The last thing you need when you’re surviving in the wilderness is for your hiking backpack to get loose. With the best survival backpack, you can get rid of that concern for good.
We base the best survival backpacks on military designs, because the military really, really needs to rely on the longevity and survivability of their gear.
That means you’ll want thick polyester or nylon fabrics for survival backpacks. Large storage capacity, plenty of straps and compartments to organize gear, and details for comfort and ease of use, such as padded and ventilated back straps, a padded waist belt, and smooth, durable zippers.
If you’re considering embarking on a survival adventure or just want a great bag ready to survive any wilderness condition, check out the best survival backpacks below. We’ve got you covered with mostly military-inspired tactical options, but we’ve also included a traditional backpack option that prioritizes comfort in carrying.
Regardless of the pack you choose, you will have a survival backpack that is virtually guaranteed to survive all kinds of challenges.
1. 5.11 Tactical Backpack
THE BEST OVERALL
There are many quality survival backpacks out there, as many of them are based on military designs. But for the best survival backpack, we like the 5.11 Tactical Backpack for its affordable combination of everything you want in a survival backpack. It can hold 55 liters of everything you need to survive, spread across 30 individual compartments, and is guaranteed to outlast you in the wilderness with its durable 1050D nylon construction and YKK zippers.
Add to that multiple buckles and padded straps to ensure you can carry this weight comfortably and you have a reliable companion for surviving in the toughest conditions.
Buy: 5.11 Tactical Backpack $180.00
2. Crazy Ants Military Tactical Backpack
RUNNER-UP
For another great survival backpack, we like the Crazy Ants Military Tactical Backpack. While this backpack is smaller than other tactical survival backpacks, with a 37-liter capacity, two detachable bags offer great loading flexibility if you need more space. Plus, whatever you bring will stay perfectly dry thanks to the thick, waterproof 900D polyester construction. The backpack doesn’t have a ton of individual compartments, but there are more than enough to keep your survival gear more or less organized.
Buy: Crazy Ants Military Tactical Backpack $54.99
3. EMDMAK Military Tactical Backpack
BUDGET CHOICE
A high price tag doesn’t make the best survival backpack. Such is the case with the EMDMAK: EMDMAK Military Tactical Backpack. This backpack holds 42 liters, has multiple compartments, incorporates everything you need for comfortable carrying and is made of 900D nylon for extended use. For well under $50, you can’t do much better.
Buy: EMDMAK Military Tactical Backpack $39.99
4. Reebow Gear Tactical Military Backpack
BEST SELLING TACTICAL BACKPACK
For products that have a lot of similar offerings, we like to identify customer favorites because if thousands of actual buyers love a product; it is pretty good.
The Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack is one of those customer favorites. At the time of publication, it is the best-selling tactical backpack on Amazon and, remarkably; it has 85% five-star reviews out of over 12,200 reviews. Our job is to review products and this level of approval is unheard of.
And when you look at the backpack, it makes sense.
It’s made from thick, water-resistant canvas, with heavy-duty double-stitched zippers, and holds up to 40 liters. Like our previous choices, it has MOLLE straps all around to add extra bags or gear if needed. You can also count on comfortable carrying thanks to the padded, ventilated back and constant hydration, thanks to the water bag compartment.
The only downside is the lack of padding on the waistband, but other than that, you get the same things as our top picks for only a few dollars more than our budget pick. We think this is a great deal for a great survival backpack.
Buy: Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack $39.99
5. Outdoor Plus Backpacking Backpack
BEST EXPANDABLE BACKPACK
There’s nothing worse than going on a trip or adventure and not being able to pack more. The Outdoor Plus Backpack solves this problem with its expandable zipper. When closed, this backpack can carry up to 70L, but by unzipping the side zippers, the backpack expands to 85L, which offers plenty of extra space for whatever you need to store.
Everything else is pretty standard - waterproof 900D polyester, MOLLE straps and a removable padded waistband - except for the lack of multiple discrete compartments, but the main compartment will easily accommodate your gear, if not perfectly organize it.
Buy: Outdoor Plus Backpacking 64,99
6. Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack
THE BEST FOR SHORT TRIPS
For a smaller, more basic survival backpack, opt for the Dragon Egg tactical backpack from Direct Action.
It’s lightweight, made of 500D Cordura, has plenty of storage compartments for many gear, a soft-touch system and padded back straps, though the waistband is not padded.
There’s not much more to it: This is the best survival backpack for brief trips, as it’s durable, water-resistant, and has all the features you need to stock up on gear.
Buy: Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack $169.00
7. Tacticon 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack
SUPPORT THE VETERANS
We wouldn’t have as many great survival backpack options without the military-inspired design and the veterans who put this type of rigorous gear to the test. So why not buy a survival backpack from a veteran-owned company?
The Tacticon 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack isn’t exactly special, but a friendly price and a few strategic details set it apart from the rest of the pack. Instead of metal closure handles, this backpack uses oversized para cord for its double-stitched closure lining. Another pleasant feature is that the exterior pocket has a built-in universal handgun holster for quick access. Sure, you won’t need it every day, but you’ll be glad it’s there in case of an actual survival situation.
We also like the ability of the backpack to shrink to 20 liters, making it much more versatile.
Other expected features like a hydration pocket, padded straps, a breathable back and MOLLE straps round out the package. Put it all together and it’s easy to see why this backpack received 83% five-star reviews out of over 2,900 reviews.
Buy: Tacticon 24BattlePack $44.95
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