Survival Backpacks
Buying Guides

The Best Survival Backpacks In 2022 To Take In The Wild

There are a few things in life that we can’t afford to get cheap when we’re buying. Survival backpacks are in this category. If your provisions and gear could eventually be dependent on the bag you’re carrying them in, then you’ll need to be sure that you’re getting a survival backpack that’s worth the money.

Unfortunately, finding the best possible survival backpack can be a bit of a challenge because of the huge variety of products that are available. Also, picking out a survival backpack without trying it out first can be difficult because you really need to feel a bag and turn it over in your hands to get a better idea of its quality.

In our buying guide, we’re going to examine the bags’ durability, additional features, and base build quality to figure out what makes them some of the top products in their field. Keep in mind that the following products are in no particular order, as they each have their strengths.

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Lowepro DryZone 200 Backpack

Lowepro DryZone 200 Backpack

The Lowepro DryZone 200 is designed to carry cameras, and this means that it’s designed to be as water-resistant as possible. After all, you wouldn’t want your expensive camera to get waterlogged and damaged while you’re going through a monsoon.

This bag is designed to hold up to large 35mm cameras, but that doesn’t mean that a camera is the only thing you can carry in it. If you can fit it in this bag, you benefit from its 100% watertight protection.

 

Hammock Backpack

Hammock Backpack

If you like going hammocking but hate the hassle of having to carry around a hammock, then you’ll probably appreciate this bag. The HackedPack is designed to combine all of the benefits of a tactical backpack with a built-in hammock.

All you have to do is strap the HackedPack to a tree and then clip it to the bag. Once you’ve ensured that it’s secure, then you’re ready to go hammocking.

Osprey Atmos 65 AG Backpack

Osprey Atmos 65 AG Backpack

The Osprey Atmos 65 AG is a relatively expensive model but it offers superior build quality when compared to some of the other survival bags that you’ll come across.

The backpack features things like a floating top lid that will ensure that you can pack nearly anything into this bag, even if it wouldn’t normally fit. There’s even an internal hydration reservoir to keep you stocked with water throughout a survival situation.

OverBoard Waterproof Pro-Sport Backpack

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OverBoard Waterproof Backpack

The OverBoard Waterproof Backpack is designed to be as resilient and waterproof as possible. Designed specifically for watersports, this bag is meant to keep all of your gear safe while you’re having a good time out on the waves.

You can also customize the bag to your liking, as you’ll find it in a wide range of colors, including blue, yellow, red, and black. With a capacity of 20 liters, this bag will be able to store all of the gear that you need it to.

EZ FunShell Backpack Umbrella

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EZ FunShell Backpack Umbrella

Keeping the sun off of your head can help reduce your dehydration and keep you from suffering from heatstroke, and this EZ Funshell Backpack Umbrella with UV Protections allows you to do just that. A foldable sun canopy comes out of this bag and extends out over your head, acting as both a shade and a visor.

The best part is that this umbrella doesn’t take up too much space inside of the backpack, still allowing you to fit in plenty of survival gear without a problem.

Paxis Twin Lakes Backpack

Paxis Twin Lakes Backpack

A survival backpack is typically designed to hold your most important gear, but how good is it if you can’t access that gear at a moment’s notice? The Paxis Twin Lakes allows you to remove the lower pouch, which can hold all of your most important things and keep them within arm’s reach.

This lower container is attached to a sturdy metal arm that ensures that the pouch can be kept stable while you rummage through it.

Explorer Tactical Gun Concealment Backpack

Explorer Tactical Backpack

The best tactical backpack on our list is the Explorer Tactical Gun Concealment Backpack. Despite the name, this bag’s tactical style and rugged construction make it an excellent choice in a survival situation.

This bag also features MOLLE straps across the front, allowing you to integrate it into the rest of your gear rig. Along with dual phone pockets, this bag also comes with a laptop pocket and an iPad pocket.

Anti-Bear Attack Backpack

Anti-Bear Attack Backpack

Staying safe in a survival situation also means contending with everything that nature can throw at you. If a bear suddenly happens upon you, then you’ll be happy that you purchased the Back Attack Pack.

This bag is equipped with a bear mace dispenser on the back that will allow you to fend off bears coming from any direction.

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Emergency Survival Backpack Kit

Emergency Survival Backpack Kit

Out of all of these backpacks, only one of these can save you due to the things that it comes with. The Life Gear LG492 is an emergency backpack that comes included with most of the gear you’ll need in a survival situation.

For example, this bag comes with an all-weather poncho, a hygiene kit, a first aid kit, and even a thermal blanket. These are only a few of the items that are included in the bag, and it’s a veritable survival treasure trove!


Things To Consider When Purchasing A Survival Backpack


When you’re faced with the majesty of nature and everything that comes along with it, including the perils, you need a backpack worthy of an expedition. A backpack that can not only withstand the elements and be ergonomically sound, but one that can also carry your necessary tools, rations, and other items while leaving enough space for anything you may add along the way. Here’s a quick rundown of what to consider when looking for the right survival backpack.

Comfort

More important than even storage capacity is the level of comfort a backpack can offer you. This can equate to a certain fabric preference or something aesthetic but usually is determined by the weight distribution in the design.

Taking the bulk of the weight away from the shoulders and placing it on the hips is optimal for long walking scenarios.

Capacity vs Body Size

You want your bag to have the ability to carry everything you need and more, but you also want to stay within a realistic realm of proportion when contrasting your body to the carry load of your backpack. It would be absurd for a young boy to carry a full military MOLLE bag, and similarly absurd for a massive soldier to carry a handbag.

Capacity can be measured in overall storage space, amount of pockets, and most importantly the presence of MOLLE straps for quickly accessing important items.

Design And Durability

Looks aren’t important unless you need to keep a low-profile, in which case always choose black, tactical, and slimline. Otherwise, the durability of the backpack is the only crucial factor to whether or not you want that particular bag.

A strong, waterproof, tear-resistant fabric such as a 500D Cordura, or 600D Oxford can mean the difference between hypothermia and getting home safely. Always aim for high durability!

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