fix everything, but once it’s good, it is a real pleasure. We truly feel that the bag adapts perfectly to our morphology.

We also like the hip belt. Indeed, this belt is special and keeps a good part of the weight of the bag and puts it on the legs. It saves your back from carrying everything. Your leg muscles have an easier time carrying heavy loads. It is an evacuation backpack that we recommend with our eyes closed!

2. Mil-Tec Woodland Arid Tactical Rucksack Backpack

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Specifications:

• Material: Polyester, PVC Coated
• Capacity: 36 liters
• Pack weight: 3.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 20 x 11.4 x 11 in.

Mil-Tec Military Camouflage survival backpack has a capacity of 36 liters. It may do little for long periods of time if you are alone. However, this capacity gives you plenty of mobility for ultralight backpacking trips. Nevertheless, the backpack is well made with smart and practical storage.

It has two compartments and plenty of internal storage. The two main pockets are easy to access. It’s great if you have to quickly take a knife, a weapon to defend yourself for example. If your autonomous base is far from home, it is very interesting.

Mil-Tec survival backpack weighs 3.08 lbs. It is also really durable. It is made of strong polyester that dries empty, which can be useful in many situations. Furthermore, the zippers on this backpack are of excellent quality, ensuring a reliable and hassle-free experience during emergency situations.

What we really like about this evacuation backpack is its lining to better protect against the rain. It’s this kind of detail that can improve your comfort and your morale during a crisis.

Mil-Tec Woodland Arid tactical backpack is equipped with a belly strap that can be easily removed. And with the following dimensions of 16.5 x 8 x 9.8 inches, you have plenty to do!

3. Amazon Basics Survival Backpack with Rainfly

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Specifications:

• Material: Polyester
• Capacity: 65 liters
• Pack weight: 5.7 lbs.
• Dimensions: 16 x 27.5 x 7.5 in.

This survival backpack stands out for its exceptional comfort during wear. What’s even more remarkable is the incredibly affordable price, especially when you consider the high quality it offers. It’s an ideal choice for those on a budget who refuse to compromise on quality.

The AmazonBasics survival backpack comes in three versatile capacities: 55, 65, and 75 liters. This range allows you to select the perfect fit based on your physical condition and specific needs. I think the variety in sizes is a definite plus.

What surprised us with this survival bag is its number of storage pockets … They are everywhere! It’s very practical to put your equipment or your food reserves. There are plenty of spaces and compartments inside and outside the pack. There is also a large compartment, perfect to put in your sleeping bag.

Our big concern before testing this bag was its solidity. We were afraid that for such a large capacity and such a small price, there might be some problems. But not at all! This survival bag is made with durable polyester. The seams are sturdy. And the frame is solid despite being a bit heavy.

For comfort, it’s a bit like the previous model. Many adjustable belts and straps for our greatest happiness. The bag is designed not to put all the load on the lower back. So no worries about back pain.

4. Seibertron Falcon Water Repellent Survival Pack

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Specifications:

• Material: Polyester
• Capacity: 27/37 liters
• Pack weight: 3.5 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9 x 11 x 16.5 in.

The Seibertron Falcon is a tactical military backpack. There are a lot of pockets and the bag is compact which is nice. Several models of different colors and capacities are offered. Black or Khaki is rather pretty we find while remaining discreet. As for the capacity, you have the choice between 27 or 37L.

Note that this model is equipped with two additional pockets on the sides (if you ever need more). These pockets are easily foldable and therefore stowable. And you won’t lose mobility.

It is comfortable to wear. Admittedly, it’s not the most comfortable, but it doesn’t hurt your back after long walks. There is a good synergy between flexibility and rigidity. It’s pretty tough and suitable for short trips of a few days. “And perfect for quickly reaching your BAD or spaced camps”

The good organization of the pockets and the fact that the bag is well sealed make the Seibertron Falcon interesting for survivalists with a little limited purse. What’s even more appealing is the price point—it’s incredibly affordable, comparable to that of a standard school bag!

5. ZEHNHASE Molle Shoulder Tactical Survival Backpack

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Specifications:

• Material: 600D Nylon
• Capacity: 45 liters
• Pack weight: 2.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.4 x 18.2 x 12.6 in.

