Best Survival Backpacks for Emergencies: Your Ultimate Guide to Preparing for the Unexpected
When it comes to preparing for emergencies, one of the most essential tools you can have is a reliable survival backpack. Whether you’re prepping for a natural disaster, planning a hiking trip in the wilderness, or simply want to be ready for unforeseen circumstances, a high-quality survival backpack is crucial for keeping your survival gear organized and accessible.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the best survival backpack for your needs? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the right pack, including the features to look for, the types of survival backpacks available, and some top-rated recommendations from Amazon to help you make an informed decision.
Why You Need a Survival Backpack
A survival backpack is more than just a bag to carry your belongings; it’s an essential tool for ensuring you have what you need to stay safe and alive in an emergency. Whether you’re facing an urban disaster, a wilderness survival situation, or just need an emergency kit for your vehicle, your survival backpack will store the supplies you need for shelter, food, water, first aid, and protection.
The main benefits of having a dedicated survival backpack include:
- Organization: A good survival backpack helps you organize your gear, so you can quickly find what you need in an emergency.
- Durability: Survival backpacks are designed to withstand tough conditions, keeping your gear safe and secure even in harsh environments.
- Mobility: With a properly fitted backpack, you can carry your essential survival items without being weighed down or restricting your movement.
Features to Look for in a Survival Backpack
When shopping for a survival backpack, you’ll want to consider the following features to ensure that it meets your needs:
1. Capacity (Size)
The size of your survival backpack is one of the most important factors to consider. A backpack that’s too small won’t fit all your necessary survival items, while one that’s too large can become cumbersome to carry. Generally, you’ll want a pack that can hold between 30 and 70 liters of gear, depending on the type of emergency situation and how long you plan to be self-sufficient.
- Day Pack (15-30 liters): Ideal for short-term emergencies, like a 24-hour bug-out situation or day hikes.
- Medium Pack (30-50 liters): Suitable for 2-3 day emergencies or for carrying more extensive survival gear.
- Large Pack (50+ liters): Best for long-term survival situations where you’ll need to carry enough gear for a week or more.
2. Comfort and Fit
Since you may need to wear your survival backpack for extended periods of time, comfort and fit are critical. Look for a pack that has:
- Padded shoulder straps to relieve pressure on your shoulders.
- Adjustable sternum and waist straps to distribute weight evenly.
- Ventilation panels to keep your back cool and dry during long treks.
3. Durability
The backpack should be made from durable, high-quality materials that can stand up to tough conditions. Look for backpacks made of ripstop nylon or 600D polyester—materials known for their strength and ability to resist tears and abrasions.
4. Water Resistance
Ideally, your survival backpack should be water-resistant or even waterproof. This will help keep your gear dry in case you get caught in the rain or have to cross a stream.
5. Multiple Compartments and MOLLE Compatibility
Having a variety of compartments and organization options is essential for packing your survival gear efficiently. MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing allows you to attach extra pouches, tools, or accessories to your pack for additional versatility.
6. Hydration System Compatibility
Hydration is critical in any survival situation, so it’s a good idea to choose a backpack that is compatible with a hydration reservoir, such as a Camelbak. Some packs even include a built-in water bladder compartment and hose.
7. Weight
While it’s important to have a well-stocked survival backpack, you don’t want the pack itself to be too heavy. A lightweight pack will be easier to carry and will allow you to pack the essentials without overburdening yourself.
Top Survival Backpacks Available on Amazon
Now that you know the key features to look for, here are some of the best survival backpacks for emergencies that are highly rated by Amazon customers.
1. Tactical Backpack – 72 Hour Emergency Survival Bag by 3V Gear
For those who want a versatile, durable, and spacious survival pack, the 3V Gear Tactical Backpack is an excellent choice. This pack is designed to carry everything you need for a 72-hour survival situation and is packed with features that will keep you prepared for any emergency.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 50L (enough for a 3-day emergency kit).
- MOLLE webbing for adding extra gear.
- Water-resistant material to keep your gear dry in rainy conditions.
- Ergonomically padded shoulder straps and waist belt for comfort.
- Durable zippers with cord pulls for easy access.
This bag is ideal for those who need to carry a wide range of gear and want a tactical-looking backpack that’s built to withstand harsh environments.
