Best Survival Backpacks of 2020 – Top Picks Reviewed

Best Overall:
5.11 RUSH72 Tactical Backpack

The 5.11 RUSH72 Tactical Backpack is the premiere when it comes to survival backpacks, no matter what you are looking for!

This backpack has tons of room and multiple inner pockets so you will be able to store your survival gear exactly how you would like, with maximum potential for organization. And if you do not pack it entirely full, this pack will also compress down easily to fit inside smaller spaces.

As a matter of fact, it can even fit into plane overhead compartments, so it can also be used for air travel. Some people struggle with buying a backpack that they only intend to use in emergencies, but this bag is versatile enough to also be used for transporting everyday items. You can’t go wrong with the 5.11 RUSH72 Tactical Backpack.

Bottom Line

The 5.11 RUSH72 Tactical Backpack is a fantastic, all-purpose survival bag that you will also be able to use everyday if you would like. It is on the heavier side of survival bags, though.  

Runner-up:
VooDoo Tactical Men’s Mojo Load Out Bag with Backpack Straps

The VooDoo Tactical Men’s Mojo Load Out Bag with Backpack Straps is a close second behind the 5.11 RUSH72 Tactical Backpack as the strongest option for a survival backpack.

One of the defining features of this backpack is it has an adjustable shoulder strap with a movable pad, so you will be able to position the strap exactly how it is best comfortable for you (or even remove it entirely if you do not like it, it also comes off!). 

Its collapsible sides are excellent for making the bag more compact and easily stored when it is not in use. It has eleven assorted exterior pouches, plus webbing to attach even more pouches if you find it necessary. If you are seeking a backpack that will maximize comfort while still carrying your survival gear, look no farther than the VooDoo Tactical Men’s Mojo Load Out Bag.

Bottom Line

The VooDoo Tactical Men’s Mojo Load Out Bag with Backpack Straps is a great backpack that is adjustable to your specific comfort level. It can accommodate more gear than it can carry, though, so just watch out how much you pack it.  

Best for the Money:
CONDOR 3 Day Assault Pack

The CONDOR 3 Day Assault Pack is the survival backpack for you if you are looking for a cost effective bag with a decent amount of versatility. It has grab handles on both the top and the sides, so you will always be able to quickly snag your pack.

The inside of the back has enough room for a two or three liter hydration bladder, so there is no need to stress about having access to water.

And if you are worried about that water weighing you down, forget about it: this pack is specially designed to provide the most even weight distribution possible, with adjustable shoulder straps that have a large amount of padding.

Some users report that even when they have crammed the bag completely full, they are able to forget they are even wearing it at all. This is probably also due to the wide range of different strap configurations this pack provides, so users can really customize exactly how they would like to carry it.     

Bottom Line

The CONDOR 3 Day Assault Pack is an awesome pack if you are looking for maximum versatility, but keep in mind there have been some quality issues with it.

Best Waterproof Option:
Drakon Outdoors Dry Bag Survival Backpack

The Drakon Outdoors Dry Bag Survival Backpack is the backpack for you if what you are most concerned about is a bag that is waterproof.

This pack will keep your gear completely dry even if it is fully immersed in water – users report they have taken this bag out paddle boarding and it has gone with them over the side, and their electronics inside the pack have been completely fine afterwards.

It is on the larger side, meaning it will be able to accommodate pretty much anything you could ever want to fit inside it. It also boasts multiple exterior pouches, which are handy for quick access to items. It is versatile, as it can be packed down to be small and light for day trips.

And regardless of how much you are able to stuff inside it, it is always still light and comfortable to carry. Plus, in true survival situations, it could even act as a water container itself.       

Bottom Line

The Drakon Outdoors Dry Bag Survival Backpack is the number one choice in waterproof survival bags. Just know that the bag is very deep and it can be hard to see what it inside the bag after it is packed.   