This bug-out backpack offers exceptional value for its 45-liter capacity. It’s hard to come across a better price for a backpack of this size and quality. ZEHNHASE survival backpack looks sturdy. Afterward, we don’t think that, over time and with aggressive use, this bag will last very long.

The backpack performs admirably with its numerous spacious compartments and Molle system, ensuring reliable storage and equipment organization. You can trust it to meet all your needs without a hitch.

What we like about this bag is that the carabiners come with it. It’s a small gesture but it counts. And we find the back area great! It is padded so comfortably. It is well-ventilated to avoid unpleasant sweating of the back and could be a great choice for long walks in the hot sun.

ZEHNHASE tactical backpack is made of 600D nylon Oxford cloth with a special waterproof coating. Although there is no hydration system, it has a pouch at the back where you can rig one up easily. However, the only downside is the zippers. We find them a bit flimsy. So to see over time if they hold.

6. Mil-Tec Military Army Tactical Combat Backpack

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Specifications:

• Material: 600D polyester
• Capacity: 36 liters
• Pack weight: 3.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 20.1 x 11.4 x 11.1 in.

Indeed, the Mil-Tec survival backpack offers another cost-effective option without compromising quality. With a similar capacity to the Woodland Arid from Mil-Tec, the Assault survival backpack serves as a good alternative. While it may not boast the highest quality on the market, it can still suffice for short and occasional walks.

It has a large compartment to store a sleeping bag for example. There are two deep storage pockets. You can easily put a 2-3 liter water bag in it. And we would add that the pockets are easily accessible. It is a rather compact pack. It has a height of 20.1 inches and weighs only 3.06 lbs empty.

However, the small downside to this survival bag is the straps; there are only waist straps. It’s a small lack all the same for a bag. There is no fixed pocket to hold a water bottle. The sides of the pack are molle, so you can attach a separate holder. However, it has a spot to put your hydration pack in.

In terms of waterproofing, it’s not bad either. We would just note that you have to be careful with the zips. Although they are double closures the water still passes through, and the bag is still weather-resistant.

7. Mardingtop Adult Tactical Survival Military Backpack

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Specifications:

• Material: Polyester
• Capacity: 28 liters
• Pack weight: 2.1 lbs.
• Dimensions: 17.13 x 12.4 x 5.35 in.

The Mardingtop tactical backpack stood out with its impressively versatile design. Despite its compact size, it offers excellent quality for its price point, earning it a well-deserved 7th position in the best survival backpacks of 2024.

The Mardingtop backpack features three large compartments and numerous interior pockets, along with two side pockets. It’s ideal for storing tools that you need quick access to. Level storage frankly it’s great! Again, you still have to pay attention to the zippers for the tightness of the bag.

This bug-out survival backpack is made of polyester. This ensures it can withstand demanding conditions while providing excellent protection for your gear. With a capacity of 28 liters, this backpack is better suited for slightly shorter distances compared to the previous options. However, it still offers excellent comfort.

The straps are padded and the bag adapts well to the morphology of the back. It also has a stretchable elastic cord on the front to fix sleeping bags or dirty clothes. The design is sleek and discreet with an intense black. However, this is a personal interest but aesthetically it’s the kind of bag you might looking for.

8. ProCase Tactical Survival Pack with Carrying Bag

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Specifications:

• Material: Oxford cloth, polyester
• Capacity: 40 liters
• Pack weight: 1.4 lbs.
• Dimensions: 19.68 × 11.8 × 11 in.

If you’re looking for a well-made and durable survival backpack, this one from ProCase is for you. A mere glance at this backpack is enough to convey its exceptional durability and robust construction.

The outer material is sturdy and water resistant. Plus, reinforced stitching keeps all compartments in place, even with heavy gear inside. The zippers are also strong and resistant to damage. On the other hand, what we like about this pack is its expandable design. Indeed, its main footprint is relatively simple.

It’s not excessively tall like some other models you might find. However, the ProCase survival bag has several sections that can be deployed according to your needs. The compartments are all held together by adjustable straps, which you can easily use to condense the shape of the bag for lighter loads.

On the front and sides of the backpack, you’ll find several elastic straps, ideal for securing gear that may not fit inside the compartments. The back of this model has been designed with comfort in mind. The air mesh keeps you cool and the thick padding reduces loads on your body. It also has multiple straps for extra support.

