Survival backpacks, also known as bug-out bags, can mean the difference between life and death if anything should come between you and basic supplies, like food and water.
The best survival backpacks are the backbone for your gear. You can have all the fancy tools and gadgets you want, but if you don’t have a reliable place to carry them you’re going to be in trouble!
A dedicated bushcraft or survival backpack should be large enough to carry all your essentials while being small enough to be easily transported . It must be as easy as possible to store and use while remaining resistant. Finally, it must be comfortable to wear and comfortable in order to avoid having “blue shoulders” after just a few hours of use.
If you are about to spend several days in the forest for a survival or bushcraft experience ? As we have seen, you will need to bring the essential bushcraft equipment , from flint to clothing. For this, you will have to store them in a backpack adapted to your needs and the hostile conditions of the experience.
What better way to do this than a survival backpack? There are many kinds and sizes available and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for us when entering bushcraft for the first time. To find out, let’s first of all consider which criteria you will have to base your future selection upon.
A dedicated bushcraft or survival backpack should be large enough to carry all your essentials while being small enough to be easily transported . In addition ….
- It must be as easy as possible to store and use while remaining resistant.
- It must be comfortable to wear and comfortable to avoid having blue shoulders after just a few hours. Let’s now discuss these important criteria in order that will help you find the appropiate model for yourself as well as other members of your family – children as well as adults.
The Selection Criteria For Your Future Survival Backpack
(i) The volume of the bag
If you’ve been hiking for several days before, then you know that not all bags are created equal in terms of transportable volume . This is expressed in litres and can range from 20L for the smallest to more than 95L for the largest.
However, how do you know which one is right for you? It’s actually very simple: the length of your bushcraft or survival experience will give you the appropriate countenance . Here is a summary table to understand everything at a glance :
| Capacity of Backpack | Duration |
| 20 Litres – 40 Litres | few hours to 1 Day |
| 40 Litres – 55 Litres | 1- 3 Days |
| 55 Litres – 75 Litres | 3 – 7 Days |
| > 75 Litres | 1 – 3 Weeks |
Bear in mind that the duration for an identical capacity depends entirely on your experience of the user : Seasoned survivalists can last up 3 weeks in complete autonomy in the high mountains with a 95-litre bag, while with the same bag, used by a beginner can only last 1 week .
(ii) The Gender of the user
It may seem sexist, but the gender of the wearer of the said backpack will have a significant importance on your purchase because of several parameters that we are going to see.
First of all, there are morphological differences in the width of the shoulders and the pelvis between the two sexes: The majority of men thus have shoulders wider than their pelvis and vice versa in a woman. Of course, this is a generality and therefore there are exceptions .
Backpack manufacturers then of course adapted their products to this observation. For example, the position of the straps, straps and back protectors differ in a man’s model compared to that of a woman. Also ….
- The interval between the two straps will be greater in the male model backpack than in the female model.
It may very well be for this feature that you are already not comfortable with your own backpack at present – it was not designed for your particular gender !
- The back protector shell of your backpack is also longer for the men models than for the women models so as to correspond for the general smaller size of the women.
- the chest strap (a.k.a. sternum strap) of a backpack increases the stability of your pack by providing support to the wearer. In addition, it reduces stress on your shoulders, neck and back. If you are carrying heavy loads or hiking for long distances this is a huge benefit. The position of this strap in a female backpack varies from a typical male backpack – it is situated higher so as avoid chest pain.
- the carrying belt, located above the pelvis, is longer on the female models in order to compensate for the broader female pelvic region.
(iii) The Interior Design of the backpack
This is very important because the size & number of separate compartments will have an impact on
(a) the simplicity of storage ;
(b) the function of the bag on a daily basis and …
(c) the distribution of the weight. For survival purposes and long hikes, bags with a single large storage pocket should be avoided because they are not practical for these types of experiences.
Consequently, you will have to find a model with multiple compartments each containing devices / supplies / for a specific task. For example, the bottom compartment will serve you for housing sleeping materials whilst the top one, within easy reach, is the one that contains the most commonly used items.
(iv) The Comfort of the Backpack
For obvious reasons, this is a major priority. It is essential if you plan or have walk for long distances whilst carrying your equipment and essentials a on your back, to avoid back pain and burning shoulders after just a few hours, design comfort will be uppermost in your mind.
With reference to the image below, note well the following account so as to ensure you future purchase is the correct choice:
The Back : this must have a comfortable and ventilated protective shell . This will prevent back pain from you due to the feeling of objects inside. Well ventilated, the shell of the bushcraft backpack wicks away perspiration and limits the development of fungi on your skin due to poor ventilation.
The Shoulder Straps : these are the ones that will carry most of the weight of your backpack. Placed on your shoulders, they must be adjustable, resistant and above all padded to make your wearing more pleasant.
The Chest Strap : as seen above, it not only prevents the straps from deviating but also distributes the weight on your pecs, thus limiting the weight on your shoulders.
The Ventral Belt : present on all backpacks over 20 litres, it closes at your lower abdomen . On your sides, it has foam plates to increase comfort . It avoids the tossing of the backpack when walking and therefore reduces the fatigue that this causes.
Load Recall Straps : they are not always present on backpacks of less than 55 litres but are becoming essential for bushcraft and survival. Like the lap belt, they reduce bag fatigue and sloshing . They are placed on the top of each strap and connect them to the top of your bag . Thus, the sloshing of the head of your backpack is stopped thereby canceling the feeling of discomfort that this creates during walking.