2. Everlit 72-Hour Emergency Survival Kit Backpack
The Everlit 72-Hour Emergency Survival Kit Backpack is one of the best-rated survival backpacks on Amazon, featuring everything you need to stay safe for three days. It’s designed specifically for emergencies and disaster preparedness.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 50L, with plenty of room for additional gear.
- Included Gear: The bag comes pre-packed with over 50 survival items, including a first aid kit, emergency food rations, water purification tablets, thermal blanket, and more.
- Durable and water-resistant for all-weather use.
- MOLLE system for customization.
- Reflective strip for visibility in low-light conditions.
This survival backpack is an excellent option for beginners who want a fully-stocked pack without having to build their own emergency kit from scratch.
3. SOG Ninja Tactical Backpack
If you’re looking for a tactical backpack that’s both functional and stylish, the SOG Ninja Tactical Backpack is a great option. It’s designed for military, police, and survival enthusiasts but works well for anyone looking to be prepared for emergencies.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 24L, perfect for a more compact survival kit.
- Durable construction with heavy-duty zippers and water-resistant nylon.
- MOLLE webbing for extra gear customization.
- Hydration system compatibility.
- Multiple compartments to keep everything organized.
Although this pack is on the smaller side, it’s perfect for those who need a lightweight and compact option for a 24-hour survival kit.
4. Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
The Condor 3 Day Assault Pack is a popular choice among preppers and outdoor enthusiasts for its durability, ample storage, and ability to carry a complete survival loadout.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 50L, ideal for carrying enough gear for several days.
- MOLLE webbing for expansion and attachment of additional pouches.
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps and waist belt for long-distance carrying.
- Durable 1000D nylon construction to withstand tough conditions.
- Hydration reservoir pocket for carrying water.
If you want a versatile, heavy-duty backpack with tons of storage and organizational options, the Condor 3 Day Assault Pack is a top contender.
5. Backpack Survival Kit by Survival Tabs
For those who want to combine a survival backpack with a food supply, the Backpack Survival Kit by Survival Tabs offers a simple and effective solution. This survival kit includes everything you need to get through an emergency, including food, water, and essential tools.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 36L, a perfect size for day trips or short emergencies.
- Included Gear: The kit comes with emergency food rations, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a whistle, and much more.
- Water-resistant materials to keep your supplies dry.
- Lightweight and portable for easy carrying.
This is an excellent option if you want an emergency survival kit that’s ready to go right out of the box.
How to Pack Your Survival Backpack
Once you’ve selected your survival backpack, it’s time to pack it with the essential gear you’ll need in an emergency. Here’s a basic checklist of items you should consider packing:
1. Water and Water Purification Tools
- Hydration bladder or water bottles.
- Water purification tablets or filter (e.g., LifeStraw Personal Water Filter).
2. Food and Nutrition
- High-calorie emergency food bars.
- Freeze-dried meals (e.g., Mountain House Freeze-Dried Food).
3. First Aid Kit
- Bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other medical supplies.
- A trauma kit with more advanced medical tools if necessary.
4. Shelter and Sleeping Gear
- Lightweight emergency tent or tarp.
- Sleeping bag or emergency blanket.
5. Fire Starting Tools
- Waterproof matches, a lighter, or a ferrocerium rod.
- Firestarter blocks.
6. Navigation and Communication Tools
- Compass and map.
- A whistle and signaling mirror.
- A portable power bank for charging your phone.
7. Tools and Knives
- A multi-tool (e.g., **Leatherman
Wave Plus**).
- A sturdy survival knife (e.g., Morakniv Companion).
Conclusion
Having a reliable survival backpack is crucial for any emergency preparedness plan. Whether you’re facing a short-term disaster or a long-term survival situation, the right pack will help you stay organized, carry essential gear, and ensure your survival in the face of adversity. By choosing a backpack that suits your needs and packing it with high-quality gear, you can face any challenge with confidence.
Remember, the best survival backpack for you will depend on your specific requirements, such as the duration of the emergency, the environment you may find yourself in, and how much gear you need to carry. By selecting a durable, functional pack with plenty of room for your essentials, you’ll be ready to handle whatever comes your way.