9. LHI Military Tactical Backpack for Men 3 Days

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Specifications:

• Material: Oxford fabric and PVC inner layer
• Capacity: 35/45 liters
• Pack weight: 2.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9 x 15.7 x 21.6 in.

This versatile backpack from LHI is designed to keep your items secure. At first glance, it appears to be your typical tactical backpack, equipped with ample storage for emergency supplies. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll discover its innovative anti-theft feature.

The front has straps that you can use to secure items. The strap covers the primary loop. When fully loaded and secure, thieves cannot slide the bag open. The side pockets are larger than the stretch netted pockets you see on other models and the main compartment is double-zipped.

It takes several steps to get there, which slows them down and saves you time. Ingenious isn’t it? If you don’t need this anti-theft system, you can remove it for quick access to your equipment.

Most of the exterior is made from Oxford fabric. This fabric is treated to repel water. The combination of this rugged material with numerous buckles, reinforced stitching, and sturdy metal zippers results in a highly secure backpack that instills trust. All in all, the LHI survival backpack is impressively durable.

10. MOUNTAINTOP Survival Backpack for Men & Women

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Specifications:

• Material: 600D Polyester
• Capacity: 70/75 liters
• Pack weight: 4.4 lbs.
• Dimensions: 29.9 x 13 x 10.2 in.

Finally, we present our last recommendation on the list of the best survival backpacks, a versatile choice suitable for both men and women. The MountainTop backpack offers the flexibility to extend upwards for additional storage when needed. It features extra storage in the lid pocket and includes several exterior pockets for conveniently storing your belongings.

It has a compression system that allows you to adjust the profile of the pack depending on the load. No matter where you’re going and how much weight you’re carrying, the straps help you keep the load stable.

In total, the MOUNTAINTOP survival backpack has a capacity of 75 liters. With such a volume, you can use it for camping, trekking, or even hiking. Best of all, it can comfortably accommodate your load for a 5-7 day trip. It also comes with a durable rain cover, ensuring your gear stays protected in any weather condition.

With widely adjustable shoulder straps, it has a separate sleeping bag compartment. This versatile backpack is extremely comfortable thanks to its size. It has a lot of padding on the hips, which is a change from classic survival backpacks.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Survival Backpack

A specialized bushcraft or survival backpack should strike a balance: spacious enough for all your crucial gear yet compact for easy transportation. It should be straightforward to store and use, without sacrificing durability. Additionally, it must provide comfort to prevent any discomfort or strain, ensuring you can wear it comfortably for extended periods without experiencing sore shoulders.

Let’s take a look at all these important criteria that will help you find the one you love!

The Volume of the Bag

If you’ve ever hiked for several days, then you know that not all packs are created equal in terms of carrying volume. This is expressed in liters and can range from 20l for the smallest to more than 95l for the largest. But how do you know which one you need?

It’s actually simple: the length of your bushcraft or survival experience will give you the appropriate capacity. Here is a summary table to understand everything at a glance.

Capacity of the backpack = Duration of the activity

• From 20 to 40 liters = from a few hours to a day
• From 40 to 55 liters = between 1 and 3 days
• From 55 to 75 liters = between 3 and 7 days
• More than 75 liters = between 1 week and 3 weeks

Your Gender

The gender of the wearer significantly influences the choice of a survival backpack due to several parameters we will discuss. Primarily, there are morphological differences in shoulder width and pelvis size between genders.

In general, men tend to have wider shoulders than their pelvis, while women typically exhibit the opposite. Although there are exceptions to this generalization, backpack manufacturers have adjusted their products accordingly. The positioning of straps, hip belts, and back panels varies between backpacks designed for men and those tailored for women.

Furthermore, the back panel of men’s backpacks is usually longer to accommodate the larger frame of men, while women’s backpacks feature a shorter back panel to suit their smaller size. Finally, the chest strap, which helps distribute weight across the chest, is positioned differently in women’s backpacks to prevent chest discomfort. It is placed higher to avoid putting pressure on the chest area.

The Internal Division

This criterion holds significant importance as it directly affects the ease of storage, daily use of the backpack, and weight distribution. For survival activities, avoid backpacks with a single large storage pocket as they are not practical for such experiences. Instead, opt for backpacks with multiple compartments or well-organized storage options to ensure efficient packing, easy access to essentials, and balanced weight distribution throughout your journey.