Best for an Emergency:
EVERLIT Survival Kit

The EVERLIT Survival Kit is a fantastic option if you are not looking to stock up your survival backpack yourself, but instead want one that comes already packed with everything you could possibly need.

The EVERLIT kit has it all: a flashlight, cotton swabs, a knife, a survival multi tool, itch cream for bug bites, antibiotic ointment, a flashlight, a glow stick, an emergency blanket, alcohol prep pads, disposable gloves, bandages, gauze pads, first aid tape, metal scissors, burn dressing, a CPR mask, safety pins, tweezers, wound dressings, wipes, a paracord bracelet, a poncho, and a flint and scraper for lighting a fire.

So, as you can see, it provides a really strong base of survival supplies. Plus, this backpack also has room for more if you see fit to customize to your own individual needs. It is well made of high quality, durable material that will last a long time.  

Bottom Line

The EVERLIT Survival Kit is an awesome, ready to go kit that you will not have to add anything essential to. But you may want to familiarize yourself with the contents before experiencing an actual emergency, as it does not come with any included instructions.

Best for a Zombie Apocalypse:
Ready America Deluxe Emergency Kit

If you are constantly on the edge, waiting for the zombie apocalypse to finally hit, the Ready America Deluxe Emergency Kit can help ease your stresses and guarantee you will be ready when the brain eaters arrive at your door.

This bag contains everything you would possibly need to escape the undead: survival food, masking tape, water purification tablets, a water bottle, a personal hygiene kit, and a multi purpose tool which can serve as pliers, a screwdriver, a file, a wire snip, a bottle opener, and a knife.

But coolest of all is this kit’s included emergency power station, which features a hand crank unit with a flashlight, an AM/FM radio, a cell phone charger, and a personal alarm.

One minute of turning the crank will produce enough power for thirty minutes of light, two minutes of cell phone talk time, or fifteen minutes of radio. It’s definitely important to be able to communicate with the living when you are surrounded by zombies!      

Bottom Line

The Ready America Deluxe Emergency Kit is the kit to have if you are trying to be the one who survives the undead reign. Keep in mind you may need to pack your own waterproof matches, though.  

Best Tactical Option:
WolfWarriorX Military Tactical Assault Backpack

The WolfWarriorX Military Tactical Assault Backpack is our best choice if you are looking for a tactical option for a survival backpack. It has a number of stand out features, including a compartment for a water bladder.

If you plan on packing your survival pack completely full and are nervous about carrying it long distances, never fear. The WolfWarriorX has the regular waist strap you will be able to find on most survival packs, but also a chest strap for additional stability.

It boasts a large amount of pockets so you will be able to find a spot for basically any item you could ever need. It also has a cinch strap for a water bottle, so you are guaranteed quick access to your water supply.

Its zippers can be locked together to prevent accidental opening under stress. Really, you will not be able to find a more secure option than the WolfWarriorX Military Tactical Assault Backpack.      

Bottom Line

The WolfWarriorX Military Tactical Assault Backpack is the best choice if you are looking for a tactical survival backpack. If you are looking for a versatile bag you could also use for plane travel, though, you may want to look elsewhere.  

Smallest Survival Backpack:
Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack

The Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack is a great survival backpack if you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the heftier packs on this list. It is on the smaller side, but do not worry – you will not be compromising on storage space with this survival backpack!

It has enough room to carry a hundred ounce hydration pack, with plenty of space left over. And it is comfortable and easy to carry even when it is fully loaded up, which is in part due to the combination of its waist belt and its sternum strap, for a most effective weight distribution.

And do not think that just because it is small, it will not be as tough as a full size backpack – this backpack is plenty tough! Users report this pack is incredibly durable and will not have much wear and tear even after you put it through the wringer.       

Bottom Line

The Maxpedition Condor-II Backpack is an excellent survival backpack for those looking for something a bit on the smaller side. Just keep in mind it does not have any breathable mesh on the part that touches your back.