If you’re looking for the ultimate bug out bag, you may be surprised to know that there is no one best survival bag for everyone. Whether or not a bug out bag works for you highly depends on a lot of factors.
What’s the perfect size? Is a tactical bag enough? Will it fit all the essentials of a bug out bag? Does it have to be a backpack? These types of questions are just a few of the many things you may be wondering about. And these are the very questions that this post will help you figure out.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Ultimate Bug Out Bag
1. Lightweight
A bag filled with 72 hours worth of survival essentials is bound to be heavy. Unless you’ve been trained to lift heavy weights for a prolonged period of time, as you would when you bug out, you’ll have to carefully choose a bag that won’t add on to the weight. The last thing you’d want to happen is to get bogged down by weight while you’re trying to get to a safe place.
Some bug out bag backpacks that are considerably lighter:
Hisea Military Tactical Backpack Lightweight
2. Comfortable
If you have to carry provision that will last you 3 days, you might as well choose a bag that will make carrying the load easier and much more comfortable. Padded straps and back, even mesh back panels for breathability go a long way when you have to walk for miles to safety.
These survival bags look like the kind you’d be comfortable wearing. Click on the links to see more photos.
Tactical Ops Military Tactical Backpack Army Combat 3 Day Assault Pack Molle Bug Out Bag
Sandpiper of California Bugout Backpack
3. Durable
Durability is undeniably one very important factor in choosing the ultimate bug out bag. 1050 denier nylon fabric is stronger than 1050 denier Cordura fabric (291N vs 285N) but the latter outperforms the former in an abrasion resistance test.
Check out some bug out bag backpacks made with at least 1000D strong and durable fabric:
Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
4. Fits Survival Essentials
Your bug out bag should fit all your survival food, water and gear. Although you can get a rough estimate of how everything will fit by getting the total volumetric weight of all items, there’s no better way to see if they all fit than actually packing it up. Bag capacity, however, gives you a rough estimate so be sure to choose accordingly.
If that’s too much work for you, try getting bug out bags that already come with survival essentials instead:
Tactical 365 Operation First Response Stage Three 3 Day 2 Person Bug Out Survival Bag
Stealth Tactical Bug-out Bag-2 Person, Emergency Urban Survival 72 hour Kit
5. Nothing Flashy
As much as possible, one should always keep survival bags discreet. You’ll never know who you’ll be dealing with in times of disaster. Having your bug out bag backpack taken from you will cripple your chances of survival when SHTF. Stick to black or other not too flashy colors:
45L Large Military Tactical MOLLE Backpack With 2.5L Hydration Bladder by MonkeyPaks Bug Out Bags
Choosing the ultimate bug out bag is no easy feat but with the above guidelines, you are a step closer to the perfect survival bag for you. If you found this helpful, share it to other preppers and even friends and family who you think should start prepping.
Don’t know what to pack for the ultimate survival bag? Check out our previous posts on survival essentials:
30 Basic Survival Items You Need to Start Prepping
10 Must-Haves You Should Never Forget to Pack in Your Bug Out Bag
The Ultimate Survival Kit Actually Only Needs 5 Items to Keep You Going
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