Indeed, it’s essential to find a survival backpack with multiple compartments, each serving a specific purpose. For instance, the bottom compartment can be designated for sleeping gear, while the top compartment, easily accessible, can house frequently used items.

Wearing Comfort

The comfort of your survival backpack is a top priority, especially if you anticipate long hours of walking with all your gear on your back. Ensuring comfort in design is crucial to prevent back pain and shoulder strain during extended use. Here are the key aspects to consider and test before purchasing a specific model:

• The back: Look for a backpack with a comfortable and ventilated protective shell. This feature helps prevent back pain caused by pressure from items inside the pack. A well-ventilated back shell also reduces perspiration buildup and minimizes the risk of skin irritation or fungal growth due to poor ventilation.
• Shoulder straps: These straps bear the majority of your backpack’s weight. They should be adjustable, durable, and padded to enhance comfort during wear.
• Chest strap: In addition to preventing shoulder straps from sliding, the chest strap helps distribute weight across your chest, reducing strain on your shoulders.
• Waist belt: Present in backpacks over 20 liters, the waist belt closes around your lower abdomen and features foam padding for added comfort. It stabilizes the backpack, reduces shifting while walking, and alleviates fatigue.
• Load reminder straps: While not always found in backpacks under 55 liters, load reminder straps are crucial for bushcraft and survival activities. They attach to each shoulder strap and connect to the top of the backpack, reducing fatigue and minimizing bag movement while walking.

Little Extras

Certain survival backpacks come with intriguing features that can significantly enhance your survival experience by improving load distribution or adding personalized functionality to your bag. Here are some notable options to consider:

• Wheels and telescopic handle: Some backpacks can be quickly converted into suitcases or shoulder bags with wheels and a telescopic handle. This feature is useful for air travel or when you need a break from carrying the pack on your back.
• Hydration pocket: Many survival backpacks feature a dedicated hydration pocket with a bladder capable of holding several liters of water. This pocket includes a drinking tube, allowing you to stay hydrated on the go without needing to stop and access a separate water bottle.
• Different hanging systems: These systems enable you to attach and hang items like a rolled-up tent, paracord, or tools such as a survival knife or an ice axe.
• Waterproof protection: While some backpacks come with basic waterproofing, others may require additional waterproofing measures such as rain covers or waterproof liners. Consider the waterproofing capabilities based on your intended use and environment.
• Side zip access: Backpacks with side zip access offer quick and convenient access to the entire contents of your pack without having to dig through layers of gear. This feature can be particularly advantageous during emergencies or when you need to retrieve items quickly.

Related Questions

Are there any new technologies incorporated into survival backpacks?

Yes! In recent years, there have been notable advancements in the technologies integrated into survival backpacks including smart integration options like GPS tracking, solar charging capabilities, and lightweight, yet highly durable, materials developed through cutting-edge technologies.

Can I find survival backpacks with special compartments for specific gear?

Absolutely, many survival backpacks come with specialized compartments for items like hydration bladders, sleeping bags, and even dedicated spaces for electronics like GPS devices or solar panels.

Can I customize the contents of the backpack?

Absolutely! Most survival backpacks allow you to customize the contents based on your needs and preferences. You can add or remove items like food, water, tools, and personal hygiene products.

Are these backpacks suitable for children or teenagers?

While some survival backpacks may be adjustable to fit smaller frames, it’s crucial to ensure that the backpack is appropriate for the individual’s size, strength, and ability to carry the load comfortably.

Can I find replacement parts or accessories for these backpacks?

Many manufacturers offer replacement parts and compatible accessories for their survival backpacks, such as straps, buckles, and attachments. Check with the manufacturer or authorized retailers for availability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right survival backpack, much like selecting a hiking backpack, hinges on your body type and storage requirements. It should be versatile, durable, straightforward, and provide maximum comfort. The volume of the backpack depends entirely on the duration of your bushcraft or survival expedition. The longer the journey, the more gear you’ll need, necessitating a larger backpack. However, this shouldn’t deter you from choosing one that fits your body type comfortably.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance regarding survival backpacks or any other topic, feel free to leave a comment below. We’re here to help and will be glad to provide you with the information you need.

See Also…

• Best Hiking Backpacks for Women
• Best Hiking Backpacks for Kids
• Best Waterproof Hiking Backpacks
• Best Hiking Backpacks Under $100