EXTRAS / OPTIONS
Some backpacks have great options for Survivalists and Preppers to consider. These options can make your day-to-day life easier, improve load distribution, or simply customize your bag. Here are the main interesting options:
- Wheels and telescopic handle: some backpacks can be transformed into suitcases or shoulder bag in seconds! This can be handy for air travel.
- A hydration bag: sometimes, backpacks have a water bag of several litres and a suction hose to keep you hydrated.
- Waterproof protection: some backpacks are basic waterproof while others require additional protection. To See Options & Accessories click HERE.
- Side Zipped Access: A simple zipper gives you access to your entire backpack in the blink of an eye.
OUR REVIEWS of RECOMMENDED BACKPACK MODELS
Reviews and Recommendations of Backpack Models are presented in the following Sections of this Backpack sub-item menu as follows :
| SECTION # | Topic |
| 3 | REVIEWS : Backpack Models – Kids & Teens |
| 5 | REVIEWS : Backpack Model Options – Women |
| 6 | REVIEWS : Backpack Model Options – Adults (Men) |
That being said, we have decided to include in this Section 1 a brief but accurate review of a variety of Backpacks which are not market leaders but still represent great value and satisfy the criteria previously described to assist the ‘newbie’ Survivalist and first-time buyer.
Since the primary aim of this Section #1 was to introduce to the reader – in particular the potential first-time buyer – the significance and importance of a backpack, the following reviews of certain backpacks has been kept to a minimum. More detailed reviews are presented in Sections #s 3,5 and 6 as tabulated earlier.
Both water-resistant and ruggedized for outdoor use, the Mardingtop is a medium capacity rucksack made to last. Regardless of intended use or circumstances, a daily carry rucksack needs to keep water out and your gear in without fear of ripping or tearing even under harsh conditions.
Fortunately, this tactical backpack is up to the challenge, and with tough zipper closures with fold over liners, this pack is all set to keep things dry even on the outer pockets.
Pros:
- Rugged polyester construction
- Water resistant
- Hydration bladder ready
- MOLLE-compatible
- S-Curve shoulder straps for enhanced balance and comfort.
Cons:
- Less diverse compartmentalization inside the bag
- Not waterproof
- Cannot carry both a laptop and a hydration bladder
- MOLLE webbing restricted to the back and sides
- Sternum Strap NOT included.
OUR RATING = B++
It comes with a durable 900D waterproof fabric, that is both durable and reliable in performance.
Even more, the bag has a spacious (37 L) design construction, that can accommodate several types of items: You can carry your laptops, foodstuff, outdoor gear and more, with ease.
- External dimensions: 16.5 "(H) x 9" (W) x 11 "(D), waist belt MAX: 45 Inch, chest belt MAX: 51 Inch.
- It has a durable grab handle, that lets you move around the doors with ease.
- The bag also has a special hydration port, that makes it ideal for various types of outdoor activities.
- The shoulder straps and waist strop are highly comfortable.
- Compact in structure, the interior can open up to provide a large amount of space. It has several compartments that help you keep your essentials organized.
OUR RATING = A+
- The Snugpak Bergen features an array of well thought out fixing points, loops, and adjustment points for securing your essential camping kit, and balancing the weight of the Snugpak Bergen on your back.
- It's tough, but as all packs do, will benefit from a coat of "sealing" compound such as Nikwax to help increase the material's life span and water-resistance of the pack.
- once balanced correctly the Snugpak Bergen is comfortable : the straps are well padded, with adjustment straps at the top to help "pull" the Bergen into your shoulders, and upper back.
- For a pack of this size, the Snugpak Bergen also offers excellent ventilation in the form of a well-padded back panel with an included "air channel" which really does help to reduce that sticky, sensation when you perspire.
- The hip and sternum straps are of excellent quality, and when using the pack they all do work well to transfer the weight down your center of gravity, collectively helping to reduce unnecessary pain or fatigue.
- When you are carrying a heavy load over long distances and crossing multiple different types of terrain, in varying weather conditions, you are always going to be in pain or at the very least experience some discomfort. It's simply unavoidable but the question you really want me to answer here is it a good option? and is it better than many of the packs in its price and size range? The answer to these is simply yes !
OUR RATING = A++
All sizes are meant for loads up to 50 pounds, and even the large pack weighs only 4.64 pounds. This manufacturer also offers models suited for the female.
- Its shoulder straps and hip belt are well-padded.
- Its' suspension distributes the load wonderfully across the hips, back, and shoulder.
- The top pouch is removable, and there’s an external pouch for things like warming layers or a raincoat.
- The rain cover is built-in.
- Instead of heavy canvas and thick foam, Osprey uses lightweight fabric and padding that manage to be durable without being heavy.
- It’s strong enough to handle a reasonable amount of wear and tear and light enough to enable the user to cover long distances.
- Problems have been reported with the zipper.
- Costly but quality backpack.
OUR RATING = A++
SUMMARY
As with any hiking backpack, the choice of your survival backpack will depend on your body type and your storage needs. It must therefore be versatile, resistant, simple to use but also very comfortable. In addition:
- The choice of volume will depend entirely on the length of your bushcraft or survival experience. The longer it will last, the more various materials you will have and the larger the bag will have to be. However, that should not obstruct your final preference.
- Don’t forget that some bags are ideal for women while others are suited only for males.
- Keep a close eye on the shoulder straps, lap belt, chest strap, load return straps and the back shell.
- Finally, choose a backpack that corresponds to your level of survival practice : smaller and light for beginners or large and reinforced with a frame for the experienced.
We now move onto SECTION #2 and discuss WHY you should think carefully before selecting a backpack for your kid/s and or teens & HOW you can go about doing this without making costly errors by purchasing the wrong model and/or size. CLICK HERE.
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